Today while at the grocery store, I heard this comment from a girl of about 8 years old who appeared to be shocked at seeing me dressed in a kilt. I said nothing, but was curious if the mother might say, "no, that's a kilt" or something of that nature. But, alas, the mother was silent. I simply ignored the comment and went about my business.

While this comment was certainly not offensive to me, I wonder if I should have turned around and said: "Actually, its a kilt." Not having children I am not sure if this would have been received as a polite educational comment, as I would have intended it. Any comments would be welcome.

My experience with negative comments is usually from groups of adolescents, where the alpha-member of the group does not think the kilt is "cool." When the alpha-member thinks it is cool, the group thinks it is cool. My usual response either way is to smile and go on my way unless specifically asked an intelligent question.

Rick