...to be kilted at prom...

[SteveB]

I attended my prom in 1969 in a kilt, but then if I had worn trousers, most people would take me for sick. I usually attended school in a kilt.

Slainte

[IsaacM]

Sorry for taking so long, but here is my draft of the letter to the principal.

__________________________________________________ _______________
Not long ago I asked the school if I could wear a kilt to the Fall Formal dance. Contrary to simply showing up in a kilt and hoping for the best, as many people suggested to me, I decided to confront the school first, seeing as there is much ignorance over the kilt, and that it is a misunderstood garment. My request was quickly rejected. The only reasoning I was told was that it would be “too distracting”. I was shocked and hurt by this. I feel that this situation has been handled poorly. I ask that you take this letter seriously and read it thoroughly.
Upon requesting to wear a kilt to the dance, I felt as if I was requesting to do something dumb or silly. Kilt’s, especially in America, have a bad stereotype as a silly “man-skirt” worn only by Bagpipe bands and people trying to be funny. I realize that my request was not at all a dumb request. My request was to where an article of clothing that’s origins and history is deeply rooted in that of Scotland. Any person who enjoys wearing the kilt should have every right to wear it. In fact, no one should even be required to ask permission to wear this clothing, however that’s the way it often is.
The kilt is a garment made of a long yardage of cloth, which is pleated in the back. Two aprons cross over in the front, making a knee length garment with several deep pleats in the back and a smooth apron in the front. Most typically, the kilts are made of Tartan cloth. Tartans are used to identify Scottish clans and families, and have even expanded to representing Irish families, people, states, cities, and even the US armed forces. The kilt is considered the formal attire of Scotland, however, many people all over the world wear kilts. Special jackets and other accessories are made to accompany a kilt.

A typical formal kilt outfit would consist of:
-A kilt
-Kilt hose (long socks)
-Flashes (strips of cloth that hang from the kilt hose, the original design was simply a strip of ribbon with which you tied the kilt hose onto your legs, since they did not have elastic back then)
-A dress shirt
-A tie
-A sporran (pouch that hangs from the belt since a kilt does not have pockets)
-A kilt jacket (there are many types, such as Argyll Jackets and Prince Charlie Jackets,),
-A sgian dubh (Gaelic word for “Black knife” which was once a useful tool in the Highlands, but is now mostly just for looks)

NOTE: I do NOT plan to bring or carry a Sgian Dubh, seeing as it is a knife.

There is so much ignorance and intolerance about the kilt. Therefore, I do not blame you for feeling unsure about allowing a kilt. The reasoning I was told by Mr. ******* was that the kilt would be too distracting. I understand, but do not understand this statement. What will a kilt distract them from? School dances are meant to be an enjoyable (yet decent) time. Do you think that my wearing a kilt will prevent people from dancing and enjoying themselves? The school dance is not meant to be a learning experience, what will a kilt distract them from, their concentration on dancing?
On the other hand, one fact that cannot be denied is that a kilt will turn heads. I assume that this is closer to your reason of “too distracting”. However, is that a bad thing? Everybody, particularly the girls, who attend a dance try their best to have the paramount dress or outfit than anybody else there. However, if a man decides to step beyond the boundaries of obligatory black, blue or tan pants, he is suppressed. I have no desire to become the center of attention or anything of the sort, but there is little doubt that I will get some odd looks and questions. That kind of stuff simply comes with wearing a kilt in public.
Do you think that a kilt would be any more distracting than the radical and/or revealing dresses worn to school events? I heard that in 2008 a girl came to Fall Formal dressed as a pirate, is that more appropriate than a formal kilt outfit?
Traditionally, the kilt is worn without underwear. However, since it is a school event, I am more than willing to wear underwear under the kilt and even shorts if you deem it necessary. If you are afraid of someone being stupid and trying to flip my kilt up, they will simply see the shorts underneath.
Every day we are urged to adapt and accept other peoples’ culture and individuality. But when it comes to these “man-skirts”. All tolerance goes down the drain. Every human has heritage, and it is his or her right to express pride in it. If someone with African or Mexican heritage wished to wear traditional garb of their country, would they not be allowed to because it would be too distracting?
There have been countless cases of students not being allowed into school or school dances because of their choice to wear a kilt. A student from Missouri wore a kilt to a school dance and was forced to change. Soon after, an Internet petition was begun by members of his (Scottish) clan; the principal was required to apologize to the student and allow him to wear his kilt to the following prom.
The desire to wear a kilt is not like wanting to wear a skirt, pirate costume or a tie-die suit to a dance. Unlike silly attire such as pirate costumes to make oneself a laughingstock, a kilt is a symbol of Scottish pride and heritage. Aside from that, the kilt is a very formal garment, more stylish and fancy (not to mention expensive) than you typical pair of dress pants.
To sum this up:
-I do in fact have Scottish heritage and a deep love for my roots.
-The kilt is a formal and casual garment and is not at all a costume.
-The kilt does not represent anything inappropriate or racist.
-The kilt has suffered much abuse in America due to its similarities to a skirt, but it should NEVER be treated as such.
-The kilt has its roots in Scottish history, up until the 1700’s, your kilt was your clothing, your blanket, and your pride. (If this interests you or you do not understand, I am more than happy to explain it to you.)
-The kilt, and the tartan which it is made of, represents hundreds of years of family pride and heritage for people all over the world. To insult the kilt is to insult this pride and heritage, and the people behind it.
-The kilt is in no way “worse” or “less appropriate” than a dress or a suit. In fact, a kilt is much less revealing or “distracting” than some dresses that may turn up. It is a garment that you do not see everyday. It is much different than the typical jeans/T-shirt or the ordinary suit and tie that we see as common in America.

