I got a major negative comment today

[Raphael]

This particular negative comment was delivered to me via an email from someone I know. I was never a friend to this person because she is rather naive about how the world runs.

The email was a few pages long and she accused me being a shallow person because I don't wear my kilt to advocate and support multiculturalism in Vancouver. The argument started when I didn't want her to use the Vancouver Kilts night for her own agenda. Our world is stressful enough already and I would like to go to the pub for some relaxation. It is something that I organise every month, and I don't want people to use it to further their agendas without consulting me first. I was glad to see her excited about the monthly kilts night, but she was excited because she wanted to use it for a celebration that I careless about. Seriously, if she wanted to have an event to celebrate her agendas, she needed to organise her own outting.

She said that I am not doing anything to fight 'for all ethnicity to have the right to wear a kilt.' I didn't even know that I have to do it. That was a new one to me. I didn't know other people are waiting for some one to fight for their rights to wear the kilt. As far as I concern, anyone can wear one.

She thinks that it was the work of a mutual friends that gave me the 'right' to wear my kilt. She thinks this person advocates kilt wearing for other Chinese and contributed to 'Vancouver's tolerance for Chinese Canadians or other ethnic Canadians to wear kilts.' Needless to say that, I bought my first kilt before I know this person. I know this person way before she does and I seriously doubt that he made that contribution. It is because the kilt is his gimmick.

I am upset because of this person's ignorant.

[Arlen]

I'm really sorry to hear that. You're, of course, absolutely in the right.
It's sad to see how some people view the world.

[cavscout]

A Sancho looking for a Don Quixoti? I know you've got the right attitude on this but sorry you had to get the email.

[Tartan Tess]

Wow, what a lot of crap to load on you.
Wear the kilt when you want and for what ever reason you enjoy...like today, it's a good reason...Saint Andrews day...wear or eat or do Scottish things,
or tartan day etc.
I am by blood Scot, Irish and welsh. I feel a kilt and ANY tartan can be worn just because you like it and poo poo to those who think not. When there is an occasion you want to wear a kilt to (because lot's of them will be out and about) or just because it feels good ....follow your heart.
Kilts are cocky or stylish or tradational. Forget her wanting to use you

[xena]

I hear ya, buddy!

Take a deep breath, realize that some people will never outgrow their stupidity, and just let it go...

But, really, she thinks someone has to have a "right" to wear a kilt? This goes back to the old saying about "you don't have to be a cowboy to wear blue jeans." Do you see how silly her argument is?

I know of at least one Chinese person who wears kilts in the Canadian Forces (he is a currently serving Captain), and if anyone's earned a right, it's him - he started as a Private in my section. So he's survived me as his NCO i/c!

But it's not about having a right to wear a kilt. You wear a kilt because it's comfortable (and maybe you think it looks cool) and that's it.

Seriously, I think it has something to do with how folks are educated these days. Depending on what University courses one takes, one can come away with a world-view that perceives everything as a struggle, be it gender, race, economics, religion and/or politics. Certainly, these struggles exist, but they're not the only thing that matters in the universe. Plus, they're usually a bore at parties.

We could all stand a bit of a chillin' out sometimes.

[Raphael]

I hear ya, buddy!

T
Seriously, I think it has something to do with how folks are educated these days. Depending on what University courses one takes, one can come away with a world-view that perceives everything as a struggle, be it gender, race, economics, religion and/or politics. Certainly, these struggles exist, but they're not the only thing that matters in the universe. Plus, they're usually a bore at parties.

You nailed it, my friend. She is a university student and major in Psychology.

[ThistleDown]

Raph what date have you decided on (and venue) for December? Maybe we can invite her and have a serrious discusion about the birds n' bees of Canadian multi-culturalism.

[Raphael]

Raph what date have you decided on (and venue) for December? Maybe we can invite her and have a serrious discusion about the birds n' bees of Canadian multi-culturalism.

She knows that kilts night is this Thursday, but i doubt that she would be there even she expressed interest in coming. It is because she is going to the Vancouver City Hall on a mission to save the tree planting budget with the Vancouver Green Party.

[Michael Flemming]

When confronted with people like that, which is fortunately a very infrequent occurrence, I will tell them that my favorite quote from George Orwell is that "freedom is the right to say NO!" and that it includes saying no to them.

[xena]

You nailed it, my friend. She is a university student and major in Psychology.

Psychology, eh? Grades probably weren't good enough to get into Psychiatry and become a real doctor.

(I say that because I have Psychologist friends, who crack jokes like that about themselves. I am not actually disparaging Psychologists! It's just a joke - relax!)

I heard a good one today:

How do you get a Political Science graduate off your porch?

Pay for the Pizza.