Mall of America...3rd party kilting

[Geoff Withnell]

I find it a little troubling that there are people in the "real" America who haven't heard of Scotland. Nevertheless, it's a big country, and our glittering, gritty cities are as much a part of it as the small towns, exurbs, and rural expanses, just as our mountains are different from the canyons, the shores and deserts, forests and farms, there's something - and some place - for everyone.

Mall of America, Main Street, or Rodeo Drive - I think you'll find nice people everywhere.

Regards,
Rex.

I don't think its that they have never "heard" of Scotland, meaning not knowing of its existance. Just never "heard about" Scotland. American idiom, indicating no real knowledge of what it's like.

Geoff Withnell

[shawhighlander]

I like how the reactions caused you to see beyond the kilt...

I can only imagine how they treat a kid in a wheelchair or someone has a visible difference about them.

The ones who accuse are afraid of being different and in point of fact, make fun of the one who is different
as a way of establishing some sort of credibility of their own.

Good observation, Sir

[macwilkin]

I find it a little troubling that there are people in the "real" America who haven't heard of Scotland. Nevertheless, it's a big country, and our glittering, gritty cities are as much a part of it as the small towns, exurbs, and rural expanses, just as our mountains are different from the canyons, the shores and deserts, forests and farms, there's something - and some place - for everyone.

Mall of America, Main Street, or Rodeo Drive - I think you'll find nice people everywhere.

Regards,
Rex.

One thing to keep in mind, Rex: Iowa's population is mostly German and Scandinavian. I've had to explain the various nuances of Highland attire to my Norwegian cousins during visits. It's not a matter of not having heard of Scotland, it's a matter of not being familiar with Scottish culture and customs. And all of the questions were genuine and sincere. They especially enjoyed my "Norwegian" Freelander Sporran!

Regards,

Todd

[Howard Clark]

On a side note about Des Moines, Iowa. We have a new director for "The Science Center of Iowa". He hails from Scotland, and I thought that was interesting. I have been meaning to take the kids and go sometime during the day, during the work week, to see if a man in a kilt could get to meet him ?

Most folks, most of the time, are decent humans. There are those who gain in their own mind from making fun of someone else different. And it is always sad. Pity them, and keep your head high. And smile a lot, it really helps. My 14 year old enjoys watching other people's reactions to me when I am kilted (the vast majority of the time, unless there is a good reason NOT to be). Malls are great for the sociology experiment, any mall, any where.