Wearing your kilt to other cultural events

[James MacMillan]

I am from the old school. I have a problem with the entire term "disrespectful."

To my mind, with my background, and my education, I can not understand Respect in a negative direction. To me, you either respect someone, or you don't. Not having respect for someone is not the same as the current usage of "Disrespect" is being used.

Secondly, one must earn respect. Respect is not a given! Respect is not free to all. An individual gains respect by the way he/she acts. If a person acts badly, they do not have my respect.

Having said the above, in my life, I attempt to treat all people I meet respectfully. I expect the same in return. Would you consider showing up to an event dressed in a sporty kilt with flip-flops and a dirty t-shirt? -Or would you show up, dressed correctly for the event? Choosing your kilt to match the level of dress of the other attendees. Are they in shorts, and flip-flops? -then a sporty kilt is OK. Do they have the evening attire of their culture? - then wear the proper kilt and the PC.

If I am in their country, I try to understand their language; I try to understand their culture. If a stranger enters my group, I try to give the benifit of the doubt. If he/she is ignorant of my customs, I try to educate them.

If you feel uncomfortable wearing your kilt in all situations, maybe you need to look within yourself, and ask the question: "Why do I wear the kilt?"