Why do people on TV or movies wear their shoes in the house?

Question

Is this just an American thing? I'm from Canada I personally do not know a single person that wears their shoes in their home. So why is so prevalent on television?

Answer 1

Would you want to walk around on a TV or movie set used by hundreds of people in your bare feet? I wouldn't. In your private home you KNOW who has been there. In public places, you don't. Who knows what someone might have, like athlete's foot, that might be passed around without our shoes on. Think about it.

Answer 2

I'd agree that the majority of Americans wear their shoes in the house - this is probably why.

We don't wear shoes in our house - can't stand it the dirt and junk that comes with it. But...we have a hard time keeping people from doing it. Even when we ask them to take their shoes off at the front door, when they're leaving and put them back on and we're still chatting, they step on our carpet with their shoes. Most people just don't get it and some friends have told me they think we're anal.

Answer 3

Yes, many Americans do wear shoes in the house. When I moved from the States to Canada, I learned to take them off when I entered the house.

Answer 4

I'm not sure. I'm an American and I don't wear my shoes in my house or in some of my friend's houses. However, I do wear them in a home where the occupants don't take theirs off. Maybe it goes back to the early days of TV when everyone was uptight and really formal. Remember Donna Reed and June Cleaver doing their housework in pearls and high heels??

Answer 5

I think it's just one less detail to worry about in the production - when they leave they don't have to find their shoes, which would slow down the scene. People also look more casual and less glamorous without their shoes on.
I personally never wear shoes in my home but ALWAYS wear shoes in other people's homes, unless they don't allow shoes on their carpet.

Answer 6

I wear shoes in my house...most, but not all, Americans do. If they have white carpet, you can bet they take off their shoes before entering. You all must go through a lot of socks.

Answer 7

I know plenty of people who wear shoes in the house and who don't. Some households ask you leave your shoes at the front door (or where ever) to prevent more dirt coming into their home or they have hardwood floors, or whatever their reason is.

i grew up with my mother wanting us to at least wear socks around the house. It bothered her to see us bare foot

Answer 8

We wear shoes in our house, but not "all the time"....

Answer 9

It is an American thing, but not exclusively American.

Answer 10

TV doesn't present all good things!