Latest Results...

[IsaacM]

Sorry for taking so long to get back, but as promised, I will share the results of my most recent attempt to get the kilt approved for Prom.

After giving him a several-times-rewritten letter, sweet and to the point, I popped in to my Principals office during lunch break a few days later. I felt mentally prepared for whatever was to come. I sat down, and listened to him as my heart hit my gut.

Basically, from what I could discern from him; although he respects the kilt, it has no place in our school's prom, or in our school at all. Yes, kilts are fancy and good for formal occasions, but it's not fit for an event like Prom. If I want to express myself by wearing a kilt, do it somewhere other than our school. If he (the principal) were to allow somebody to wear a kilt because it's special to them and ties to their Scottish heritage, then he would also have to allow someone to wear a loin cloth to prom because it's special to them and it ties to their Native american heritage.

Although I despise his decision and don't like his reasoning, I can't really put much against him anymore. It's hard to explain the situation without knowing the principal and the location I live around. Basically, what I'm asking him to do is to make an exception to the school dress code, which he will never do. (What does that leave? Changing the school dress code I guess... )

Although you never know with out principal, it's hard to tell whether his answer was an "absolutely not" or a "No, I'm not convinced". I hate to make such a big deal over this, it doesn't seem like a big dilemma from my point of view.

Who knows, I will hope for the best and look out for an opportunity, but the chances are looking very slim.

Thanks for your support guys.

[Bigkahuna]

Change after the Prom.

[xman]

If he (the principal) were to allow somebody to wear a kilt because it's special to them and ties to their Scottish heritage, then he would also have to allow someone to wear a loin cloth to prom because it's special to them and it ties to their Native american heritage.

That's BS. It's a logical fallacy called the Slippery Slope. He can make the call, he has just decided to disallow you the opportunity to wear a kilt is all. Aloin cloth is not formal wear by any standard.

When I graduated highschool there was a young honour student who had turned punk and dressed as such every day for the last two years of school. On awards day she showed up dressed in her usual punk finery and was told by the principal to go home and change out of the ratty jeans she had on. So she went home and came back in a punky skirt. At that point it was too late and she was to receive three awards so there was nothing that could be done.

I suggest you consider contacting the media, PTA, local Scottish society and whomever else you think might have an interest in this and push for your your rights. You may still lose this round, but you may also win and even if you lose you will create an embarrassment for the narrow minded principal and perhaps make things easier for the next lad who wants to dress up well in a kilt.

Sincerely and with all my support whatever you decide to do,

X

PS. This is proof that the old adage, 'It is better to beg forgiveness than ask permission' has some weight to it.

[Strider]

You could explain to him that a there is a difference between wearing a kilt and wearing a loin cloth.

Yes I know every school and principle is different. However he should look at logic. As xman said a loin cloth is not formal wear however a kilt is formal attire. Or you could pull the type of move that I would do and wear it anyway and if someone tries to tell you that you have to change make a sene about it but in a respectful manner. I wouldn't suggest this unless you wish to get suspended. Making a fool of the principal is a good way to get suspended two.

I would go with the first idea of using logic or going to the media as xman suggested.

[NewGuise]

I don’t know whether or not your principal might be the sort who cancels prom rather than letting one ‘deviant’ in – it certainly happens, even now – but, if not (and likely regardless), XMan is right. The principal has made a false analogy, and a false argument. He should be called on that. It’s pretty simple, in that respect. So, if there is any local Scottish organization, talk to them. If not, got to the press. Be nice, gentle, and persuasive. Tell them what he told you, and explain your position. Note that – while you respect him and his position on this – you cannot understand how you might offend anyone. You want to be well-dressed for prom, and this, for you as for countless others of Scottish heritage (not to mention folks such as myself, a non-Scottish professor of medieval and early modern literature and culture), means going kilted. Of course you don’t want to be pushy, or negative, or hurt anyone’s feelings, but there is this large international group of kilt aficionados pressuring you to stand up and be kilted, and you just don’t know what to do ...

