Contemporary vs Traditional

[macwilkin]

In my case, I spend most of my "outside" time on a University campus as a student; I think that, in that context, contemporary and MUGs are going to get a better reception than a traditional.

Not necessarily; For a number of years I have presented a talk on the customs of the Burns Supper to our college's Food of the World class, and the students always had nothing but compliments towards my Highland attire.

Even when I have had students make comments regarding my kilt when I've worn it on campus, a quick mention of the kilt as a symbol of Scottish heritage quickly changes their tone.

Todd

[Iolaus]

[...] Even when I have had students make comments regarding my kilt when I've worn it on campus, a quick mention of the kilt as a symbol of Scottish heritage quickly changes their tone.

That's kinda' my point; you're saying that you occasionally find the need to validate it for some people by attaching extra meaning to it.

Calling something an "interpretation" makes it modern, and therefore a little more "valid" in some peoples minds for everyday wear. A MUG needs no other validation other than to be what it is, and the wearer needs nothing more than the cojones to wear it; in the minds of 20-somethings, that goes a long way.

I try to alternate between UKs and traditionals, thereby largely negating the heritage aspect. I want the people around me to see it as a fashion decision, and not a symbol.

[macwilkin]

That's kinda' my point; you're saying that you occasionally find the need to validate it for some people by attaching extra meaning to it.

Calling something an "interpretation" makes it modern, and therefore a little more "valid" in some peoples minds for everyday wear. A MUG needs no other validation other than to be what it is, and the wearer needs nothing more than the cojones to wear it; in the minds of 20-somethings, that goes a long way.

I try to alternate between UKs and traditionals, thereby largely negating the heritage aspect. I want the people around me to see it as a fashion decision, and not a symbol.

I'm not sure how to take this comment, but I find it a bit patronizing and condescending.

You may not see the value of the kilt as a symbol of heritage, but for others like myself, it it just that. It symbolizes the pride I feel in my family's history and the additions I will make, God willing, to that long and proud line of Scottish immigrants that came to this country and contributed their blood, sweat and tears.

I see nothing wrong with the symbolism of kilts & tartans. I respect your right to wear your kilt for whatever reason you wish, but please respect my choice to wear mine not as simply a fashion statement, but as a symbol of my heritage.

Todd

[Panache]

I'm not sure how to take this comment, but I find it a bit patronizing and condescending.

Todd,

I read Jeff's comments to be about how he feels about his kilts and why he wears them

He isn't knocking people that wear kilts for heritage reasons

But he he is also saying that for just for the style and comfort for him that they are in of themselves a valid choice of attire.

Just because someone says "I wear a kilt for fashion and/or comfort" does not imply a knock against those that wear the kilt because of heritage reasons.

Cheers

Jamie :ootd:

[Iolaus]

I'm not sure how to take this comment, but I find it a bit patronizing and condescending.

You may not see the value of the kilt as a symbol of heritage, but for others like myself, it it just that. It symbolizes the pride I feel in my family's history and the additions I will make, God willing, to that long and proud line of Scottish immigrants that came to this country and contributed their blood, sweat and tears.

I see nothing wrong with the symbolism of kilts & tartans. I respect your right to wear your kilt for whatever reason you wish, but please respect my choice to wear mine not as simply a fashion statement, but as a symbol of my heritage.

Todd

I don't really want to go there Todd; there's no point in rehashing old arguments between us.

The original premise of this thread was...

What do you think would make a better first kilt: a traditional kilt or a contemporary kilt?

...a question that implies cultural tradition was not the major consideration for the OP, and that the primary use was not likely to be in a cultural setting. In that context, my input is based on an evaluation of how how the general public would react, and how a noob would deal with the reaction. The decision of what to get really depends on where and how the kilt is to be worn.

[Kiltman]

I voted for contemporary. They generally cost less and some of them like the ones from Freedom Kilts are of very high quality. I wear both and like both. For formal occasions it's always a traditional kilt, but other time it's contemporary.

[Rawlinson]

[...]there's no point in rehashing old arguments between us.

Just out of curiosity (without rekindling the conflict), what exactly was the subject of these arguments?

[Panache]

Just out of curiosity (without rekindling the conflict), what exactly was the subject of these arguments?

Rawlinson,

Iolaus has declined to get into an argument

Is that not a worthy choice?

It would seem best to stick to addressing the question of the original poster

Respectfully

Jamie