Throwing shoes is not fun. It is a very disrespectful act. It shows deep insult to a person. I understand that Western culture does not exercise the self-esteem. Therefore, it is nothing to them, just matter of fun.

First, Shahain, you seem to have a bit of a misconception; Westerners have a strong sense of self-esteem (except for a relatively few troubled individuals), though we might express it differently, at times, than people from other backgrounds might. Heck, even within a given country demonstratioons of self-esteem can vary rather widely.

You're quite right that throwing a shoe is disrespectful. While I don't think the reporter who threw his shoe at President Bush should be facing anything more than a "verbal hand slap" from the authorities and his bosses, I do think it was highly disrespectful, without regard for whether President Bush deserves respect as an individual or not. He wasn't present as an individual, but as President. And I would hope people will respect the office, if not the person occupying it at any given moment.

Note to , Sohn Jie-Ae: youy might want to run a parallel piece about parlimentary "festivities" in Taiwan, too! Members there can be every bit disorderly as their South Korean brethren, for sure.

I agree with Mekhong Kurt. We have seen, hundreds and hundreds of time, disrespectful acts from many institutions, and his leaders.
Sometimes the only possibility of a resistance is this – throw a shoe.
How could we defend ourselves from the attacks from below?
We need to understand his feelings, and realize all violence acts this politicians had made for us, and if there is a possibility of resistance.
Think about it.