The Tartan Police!

[Colin]

Tartan Kilts definately have more soul than the solid contemporary kilts.

When I look at my BlackWatch Kilt, I think about soldiers who died to protect my way of life.

When I look at my Black Setwart Kilt, I think about Jackie Stewart's Career as a F1 Driver, a Team Owner, and an inspiration. It tells people that I am a F1 Fan.

When I look at my Bristish Columbia Kilt, I know that I am a proud British Columbian and I want to show the world that.

Aside from the symbolisms behind the Tartans, I also know that I will have plenty of memories that will associate with each one of them.

With my solid Utilikilts, I can only see them as garments that I wrap around my waist. They only show that I am a kilt wearer, and no more.

Well said Raphael, well said.

[LordDamax]

I agree completely... have all the personal meaning you'd like in your kilts and tartans... but to be angry that someone else doesnt feel the same way you do? All I'm saying is thats a bit much.

I bought a black watch tartan, my first wool kilt. Told a close friend about it and she said "Ooh! What tartan?!" I said "Black watch". Her response was "Oh."

I asked whats wrong? Dont like that one? She said "No, I just associate that with my kids at christmas"

Her kids christmas stockings are black watch, and I believe their christmas tree skirt is black watch as well.

We all have our own meanings for these things. To Raphael, it reminds him of a rich military history. To my friend, her children at christmas. To look down on someone or to get angry over what it means to someone else is just too much. Thats all.

[Archangel]

<snip>

It's nice to be able to defend Edinburgh-inspired points of kilt decorum and somewhat arcane and nitpickkety rules, instead of scrabbling to find a reefer butt or glue poke or spray can, or knock back tinned Lager dregs in the urine scented stairwells at Linnhead Drive.
Peace, Wullie

at first I was upset that this was one of those Edinburgh/Glasgow things, but I reread it and it's a Scotland away thing. okay.

[Archangel]

In general I agree with your sentiments. People should be allowed to wear what they want (be it "traditional" or "modern"), traditions change and evolve, and respect should be given regardless.

But the golf analogy fails. It's a sport and there may be very valid reason to prohibit the use of certain clubs or balls. And in fact, there are such prohibitions. Modern golf balls and clubs, for example, must meet certain specifications before they are approved. And maybe the game would be better if played with old clubs just as baseball, I believe, is better played with wood bats (as is mandated in MLB) and tennis with wooden rackets (as is not mandated, much to the detriment of the sport).

Kevin

Philosophically, a sport analogy doesn't work. The differences between "sport" and "game" and "play" are significant. An analogy to those different things might work: in "play" there is no goal except fun; in "game" there is goal but fun is more important than the rules; "sport" is defined by taking game and applying an limiting rule which has the priority. For example, the fastest way to complete a quarter mile lap is to simply stay in one place, "sport' dictates that it must be run in a certain manner. Please don't make me look up who I'm quoting, some German philosopher.

So the application here is that some people want to "play", some want to "game" and others want to "sport".

So, following MAC's point, I believe, another term to define, after tradition, is how we are going to perform this activity.

[Archangel]

Does this mean I still can't wear white shoes and a white belt with a Kilt after Memorial Day? ;-)

Brian-

Only if you're really Pat Boone, otherwise there is never an excuse to wear white shoes.

[Archangel]

Here is one characteristic of all the kilts in my wardrobe, and I think it can be said to be the defining characteristic of a "good quality kilt."

Can you wear the exact same kilt formally and casually, depending on your accessories?

That, to me, is the kicker. Can I wear this with a polo-shirt, brown leather sporran, kakhi hose and walking shoes at the games, or around town? Can I then wear the same kilt with a pleated tux shirt, Prince Charlie jacket, wasitcoat, bow tie, and silver & fur sporran to an evening ball?


Matt

Perfect, yes, now what?

[Archangel]

Tartan Kilts definately have more soul than the solid contemporary kilts.

When I look at my BlackWatch Kilt, I think about soldiers who died to protect my way of life.

When I look at my Black Setwart Kilt, I think about Jackie Stewart's Career as a F1 Driver, a Team Owner, and an inspiration. It tells people that I am a F1 Fan.

When I look at my Bristish Columbia Kilt, I know that I am a proud British Columbian and I want to show the world that.

Aside from the symbolisms behind the Tartans, I also know that I will have plenty of memories that will associate with each one of them.

With my solid Utilikilts, I can only see them as garments that I wrap around my waist. They only show that I am a kilt wearer, and no more.

don't agree with all your points but I agree with the sentiment. and for some of us, this is the military medal. If blood has been spilled then that is due respect. I'm "entitled" to wear Black Watch but it's been so commercialized that it's a moot point. Gordon looks nice, but I would never wear the yellow stripe of the military pattern. My own rule, blood was spilled, respect should be shown. Would I challenge somebody wearing it? Who am I to do that?

[Rigged]

When I wear my camo Utilikilt I think of the people in the military service who are risking their lives so that I can live in a free country where I can wear whatever I like.

[sav]

My Great-Grandfather was a Gordon Highlander, so I wear the Gordon Tartan with the yellow military stripe with great pride. As for Black Watch, I agree that it has been far too commercialized.
~Sav

[Archangel]

My Great-Grandfather was a Gordon Highlander, so I wear the Gordon Tartan with the yellow military stripe with great pride.
~Sav

and so you should.