>meanwhile we disgusting americans walk around the entire house in our shoes that step in god knows what
i don't know which state you live in but i have never done that in my entire life except for times when i knew i was gonna be outside again anyway so i wouldn't bother taking off my shoes for what is a short stay.
otherwise, i always take off my shoes when i go indoors, even when at another person's house. i've always just thought this was expected, like common sense since everyone around me does it too. you're telling me other americans don't do this?