Negative remark when least expected

[Rigged]

I've confronted people who've made remarks like that. It's always ended on a positive note. The reactions are usually just due to ignorance and people not being very observant.

Once they've see my kilt up close, it doesn't look so much like a woman's skirt to them. And when I explain that it's a kilt, that puts things in context for them. Then I get the usual kilt questions about whether or not I'm Scottish, what I wear under it, and all that.

I once situation, I had a couple of hard-core gangsta types comment on "the guy in the dress" at a gas station. I just walked up to them and after a few minutes of conversation, they'd both taken Utilikilts cards.

Your mileage may vary.

[Frank McGrath]

Whenever I get a rude, crude or just plain simple remark, I just say oooh, I 'll have to remember that one. I'll add it to the list. May I use your name when I quote you?. That usually stops them dead in their tracks. Kilts are a thinking man's wear. Jeans are for the rest .

Frank

[Rusty]

Well I suppose it had to happen one day that some young man in a group would make a negative remark about my kilt, as from what I have read this seems to happen to the rest of you and seems to go with the territory of kilt wearing outside of Scotland. Having been out and about in Galashiels I was just coming up to the Lochcarron factory as I made my way back to my car. There were lots of youths coming the other way, in groups of four or five. As the final group of five were just going out of my line of sight as they passed alongside I heard one remark "Hey mate are you a transvestite?" As the remark was not made to my face it was easier just to walk on and pretend not to have heard or that he was addressing one of his own group, which is what I did but I really wonder what would have happened if I had turned round and explained that the kilt and sporran are more distinctly male garments tham the unisexed jeans which the youngsters were wearing? One wonders what gets into the adolescent mind to make them open their mouths and put their foot in it. Is it jealousy that they can't yet afford their own kilt? Is it envy that an older man can feel secure and confident to stride out in a kilt while teenage peer pressure causes them to wear jeans? Is it a dare between the group to see what they can get away with without being challenged? Anyway I won't let the remarks of one immature youngster put me off kilt wearing.

We've all been there..... Most of us were mouthy twerps at one time trying to impress ourselves, I was no exception. However, what I find strange is that this would happen in Scotland of all places. I grew up in the UK and saw kilts being worn on occasion but it seemed natural so I don't think I, or any of my peers "cocked off " to anyone wearing one. Must be a sign of the times.

[GMan]

Yes we have all been in that situation. However I have noticed that it is said from someone who has to "show off" to his friends, to make himself look bigger and more important to his friends. Unfortunate yes, but just consider the source. Little minds come forth with strange comments.

[Robin]

It's his problem...not yours...all is fine

[Blu (Ontario)]

... As the remark was not made to my face

TYpical of a coward trying to impress his peers at your expense.

... it was easier just to walk on and pretend not to have heard...

The remark wasn't even clever. I would have done the same

... if I had turned round and explained that the kilt and sporran are more distinctly male garments tham the unisexed jeans which the youngsters were wearing?

Kids don't care about explanations... just conforming to the rest of the group.

... One wonders what gets into the adolescent mind to make them open their mouths and put their foot in it.

A lot of insecurity, low self esteem, and raging hormones.

At least you've got the fortitude to show a little cultural pride.!

[Rex_Tremende]

[Once,] I had a couple of hard-core gangsta types comment on "the guy in the dress" at a gas station. I just walked up to them and after a few minutes of conversation, they'd both taken Utilikilts cards.

Good job!

What do you think you said that sold them on the idea?

Regards,
Rex in Cincinnati

[ByDand]

The key word is near the end of your post. . ."IMMATURE" . . .That says it all and you were right not to respond! Great job and here's to ya

[GTRMAN]

Nor I. I've actually done some practice and workouts in the "great kilt," and I've no doubt that it'd actually be easier in a philibeg.

It was rather interesting, working with a jo staff while trying not to tangle up the ends of the staff in the various folds.

Grappling and pugilism aren't much different in a kilt than clothed, though.

All in all, I'd rather depend on my wits than my fists.

I'm a 3rd Dan Blackbelt in Traditional Taekwon-do.. About a month ago I went to the Dojang(wearing a UK Mocker) and decided to wear it while working the heavy bag... I was amazed at how much easier it is to kick in a kilt than in a dobok(uniform).

[millar]

Sir, thank you for your post. You handled the matter with great skill and your analysis was spot on. I recently had a similar situation happen after reading your post, I too chose to ignore it. I am often reminded of a quote by Albert Einstein, "Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds."
Cheers.
Jim