Going upstairs while regimental

[jkdesq]

OK, with the opaque glass on the tread, it seems unlikely that anyone would get a glimpse of the "good stuff". But, as with ascending the bleachers at the highland games, I think I would loose my confidence.

[Southern Breeze]

Okay, we're secure enough to be kilted.So whats the big deal about stairs?

[Mattg]

Yeah, that would be troubling I think that like it's been said just act casually and no one will pay attention.

[sorcererdale]

Looks like the glass is opaque anyway, and I think someone standing underneath to get a look is going to look too conspicuous stnading there and wouldn't do it anyway.

DALE.

Those are pretty cool!

[GlassMan]

Let's be honest here, not only would they have to be looking straight up your kilt to see anything if you were regimental, but they'd also have to shining a flashlight up your kilt in the process! My only worry about stairs is if my bad leg is going to give out and cause me to fall down them again!

[Mr. Kilt]

<snip> My only worry about stairs is if my bad leg is going to give out and cause me to fall down them again!

And if THAT happens, being regimental and accidentally flashing people won't be your first concern.

[longshadows]

After reading through this post again (don't ask me why!) and reflecting on my own feelings about a chance exposure, I think there are two broad issues at work.

1) One's own modesty

2) Causing offense to others

Regarding the first, in my case, at 57 there are not a lot of folks (I don't care what their sexual orientation might be) that are particularly interested in my private parts and having spent time in my younger days on nude beaches, I'm not concerned about who sees them! I believe it’s the same for most other kilted guys. If someone wants to see, so what? If they don’t want to see, they won’t.

The second item is more significant and more troubling. Yes, North Americans are a bit more "prudish" than our European cousins, but we've all seen big changes on both sides of The Pond in recent years on how people view any exposure of the male body. There was a time when all men stood side by side at public urinals and men and boys changed in the same locker rooms. It was a man's thing and we thought nothing of it. Today, we have modesty panels between urinals and many places have separate changing rooms for boys and men. Women and some men have become suspicious (here's where the paranoia comes in) of some men--especially older men.

For the wind to catch my kilt and my bum to flash or for someone to chance to look up and catch a glimpse of a bit of "the boys" as I walk down an open stairway should not, in itself be a problem to any healthy minded adult. But, that's not where a lot of people are today! Even an innocent flash can be misconstrued--especially if a child is present. The burden of proof will always be on the "flasher" and, I'm sorry guys, men are usually suspect to begin with--especially men in "skirts." If we're unconventional enough to dress "different", than Lord knows what else we're capable of!

This bring up the added matter of such an event confirming the fact to others that kilted men (often) don't wear undergarments. To some people (even, I dare say, some guys on this forum) such behavior is perverted and "dirty." So, in the eyes of some, anyone who wouldn't wear underwear is potentially a pervert and liable of committing who knows what nasty deeds.

Now, before I throw some of you into a "blue funk" and you run out and buy up all the Jockey briefs you can, let's stop and ask ourselves a question. Why do we wear a kilt and why do we (if we do so) choose to go regimental? We're on the cutting edge and some of our kilt-wearing brothers have been wounded on the battlefield of dress codes. It's a leap of faith for those of us who have chosen to take up the banner of alternative male attire. Like a soldier in combat, we have to be constantly watchful of "the enemy" which could be other people who don't understand or even our own fears and self-doubts. We also need to be sensitive of our comrades in arm, our kilted-brothers. Our attitude, behavior and kilted lifestyle reflect on each other and influence other men who may or may not join our regiment based on our example.

It's a tough job, but someone has to do it!
"Be careful; strive to be happy!"

[cavscout]

I say do your part to be modest...but if they are fortunate to get a glimpse of the under-carriage, they can consider themselves lucky

[kiltiedavid]

I was interested to read this discussion. I believe there used to be a law in Scotland which prohibited men in kilts from going upstairs on a bus, presumably to prevent those below from seeing what should not be seen! I would be OK, since I always wear something under my kilt, although maybe I would be more embarrassed than the viewers since my underwear would be on display.

[cessna152towser]

Haven't come across this one as a law in Scotland but I've read that it was one of the rules on Glasgow Corporation's buses and trams.