I got a major negative comment today

[JolyStNicholas]

Kilt on me friend, regardless of others or their causes!

[ForresterModern]

Unfortunately the passion of youth runs hand in hand with the black and white nature of their beliefs and a distinct lack in wisdom and experience, yet a strong desire to voice their opinion on what little they have actually been educated on. You ran headlong into that whirlwind it appears.

You are just wearing a kilt for your own expression of whatever it is you want to express, out with some other kilted friends who have something similar they want to express---she should not want to get a piggy back ride off of that for her own agenda. Cut her from your invite list and let her know why ("Geez, sister, you are really putting a wet blanket on the fun when you say things like that" usually works) and suggest that she find her own forum or gathering of spirits kindred to her ideas and not to yours to express her feeling and agenda in.

[RockyR]

I used to be involved in a 'very left leaning' organization (pm me if you really need to know) while in college and a few years after.

The problem with people who have 'a cause' someone FEVERISHLY believes in is that EVERYTHING is becomes 'for the cause', whether it's race, religion, sexuality, politics, etc. It consumes them to the point that they push likeminded people away if they don't believe ENOUGH (which to them is all consuming) in the cause, essentially alienating themselves from everyone around them.

I had similar experiences and ended up cutting ties b/c there was too much drama and too many opinions and I realized that I would never care 'as much' as others and couldn't deal with the members who were fully consumed. I'm not advocating you cutting ties with the rabble, just putting it out there that I understand.


BTW... telling her that she should find another soap box to preach from and find a different venue for her agenda is perfect. I think you explained it perfectly... your Kilted Pub gatherings are for FUN, not to promote a political worldview or for anything other than kinship and fun. If she wants a political group of kiltwearers, start that group in another pub!

[Detroitpete]

I'm actually an activist. I do the whole schmeer: go to D.C., argue with policy makers, advocate for policy changes and fight the 'good fight'. I will freely admit that there are some so wrapped up in even the IDEA of a cause that they suck the life and fun out of everything. Please, do NOT equate those 'everything is a cause and everything for the cause' kind of folks with the rest of us who are just trying in some small way to address difficult issues.

She sounds like as much fun as a broken wheel.

Kilt on Brother! And even I know--there's NO place for politics and public policy engagement at a local watering hole surrounded by friends.

She needs to lighten up and learn that enjoying life is a political statement too

[McFarkus]

She is obviously so wrapped up in her agenda that she can't see what's happening around her. If she were my acquaintance, I'd avoid her like the plague.

[auld argonian]

I was quite an activist when I was younger, too. Somehow I'm not surprised to see so many kilties "coming out" as people who walk the walk when it comes to standing up for causes they believe in.

I pick my battles very carefully these days since I was also one of those young ones who let their idealism blind them to large parts of reality that can't be ignored when the good of all is to be considered.

Be comforted in the knowledge that your friend (ex-friend?) will someday have to deal with things like mortgages, car payments and children...these are some of the things that can really moderate one's passion when it comes to their agendas.

I've always thought that the expression, "Youth will have its beer" applied to passionate beliefs as well as actual bevvies.

Though I'd rather have the bevvies....


Best

AA

[NewGuise]

...I didn't want her to use the Vancouver Kilts night for her own agenda. ...

She said that I am not doing anything to fight 'for all ethnicity to have the right to wear a kilt.'

Ah, but you are, by being kilted and by attending Kilt Night.

That activity, unlike her ranting and attempting to interfere with an event of which she clearly approves, is ethical activism; you are helping to create the world you want to live in, and making a space for others to do so, without dictating how anyone else ought to live and act. Bravo.

[cessna152towser]

Raphael, I have met you while you were wearing your Utilikilt and you look absolutely great in it. Wear it with dignity and pride. You have absolutely as much right to wear a kilt as anyone has to wear jeans or whatever they may choose.

[wildrover]

Unfortunately the passion of youth runs hand in hand with the black and white nature of their beliefs and a distinct lack in wisdom and experience, yet a strong desire to voice their opinion on what little they have actually been educated on.

That, sir, is the best description of youthful activism I've ever read!

you are helping to create the world you want to live in, and making a space for others to do so, without dictating how anyone else ought to live and act. Bravo.

I'll raise a glass to that!

My suggestion...tell her to go join Greenpeace, then kilt up and have a drink with your buddies .

-Sean

[Raphael]

Raph what date have you decided on (and venue) for December? Maybe we can invite her and have a serrious discusion about the birds n' bees of Canadian multi-culturalism.

She knows that kilts night is this Thursday, but i doubt that she would be there even she expressed interest in coming. It is because she is going to the Vancouver City Hall on a mission to save the tree planting budget with the Vancouver Green Party.