Quote Originally Posted by KD Burke View Post
Indeed, it does! But how often is the message that we broadcast received garbled in transmission? I submit that the threads of this forum are rife with examples of just such miscommunication. Our intention in donning a particular garment is not apparent to those viewing our choice of attire, only the result. To choose an obvious example, a viewer familiar with tartan may expect I have a connection to Clan Donald if I am wearing a MacDonald tartan kilt. The fact that I am wearing it in honor of my mother's brother's best friend's cousin who owned a farm is not apparent, nor is it particularly meaningful to anyone but myself.

While we can never entirely rid ourselves of the false perceptions of others, we can minimize them by conforming, so far as possible, to expected norms. For examples of conformity in action, I would point to every office building in the western hemisphere, or to any secondary school, anywhere. Why should we care about the perception of others? Why do the majority conform to societal norms?
Because humans are social creatures. We thrive on interaction with, and the approval of, our fellows. Anyone who genuinely doesn't care about the opinions of others displays at least one sign of sociopathy!

Anyone, on either side of the Atlantic, who chooses to wear a kilt outside the "accepted" venues of games, weddings, etc. has to accept that he will be seen as somewhat eccentric at best. The other messages that he broadcasts with his attire, intentionally or otherwise, will determine additional adjectives that will be applied to him by those who view him.

This is why I take a conservative, respectful approach to highland attire.
Well said, KD.