Bizarre anti kilt rant

[Father Bill]

No sense talking sense to those without, I say.

Who was it that said "I refuse to have a battle of wits with an unarmed man." ?

[artificer]

Who was it that said "I refuse to have a battle of wits with an unarmed man." ?

I don't think there's a direct attribute to that particular saying, but here are two that are very close.

"In a battle of wits, it is poor sport to fight an unarmed man".

Samuel Clemens


"I will not fight a battle of wits with an unarmed man"

Winston Churchill

ith:

[cruiser348]

"If you’re doing it properly, you’ll need a (proper) kilt jacket, a waistcoat, bow-tie, sporran (the pouch at the front), proper socks with flashes, kilt shoes...and that’s not mentioning the traditional kiltpin and Sgian Dubh (kilt knife).

From this it sounds to me like he's talking wearing it as an equivalent to a tuxedo. Which just had me thinking doesn't that require a proper tux jacket, a waistcoat or cumberbund, bow tie, proper formal socks, proper shoes. So from his list the only things that are unique would be the sporran, kilt pin ( and oh my gosh, mine is SOOOO heavy and such a burden to wear) and the sgian dubh. Really, the same basic list with suspenders or belt instead of cumberbund would be for wearing as a suit equivalent.

[Morris at Heathfield]

To each his own, but what I found interesting is that he appears to treat the kilt, wool, and tartan as if they were synonyms.

[R.S.Buff]

My reply to people like him is


Enjoy the wonderful world of trousers. I myself cannot take that much excitement so I wear a kilt.

[Phil]

I have to say it does resonate somewhat with our view of kilt-wearing in Scotland. Whether anyone likes it or not, it is generally something worn for special occasions and, as such, with the full regailia. So I can see why someone like the author regards it as an unaccustomed and, frankly, uncomfortable getup. The whole caboodle - doublet, hose, sporran etc. - is somewhat of a throwback to more formal times and, while a gorgeous outfit, can hardly compare in comfort to a dinner suit (tuxedo) for freedom of movement(and I don't mean just in one specific area) and lightness.
I don't think for one moment that he is anti kilt-wearing as most people here see it. Just would prefer not to go through the whole dressing-up rigmarole for a formal night or wedding.

[WillieMacG]

It's pretty obvious what the problem is,,,,,

Graham Henry =

[castledangerous]

"I don't like to get dressed up" is a reason to write an article?

[Jock Scot]

"I don't like to get dressed up" is a reason to write an article?

Oh come off it! Just think of the endless threads and subsequent posts there have been on the definition of "traditional" in kilt terms. How many words have been posted on what colour hose we ought to wear? How many threads do we have going at the moment on "summer kilt wear"? Then there is the "shirt" debate and then the "kilt pin" thread, again----- and again--------------------and again------------------and then there is the pages of posts about----------and of course the thread about------------again--------and--------

The phrase containing the words "stones" and "glass houses" spring to mind!

[Phil]

Where does "freedom of speech" come into this, the opportunity to express one's personal views? And yet here we have a regiment of critics from the very place that is supposed to uphold these freedoms above all else. Surely everyone is entitled to their opinion. Whether we agree with it or not is another matter but to sink to character assassination of the article's author in this way is not the way of a free society. "I will not fight a battle of wits with an unarmed man" implies that he is in some way mentally deficient because he doesn't share that individual's views. Please remember where that path eventually leads. Our forefathers gave their lives to save this world from that philosophy.