Dear Deirdre - Am I too sensitive?

**English Bloke** · 14th October 08, 05:29 PM

Sorry,
I didn't explain meself clearly. I am, despite what I may have implied in the thread title, pretty thick skinned! My intention was to tell my story as progressive stages of Kilt-ist behaviour, as encountered that previous day.

ie.

Level One - Harmless fun

I thought Nice English Bloke's remark was quite funny. It was delivered perfectly and as I said, I didn't take it personally. I laughed, as did he. He was a nice bloke delivering a gentle rib which was received in the spirit it was intended.

Level Two - Narrow Minded

Scottish Lady was just being a bit dour. No problem there either, we all do from time to time. Couldn't really be bothered getting into great debate and she obviously couldn't either.

Level Three - Dangerously Bigotted.

It was the third bloke with the withering look of contempt and momentary indication of the desire to insult me (or worse) that was worrying. It didn't worry me in a physical sense, I'm not intimidated easily and can handle most physical situations. I've been in a few scrapes in life and can generally see it coming and read it before it does. So when this chap found his confrontational look immediately returned, he paused, looked away and chose not to follow up. A good thing for us both no doubt.

It was the fact that he was clearly very disturbed by the sight of a bloke in a kilt, His expression was REAL contempt. I think had I not eyed him back and discouraged him he would have had a go... I'm sure it's his problem not mine but it did put me in a defensive mood which meant I would have potentially, defended myself vigorously during the evening had a similar encounter occured while I was in kilt (Particularly after a few large ones) so following my lovely wife's advice (she knows me well) I chose not to put myself in the situation (or the Kilt) during the evening.

In hindsight it was a decision I regretted and I was therefore disappointed to have missed a Kilt wearing oportunity...

**GDub** · 14th October 08, 06:33 PM

Unfortunately, "Level Threes" have always been out there. But as long as your boots are steel toed I don't see a problem.

When I was a hippy in the late 60s early 70s I got a LOT of Level Three action because of my long hair. No way did I cut my hair because of it. In fact, I grew it longer and longer and...

The vast majority of Level Threes are all bark and no bite, and too stupid to get a joke. Just ignore them and go about your business. But DO NOT stop wearing a kilt because of them. Then they win, and that's NEVER a good thing.

My $.02

**beowulf67** · 15th October 08, 07:02 AM

English Bloke-
Got it. I was just misreading your original post, I imagine.
Like they say America and England-two countries separated by a common language.

(and I say England since he is English Bloke. No offense intended towards Great Britain, United Kingdom, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, Isle of Skye or Blue Light Special on Isle 3)

**highlander_Daz** · 15th October 08, 10:02 AM

On 2 occasions ,1 whilst playing at a Wedding and another occasion whilst playing bagpipes in the street, both occasions in England Ive been challanged as to why an "Englishman" would be wearing the kilt, or playing bagpipes, both times by Scots, on both occasions Ive Explained I am a Scot, my very mild Highland Accent along with the fact that I attended University in England sometimes sounds slightly "English" compared to the "CU Jimmy" stereotypical accent.

Ive often wondered what Gordon Ramsays response to people if they suggested he wasnt a Scot because he speaks with an ""English" accent.
possibly not one we could repeat on a family friendly forum

**English Bloke** · 15th October 08, 11:18 AM

Originally Posted by GDub

... When I was a hippy in the late 60s early 70s I got a LOT of Level Three action because of my long hair. No way did I cut my hair because of it. In fact, I grew it longer and longer and ...

Now there's a funny thing. I used to wear my hair long in the late 70's and early 80's too... And got flak for it from somew as well. You'd think I'd be used to it by now, or maybe I am and just not so patient now.

Ho Hum.

**cessna152towser** · 15th October 08, 12:36 PM

The Level Three guy probably gave you the frosty look because he was jealous of you having such a lovely young wife, rather than because of the kilt!

**Geoff Withnell** · 15th October 08, 06:07 PM

Originally Posted by English Bloke

Now there's a funny thing. I used to wear my hair long in the late 70's and early 80's too... And got flak for it from somew as well. You'd think I'd be used to it by now, or maybe I am and just not so patient now.

Ho Hum.

In the Sixties, I wore a crewcut and a full beard and got level 3 looks from BOTH sides!

Geoff Withnell