Let me add that after reading the article I found it to be lacking in any real valuable content that would have made this a hacker news story. It seems like he is rambling on about something, that yes I agree it is rude, it is not that big of a deal and is part of the American culture.

Also, swear words were thrown in not because they added anything to the piece, but rather because he could. Shame really.

"Swearing a lot in someone's face is a way of saying you're in charge, but you're totally laid back man."

Well, some people use vulgarity the way others put their feet on the table.

More presciently, total ignorance of the question of culture and assumed dominance and superiority over even the possibility of other cultures is part of the American culture. Whatever you might think about Zed, try to separate that from your argument and realize that he does have a point. It's distorted by his comical Personal Over Intensification Field, but if you're the type to throw your feet up on the table do take at least one thing away from this article.

It's extremely rude to some people and thus loudly demonstrates that you're considering their point of view worth pretty much precisely zilch. Even without the dog shit.

Not really. I live in Michigan and sticking your feet in people's face would definitely be considered rude, and, more to the point, nobody does it.

Probably because for a very good chunk of the year, sticking your footwear on a bit of furniture is a recipe for damaging the furniture badly. Most furniture is not waterproof, and it's easy to hit things a lot harder than you meant to with your boots.

Putting your shoes on the table: Arrogant & impolite

Swearing a lot: A OK!

I don't know why he's so upset with feces on the table when you consider what comes out of his mouth.

Note: I like to swear as well, but I don't go around being miss manners.

A friend of mine grew up in California and now lives in Ireland. He thinks I swear an awful lot, while I don't even notice! Obviously I watch my mouth in front of older relatives, parents etc, but when hanging around with friends, the gloves come off. (He also has the peculiar American trait of having no 'sarcasm radar').

Tommy Tiernan's take on the matter:

"Sometimes I think the English language is a brick wall between me and you (this is in Montreal), and FUCK is my chisel"

Watch 0:40 - 1:10

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWIqQqliksc

You can get it from having someone's shit-covered feet all over a surface that you eat off of, though.

As for the bums shitting on the sidewalk, we have a solution to that problem. Winter.