We British are not perfect

I happen to believe that the British Empire was the greatest empire in history and that it gave much good to the world. However, it was not perfect and it contained much injustice.

British rule in Burma was a somewhat bloody affair. It was made worse by the habit of British colonizers visiting Buddhist temples and refusing to remove their shoes. The disrespect of the British in not complying with the tradition of removing shoes aroused an entire campaign of opposition to British rule.

It is sad to read of British people showing such a lack of respect. Whatever your religion, if you visit a holy place where shoe-removal is expected, you should comply. If you don't want to take your shoes off, don't visit.