Netanyahu & The Golden Pager
I have an EXTREMELY NEGATIVE take on Netanyahu giving Trump a "Golden Pager".
Does anyone remember when Netanyahu served Shinzo Abe dessert in a shoe?
Culturally speaking it was nothing less than Netanyahu spitting in Abe's face. (see below summary from Brave A.I.)
https://search.brave.com/search?q=cultural+meaning+of+a+shoe+in+japan&source=web&summary=1&conversation=32016db23a661adc6995d4
My take on the Golden Pager is an assertion that Netanyahu is going to do anything and everything to thwart Trump's efforts in the Middle East….including future attempts on Trump's life. Not that the Golden Pager is filled with explosives; but symbolically, that is what it represents.
I'd love to be wrong.
I hope I am.
Cultural Meaning of a Shoe in Japan
In Japan, shoes hold significant cultural meaning, ''particularly in relation to the concept of cleanliness and respect. ''The act of removing shoes before entering a home, temple, shrine, or other traditional spaces is a deeply rooted custom that symbolizes the separation of the outside world from the inside. This practice, known as "dosoku de agarikomu," literally means "go inside with soiled feet" and is considered a metaphor for meddling thoughtlessly in someone else's affairs.
The removal of shoes is also closely tied to the concept of "genkan," a transitional space where shoes are removed, marking the boundary between indoors and outdoors. It is essential to avoid stepping onto the elevated indoor area with outdoor footwear and to align removed shoes neatly facing the door. Upon entering, hosts typically provide slippers for guests to wear indoors, and it is considered impolite to be barefoot inside a home.
Traditional Japanese footwear, such as geta and zori, also holds cultural significance. Geta are raised wooden clogs worn with informal yukata, while zori are sandals made from rice straw or lacquered wood, worn with a kimono for formal occasions. These traditional shoes are not only functional but also symbolic of Japan's cultural heritage and attention to detail.
The cultural meaning of shoes in Japan is also influenced by the country's religious beliefs, particularly Shinto and Buddhism, which emphasize the importance of cleanliness and reverence in sacred spaces. The tradition of removing shoes has roots in Middle Eastern and Indian subcontinent religions, where it symbolizes reverence and respect in sacred spaces.
In modern Japan, the cultural significance of shoes is still evident, with many people adhering to traditional customs and practices. For example, special toilet slippers are often provided for use in bathroom areas, and it is considered important to remove these slippers before entering other rooms to maintain cleanliness. By understanding the cultural meaning of shoes in Japan, visitors can show respect for the country's traditions and values.