Foreign passenger ignores my request to keep his feet off train seat

I politely said in English, "Please take your shoes off the seat. It's not polite to put shoes on the chair." But he ignored me and acted as if I have said nothing.

His indifference made me wonder: Did he simply not care about local customs, or did he feel entitled to ignore them just because he was in another country?

A person putting their shoes on a train seat. Illustration photo by Pexels

In some Western cultures, resting shoes on a seat might not be considered rude. But in Vietnam, especially on public transport, it's a sign of disrespect. Cleanliness matters, and so does basic courtesy.

Of course, cultural norms vary from place to place. This passenger may not have intended to be disrespectful—he might have just been unaware of Vietnamese etiquette.

Still, his behavior challenges the common belief among many Vietnamese that Western tourists are always polite and considerate in public spaces.

Respect and courtesy should be universal, not limited to one's home country. It's one thing to be unfamiliar with local customs, but another to ignore a polite request to follow them. A civilized society is not just about embracing differences—it is about recognizing and respecting shared spaces and values.

Politeness and respect are not tied to any one culture. They are fundamental principles that everyone should uphold in public. Even small actions affect those around us, and maintaining civility is not just an individual choice—it's a collective responsibility.