Why do Arab people throw their sandals at things?

Question

Whenever I watch the news, I see Arab people throwing their sandals at things. If they want to do damage, they should throw rocks. Why sandals?

Answer 1

To insult the other person. Throwing rocks when it is to riot or cause damage, throwing the shoes is to Insult.
Different tools for different purposes.

Also, exposing the bottom of the shoe, sandals or any foot wear is to show they are insulting or disrespecting that person.

or, they are tired of those shoes, or sandals, and they want to get fine Italian leather footwear, and what better way of getting your 15 minute of fame all around the world, and a new pair of shoes!

Answer 2

Hitting with shoe is much easier than throwing rocks

If you throw stones/rocks you cannot repeat the act, again you have to search for some more stones.

With sandals you can keep on hitting untill the sandals are worn off. I wonder how do they go home with the same shoes? lol

I know this rule which says DONT SIT IN A WAY THAT SHOWS THE SOLES OF YOUR FEET OR SHOES TO YOUR HOST. Its considered insulting.

Answer 3

The truth is that it goes back of the practice of clean and unclean laws when if a person touched a dead animal that person was declared unclean for a given time. In the case of throwing the sandals it amounted to throwing uncleanness at an individual due to the fact the sandal is made of a dead animal, leather. In ancient times when a person is declared unclean they were separated from the population not to be touched. This to some is the ultimate insult.

Answer 4

What ever is available.

I think the media especially in the US tries to portray Arabs in bad light. For example, people in Jordan, syria, and Lebanon do not actually wear sandals, but normal shoes.

Answer 5

Sandals are supposed to be more degrading than rocks. Remember the little boy who kept hitting Sadam Hussein's statue with a shoe? I would really miss my shoes! A rock would have to do for me.

Answer 6

they don't who ever did throw sandals at something well maybe cuz that person lost his or her temper and obviously didn't find any rocks to throw , and besides sandals that r not fashionable should b thrown and i know cuz 1 of my friends is Arab.

Answer 7

In the Middle East, it's a big insult to hit someone with your sandals or shoes. That's why the Iraqis were hitting the Saddam statue's head with their slippers and shoes when the Marines knocked it over back in 2003 I think.

Answer 8

in their culture it could be considered a disgrace to that person they're throing it at. i mean..after all it is a dirty nasty smelly used sandal...in which you duno where its been. and im sure it could hurt it if it hit you hard enough. ??? try asking an arab and see what they say...or do :| im sure youll find ot either way ;)

Answer 9

in their culture throwing your sandals is the worst type of insult

Answer 10

Because they fly better than anything else they are wearing. Ever tried throwing a burkha? No dice, cochise.