The Great Shoe Toss

[nekosensei]

George W. Bush was making his last visit to Iraq before leaving office today when an outraged Iraqi reporter threw his shoes at him. According to Al Jazeera news, throwing one's shoes at someone is a way to display contempt in Iraqi culture.

Comments

[lady-curmudgeon.livejournal.com]

That's good humour!

[nekosensei.livejournal.com]

Yep.

Unfortunately, I don't think it occurred to Bush that he had been insulted. He make a joke about how they were size 10s.

*facepalm*

[laurainlimbo.livejournal.com]

Yea in the video I saw, he was almost giggling when he ducked out of the way. did he think it was meant to be funny? i mean it is funny, but in a very dark and sad way.

but there's someone on my f'list who was offended by this. I'm trying to figure that one out.

[nekosensei.livejournal.com]

I can see why they got offended. The Iraqi reporter did this to criticize what Bush did to his country, and indirectly, his family. I heard that the reporter lost family members because of the fighting. And, in response to this guy's insult, Bush cracked a joke and didn't take it seriously at all. He just laughed it off. It shows that he's not only clueless, but also insensitive. Maybe he should think about apologizing to the Iraqi people for the needless pain and suffering that he caused them.

[laurainlimbo.livejournal.com]

I can totally see your point. I guess I thought my friend was just offended not at what Bush did in reaction, but to what the Iraqi did - by throwing his shoe. which is offensive of course, and maybe wrong, but in my mind justified. I can totally understand why he did it. I didn't actually laugh when I heard this story today, but I didn't feel bad for Bush either. I don't know if that makes me bad, or evil - but you're right - Bush is insensitive and clueless. it's sad.

[nick-101.livejournal.com]

That was loyal. :P

[galactose.livejournal.com]

I'm pretty sure throwing shoes at someone is considered an insult in any culture. I'm no fan of Bush, but really I find the fact that someone with such malcontempt was allowed anywhere near the President. This is an extreme concern for me once we President Obama is sworn in.