Quote Originally Posted by Cowher View Post
Huh.. Your a more polite man than I. If they were offended by me a kilt wearer or you a priest I would question why I was there. Oh well! I must choose my battles.
No need to apologize, my friend. I've spent a long time in a very politically sensitive position as a school principal and learned that if I want something from folks later (like cooperation) then I avoid anything that might be a problem for any of them or their friends. I take your point well, and your wisdom in your very last line is exactly the same thing that I'm saying.

To me in the case of the kilt it's a matter of being its ambassador by introducing it as often as possible in circumstances where it will be received as something wonderful, leaving a positive taste in the mouth of those present, and, if there is any possibility of a problem, then not doing so.

I don't imagine for a moment that as you have suggested I am any more polite than you, but perhaps more willing to apply a standard of "If it might be a problem, then don't do it - only play when you're likely to win." We rarely win by forcing ourselves on those who are not ready to be receptive at the moment.

In cases like this, a wonderful principal-mentor taught me to "Let the community do it for you" so if I can please several people by wearing the kilt in happy circumstances, then when someone makes a negative or even slightly concerned comment in my abdsence, then those non-kilted members of the community will tell them how nice it was when I wore it, and that will be more effective than my kilted presence.

Myenhh! Political experience, I guess. I may even be right!