Horrible article in Washington Post

**mudd** · 28th January 06, 02:59 PM

Originally Posted by Blu (Ontario)

Coviella is simply paying the price for stepping outside of the box in our very conformist society.... As do we all from time to time.

That is precisely the the point. “conformist society” is actually an oxymoron. In simplistic terms, society means being like everyone else. And given that Humans are extremely social animals, (That IS what made us a success as a species) anyone that does not conform is singled out for criticism.
Fact is, this is the reason we enjoy this forum so much. It encourages us to wear the Kilt more because it make us feel like we actually do belong to our own social group.
OK, (as my wife would put it) I’ll get down off of my lecture podium now.

**Schultz** · 30th January 06, 08:19 AM

Actually, there is a glaring vocabulary error in the article.

The author writes how the kilt "dissects" Mr. Coviello's body into "unflattering sections".

According to dictionary.com, the definition of "dissect" is:

dis·sect ( P ) Pronunciation Key (d-skt, d-, dskt)
tr.v. dis·sect·ed, dis·sect·ing, dis·sects
1. To cut apart or separate (tissue), especially for anatomical study.
2. To examine, analyze, or criticize in minute detail: dissected the plan afterward to learn why it had failed.

I do believe the author meant "bisect".

Both he and the editor should be flogged by the EiC for this error.

**Ugly Bear** · 30th January 06, 10:47 AM

Originally Posted by mudd

That is precisely the the point. “conformist society” is actually an oxymoron. In simplistic terms, society means being like everyone else.

Speaking of glaring vocabulary errors ...

**flyv65** · 30th January 06, 11:06 AM

Check me if I'm wrong, but isn't Robin Givhans the fashion editor that was on the Colbert Report last week sometime? Of course she's going to be condescending: it's in her job description. High fashion and haute couture aren't about blazing new trails so much as structured conformity and regulated change. You guys can worry about this stuff, but for me it's a non-issue as long as she says its a matter of fashion, not one of freedom.

Bryan...remember the thread that linked to a men's fashion board? It wasn't exactly complementary of kilts, either...

**646guy** · 30th January 06, 11:45 AM

Originally Posted by flyv65

Check me if I'm wrong, but isn't Robin Givhans the fashion editor that was on the Colbert Report last week sometime? Of course she's going to be condescending: it's in her job description. High fashion and haute couture aren't about blazing new trails so much as structured conformity and regulated change. You guys can worry about this stuff, but for me it's a non-issue as long as she says its a matter of fashion, not one of freedom.

Bryan...remember the thread that linked to a men's fashion board? It wasn't exactly complementary of kilts, either...

I think she's just jealous that her legs don't look as great in the kilt...

**sav** · 30th January 06, 02:06 PM

Very unflattering article. It seems the author had little knowledge of the difference between cross-dressing and proudly wearing a kilt...

**mudd** · 30th January 06, 07:08 PM

Originally Posted by Ugly Bear

Speaking of glaring vocabulary errors ...

OK. I meant redundant.

I was watching TV while typing. Give me a break.
What are you, an English teacher?

**bubba** · 30th January 06, 07:29 PM

No, but I play one on TV.

**way2fractious** · 31st January 06, 10:25 AM

The writer presented this as given:

"...the avant-garde designers in the fashion industry... feign naive confusion about why most Western men refuse to embrace the notion [of wearing something other than trousers]. The reason, of course, is no great mystery: Men are afraid people will laugh." (emphasis added)

Is this true of the general male population? Is this the reason for the slow adoption of kilts, as being discussed elsewhere in this forum? Does someone else's laughter make you or me put off the kilt for more "socially acceptable" attire?

Over many of my innumerable years, my attitude towards other people's reactions to what I wear, what I say, what I eat, what I read, where and how I travel, etc., has settled into, "If we both enjoy it, great; if the other party disagrees, it's his or her problem." However, I also conciously attempt to avoid bringing serious embarrassment to family, friends, or fellow traveler when I'm out in public.