2 Odd questions

**Shanntarra** · 30th April 09, 08:01 AM

My rogue wants me to ask two intresting questions to all of you about kilt etiquette.

1) What is the proper way to wear a kilt on a motor cycle? It has been done and seen done but we are not sure how it is done.

2) How uncooth would it be to wear a pink kilt for the Susan B Kolman Walk? I can get my hands on light pink/magenta denim or twill easily (not many people want it) . If his current X kilt works out he wants to wear one for the walk but not sure if it would be uncooth.

-Aside: I'm also trying to get him to wear it highland weekend as part of his 'pink pirate/ flamingo' ren faire costume. And yes there is a story be hind that. And it is a manly one.

**jrmiller** · 30th April 09, 08:11 AM

Show him this which I quote from wikipedia.com:

"In Western culture, the practice of assigning pink to an individual gender began in the 1920s.[5] From then until the 1940s, pink was considered appropriate for boys because being related to red it was the more masculine and decided color, while blue was considered appropriate for girls because it was the more delicate and dainty color, or related to the Virgin Mary.[6][7][8] Since the 1940s, the societal norm apparently inverted so that pink became appropriate for girls and blue appropriate for boys, a practice that has continued into the 21st century.[9]"

If you would like to read more, go here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pink

As you can see, Pink is a manly color, just like kilts (subset of skirts) are also manly. It's only lately everything has been turned upside down.

**Shanntarra** · 30th April 09, 08:16 AM

He wore his wool kilt for the walk last year, and got alot of attention. I'm just curious would it seem inulting to the kilted community if he did it? Would it insult the cancer survivors if he did it? Personaly it take a real man to wear a kilt, and even stronger personality and self confidence to pull of a pink one at that.

**irishrob** · 30th April 09, 08:21 AM

For pink search on Penache and "pink kilt"...as for kilts on motorcycles the search feature is also your friend...however, I believe that the concensus is that the kilt is not proper PPE for bike riding, I know the "trunk" on my Goldwing is perfect for carrying a kilt for non-riding time.

Rob

**Barry** · 30th April 09, 08:28 AM

Originally Posted by Shanntarra

He wore his wool kilt for the walk last year, and got alot of attention. I'm just curious would it seem inulting to the kilted community if he did it? Would it insult the cancer survivors if he did it? Personaly it take a real man to wear a kilt, and even stronger personality and self confidence to pull of a pink one at that.

IMHO we spend too much time worrying about insulting various people these days. Some people will take offence at anything; others are more laid back. If your intentions are honorable then go ahead.

The cancer survivors that I know and have known are just so jolly pleased to be alive, and anyone batting on their side is welcomed.

For myself I would love to see a chap in a pink kilt. Get yer man to go for it and let's see some snaps of the outing

Welcome to X Marks BTW

**thescot** · 30th April 09, 08:28 AM

Originally Posted by jrmiller

. . .As you can see, Pink is a manly color, just like kilts (subset of skirts) are also manly. It's only lately everything has been turned upside down.

Well, if you say so. I'm not sure I agree with your reasoning because this ain't the 1920s. Fashions change. But then, for a walk it might be OK. My only concern is that it might tend to reinforce the kilts-are-skirts arguments of some of the less well informed element.

But then we could also make a case for the fact that men used to wear make up, silk hose, high heels, and have their hair piled high by beauticians. But I dont' know that it would be considered manly these days. (Check out the classic painting of the Sun King by Hyacinthe Rigard at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lo..._of_France.jpg. That rig would get you beat up in my neighborhood!) Just because it used to be done doesn't make it OK these days.

Of course, in the end, it's just clothing. So do whatever you want.

**csbdr** · 30th April 09, 08:31 AM

I ride and would never consider it. I can't even IMAGINE the carnage of a get-off in a kilt. Don't do it. I bring it along on the bike, to wear after the ride. BTW, black Utilikilt workman got lots of great comments at the last rally I went to.

Pink? I'd say do it, but alot of work for what would likely be an event-specific kilt. Personally, I'd wear one of my normal kilts and a t-shirt which supports the cause, but that's just me.

**sydnie7** · 30th April 09, 08:51 AM

I think a pink camo kilt would be fabulous -- search "pink death" for some samples on this board, worn by men (well, one man at least) and women. IIRC there are pics of way2fractious doing a kilted run in his.

**ali8780** · 30th April 09, 08:52 AM

Originally Posted by jrmiller

Show him this which I quote from wikipedia.com:

"In Western culture, the practice of assigning pink to an individual gender began in the 1920s.[5] From then until the 1940s, pink was considered appropriate for boys because being related to red it was the more masculine and decided color, while blue was considered appropriate for girls because it was the more delicate and dainty color, or related to the Virgin Mary.[6][7][8] Since the 1940s, the societal norm apparently inverted so that pink became appropriate for girls and blue appropriate for boys, a practice that has continued into the 21st century.[9]"

If you would like to read more, go here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pink

As you can see, Pink is a manly color, just like kilts (subset of skirts) are also manly. It's only lately everything has been turned upside down.

Crazy 20th century.

**CDNSushi** · 30th April 09, 09:00 AM

1. Riding kilted can be and has been done but getting advice on the best way how to do it? Ha! Good luck! Each and every time the question of "How do you ride kilted?" has come up on this forum, everyone comes rushing in and yelling: "Don't!!!!" which really isn't much of an answer, IMHO, as whether to do so or not is NOT the question at hand... Whether I choose to hurt, maim, skin, irritate or even kill myself on a motorcycle while kilted is my own business and I don't need a chorus of people to tell me how much better it is to not do it in the first place and change into a kilt once you arrive at your destination... That's an un-answer. I too would like a decent answer as to HOW to best ride a motorcycle while kilted, and NOT whether it is prudent to do so..

As for myself, I ride a (Vespa-style) scooter kilted on a frequent basis. The only tip I have for that is: TUCK your pleats under yerself, and tuck them WELL, otherwise you'll be wearing your kilt above yer head!

2. Never heard of Susan B. Kolman nor have I anything of substance to contribute to your second question... But it seems like others have already undertaken it so I won't have to ... ;-)