Doormatism is a derogatory description of a certain interpretation of doctrines of nonviolence, though the word is a neologism and was never in widespread use. The image of a doormat attempts to conjure up an image of intentional self-victimization, i.e., allowing oneself to be walked on or stepped over, rather than retaliating, as would a doormat. Complete renunciation of violence and retaliation for harms done is a fundamental tenet of Hinduism, Christianity and Buddhism. Critics of literalist interpretations of these beliefs claim that such injunctions encourage people to debase themselves before others, 'turning the other cheek' in a paroxysm of self-abnegation and faux martydom. Malcolm X controversially argued that violence in self-defence is not immoral but intelligent.