Lose Da Shoes

Heads turn. Funny faces and whispering between friends; perhaps the occasional giggle here and there. The average day at Rhodes University is disturbed as snide remarks filter into the liberal community. What has caused this disturbance? Has the Grahamstown bubble been burst by a sinister influence from the outside world? Not at all, it’s just the average barefoot bungy making their way to lectures.

Rhodes University is probably one of least judging communities in the country. People are individuals, they wear what they want and say what they want and as long as it is within the boundaries of social and cultural etiquette it is accepted. Why is it then that as soon as the individual, created by this liberal society, decides to act on the primal instinct of walking around barefoot they are shunned by the rest of society? To be fair these barefoot day-walkers are not judged in malice but they are judged none the less. What amazes me is that someone could walk into a lecture in a tutu and everyone would just shrug and continue with their conversations but as soon as a barefoot brother comes on the scene they are looked at with distaste and are asked, “Where are your shoes, dude?”

These day’s people have lost the sheer sensation created by barefoot tramping, as I like to call it. Granted it is not the most glamorous name but the name is irrelevant because it is overruled by the experience. The feel of grass as it tickles the souls of our feet and the change in temperature as you walk into the shade. These are the sensations that only a few are partaking in because they have the ability to turn away from the judging eyes of society. The truth is that barefoot tramping is an extremely liberating experience. As soon as you free the souls of your feet from those damp and sweaty socks and constricting shoes, you free your soul.

Do yourself a favour. Give those All-stars a break, they have been working hard, and let those toes breathe the sweet, fresh air once more. Complete the simple, cost free, liberating experience that is frowned upon by society and join the ranks of barefoot tramps. Untie those laces, lose the shoes and free your soul.