Kilts and costumes

**ccga3359** · 3rd October 07, 04:11 PM

My point is that if you're reating a character such as Mel Gibson's Braveheart or Simpson's Groundskeeper Willy the kilt is a part of that character and helps define it. The kilt is a must and will only be seen as part of that definition and not as the centrepiece. It would be about as insulting to a Scotsman as what is seen weekly on TV or on the big screen. Now an instakilt and Jimmy hat would be insulting and I fully agree with you there.

**Chef** · 3rd October 07, 04:18 PM

Originally Posted by ccga3359

My point is that if you're reating a character such as Mel Gibson's Braveheart or Simpson's Groundskeeper Willy the kilt is a part of that character and helps define it.

I agree that from that stand point I would not be insulted as a Scotsman. I still have a problem with it if you are using the same garment you will wear to work the next day.

I should say I don't have a problem with a Great kilt being worn as a costume as since it is period dress I consider it a costume anyway.

**ccga3359** · 3rd October 07, 04:29 PM

Originally Posted by Chef

I agree that from that stand point I would not be insulted as a Scotsman. I still have a problem with it if you are using the same garment you will wear to work the next day.

I should say I don't have a problem with a Great kilt being worn as a costume as since it is period dress I consider it a costume anyway.

To be honest though, aside from the characters I've mention above and Jake's kilted pirate how would one costumize a kilt? Now, I don't wear a kilt daily but I wouldn't go out at hallowe'en in my kilt night get up, not even if it was a kilt night.

**haukehaien** · 3rd October 07, 05:19 PM

Originally Posted by ccga3359

To be honest though, aside from the characters I've mention above and Jake's kilted pirate how would one costumize a kilt? Now, I don't wear a kilt daily but I wouldn't go out at hallowe'en in my kilt night get up, not even if it was a kilt night.

I think one could "costumize" a kilt by going for a period look, for instance. I know we have several members who do re-enacting, and who (in my opinion) wear the kilt as a costume while re-enacting. (NOTE: I am not saying "costume" in ANY sort of negative sense. I think re-enacting of all types is cool, and have at various times considered it, before realizing that I need another hobby like I need a hole in my head. Or wallet, which is closer to how hobbies work.) That is to say, these members are not in fact members of the Bonnie Prince's army at Culloden, or one of HM's highland regiments during the American Revolutionary War, (or the Zulu wars, or WWII, or anything else.) All of these are to some extent examples of wearing the kilt as a costume, and I for one think they're just fine. If someone who does this wants to wear their period outfit for Halloween, then more power to them. Or if someone (someone who has the physique for it, which rules me out) wants to wear a kilt in the manner of one of those bulging lads on the covers of the trashy romance novels, that could be a good costume. (Especially if he can persuade his lady friend/wife/whatever to dress up as the other half of that tableau.) Or one could try a modern/non-trad kilt with appropriate accessories to appear as one of Heinlein's heroes, or some other sci-fi adventurer. There are lots of ways to wear the kilt as a costume, none of which appear to coincide with wearing the kilt for everyday life. For me, I come down on the side of "wear the kilt how you like, whether as costume or whatever." If wearing the kilt as a costume offends you, then don't do it. If it doesn't, and you feel like it, then go ahead.