Ringling Bros. Kilted Clown

**macwilkin** · 30th January 06, 02:25 PM

Originally Posted by Iolaus

What if one of us was a professional clown? Are you saying that person should only poke fun at other "cultures" but not his own chosen culture?

I refuse to take myself that seriously. ;) If you can't laugh at yourself, you have no business asking others to.

You missed my meaning; I simply stated that if a clown dressed up in another form of ethnic garb, then other ethnic groups would be screaming "murder polis" about it.

Cheers,

Todd

**Ugly Bear** · 30th January 06, 03:24 PM

Originally Posted by Iolaus

What if one of us was a professional clown?

I would expect him to not use kilts as part of his work clothes.

Laughing at yourself is one thing. Being ridiculed is another. On the one hand, there's wearing a T-shirt that says, "What's Up Yer Kilt?" That's okay, that's having a laugh. Wearing a kilt completely in the context of "Isn't This Ridiculous" is different.

**Iolaus** · 30th January 06, 06:08 PM

It takes a thick skin to wear a kilt. ;)

**Iolaus** · 30th January 06, 06:30 PM

Originally Posted by cajunscot

You missed my meaning; I simply stated that if a clown dressed up in another form of ethnic garb, then other ethnic groups would be screaming "murder polis" about it.

Cheers,

Todd

I don't recall where, but I've seen clowns in Indian get-ups.

Look, I don't want to get into a fight over this. I'm just saying that, in my opinion, this isn't something to get upset about; it's a costume, that's all! ...and if he includes some kilt humor in his act, so what? - Maybe it's actually funny.

As I said, it takes a thick skin to wear a kilt. If someone gets upset every time they percieve "disrespect", they're gonna be a pretty miserable person. Lighten up, and enjoy life. Don't look for offense; life's to short to waste it like that.

**macwilkin** · 30th January 06, 06:39 PM

Originally Posted by Iolaus

I don't recall where, but I've seen clowns in Indian get-ups.

Look, I don't want to get into a fight over this. I'm just saying that, in my opinion, this isn't something to get upset about; it's a costume, that's all! ...and if he includes some kilt humor in his act, so what? - Maybe it's actually funny.

As I said, it takes a thick skin to wear a kilt. If someone gets upset every time they percieve "disrespect", they're gonna be a pretty miserable person. Lighten up, and enjoy life. Don't look for offense; life's to short to waste it like that.

I never said that I am "offended" by it -- in fact, you'll notice that I state in my original post that I am playing "devil's advocate" -- a term which means that I may not necessarily agree with what is being said, but that POV needs to be represented in the conversation.

Am I proud of my Scottish heritage? You bet. Am I going to get upset about (literalry) a clown in a kilt. Not especially. As I stated earlier, I'm not going to protest Ringling Brothers over it, it's not worth it.

So, please, don't misunderstand me -- I think Ugly Bear raised some very valid points, and regardless of whether you agree with him, He (and others) have a right not to view the situation in the same way that others do.

Respect is a two way street.

Todd

**Iolaus** · 30th January 06, 07:15 PM

Originally Posted by cajunscot

...but that POV needs to be represented in the conversation.

which is why I stuck my two cents in as well.

...Respect is a two way street.

I am trying to present my Laissez-faire philosphy respectfully. I was not ridiculing anyone on purpose, and if it seems like I was, I apologize. ...but like you said, points of view need to be represented; that was mine.

**macwilkin** · 30th January 06, 07:20 PM

Originally Posted by Iolaus

which is why I stuck my two cents in as well.
I am trying to present my Laissez-faire philosphy respectfully. I was not ridiculing anyone on purpose, and if it seems like I was, I apologize. ...but like you said, points of view need to be represented; that was mine.

Understand and respect what you're saying, Iolaus. 10 years of wearing "funny clothes" (kilts and various reenacting & living history uniforms, plus the NPS Ranger uniform) has "thickened my skin", but I also believe (as you do too) in speaking my mind and not "hauling down the colours" when I believe in something.

T.

**Blu (Ontario)** · 30th January 06, 07:40 PM

And such is the nature of Lampoon!

**KiltedCodeWarrior** · 30th January 06, 07:43 PM

Hmmmh, are we being a little to PC here? It's a circus. You go to have fun and enjoy yourself. We went to the Ringling circus here back before the holidays and saw the clown in the kilt. I was also kilted in the audience. I thought nothing about it other than to think it was good to see a kilt being brought into the act. To me it meant that the kilt was well known and mainstream enough to include in the act. Was it disrespect or a slam on the kilt? Not to me. Others may have other opinions, but it seems like we are really going a little overboard on this. If the clown in the kilt bothers you, what about the liquor ads posted here a few weeks ago making fun at the question? Did those also bother people? They were just as non-PC in terms of respecting the Scottish heritage.

**HeathBar** · 30th January 06, 08:31 PM

WOW...This wasn't the response I was expecting when I started this thread.

Originally Posted by KiltedCodeWarrior

I thought nothing about it other than to think it was good to see a kilt being brought into the act. To me it meant that the kilt was well known and mainstream enough to include in the act. Was it disrespect or a slam on the kilt? Not to me.

Thanks KCW, I couldn't have said it better myself. Too bad you didn't get a picture with him.