How ironic that I just added a new quote on my signature line that ties in so nicely to this thread! :mrgreen:

When I was in NPS uniform, I would always get a lot of interesting comments, mostly dealing with bears, Yogi & Smokey in particular. As Matt said, most folks who make these kinds comments that we've heard ad naseum are trying to be funny & start a conversation, and not necessarily be mean. Whilst I certainly got tired of hearing them, the very fact I was representing the Park Service stopped me from making a smart (and rude) remark and maintain a professional appearance -- I was being diplomatic.

In a similar vein, whenever I wore period uniforms in reenactments & living history events (Civil War, Spanish-American, etc.), I would also get the same questions & comments over & over again from tourists and spectators, such as "aren't you hot in those clothes?" and "don't shoot me!" Again, instead of trying to do a "chop-buster", I used those comments as a lead-in to an interpretive talk about uniforms or how to load & fire a Civil War era musket.
I've found that a similar strategy whilst wearing a kilt also works & disarms some of the more vocal mockers.

As I've said before, when we wear our kilts, we are diplomats, not only for ourselves, but for our clan/family, military branch, state, province -- you get the picture. By being civil & diplomatic with "less educated" folks who may want to learn about the kilt & tartan, but can only begin the conversation by making a joke, we will show ourselves as gentlemen.

Cheers,

Todd