Update on Nathan Warmak

[Iolaus]

Todd, the traditionalists on this board are a good polite bunch, not at all the type I referred to. We all appreciate the input of our house brand of traditionalists . ;-)

As anti-traditionalist as I am, I still value their input, because sometimes I try to modify tradition rather than spit in the face of it.

Wow, those guys on the piper's forum are harsh!

As Bubba pointed out earlier, most of that group seems to think of the kilt as part of a costume, or a uniform, but not as a garment in it's own right, so their opinions aren't really relevant.

.

[auld argonian]

Well said auld argonian.

I wasn't itching for a fight when I called, just wanted some facts and I
got them.

dave

Well, it sounds like you at least had the decency to speak to someone directly involved and consider their point of view...good show.

Best

AA

[Rob Wright]

I bet he saved up all his money just so he could purchase the kilt. How many of us started putting together our outfits piece by piece?

[Blu (Ontario)]

As anti-traditionalist as I am, I still value their input, because sometimes I try to modify tradition rather than spit in the face of it....

As a soft traditionalist, I see the modernists as injecting new energy into the kilt. While both traditional and new styles stand on their own merits, I think a bit of blending is healthy... a combination of respect and what an individual is comfortable with.

[MacMullen]

As a soft traditionalist...

What a great term, that describes my attitude on a most things. I enjoy blending modern methods and attitudes with traditional things as well in most of my hobbies, from building Jeeps to boats, beer to kilts.

I read that entire thread over at the piper BBS and I was surprised to see a lot of people there who have the attitude that the kilt is only a formal garment. As I was reading that, I appreciated the more the group that I've fallen in with here. Very balanced, reasonable, open to new things and also open to old things.

Here's to us!

Ouch! I think I just hurt my shoulder trying to pat myself on the back.

[highlander_Daz]

I must admit after seeing Nathans picture, in my opinion his outfit isnt really suitable for a formal occasion, I can only say that if he were to turn up at a clan dinner or Burns supper here he would be taken to one side and advice offered, I appreciate that many people here see themseleves as none traditionalist and wear the kilt in a number of different styles and thats great, but his dad does say- "We thought it would be a proper dress and it would honour his heritage," so I think a little more research would have been appropriate. I dont support principal McClards ban on the kilt but I would like to see Nathan in a PC with all the correct accessories. I know many people like to "dress down" or "punk up" but a formal occasion is exacly that.

I know that people are clubbing around and getting Nathan all the accessories, and Im sure he will look great, but I do feel that maybe Priciplal McClard has taken enough stick over this, and some of the insults towards him are quite uncalled for.

[Blu (Ontario)]

I must admit after seeing Nathans picture, in my opinion his outfit isnt really suitable for a formal occasion...

I tend to agree... But if a single other male student was permitted without jacket, tie, or dress shoes, and allowed ti stay... then Mr. Warmack has been the recipient of Principal MacClards "special" attention.

[Mike n NC]

Alright, I've been busy and having to read quickly so I may have missed it but when did formal dress enter the discussion. Public high schools in America normally have but one "fromal" event and that is the Junior-Senior Prom. All the rest you are lucky to have the faculity in ties.
Add to this that the definition, among the younger folk, of fromal now means a two piece suit and semi-formal, a jacket with a tee or polo style shirt.
Enlighten me someone. Was this really a formal event or just a dress up event?

Mike

[macwilkin]

As anti-traditionalist as I am, I still value their input, because sometimes I try to modify tradition rather than spit in the face of it.

I hope this isn't meant as a personal insult to all of the traditionalists on the board -- bit harsh, I think "non-traditionalist" would be better. I'm not "anti-nontraditionalist" or "anti-modern", those trends are not right for me, but they may be for others -- It's not my place to judge others. Certainly not enough to be "anti-" anything.

I'm sorry if I seem a bit defensive, but we "traditionalists" seem to take it on the chin sometimes.

Regards,

Todd

[Blu (Ontario)]

... Was this really a formal event or just a dress up event?...

In my mind there seems to be a bit of confusion on that point.
Firstly, it's common to name formal and semi-formal event. "Silver Arrow" would indicate to me that jeans and T-shirt would be out.
On the other hand... Proper formal attire was obviously not the issue with McClard.
Here's a couple of quotes from the press article on page 1 of this thread...

..." Richard McClard, the Jackson High School principal, told Nate that he had to change into trousers or he wouldn't be permitted to attend."

and

"You can honour your heritage in Scotland," McClard is said to have told Nate, "but you can't go in here looking like a clown. This is considered proper attire in Scotland, but it's not considered proper attire in my school."

No mention of formal attire as being the problem... just the kilt.
If FORMAL attire was at issue, I'd have words with Warmack myself. But Mr. McClards words don't seem to support this position. The evidence suggests to me that McClard was dispensing selective summary justice. At the same time I have to acknowledge that I may not be in possession of all the facts.

Short answer... dunno.