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!"