Doormats - An Outlet For Creativity in America

Doormats. The word alone evokes a full gambit of thoughts, feelings, and memories in most people. It can be a sign of warm welcome, or it can be a negative description of a meek person. I believe the doormat is an American icon that has effected our society in many ways.

In its most basic function, a doormat's purpose is to keep our homes neat and tidy. How many times as a child were we told to wipe our feet before entering the house? Millions at least. And the practice stuck, because now as a mom, I find myself repeating those familiar words to my own children. And some how, I do not think I am the only one continuing the tradition.

Not only do personalized doormats keep our homes cleaner, they are also the first greeting that our guests receive. How many times have you gone to someone's home and the first thing you see as you ring the doorbell is a cheery welcome mat. Many a time I have found myself smiling and sometimes chuckling at the humorous sayings that are found on various doormats. Here are a few of my favorites. "Well Butter My Butt and Call Me A Biscuit. Look Who's Here." "Grandchildren spoiled Here"

And of course my most favorite, "Hi. I'm Mat." So doormats not only welcome visitors to our homes, but they can also be an outlet for our creativity.

And finally, the term doormat can be a negative stigma. We all know one, you may even be one, those sweet, quiet people who seem to have the most difficult time standing up for themselves. They are the doormats of the world. If you stop and think about it, this term is a perfect description of these meek, mild-mannered individuals. A doormat doesn't talk back, it just lays there as everyone steps on them, wiping their dirty, muddy feet all over its clean surface. That is exactly what happens to the doormats of the world. For various reasons, such as low self esteem, low self worth, or just the inability to speak in a firm voice, these persons are continually taken advantage of.

So there it is the life and times of the doormat in today's society. It's more than just a rectangle of coarse material that sits before a threshold. It is a statement of who we are as individuals.