You make a great point about culture existing at different levels.
For example, in my household, we have a culture of not wearing shoes indoors. However, this isn't because we're "shoephobic"; rather...
But, I think the REAL issue, and where the anger should be targeted, is at the head of the household, who is either (a) inept at checking people remove their shoes, (b) on commission for everyone they let in, or (c) intentionally inviting them in to cause conflict and manipulate the household.