In Your Face Kilting

[Clockwork]

I am not saying that in Scotland there are not those who have the "in your face" kilt attitude and most certainly in my youth I did on occasion wear the kilt for effect, when a young lady was involved, but actually it is rare for the locals to appear to take any notice whatsoever. So on the whole you are backing the wrong horse if you want a reaction------even if you are wearing the kilt like a dogs dinner.

I have said many times that given the reactions that you chaps outwith Scotland appear to get whilst wearing the kilt , it would just not be my style to be "in your face"-----British reserve perhaps------ and besides, I would never be brave enough to do it!

Understood, my friend. In Scotland, with having been the place of origin of the kilt, I could certainly see there being less expectation for a gentleman to be bifurcated to be considered socially presentable, which is a mindset much desired here in the states. I'll give an example - a friend of mine on Facebook, who also lives in the US, posted this:

Last night at the fair, I saw a guy wearing a kilt. And then the guy behind me yells, "Why is that guy wearing a skirt? This is 'Murica!"
Seriously.

So, there lies an example of the difference between social expectations here and in Scotland. I tried to express my post in a way which emphasized reference to places where social expectations are more critical to modern day standards, where people are often pigeonholed and generally more ignorant, but I don't think I succeeded. My apologies for any confusion.

Cheers,
-Jake

[CaptHowdy0001]

The reason I like Ron's words is that it perfectly reflects my attitude. I wear a kilt because it's comfortable, it looks great, and it reflects a bit of my heritage. And I really don't care if anybody likes it or not, I don't care if anybody approves of it or not, and I challenge anybody to confront me about it. Do what you do. If you ain't being you, you ain't being.

My thoughts exactly, i dont think think the interpretation was meant as literal as some have taken it. Either way, who can argue with being yourself and not being afraid to do so or "in your face" with "this is who I am".

[MacSpadger]

I am just settling down after a ceilidh in Glencoe for my friend's birthday that turned into a 24 hour party.
It's certainly a very different point of view being expressed by the OP to life over here. I have been wearing my kilt for 3 days, from Milngavie up through Loch Lomond, The Trossachs, Crianlarich, Tyndrum and in Glencoe village itself. No-one has batted an eye. I have only gotten one comment when I was buying petrol, the attendent said he was an ex-QOH after clocking my tartan, then told me about his upcoming holiday to Bulgaria.
At the ceilidh itself there were more guys in kilts than in breeks, as you'd expect. There's absolutely nothing "in your face" going on here at all. If anyone's "minds were messed up" it was probably due to attempting the Dashing White Sargeant after a large plate of haggis, neeps and tatties at the Clachaig Inn and probably too many drops of the cratur.
I can only guess the Scottish equivalent to the OP might be if a born and bred Scottish Highlander started wearing Bavarian Lederhosen for no obvious reason. That would probably gain some attention, but not the kind I would seek.

[Riverkilt]

Well said Clockwork. Do understand that the thoughts may not apply in Scotland...but I'd missed picking up on the subtle part that even the best dressed, most traditional minded kiltie could be dressing for that effect - or not. Its an individual thing here and not all are gonna agree.

For some reason visions of my self as a cocky young man in uniform strutting his stuff came to mind...

For what its worth the original thoughts come from a big beautiful woman type talking about how she dressed and why...for those old enough - think Auntie Mame.

[MizzouScotsman]

I wear my kilt for roughly the same reason. It's my heritage and I am tired of the cookie cutter fashion for me. I love the responses that I get, good or bad, when I wear my kilt in public. Last night I wore my best outfit to the opera. I was kilted with a marvelous vest and kilt jacket. I received nothing but good responses from those in attendance. Much to the consternation of my wife, a lovely young lady asked if she could have her picture taken with me as she loves a man in a kilt. So being an honorable gentleman, I obliged her request. I braved the "look" that I received from the Mrs but she's used to this as she keeps telling me that "I can't take you anywhere" with a little chuckle.

So I say if it's considered "in your face" then let it be in your face.....as the picture below shows.......

[MizzouScotsman]

Understood, my friend. In Scotland, with having been the place of origin of the kilt, I could certainly see there being less expectation for a gentleman to be bifurcated to be considered socially presentable, which is a mindset much desired here in the states. I'll give an example - a friend of mine on Facebook, who also lives in the US, posted this:



So, there lies an example of the difference between social expectations here and in Scotland. I tried to express my post in a way which emphasized reference to places where social expectations are more critical to modern day standards, where people are often pigeonholed and generally more ignorant, but I don't think I succeeded. My apologies for any confusion.

Cheers,
-Jake

I'd remind the gentleman who said "this is Murica" that he does not know his country's history and the part played by the Scots in building this great nation. I'd go so far to say that if it were not for the Scots who immigrated, that "Murica" would not exist!!

[Clockwork]

I'd remind the gentleman who said "this is Murica" that he does not know his country's history and the part played by the Scots in building this great nation. I'd go so far to say that if it were not for the Scots who immigrated, that "Murica" would not exist!!

***

[robthehiker]

Sorry Ron and with the greatest of respect, I find your train of thought rather sad.

Very nice.

[CMcG]

Riverkilt, you are awesome.

... now they express admiration at my colossal balls...

LitTrog...

I'm just taking your quote all out of context and wondering what sort of things you show your friends

[islandkilt]

"Sad" would be a world that wallowed in the greyness of conformity, docilely resigned to convention.


"Mixing one's wines may be a mistake, but old and new wisdom mix admirably." - Brecht