[BagCamAddict]

This is apparently a huge insult, or punishment in Islam.

Good point. Isn't it rude / insulting to "show the bottom of your feet" in Middle Eastern countries? Thus, it is rude to cross your legs like men do because it points the bottom of the show towards someone.

[goldstategop]

The feet are unconsidered unclean. It actually goes back to the Torah. Look up the passage in Exodus where Moses is told to remove his sandals since he's standing on holy ground. Its thousands of years old.