The Tartan Police!

[Scotus]

Do you see, Dreadbelly, what the difference is between the people in this forum? There are some of us who don't wish to rebel or to make a statement about why men shouldn't have to wear pants. To some of us, the kilt is simply a way of honoring our Scottish/Highland ancestry. It has nothing whatsoever to do with shocking the public, being "free," or anything other than being Scottish. The fact that you wish to shock, and that wearing a skirt-like garment is your way of doing just that, illustrates that vast gulf that exists between a lot of people on this forum.

[Dreadbelly]

Humans, as a group, are herd beasts. Anything that differs from the herd is suppressed as much as possible. It isn't laws or regulations that do it, it's the people themselves, the neighbors, those we work with, everyone around us. The pressure to conform can be pretty severe at times and those of us that can withstand that pressure and be different, be ourselves, frighten the rest.

And, to expand on your thoughts Bubba... Kilt wearers are another herd. Of sorts. A smaller herd, but a herd non the less, with it's own social structure and conformist statutes, er, traditions. And when somebody in the kilt wearing herd stands out from fellow kilt wearers, stuff happens. Just look at the X-Marks crowd... OMG don't wear this or that with your kilt!!! NOES!

Hmm this has me thinking. Suddenly a lot of thoughts are tumbling in the nearly empty space between my ears.

X-Marks exists because us anti conformist types seek other anti conformist types to conform with.

Bah! I just logicked my way into a corner I can't get out of damnit!

[Scotus]

X Marks exists for non-conformists?! I thought it was for people who wore and appreciated the kilt.

[Dreadbelly]

Do you see, Dreadbelly, what the difference is between the people in this forum? There are some of us who don't wish to rebel or to make a statement about why men shouldn't have to wear pants. To some of us, the kilt is simply a way of honoring our Scottish/Highland ancestry. It has nothing whatsoever to do with shocking the public, being "free," or anything other than being Scottish. The fact that you wish to shock, and that wearing a skirt-like garment is your way of doing just that, illustrates that vast gulf that exists between a lot of people on this forum.

And do you presume to know my intents and motives? How do you know for sure that I don't wear a kilt to honour my own Scots roots? To celebrate culture? Can an act have more than one purpose? Or how about the fact that I live in the HOT HUMID SOUTH and I got tired of having hot swampy nuts that caused me all kinds of health problems?

I almost feel insulted by your words, but I am sure you didn't mean them in that manner. So I'll hold my tongue and be nice for now.

Be more careful in the future please.

[Dreadbelly]

X Marks exists for non-conformists?! I thought it was for people who wore and appreciated the kilt.

Incase you missed the obvious somehow, a lot of non comformist types do tend to hang out here.

**Still holding tongue**

[Scotus]

"I wear the kilt every day to make a statement." "It's time to terrorise the public with my anti conformist ways."

Ah... those are your words... not mine.

[Scotus]

Dreadbelly, I'm not here to pick a fight. I merely want to point out something that seems to be ignored on this forum; that is, people who have a more traditional outlook. We are always being told that we must be tolerant of more modern versions of the kilt. Whenever there is a post about rules, traditions, customs, etc., however, we are made fun of, told that traditions are made to be broken, etc.

[Dreadbelly]

"I wear the kilt every day to make a statement." "It's time to terrorise the public with my anti conformist ways."

Ah... those are your words... not mine.

Sarcasm. I believe it is lost on you. So is situational humour.

Incase you missed it... I live in an ultra conservative anally retentive town in the South. Me wearing a kilt... Scares people. Through no fault of my own. Do I need to spell it out for you?

Yes, I do wear a kilt to make a statement. And that is a whole train of thought by it self. Notice that little dot at the end? In grade school, we learn that is the end of a string of written words. It's called a period. By it self, it is a pefectly rational statement. I wear the kilt every day to make a statement. Period. See, all by it self it is a working train of thought. What is that statement? Well, if you actually knew me, you might know what it is. Instead, you try to run together seperate statements to paint a picture out of context. Which is trolling. Boo... Bad!

I tend to not give a crap what other people think about me. I am a staunch non conformist. I am an anarchist. If I should choose to wear something, anything, out in public, like say, a kilt or a sarong, or even a lavalava, I will do so. And if other people have a problem with it, to bad. I will do whatever the hell I please as I pass through this world. Life is simply to short and to many unexpected things happen in life to spend what precious moments we have uncomfortable and tense... And I aint just talking about pants vs kilts. Life is an experience to be enjoyed. I will wear, and do, whatever I damn well please. Other people have a problem with this. That is their problem, not mine. All I want in life is a little comfort, a little peace, and a good strong cup of coffee. Other people can have all the hangups they want... If they want to walk around with a pinecone up their ****, that's their business.

[gmcdavid]

People complain about the UKs because not all of the pleats go to the left or something like that. Half of the pleats from behind go to the right while the other half go to the left. I think. Or something like that. That, and the thin curly apron. People think it looks to much like a skirt.

I dunno.

Like the Kingussie kilt?
http://www.cuillinn.com/repro.html

The problem with saying "X is not a kilt because of feature Y" is that for many values of Y, an unquestionably traditional kilt exists that has Y.

Hence I am reluctant to draw a line in the sand. It is likely to be unjustified, and certain to be uncharitable. In any case, it is utterly pointless. The Utilikilt is not my choice, but nobody is forcing it on me. Live and let live.

Glenn

[Dreadbelly]

Dreadbelly, I'm not here to pick a fight. I merely want to point out something that seems to be ignored on this forum; that is, people who have a more traditional outlook. We are always being told that we must be tolerant of more modern versions of the kilt. Whenever there is a post about rules, traditions, customs, etc., however, we are made fun of, told that traditions are made to be broken, etc.

I agree. The traditions should be upheld. They should be a measuring stick from which new traditions are made... But when the situation demands, nothing, and I mean nothing beats already well established traditions. Even one such as I see a need for them. And I respect them a great deal. They should be held in reverence... For when they are needed.

Tradition? What is that? From learning about my own family, and my Scots heritage, I see slavery. Poverty. Dirty barefooted landless lost souls driven from their homes and forced to roam the earth looking for a place to rest their heads... Should I draw from this? Which tradition do you speak of? Military dress? Which era?

This is my point. While "tradition" is important... There comes a point where no matter how hard you try, it's still blurry if you look to close.

I suddenly feel like watching Fiddler on the Roof.