In my opinion what we are seeing when the kilt considered as a costume should not be surprising. The kilt is now included as part of the costume closet with the Darth Vadar, Princess Lea, Gandalf and Frodo. Little or no respect is given to what is behind these costumes. Should respect for the heritage behind a piece of clothing be considered? Is this an example of ignorance and lack of respect for the heritage or does it fall within the comtemporary mind set of "who cares?"

We should remember that for a period of time you would get imprisoned and also run the risk of having your head detached if you were caught wearing a kilt. So it should not be a surprise when we hear a Scot or someone with Scottish heritage declare that to wear a kilt as a costume is offensive.

One should notice that there are not very many Native American costumes in costume shops any more. And that is for the same reason the schools and universities are eliminating Native American names as their mascot. RESPECT. Wear a Native American dress to a costume party and you might be unpleasantly surprised at the results. Can the kilt not be included in this line of thinking?

But of course, we should remember that in the US tradition and the respect for tradition is no longer a major consideration (or minor, for that matter). We destroy anything over 20 years old and replace it with steel and glass. We only wear a tux to a wedding if required. We don't dress to go out for an evening of fine dining. So, wearing the kilt as a costume should not come as a shock. It fits the road we travel today.

And sadly, with the internet, this attack on tradition is becoming a world wide development. Traditions are falling all over the world. What we will eventually be left with is mush. And of course there are those who will say "hurray for mush." And that is their right.

I am old enough to remember the B movie "The Blob." We might see this become a reality. As long as the Blob is wearing a kilt, be it a great kilt or some other version, "who cares?" And then, let's call it a dress! After all, "kilt" is such a traditional word. And the rest of us? A loin cloth, BUT each will have a cell phone, pager, and laptop attached somewhere on our being.