A Foot In the Door?

**Frank** · 1st April 06, 07:21 AM

I hate to be the one with the negative comments, but I'm a little saddened by Reggie's tale. It's 2006 and even though he's living in 'the land of the free' it's puzzling that such a contrite and humble approach was felt appropriate or perhaps necessary by Reggie - and that "I started out apologizing if I had offended anyone by wearing my kilt on St Patricks Day" was viewed as an opening gambit. I'm in no way making criticism of Reggie - he sounds like a thouroughly decent and considerate person (and a fine kilt ambassador) - and if his behaviour in this matter is reflective of his general demeanour then his management should consider themselves damned lucky to have him.

However, unless coprorate or safety wear is a condition of employment, it's really no-ones business what is worn around the legs so long as it's smart and doesn't frighten the horses. I wonder if the women in Reggies place of work feel the need to ask permission in advance of wearing a skirt on the basis that the long range weather forcast is good for three weeks on Tuesday and please is it ok thank you very much.

From what Reggie says here, the decision on wether or not and when is down to the whim of a supervisor. I'd love to know what this individual imagines qualifies him to decree what another grown man may or not wear to work. As to the idea of an 'approved' rota of appropriate kilt wearing days, I wonder how many US employers would be happy to take on the ladies with a similar peice of intrusion into the privacy of their clothes wearing motives. I think the womens movement would have a stance on such a practice.

Sorry to rant on, but the idea of the need for such corporate approval is anachronistic and unbalanced. I'm not sure I'd be as gentlemanly as Reggie (I'm a self employed musician) in a similar situation.

It seems that in the U.S. some are more free than others.

**RockyR** · 1st April 06, 10:35 AM

Originally Posted by Frank

Sorry to rant on, but the idea of the need for such corporate approval is anachronistic and unbalanced. I'm not sure I'd be as gentlemanly as Reggie (I'm a self employed musician) in a similar situation.

It seems that in the U.S. some are more free than others.

While I agree, I completely understand why he approached it the way he did. Is the "freedom of wearing a kilt" worth your job?

Think about that question SERIOUSLY for a minute. If you have a house and a wife and kids and need to bring in $$$, is it worth risking it to wear a piece of clothing that you SHOULD be able to wear on principle?

For some of us, Yes, the principle IS worth risking your job. For others with greater responsibilities, I understand why it's not. LUCKILY, I'm self employed as well and kiltwearing is ENCOURAGED!