brutal first kilted outing

[canawler]

When I first started getting interested in kilts this spring I originally only intended to wear one at Celtic festivals, but after finding this forum I thought "what the heck, maybe I'll try wearing one out a bit." I picked up my first kilt (Amerikilt) 2 weeks ago at a Celtic festival and got hooked wearing it around that day (obviously a friendly crowd, so to speak.) My first time wearing it in the general public was to a July 4th fireworks display which sort of didn't count because it was fairly dark and everyone was looking up anyway, but the people who noticed only stared slightly. I was totally unprepared for yesterday's reactions wearing the kilt to a large car show. Within 10 minutes of arriving I heard the comment from someone behind me, "nice skirt, Fag#@t." No idea who said it but all day there were people pointing and laughing from a distance or just stopping dead and staring like they were hit by a board. I didn't let it ruin my day and didn't change into the shorts I brought along, either. I didn't think negative comments would bother me but yesterday's experience was kind of rough. The only positive comment all day came from a friend's wife (and my wife of course.) Another positive, a few years ago, I would never have had the self confidence to wear a kilt to a car show and I will say that this won't stop me in the future.

[Rex_Tremende]

Trust me when I tell you I know how much that stings. But I'm sure that you know it says everything about the person hurling the insults and nothing about you. Sounds like you're not going to let this hold you back. I suspect you know from what you've read here that the positive reactions are far more common.

Hang in,
Rex.

[beloitpiper]

I used to be sheepish about people saying negative comments, but now I don't take it. I'll call back and I hold my own against the f***ers. As long as I keep my Scottsih pride and heritage within me, no man will put me down in my kilt!

[pbpersson]

1. Interesting how people who yell those comments must do it from the safety of a crowd and don't have the courage to confront you and show themselves

2. I'm glad you won't let this deter you. You are doing the right thing! We need to teach these backwards people that the kilt is comfortable and fun and life is just too short.

3. I'm hoping that in the near future there will be enough of us in a crowd that we can find these people and ask them what in the world their problem is.

When I was walking through the shopping malls this weekend I heard a lot of laughter behind me but IF it was because of me it's just that they haven't seen it before. Once they have seen me a few dozen times walking through their mall they won't be laughing anymore. Who knows, maybe some of them will be curious enough to try it at home themselves. Once you try it, you're hooked.

[auld argonian]

Just consider what kind of a "duck"head would toss a comment like that at a total stranger...hey, one positive comment wipes out seven times seventy negative ones.

Best

AA

[Panache]

Good On you! You wore your kilt where you wanted, when you wanted, and ignored those too ignorant to know what it was. That takes self confidence and courage. I doff my hat (and plume) to you.

Cheers

[NewKilt]

That was indeed a rough day, and you certainly demonstrated that you have the confidence to wear a kilt in public. This experience is not typical and you will find that the majority of your days kilted will be pleasurable. Notice how no one confronted you? That's because direct confrontation takes courage. Just consider the source and forget about it. There are far better days ahead.

Darrell

[Kiltman]

Insecure people (usually, men) have to attack to make themselves feel sure of their own maleness. It's a poor second to someone, like you, who is secure. I just ignore them.

[Southern Breeze]

I treat that comment the same way as all others-simply ignoring it. Some time ago I was on a jobsite and someone across the street called out "whats under your skirt". Before I had a chance to do anything one of the guys on my crew yelled back "your wifes lipstick !"

[Kiltedfirepiper]

my wife notices the comments and stares more than I do I just go about my day oblivious to whats going on around me ......
and its not that my wife doesnt like me in a kilt...its just she sees if there is going to be a problem with someone before I do, and will give me a heads up so if it comes to a head then I will be prepared for it......but usually if I call someone out on it ....they scurry away to what ever hole they came from.

mind you I'm only 5'9'' and on a good day I weigh about 168 soaking wet, but I 'll walk up to a guy thats 6'8" look him square in the eyes and ask if he really has a problem or is he just tryin to be funny?
those are few and far between but it is effective for me..... your mileage may vary