Kilted Postman...

[macwilkin]

Like Brad, I voted "no" in this particular poll, mostly due to my experiences as a park ranger with NPS.

Whenever I would wear my uniform on duty, I was very aware of the history and symbolism behind it. Like military uniforms, the park service has adapted and changed its uniforms over the years, yet at the end of the day, the symbolism behind it still remains.

I think part of the USPS' problems today come from the fact that has tried too hard to be like UPS/Fed Ex. with a more corporate look and logo; I know my grandfather always said that he tried to instill in his carriers that a professional look serves as a good ambassador to the taxpayer. We were certainly taught that as well in NPS, and some parks do have their rangers stand morning formation with a uniform inspection, particularly larger parks.

While I'm all for individuality, there are times when it is not appropriate. When I represented the generations of rangers who went before me, I was happy to be a part of such a group in its mission to protect the nation's natural and historic treasures.

That's not to say that this gentleman isn't doing that, but I'm not so sure the Utilikilt really is something worth fighting a battle over. The arguement that somehow this action violates "cultural diversity" really doesn't work, as the Utilikilt (as the designer himself has often stated) is not a Scottish garment.

So I'm with you Brad, and thanks to all who expressed their disagreement in an agreeable manner.

Regards,

Todd

[HeathBar]

I’m going to have to back up Bradley and Todd on this. The kilt is SCOTTISH national dress and we’re talking about the UNITED STATES Postal Service. If we were talking about the British equivalent of the USPS, the argument might have legs. Even though the Utilikilt is an American invention, it is still a “descendent” of the Scottish kilt.
Along the same lines, I would not want to see our United States military personnel wearing the kilt as part of their official uniform. Yes, uniforms do change and evolve over time. But trousers are not tied to a specific nationality, when the kilt is specifically Scottish. These people in uniform, represent the United States when they are on duty. Even though the Scots, who came to this county in the early days, played a major role in its development, I think there are better ways to honor this than wearing their national dress as a part of an official uniform.

A few years ago, when kilts were new to me, I might have voted differently. Back then I would have been voting that way because if kilts become more acceptable in the mainstream, then I would feel more comfortable about wearing a kilt in public.

[macwilkin]

I’m going to have to back up Bradley and Todd on this. The kilt is SCOTTISH national dress and we’re talking about the UNITED STATES Postal Service. If we were talking about the British equivalent of the USPS, the argument might have legs. Even though the Utilikilt is an American invention, it is still a “descendent” of the Scottish kilt.
Along the same lines, I would not want to see our United States military personnel wearing the kilt as part of their official uniform. Yes, uniforms do change and evolve over time. But trousers are not tied to a specific nationality, when the kilt is specifically Scottish. These people in uniform, represent the United States when they are on duty. Even though the Scots, who came to this county in the early days, played a major role in its development, I think there are better ways to honor this than wearing their national dress as a part of an official uniform.

A few years ago, when kilts were new to me, I might have voted differently. Back then I would have been voting that way because if kilts become more acceptable in the mainstream, then I would feel more comfortable about wearing a kilt in public.

And just to add to Heathbar's comments about US military personnel wearing the kilt; back in 2002 there was a move to re-establish the 79th New York Infantry regiment in the NY National Guard, complete with Highland uniforms. The motion went nowhere, but in this case, I would support it, since there was a historical prescedent for it.

Now, granted there are many examples of non-Highland battalions being turned into Highland ones after the British Army's Cardwell reforms of 1881, and more recently, the Lake Superior Regiment of the Canadian Army become the Lake Superior Scottish.

To get this post back on-topic, I think Heathbar's comments about the British Royal Mail are very important to this discussion, as the Royal Mail in Scotland does not wear kilts as part of its uniform.

T.

[Woodsheal]

As an actual USPS city carrier, I guess I should weigh in!

First off, there is an actual registered USPS tartan (shown below). Why it was created, and whether or not it's been "officially" adopted by the USPS, I have no idea. Obviously not for carrier uniform purposes! And, I'm pretty sure we don't have our own pipe band!! So, the tartan is a bit of a mystery....

Personally, I don't have much of an interest in wearing a kilt for work, because I have a driving route and would just be crushing my pleats all day. However, I do think the postal blue utilikilt-type garment in a durable fabric would be a reasonable and comfortable alternative to the carrier's "walking shorts" in warm weather. It would not detract from a "professional" appearance any more than the shorts do. The exact same scrawny or fat or hairy or scarred or tattooed or grubby knees and legs would be on display!

But, the idea was shot down and it doesn't distress or surprise me. Our unions, postal management, and their mindsets and relations with each other are stuck in the 1890's anyways....

[pipesndrumsnun]

I say, "Yes! Absolutely!" and they should design a special Official U.S. Postal Service Tartan while they're at it!

OOOOOPS!! Sorry I didn't read the last post!!

[Spc. Scott]

I voted yes a few days ago but I was sort of mulling over what I wanted to say.

On one hand I don't see a problem with it as an option. Especially for those with walking routes. I think it would look very professional and maintain the look of a uniform.

That said, I acknowledge the fact that being a uniform means that it doesn't change for any request or whim that comes down the pipe. If that happened it wouldn't be a uniform.
This side of the coin, at least for me, stems from the fact that I spent 8 years in Army green.

So perhaps one day it will happen but I wouldn't hold my breath.

[Robert MacNaughten]

There should be a Postal Workers tartan and it should be sported by postal workers all throughout the US, Britain, and Canada

[Jack Daw]

As an actual USPS city carrier, I guess I should weigh in!

First off, there is an actual registered USPS tartan (shown below). Why it was created, and whether or not it's been "officially" adopted by the USPS, I have no idea. Obviously not for carrier uniform purposes! And, I'm pretty sure we don't have our own pipe band!! So, the tartan is a bit of a mystery....

Personally, I don't have much of an interest in wearing a kilt for work, because I have a driving route and would just be crushing my pleats all day. However, I do think the postal blue utilikilt-type garment in a durable fabric would be a reasonable and comfortable alternative to the carrier's "walking shorts" in warm weather. It would not detract from a "professional" appearance any more than the shorts do. The exact same scrawny or fat or hairy or scarred or tattooed or grubby knees and legs would be on display!

But, the idea was shot down and it doesn't distress or surprise me. Our unions, postal management, and their mindsets and relations with each other are stuck in the 1890's anyways....

So, do you have a kilt in this tartan?

[skruse]

This type of discussion is akin to a 1940s perspective: males only may wear trousers, females only may wear anything that resembles a skirt. Females may not wear trousers, males only may not wear "skirts". Any variation is considered deviant. I just wore my formal kilt to a winter formal. I received many compliments and questions. I too was a USDI-National Park Ranger. Uniforms are a big part of NPS identity and you are expected to wear the uniform correctly, even as a backcountry ranger or during winter. A kilt somehow would remove the "macho" ideal of a ranger. NPS rangers are commissioned federal officers. I cannot imagine making a custodial arrest in my kilt. I could do it, but public perception would empower a lack of authority. Perhaps as part of a uniform for formal events. Otherwise NPS uniforms are a holdover from the Marines with cadaver gray shirts suitable for picking up garbage, horse patrol or visits from high ranking politicians.

This also goes along with modesty in swim wear. To avoid sun exposure, all genders should wear suits that cover the torso and upper leg. So what is the next "standard"? You may not wear a kilt but you may have a deep plunging neckline on your upper body covering. Get the decision-maker to a large Scottish games event!

[Woodsheal]

So, do you have a kilt in this tartan?

Nope. I've considered it for sure, mainly because I've been with the USPS since '85, but I just don't like blue-based tartans...!