Shoes off Slippers On Book / Publication / Landmark Writing

Shoes Off Slippers On is a 2023 illustrated zine that seeks to combat feelings of shame and embarrassment around the cultural habits and traditions of Asian households. By normalising specific cultural behaviours — such as taking one’s shoes off at the door — the zine aims to be “a celebration of lives lived like this”.

Created by Malaysian-Chinese Zinemaker Good Bad English, Shoes Off Slippers On uses a simple two-toned colour palette and playful cartoons to depict the culturally specific ways that an Asian household operates. The narrative positions the reader as a guest invited into an Asian home, with the narrator offering the reader a snack or asking if they are thirsty. The zine follows the guest and narrator through an evening of dinner and dessert, illustrating the activities of the night, such as making dumplings together.

Notably, much of the writing in Shoes Off Slippers On is in the form of declarative statements, with the zine simply stating what happens in this household as though it is common knowledge. This is a deliberate choice from Good Bad English, who comments that “there are little to no explanations or justifications because they aren't necessary". The lack of explanations normalises these nuances, confronting the belief that culturally different habits are something to be ashamed of. In the opening of the zine, Good Bad English reflects on their personal experiences inviting non-Asian guests into their household: “The fact of the matter is that Asian households operate differently, and being Asian, it's not something you truly realise until you have guests over…maybe it's the side eye or off-handed comment…that makes you feel so ashamed and weird".

The zine won Best Wildcard at the 2023 Auckland Zinefest with zinemaker and judge Tui Gordon referring to the zine as “beautiful and sweet and funny and a pleasure to read”.

Auckland Zinefest 2023 Best Of The Fest Awards

Good Bad English Instagram