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.

[Zardoz]

Don't get upset over other people's ignorance. As you said, the world is stressful enough! She needs to learn that indiviuals don't need anybody to give them the 'right' to do something!

[CDNSushi]

Sorry you had to go though that, man. Seriously. I've also received my share of negative e-mails but that one sounds rather brutal.

In any event, know that your clansmen stand behind you. Just as we are fond of saying that the kilt is not a costume, neither is the kilt a cause. As soon as you start assigning a political, religious (and in my opinion, even a cultural) agenda onto something like a kilt, that's all it will become: a symbol for a cause. I would hate for my kilts to devolve into that, as I enjoy wearing them as a regular part of my wardrobe. It's not because I want to make a statement of any kind, nor because I don't want to make a statement of any kind. I just want to be comfortable and look good while doing it. That's all. Nothing else.

[ccga3359]

Little does she know that because of you everyone now has the right to wear a kilt regardless of ethneticity. OK everyone already had the right to wear a kilt before you actually started wearing one you just further proved it. She should get off her high horse and go hug a tree and to shut up.

[ChubRock]

My typical response to emails such as that (or the like) is simly type

"unsubscribe" in the subject line of your reply.

You win, it's over. Chin up and Kilt On!

[pdcorlis]

Sounds to me like its time to move that kilt night and refine your guest list.