NOT kilted at work -- your thoughts, please?

[DarthClown]

I never asked, I just started wearing my kilt to work. As I am fond of saying, "It's better to ask forgiveness than to beg permission" I had one person in my upper management question whether that was appropriate and I told her that wearing the kilt was part of my ancestral heritage. I believe she was so worried about a discrimination lawsuit that the issue was never raised again and I have had nothing but positive comments from anyone else.

[Highland Logan]

As I am fond of saying, "It's better to ask forgiveness than to beg permission".

Which can go 50/50, as the boss has the distenction of not needing to forgiving you. By not asking it can look like a lack of respect for those in charge, which can be viewed as a challange... which could have you put out the door. Like many here have said, it's best to do as you are told on company time, as they are the ones paying you... wear what you will on your own time.

Not to take this off topic too much, but in the same vain. There are many on the board who wear the kilt for non family related reasons, and feel that they should feel free to wear what they like, when and where they like; work or not. Now not to single out anyone here, and this is just an honest question, nothing more... but to the Americans here.. how whould you feel if a co-worker with no family or religious conection started to wear Saudi types of dress to work, how do you feel your co-workers would feel? Do you think an answer of "I like the freedom of it" would stop the boss from sending them home to change.. do you think your co-workers would not think them strange?

If the Mods think my last bit is too much, feel free to remove it. But I was just trying to put this in a different light so that people can see the other (boss, co-workers) side of this.

Frank

[Marshal Moroni]

Several thoughts....
1) I agree with the on their time their rules theory, after all they are paying you for representing them.

2) It is sometimes easier (not necessarily better) to get forgiveness over permission.... however since you've already asked you could be in direct opposition to a directive. This is shaky ground to be standing on.

3) Is this the hill you want to die on? Often I ask myself this when I come up against things I want more than those around me. So, sometimes even on my own time I wear trousers to accommodate those around me. People are more important than clothing (yes, even kilts).

Cheers,

Marshal Moroni

[Chas]

Which can go 50/50, as the boss has the distenction of not needing to forgiving you. By not asking it can look like a lack of respect for those in charge, which can be viewed as a challange... which could have you put out the door. Like many here have said, it's best to do as you are told on company time, as they are the ones paying you... wear what you will on your own time.

Not to take this off topic too much, but in the same vain. There are many on the board who wear the kilt for non family related reasons, and feel that they should feel free to wear what they like, when and where they like; work or not. Now not to single out anyone here, and this is just an honest question, nothing more... but to the Americans here.. how whould you feel if a co-worker with no family or religious conection started to wear Saudi types of dress to work, how do you feel your co-workers would feel? Do you think an answer of "I like the freedom of it" would stop the boss from sending them home to change.. do you think your co-workers would not think them strange?

If the Mods think my last bit is too much, feel free to remove it. But I was just trying to put this in a different light so that people can see the other (boss, co-workers) side of this.

Frank

I've got to agree. Everybody's vision falls short of 20/20; we are all tainted by our life experiences and see things as we want to.

If one can strip the personal prejudice out, quite often they will slap you with 'Health and Safety' from which there is no appeal.

Regards

Chas

[ChubRock]

I have to say I am surprised at most of the responses. Of course they know better than I (a newbie) the reactions, both positive and negative, that kilted man gets. I would think a non-profit would be more liberal minded and therefore more accepting. Maybe if you say you are a cross-dresser they would have to accept it or be sued for discrimination.

I just showed up in a kilt at my school and thought nothing of it. The principal said, "Wow, you have more balls than me." Of course he's Scandinavian . Two weeks later another principal (from the middle school, Jr. high for West Coasters,) was in our building while I was kilted. He said that he has to 'deal' with a kilted teacher in his building. He said he is fine with it if you are representing your culture, but if you are purposely causing a distraction or attention to yourself it is a 'go home and change it' moment. But get this, that principal is Scottish.

Do what you need to keep your job and benefits. Kilt on!