Some people just don't know

[Anthony]

A Spongebob Squarepants tartan?

LOL

[Anthony]

I was thinking last night about some of the post on this topic, and about how many of the folks I meet daily, really have no idea what a kilt is other then some Scottish or Irish costume. While wearing a kilt more will help in getting people we come in contact with get use to the idea, its really going to take more then that to get "Joe Public" to understand that it IS a garment.

I'm starting to see more men in the film industry wearing kilts, mostly Grips (like myself) and Wardrobe. The sad part is the first thing the majority of people think, at least here in L.A., when they see a man in a kilt is he's gay.

I can't tell you how many people have asked me if I'm gay when I'm wearing a kilt. It doesn't upset me, I mean at least when someone ask they really want to understand why I would wear a skirt. So I tell them it's a kilt, and explain the background, why I have chosen to wear a kilt, and that I'm not gay, I'm a sadist.

Like so many things, public awareness really is the key to understanding and acceptance.

[Anthony]

I was thinking last night about some of the post on this topic, and about how many of the folks I meet daily, really have no idea what a kilt is other then some Scottish or Irish costume. While wearing a kilt more will help in getting people we come in contact with get use to the idea, its really going to take more then that to get "Joe Public" to understand that it IS a garment.

I'm starting to see more men in the film industry wearing kilts, mostly Grips (like myself) and Wardrobe. The sad part is the first thing the majority of people think, at least here in L.A., when they see a man in a kilt is he's gay.

I can't tell you how many people have asked me if I'm gay when I'm wearing a kilt. It doesn't upset me, I mean at least when someone ask they really want to understand why I would wear a skirt. So I tell them it's a kilt, and explain the background, why I have chosen to wear a kilt, and that I'm not gay, I'm a sadist.

Like so many things, public awareness really is the key to understanding and acceptance.

[Anthony]

I was thinking last night about some of the post on this topic, and about how many of the folks I meet daily, really have no idea what a kilt is other then some Scottish or Irish costume. While wearing a kilt more will help in getting people we come in contact with get use to the idea, its really going to take more then that to get "Joe Public" to understand that it IS a garment.

I'm starting to see more men in the film industry wearing kilts, mostly Grips (like myself) and Wardrobe. The sad part is the first thing the majority of people think, at least here in L.A., when they see a man in a kilt is he's gay.

I can't tell you how many people have asked me if I'm gay when I'm wearing a kilt. It doesn't upset me, I mean at least when someone ask they really want to understand why I would wear a skirt. So I tell them it's a kilt, and explain the background, why I have chosen to wear a kilt, and that I'm not gay, I'm a sadist.

Like so many things, public awareness really is the key to understanding and acceptance.

[Rigged]

No, but what about The Today Show? Good Morning America? Fox & Friends? The Tonight Show? MTV???

I've seen the videos of Megan and Steve Villegas on television. The hosts generally treat them as a joke.

I remember seeing a news show featuring Utilikilts in a segment. One of the reporters wore the kilt sideways with the snap pockets in the front and back. Then came the "Will I have to shave my legs?" comments.

Even when the guys on "The Other Half" wore kilts for part of an episode, they didn't seem to quite "get it." I recall Danny Bonaduce making a joke about having to shave his legs.

You can check out the videos on the Utilikilts website: http://www.utilikilts.com/video.htm

I'd like to know what the rest of you think.

The "High School Confidential" experiment is a good example of what happens when you drop kilts on people without also providing information and context:

http://www.utilikilts.com/highschool.htm

My opinion is that it's risky for us to trust our message to others, that why I suggest presenting our message in formats that we control.

Not all publicity is good publicity.

[Jerry]

No, but what about The Today Show? Good Morning America? Fox & Friends? The Tonight Show? MTV???

I was just kidding about Springer. I know that anyone smart enough to wear kilts would never be dumb enough tp appear on that a******'s show. As for MTV. I've never been a big fan, but then, I'm an old fart 61 and retired. Country Music Tv is more my speed, but MTV has a huge audience. Or, how about Opra. I don't like her show either, but she does seem fair.

[bikercelt1]

[quote="Rigged"]

I've seen the videos of Megan and Steve Villegas on television. The hosts generally treat them as a joke....My opinion is that it's risky for us to trust our message to others, that why I suggest presenting our message in formats that we control.

Not all publicity is good publicity.

You know, Bill, I owe you an appology. When you first broached this concept some time ago I was of the opinion "just get out there and wear a kilt, people will start to understand it". I've kind of come around to your way of thinking. We do need to make our case or continue to be the joke tag line for brainless media talking heads. Even when we have the opportunity for positive publicity it can be totally undone by the rolling eyes or ad-lib comment tagged on to the end of a story or announcement.

Jamie

[Rigged]

You know, Bill, I owe you an appology.

I certainly wasn't expecting an apology from anyone, but I accept it graciously.

[Anthony]

I remember seeing a news show featuring Utilikilts in a segment. One of the reporters wore the kilt sideways with the snap pockets in the front and back. Then came the "Will I have to shave my legs?" comments.

Even when the guys on "The Other Half" wore kilts for part of an episode, they didn't seem to quite "get it." I recall Danny Bonaduce making a joke about having to shave his legs.

Pants are made by and for the guy who would put the kilt on sideways, and think he needs to shave his legs to wear one. The fact that shaving his legs even came to mind makes me wonder where his heads at, the thought of shaving my legs has never crossed my mind.

You are also right about the need to control how the message is presented. The question is HOW?

I've been thinking about that a bit.

When wearing a kilt we stand out from the crowd (some more then others), seems to me one way to do this is by going to media events and other places where the odds of being singled out and Interviewed are high and talking about why we wear kilts. Just a thought. Any other ideas?

[Rob Wright]

When wearing a kilt we stand out from the crowd (some more then others), seems to me one way to do this is by going to media events and other places where the odds of being singled out and Interviewed are high and talking about why we wear kilts. Just a thought. Any other ideas?

This still leaves us at the mercy of the media because they will have control over what message that they want people to see or read.
We have to remember that we are not going to change society's perceptions overnight. We need to pick our battles wisely, control the situations as best as we can, play by our rules, if things go bad, tactical retreat and regroup, use the media's arrogance and ignorance to our advantage. Lull them into a false sense of security. Use humour to pick fun at them.
Make friends with a local reporter, slowly convert them. Be friendly to the kids! Years down the road they might remember the nice nut in a kilt and decide they want one.

Rob Wright