Unintentionally Bringing Joy To Strangers

[Clockwork]

Well, it's that time of the year - the cool, crisp air greets you at the doorstep, brightly colored leaves paint the countryside, and anticipation of the holiday season is steadily building. Yes, Fall is just around the corner now. If you're anything like me though, there's another indicator of the coming change of the season, that dreaded four-letter.

The 'cold'.

And I'm not talking about the weather either. So, after leaving a local diner last night I decide to make a stop by Walmart to pick up some cold medicine; it's the only place open that late and I needed something to help me get through the coming work week. As I'm walking into the store, I pass a group of 6 inner-city teen (generally not the most well-mannered folks) heading out to the parking lot area; as I do so, I hear a couple of them laughing and then one asks me if he could take a picture. Since he was polite enough to ask, I said 'sure', and he said 'thanks man' afterwards. I was wearing my PA tartan USA Kilts semi-trad with matching flashes, black kilt hose, black boots, sgian dubh (that time of night here, it's better safe than sorry), Adhamh L&M sporran, black leather belt w/ embossed Celtic design and chrome/green thistle buckle, black tee-shirt, and the infamous flat-cap. This happened to be the first time someone stopped me to ask for a photo. I wasn't sure if the laughter was from seeing a guy in a kilt, but I have a feeling it was. I didn't mind though; considering what the culture (or lack thereof) is like in this particular area, it was probably their first time actually seeing a kilt in person and that was just their natural reaction.

So, I go about picking up some cold medicine and a few other items since I was already out, and proceeded to the check-out area. As I was walking there, I noticed another group of inner-city folks, this time all female and around my age group. One was riding on a power scooter and obviously didn't need it, seeing as how she was jumping in and out of the seat. They were a bit loud and rambunctious, and I purposely tried to avoid any confrontation with them as they might cause a scene. I managed to slide by unnoticed and made it to the check-out line, and in less than a minute I hear from behind me 'Is that guy seriously wearing a kilt!?'. So much for that idea. I ignore them and continue waiting in line, but hear them getting closer. Within a few moments, I could hear them in line right behind me; I could tell they were trying to keep their comments out of earshot, and noticed one girl was giggling almost uncontrollably. I casually turn around and find the girl on the scooter had her camera out, pointing it at me and obviously either recording or attempting to take a photo. She now seemed to find difficulty in picking her jaw up out of her lap. Then I glanced at the giggly one who also had a wide-eyed look of surprise on her face and she tried to cover her mouth with her hand. Scooter girl then said 'Oh, hey, we was uh....trying to get a picture together', looked up at Miss Giggles, then pulled her down to her eye-level before trying to take a photo of themselves.

Very smooth.

I finally get up to the register, and by this point they had quieted down considerably. The girl at the register apparently knew the girls behind me, as indicated by how she nonchalantly exchanged a few words with them. I did notice that she kept glancing at the kilt and sporran throughout this entire process. She rang my stuff up and I reached into my sporran for my wallet. I don't know if it was sheer curiosity or fear of the unknown, but now her eyes were glued to the sporran while I did. As I pulled my wallet out, I heard Miss Giggles now laughing hysterically, her voice muffled by her hand. I glanced over again as I pulled out my credit card and saw that she was literally in tears. I handed the cashier my card and paid for my stuff, and as she was waiting for the receipt to print out, she was looking over at the girls behind me with an expression of indifference, then kind of shook her head as she gave me my receipt. Our eyes met and we both kind of smirked at the entire situation. We bid each other a good night and that was the end of it.

I have no doubt that it was a case of laughing at me as opposed to laughing with me, but I don't mind. For one, getting upset would not bring any positive attention to the kilt or myself, and secondly, you just have to remind yourself to have fun. A lot of people (especially in the States) have never seen a kilt before in person, so when they do see it as unexpectedly as this, you not only get to be the first person they've ever seen kilted, but you get to see their reaction to it. In any case, don't be afraid to be yourself when you're out enjoying the comfort of your kilts

Cheers,
-Jake

[Chas]

I agree with what you say, Jake. People will laugh or giggle at the most inappropriate times, mainly because they are nervous or unsure or the situation (gallows humour). I have found that a ready smile and being in control of oneself is the very best way to defuse a situation.

Regards

Chas

[Clockwork]

I agree with what you say, Jake. People will laugh or giggle at the most inappropriate times, mainly because they are nervous or unsure or the situation (gallows humour). I have found that a ready smile and being in control of oneself is the very best way to defuse a situation.

Regards

Chas

I certainly agree with you Chas; generally, I have no issue with being confronted about the kilt, as it usually opens way to some nice conversations. But, I was sick and just wanted to get my stuff and get home so I could sleep. I did try to retain a positive vibe, though, in spite of that. Hopefully this thing will be knocked out by the end of the week

Cheers,
-Jake

[Jay]

You could have lOoked down your nose at them and asked "I'm not sure what you're laughing at. The gold card I'm pulling out or the kilt that cost more than your entire wardrobe?"

[Riverkilt]

Well, you certainly expanded some horizons.

I'm guessing she went home and Googled up "kilts."

[Tobus]

Well, you certainly expanded some horizons.

I'm guessing she went home and Googled up "kilts."

More likely she went and posted his picture on People of Walmart.

This story is exactly the kind of thing that keeps me out of that particular store, especially when kilted.

[Clockwork]

Normally I would agree, were it not for two factors from the story:
1- these two have no respect for what others wear. This leaves their wardrobe subject to analysis.
2- There is some kind of superiority complex on their part that they need correcting on.
2-

I can totally understand where you're coming from there, but..........I didn't want to stoop down to her level.

I'm sorry, I had to.

More likely she went and posted his picture on People of Walmart.

This story is exactly the kind of thing that keeps me out of that particular store, especially when kilted.

On the contrary, why be concerned about the opinions of strangers? Opinions only hold as much meaning as a person decides to give them. I know I can't please everyone and no matter how I dress, someone will disapprove (something true even within the kilt community), so I just dress to please myself and what I find appealing. If people like my ideas, that's fine; if not, that's also fine. Maybe I will end up on People of Walmart - a thought that honestly did cross my mind as that was all taking place - but if that does happens, then so be it. Tomorrow's a fresh new day!

I do agree about generally avoiding Walmart though; I'd rather support small, local businesses when possible.

Cheers,
-Jake

[Clockwork]

You could have lOoked down your nose at them and asked "I'm not sure what you're laughing at. The gold card I'm pulling out or the kilt that cost more than your entire wardrobe?"

I wouldn't doubt the accuracy of the latter half of that proposed question; however, I wouldn't feel right belittling someone for their wardrobe, especially considering the circumstances.

Well, you certainly expanded some horizons.

I'm guessing she went home and Googled up "kilts."

I might have. I'm surprised her friend didn't call it a skirt right off the bat; it's happened more than once. She must have seen 'Brave'.

Cheers,
-Jake

[Jay]

I wouldn't doubt the accuracy of the latter half of that proposed question; however, I wouldn't feel right belittling someone for their wardrobe, especially considering the more than once. She must have seen 'Brave'.


-Jake

Normally I would agree, were it not for two factors from the story:
1- these two have no respect for what others wear. This leaves their wardrobe subject to analysis.
2- There is some kind of superiority complex on their part that they need correcting on.
2-