[Nighthawk]

I'm with everyone else here. If you were my son, I would chaparone the prom with a camera. If I saw anyone wearing anything ethnic, I would take lots of pictures. I would get his response to your request in writing, take the photos from prom, and then I would personally go to the media, and press discrimination charges, because that's exactly what it would be. We all know perfectly well that anyone of African or Latin American heritage would be allowed to wear their ethnic clothing, and don't pretend for a minute that they would ask. They know perfectly well that we shouldn't have to! They've been fighting for and winning their right to keep their culture for 100 years or more, as have Native Americans. And that's how it should be! Those of us of European ancestry, for some reason, feel we need to ask, and we set ourselves up for the same discrimination that other ethnic groups are finally starting to break down. Get your answer in writing and take lots of pics of the FUBU gear...

[auld argonian]

Here we go again....better check with the local hotels and motels to see if they have enough room for all of the kilties who are going to show up in your town to give you their support.

It was, I believe, H. L. Mencken who said, "There is no point in arguing with a person whose paycheck depends on not being convinced."

And that's what you're dealing with. I don't know how or why these administrators get the idea that the kilt is not appropriate but...

I would suggest that a parent might sit down with the guy and calmly explain the situation (if one of your parents is an attorney, that'd be swell) and if the principal continues to use the "slippery slope" argument, the parent should just tell him to cut the excuses and explain what his real reason is. They might be able to come to an agreement but don't count on it.

As has been mentioned earlier, you can cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war...I'm sure that you'll get some sympathy from any local Scottish Society and Lord knows that someone in the press will know a story when he or she sees it. (Bear in mind, though, that the press doesn't actually care if you are wrong or right here...all they care about is whether the story will be provocative and get people to read their newspaper or watch their TV news show.) Some time back we had a similar situation on the forum and, again, if I remember correctly, Xmarks and its allies managed to completely jam the principal in question's email box up for days....but when that happens, they just wait for the ruckus to die down, dump the system and figure that if it was important they'll send another email later.

You really don't know me at all but I will tell you that I am the absolute last person to tell anyone that they shouldn't "tilt at windmills". I would personally love to hear that you were able to get the fella to reverse himself and that you went to your prom lookin' like a million bucks in Scottish money. I do think, though, that while there is great value in learning to stick up for yourself, there is equal value in learning how to deal with things when they don't go your way. Certainly, you have to decide just how far you want to take things but should you not prevail, please be prepared to be graceful in defeat. If it don't go your way, take pride in the fact that you have made a good case and did your best. The concept of honor gets batted about here frequently and sometimes honor demands that you take the hit, suck it up and move on.

That having been said...not sure what your tartan is but if you're stuck wearing a tux, fer sure get the tartan bowtie and cumberbund. That would be a wee, small dig at the Powers That Be.

You will have many opportunities to wear the kilt in the future...high school's over so just take joy in that and don't let the bastards get you down.

Best

AA

ps: I also hope that this'll prompt you to observe both the Anniversary of the Proscription of Highland Dress (August 1, 1746) and the Repeal of the Proscription of Highland Dress Act (July 1, 1782). Wear your kilt in defiance on August 1 and wear your kilt in celebration on July 1.

[Kiltman]

By the way he has given as a reason a fallacy. It called the 'slippery slope' fallacy.I would have thought better of someone who educates.

[Nighthawk]

By the way he has given as a reason a fallacy. It called the 'slippery slope' fallacy.I would have thought better of someone who educates.

My parents are teachers. Never underestimate the ignorance of admin.

[dutchy kilted]

Keep pressing! You can point out to him that at one time a tuxedo was not considered "formal" but a young man at the Tuxedo Park Country Club in October 1886 modified the traditional (at that time) long tails for men into what we now think of as "standard" formal wear.

You are asking to wear formal wear that is much older and is considered formal wear by the British Monarchy. Is he saying that the prom is not a formal event? It sounds like he is pushing his own bias as school policy. Unfortunately, in a small school district that is often allowed. At least make him but his "reasoning" into writing, since you already did so.

I do like the idea of wearing a tartan cumberbund and tie as a compromise - I'm sure there are many clans that would be glad to accept you as one of their own if you don't already belong to one.