This may be interesting

[Phogfan86]

I have just crafted a one-page proposal to my supervisor, asking to exercise my right to wear my kilt to work. I'd like to do it whenever I want to, but let's just get our ghillie brogues in the door. I proposed two days a year: April 6 and November 30.

Some weeks back, I had suggested that I'd like to wear it to a semi-formal work fund raiser -- I work at a nonprofit -- with a jacket, tie, hose, dress shoes, looking sharp. She thought about it and came back the next day. "I'm concerned that it will be a big distraction -- you won't be able to work the event and you'll have to constantly be explaining to people what it is and why you're wearing it." Ummm... okay. Weak sauce, but let it go and live to fight another day. Methinks she's uncomfortable with the idea of a kilt, but other than gut impression, I don't have anything to base that on. But if she is, that's not my problem.

My proposal is framed very specifically in the light that it is a reflection of my pride in my heritage. I write about the contributions Scottish-Americans have made to our country and to the State of Kansas. I said I would wear shorts under it to avoid the slightest possibility of offending someone. I cited our dress code -- which does not prohibit kilts sepcifically or ethnic clothing generally -- very carefully. I did not, however, talk about comfort or fun. I'm treating this as serious business. It's all about ethnicity and culture.

It's in her mailbox. If I'm told no, then by my logic, no one can wear clothing reflective of a country or culture. Of course, if someone did, I wouldn't complain; on the contrary, I'd support them 108% and later ask how come I can't.

If my supervisor tells me no, I am going to go over her head -- which I have never, ever done -- to her boss, our CEO.

We'll see how this goes. It could be a long, strange trip. However, with a significant number of African-American and Hispanic employees here at the agency, I don't think my supervisor, who is an attorney, wants to start down this slippery, potentially-nasty slope.

Wish me luck.

[auld argonian]

I never cease to be amazed at companies that have problems with employees wearing kilts. I've always made the observation that if I were wearing shorts (the cargo or bermuda type, just to clarify...I never wear shorts of that type in public anyway...around the house, maybe...) you'd see more of my alabaster body than you do when I'm wearing a kilt but nobody ever sees it that way.

I suppose that they think that it's going to cause a disturbance or that some employees will be laughing about it. I used to work for a large insurance company that I will not name (but their logo is a representation of a large green statue that occupies a spot in a harbor in New York City...okay?) and we had plenty of bad toupee's going around the office that had more people rolling their eyes and, on windy days, supressing laughter to the point of nearly choking to death. Why not ban toupee's?

Now...a kilt and a toupee...

Best

AA

[Moosedog]

Why not ban toupee's?

Now...a kilt and a toupee...

Best

AA[/QUOTE]

MacDuff here seems to agree...Off With Toupees!

http://giftshop.scottishtartans.org/macduff.jpg

(artwork courtesy of The Scottish Tartans Museum Gift Shop)

Moosedog

PS Phogfan86, good luck on your journey!

[BEEDEE]

Ron (Riverkilt) went through this process about a year ago. You might want to search for his postings or send him a PM.

Brian

[Sheep In Wolf's Clothing]

Good luck with your proposal. I work at a non-profit as well. Our charity has a diversity policy that they are trying to institute province wide. It has helped open dialogue in some offices about culture and how it affects the work place. Luckily I work in a very small office and my co-workers are really nice people.

Oddly enough my boss poked her head in my office the other day and asked "when is kilt season it should be soon!" A co-worker and I last year wore our kilts to work on St. Andrews Day, the Friday before Burns night and Tartan Day. I think she is just looking for the home made Cock-a-Leekie soup I bring to celebrate Burns's Birthday.. but you never know.

Good luck again,
Sara

[bawright]

good luck, I cant see why not. I went to our christmass party last year kilted (red sea rig), sat at the tabel with my boss, and my project manager, the boss tried to convence me to ware the kilt to work....could still happen. safety clothing requiers pants...project raps up may 2009...

[BoldHighlander]

Oddly enough my boss poked her head in my office the other day and asked "when is kilt season it should be soon!"

Did you tell her the kilt *never* goes out of season?

Phogfan86: best of luck. Let us all know how it goes

[Standard]

Good luck with your proposal Phogfan86 I hope it goes well for you. Please keep us posted on your progress. Hopefully it will be taken care of with your immediate boss and you will not have to push it higher up the pecking order. It sounds like you have handled your part with professionalism, lets see how she handles things on her end.

[GMan]

Good Luck

[ozth3dog]

Good luck! I hope you win the battle. I know I will never be able to wear a kilt to work b/c I work in an emergency dept. and somehow I don't think it will ever fly. Hope you can wear one though.