Freedom in Tradition

[tripleblessed]

I liked Erskine's statement the first time I read it. I still like it. I hear a gentleman saying that while he might have his own ideas of what constitutes good taste, he has no willingness to decide for others choices he feels they must make for themselves. He was well aware that highland dress did not arise out of whole cloth in Victorian or even Georgian times, but evolved into what was current then (and on into what we know now). He was also aware that Scots were a pretty diverse and entertaining lot, and their wardrobes were the proof. If they had to appear at court, requirements must be met, likewise with serving military Outside that, Devil take those rude enough to comment. I tend to be pretty casual in my attire, unless the occasion calls for more. When it does, I tend to choose pretty conservatively. I don't have a problem taking center stage, but I don't have any need to do so. If someone else wants to, I pray for good choices, but I'm willing to give them room to crash and burn, hoping next time they'll think first. It appears that some agree with my position, and the words of Erskine, that Highland dress is free, others feel instead that the rules ARE hard hard and fast, and that those who disagree should remove themselves from view. If I have misstated anyone's position, it was in error, not malice, as all I have to go on are the poster's own words.