I'm more with Matt on this one, but I see Alan's point as well. The main difference with Alan though, is these are people he knows. with whom he is quite close. A person will put up with a lot from friends and probably give back as good as you get.

This all changes when when you're talking about strangers. For some reason, when a person wears a kilt, there are those who seem to think that the person is ready and asking to be subjected to public ridicule and demeaning actions. It's one thing for a young lady to ask a teasing question, something else entirely when some crass individual believes its his right to lift the back of your kilt so the whole world can see.

A big part of it is a lack of personal barriers and filters, which of course is exaggerated by alcohol. With close friends you can get away with a lot, because you know the persons limits and acceptance levels. Too many assume that level of closeness when they have no right to do so.