Two Telling comments? The Answer Perhaps?

**creagdhubh** · 17th July 14, 10:48 AM

Originally Posted by KD Burke

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.

**Bareknees1** · 17th July 14, 11:22 AM

This is why I take a conservative, respectful approach to highland attire.[/QUOTE]

Brilliantly stated, thanks.

**TheOfficialBren** · 17th July 14, 01:31 PM

Well stated, @CMcG and @KD Burke.

Ditto. I strive to be as conservative as possible when donning Highland clothing. I love the culture and respect it. The last thing I'd want is to represent it poorly or reinforce someone's negative preconceptions.

**Nathan** · 17th July 14, 05:49 PM

The last couple of pages of this thread have been a delight to read. Great post, Colin.

I completely agree that our choices can reflect upon the whole group. I view myself as an ambassador for the culture when I wear the tartan and especially the kilt. Therefore, when I'm out at the Highland Games, I choose to lead by example and wear the kilt respectfully the way it would be worn in a similar games context in the Highlands. That way, people in attendance will have seen at least one person on a field full of Highland attire dressed like a Highlander.

**macwilkin** · 17th July 14, 05:57 PM

Originally Posted by Nathan

The last couple of pages of this thread have been a delight to read. Great post, Colin.

I completely agree that our choices can reflect upon the whole group. I view myself as an ambassador for the culture when I wear the tartan and especially the kilt. Therefore, when I'm out at the Highland Games, I choose to lead by example and wear the kilt respectfully the way it would be worn in a similar games context in the Highlands. That way, people in attendance will have seen at least one person on a field full of Highland attire dressed like a Highlander.

Spot on, Nathan, and I daresay other folks attending the games probably have the same reaction to you that they did to Kyle, myself and my best friend Mark when we attended the St. Louis Games last September in traditional Highland attire: they constantly stopped us and asked to take our photo. Kyle will no doubt attest to this, but I'd say we had at least 25-30 requests for photos that day from all sorts of folks.

It was so much fun playing the local "landed gentry" that we'll probably do it again this year. <grin>

V/R,

Todd

**McMurdo** · 17th July 14, 06:01 PM

Todd that did happen to Nathan and I in Kingston when the quaich was in town.

**creagdhubh** · 18th July 14, 06:28 AM

Originally Posted by macwilkin

Spot on, Nathan, and I daresay other folks attending the games probably have the same reaction to you that they did to Kyle, myself and my best friend Mark when we attended the St. Louis Games last September in traditional Highland attire: they constantly stopped us and asked to take our photo. Kyle will no doubt attest to this, but I'd say we had at least 25-30 requests for photos that day from all sorts of folks.

It was so much fun playing the local "landed gentry" that we'll probably do it again this year. <grin>

V/R,

Todd

Quite so, Todd. We certainly had at least 25-30 requests throughout the course of the afternoon, which was quite eventful I might add, and always a great day out. We did have a lot of fun, didn't we? And that's precisely what it's (Highland Games and other social activities of a similar nature) all about. We hope to see you and Mark again in September!

What is that us St. Louisans say? Oh yes, "meet me in St. Louis, Louis, meet me at the fair, don't tell me the lights are shining anyplace but there...!"

Kind regards,

**Half Scot Half Pole** · 18th July 14, 06:56 AM

Here's two examples of properly worn kilts stateside.

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One represents the Civil War Reenactor culture, with the subject spending thousands on his gear to represent a bygone era, and having secured a great, though historically inaccurate, Confederate kilt.

One represents a good old boy who likes wearing kilts just because. I think he actually looks the more comfortable of the two.

Being as we are a much younger culture than ya'll, we do what we can and use duct tape to fix almost everything.

**Nathan** · 18th July 14, 07:14 AM

Originally Posted by Half Scot Half Pole

"properly worn kilts"

err...I beg to differ. Kyle, Tobus and Matt Newsome have great examples of properly worn kilts stateside, but I'd call the top example..."creatively worn".

Since I don't consider the utility style kilt to be a Highland garment in any way, people can wear them as they please. They are no more a kilt than a stetson is a fedora.

**Half Scot Half Pole** · 18th July 14, 07:18 AM

Originally Posted by Nathan

err...I beg to differ. Kyle, Tobus and Matt Newsome have great examples of properly worn kilts stateside, but I'd call the top example..."creatively worn".

Since I don't consider the utility style kilt to be a Highland garment in any way, people can wear them as they please. They are no more a kilt than a stetson is a fedora.

Key word "stateside". Give us a little break over here. We're an entire sea and continent away.

And I thought a Stetson WAS a fedora.