Her apology.....
"This was an honest mistake on an early morning... never, ever would I intentionally try to offend anyone like that. I am so sorry .."
Bella had posted photos to her Instagram Story showing off her shoe at the airport. In the background of the photo, airplanes from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates with the countries' flags could be seen.
From the angle the photo was taken, it appeared as if her boot(which she seemed to be showing off on the picture), was kicking the flags as the sole of her shoe was directly facing the flags.
Millions of people(not just Muslims, Middle East or Arab countries), but also people who understand international etiquette found her post very insulting and completely contemptuous.
The 22 year old celebrity responded swiftly and pulled down the post, she also posted a lengthy apology to her Instagram Story, which in part, reads, "The photo of my shoe on my story yesterday had NOTHING to do with politics...I never noticed the planes in the background and that is the truth. I would never mean to disrespect these airlines, let alone these amazing countries ".
While the American super model's fans have long accepted her apology and forgiven her, others are yet to accept her apology and are calling on the brands she represent to drop her or forgo their patronage. Some tweeted that it's inexcusable for an international celebrity of her calibre to be unaware of certain international ethics.
In case you're also wondering the uproar behind what would be termed as a mere picture; Yes! it's true, that displaying the soles of the feet doesn't come across as a good gesture.
As a matter of fact, a client I took on International Etiquette early last week called my attention to the #bellahadid incident. Showing the sole of your shoe has long been an insult in Arab culture and to hit someone with your shoe is perceived as even worse.
This is because the shoe is considered dirty, it is used on the ground and associated with the foot which is the lowest part of the body. Another perspective is that the feet are often sensed as unclean, particularly the soles of the feet. Showing your foot or the sole of your foot to an Arab is generally offensive.
The shoe is such an offensive symbol that it is discerned as culturally discourteous to cross an ankle over a knee displaying the sole of the shoe while chatting with someone. If the sole of your shoe is exposed unknowingly, it's okay to quickly apologize and it will be understood that it wasn't a deliberate act. However it could come across as truly negative if you notice the other person was uncomfortable and you still ignore concealing the soles of your feet or apologize.
In the Islamic religion, the shoe is also considered unclean, it is forbidden to wear shoes in mosques and believers must remove their shoes before praying.
It may interest you to know that showing the sole of your shoe is also considered impolite in many cultures. For instance, in some Asian and African cultures, it is a common practice to take off shoes before entering the house, just like in the Arab world.
Shoes are seen as dirty and hitting someone with shoes passes off as implying that the person is as dirty as the soil the shoes step on.
It is of great importance to have general knowledge of global etiquette, especially if you travel often. For instance, the most important of the international etiquette tips is to show respect for the culture of a people and what is important to another person.
There's so much more to know on International Etiquette.
By Precious Enyi.
Media Personality(radio presenter with Metro FM Lagos), International Certified Etiquette Consultant, Entrepreneur.
Are we in the Arab world?
ReplyDeleteMust we be in the Arab world before we know about their culture? It is desirable to appreciate that your meat might be other people's poison and vice versa. Let's be sensitive and accomodating. Dont look down on anybody's culture.
DeleteGreat stuff! Glad I opened this post. I learnt something new.
Deletewia d picture dy
ReplyDeleteNa wa o.
ReplyDeleteEGO... The cause of wars and strife.
Show off gone wrong
ReplyDeleteExactly
DeleteCultural and social etiquette should be added to the Nigerian curriculum. Many people tend to insult other people's culture and when you try to educate them, they become verbally abusive while claiming "it's my opinion".
ReplyDeleteThere are so many of them on the streets of social media.
You are so right Madame!
DeleteIf this was Nigeria, those who objected to her behavior would have been termed ‘haters’ and further schooled on how, ‘she can buy your generation.’
DeleteRefinement wise, Nigeria has a long way to go and it’s getting worse by the day
Thanks immensely for posting Mrs Korkus. I do hope we learn a thing or more from this. Truly grateful
ReplyDeleteThanks for the education. This is so true, I do agree absolutely that we need to educate ourselves when we travel often. It’s a mark of respect, courtesy and kindness, on the other hand I feel that when we are dealing with people of other cultures we should be more understanding that things we feel are offensive might be genuine mistakes borne out of ignorance.
ReplyDeleteGood to know that one man' meat, like crossing the legs is another man's imsult; showing the sole of the feet.
ReplyDeleteI agree that people should learn about other cultures thats why we have people likw the writer but common this mistake is been taken too far na. It is okay that she acknowledged and apologize. Our Arab elders should just forgive her already������
ReplyDeleteThanks for this article Precious Enyi,we all need to be educated on etiquette,this will really help us as we go on in life.
ReplyDeleteSoil may be held 'dirty' but man still eats from it. If it was a sincere mistake, then just try and let up on it.
ReplyDeleteAbi o! I wonder where they put their forgiveness culture? She apologised. But of course that is not enough. They also want her source of livelihood. Vindictive set of people.
DeleteShe has Arab heritage, but I don't think she is crazy enough to go there knowing how extreme these ppl can be. I am willing to think it was an honest mistake.
ReplyDeleteHow do I make an unbiased comment when I didn't see the picture. Sometimes things are not always what it looks like. They should free her.
ReplyDeleteGoogle 'Bella Hadid', you'll see the picture.
DeleteVery well Articulated etiquette coach. I need some etiquette training.
ReplyDeleteFirst of, I think you should have used the picture Haddid posted. People relate to stories through pictures these days. Secondly, I have an issue with the expression the "shoe is dirty". According to your write up, many cultures depict it as dirty- so why wear it? I think the right expression is that it carries dirt and that's why it should be taken off when visiting a friend. Culture or not the shoe is an important accessory we can't do without.
ReplyDeleteOverall it's a good attempt...very interesting and eye opening.
One who travel often should endeavor to learn the do's and don'ts of the places he/she is traveling to. The main idea here to me, is not even about the shoe but, about people educating themselves about places they intend to visit before making the trip.
ReplyDeleteAbeg make dem rest. Am sure if it was a picture of a cross or anything that signify Christianity, she oe won't apologize and people won't call for her head. Stupid liberals and hypocrisy plus double standards
ReplyDelete