I believe that you have the understanding to manage this appropriately. I ask that you please reconsider your hasty “No” to my request and allow a kilt to Prom this spring. I have no intention to make the kilt a center of entertainment and definitely do not intend on doing anything inappropriate with the kilt (many people like to ask what is under a kilt, I will answer them politely, and not do anything stupid, you have my word on that). I implore you to reconsider.
However, I ask that you do not come to a decision until you have talked with me in person on the subject. Regardless of your answer, I would like to have it written on paper even if you tell me in person (many people think more clearly when they write something on paper).

Thank you very much for your time and I hope that you please reconsider.

__________________________________________________ ______________



I will, of course add several pictures and examples of kilt outfits and kilted proms. By the time I deliver this to him, I will have some new pictures of my updated outfit that I plan to wear.

Please discuss and advise. Thank you very much.

[Jordan]

A good letter i think. Im not an expert on anything so im not looking to nit pick or anything else like that but your principal might not or know or understand the differences between argyle jackets or Pc's so mayb a few lines to explain that a PC is usualy black tie etc, other than the the letter seems good and i cant see why you shouldnt get a yes.

That said if they say no im sure we can organise a rabble to crash your dance while you turn up in your tux.

All the best Jordan

[St. Amish]

Well put.

Good luck.

[auld argonian]

Looks like a sincere and reasonable letter. If your principal had any sense, he would make this a "non-issue" by just saying "okay"...one thing to consider is that another faculty member denied your request...this puts that faculty member in a bad spot insofar as he looses face if he's overruled by the principal. I'd take this into consideration and try to involve that faculty member in the process and maybe try to sit down with both him and the principal and make it clear that you appreciate his position but that you respectfully disagree with it and you want to work this out to everybody's satisfaction. Most important is to communicate your sincerity here and not let it look like you're just trying to win this one just for the sake of winning; that your desire to honor your heritage is what's behind the request to wear the kilt.

Best

AA

[piperdbh]

This letter shows that you have put a great deal of thought and time into this issue. However, it comes across as accusatory. You use the words "ignorance" and "intolerance", which are likely to turn the principal off to the whole idea. I'd suggest getting your Language Arts teacher to read it and offer a few pointers, or I can do it for you via PM.
I hope you get to wear your kilt to the prom, and that your date is as proud of you as you will be of yourself.

[Avonlea22]

Sorry for taking so long, but here is my draft of the letter to the principal.

I realize that my request was not at all a dumb request. My request was to where an article of clothing that’s origins and history is deeply rooted in that of Scotland.

Slight spelling error.

This letter shows that you have put a great deal of thought and time into this issue. However, it comes across as accusatory. You use the words "ignorance" and "intolerance", which are likely to turn the principal off to the whole idea. I'd suggest getting your Language Arts teacher to read it and offer a few pointers, or I can do it for you via PM.
I hope you get to wear your kilt to the prom, and that your date is as proud of you as you will be of yourself.

I was just going to say the same thing about the "ignorance". It sounds as if you are saying the principal is ignorant.

[Mr. MacDougall]

You might avoid saying "confront" as it's the sort of word that gets peoples' backs up. Try instead, "I am aware that the kilt is a garment that is not widely understood, so instead of just showing up in kilt and hoping for the best, I wished to discuss it with the school administration in advance."

Also, in your second paragraph, you might try making your lead sentence something like "When I brought up this issue with the administration, I felt as if I were dismissed out of hand, as though I had proposed something dumb or silly," which eliminates the possible reading that you thought you were doing something dumb in even asking.

Remember that your purpose here is to persuade, not to confront.

[Strings]

One thing I would suggest: keep a copy handy. If you're told no, submit your letter (and the response) to your local papers.

Might not result in an overturn, but I tend to be a vindictive cuss when confronted with arbitrary tyrants... ;)

[Strings]

Maybe just repost the whole thing (edits are in red):

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Not long ago I asked the school if I could wear a kilt to the Fall Formal dance. Contrary to simply showing up in a kilt and hoping for the best, as many people suggested to me, I wished to discuss it with the school administration in advance. My request was quickly rejected. The only reasoning I was told was that it would be “too distracting”. I was shocked and hurt by this. I feel that this situation has been handled poorly. I ask that you take this letter seriously and read it thoroughly.

When I brought up this issue with the administration , I felt as if I was requesting to do something silly. Kilts, especially in America, have a bad stereotype as a silly “man-skirt” worn only by Bagpipe bands and people trying to be funny. I feel that my request was not at all a silly request. My request was to wear an article of clothing which is deeply rooted in the history of Scotland. Any person who enjoys wearing the kilt should have every right to wear it. In fact, no one should even be required to ask permission to wear this clothing, however that’s the way life often is.

The kilt is a garment made of a long yardage of cloth, which is pleated in the back. Two aprons cross over in the front, making a knee length garment with several deep pleats in the back and a smooth apron in the front. Most typically, the kilts are made of Tartan cloth. Tartans are used to identify Scottish clans and families, and have even expanded to representing Irish families, people, states, cities, and even the US armed forces. The kilt is considered the formal attire of Scotland, however, many people all over the world wear kilts. Special jackets and other accessories are made to accompany a kilt.

A typical formal kilt outfit would consist of:
-A kilt
-Kilt hose (long socks)
-Flashes (strips of cloth that hang from the kilt hose, the original design was simply a strip of ribbon with which you tied the kilt hose onto your legs, since they did not have elastic back then)
-A dress shirt
-A tie
-A sporran (pouch that hangs from the belt since a kilt does not have pockets)
-A kilt jacket (there are many types, such as Argyll Jackets and Prince Charlie Jackets,),
-A sgian dubh (Gaelic word for “Black knife” which was once a useful tool in the Highlands, but is now mostly just for looks)

NOTE: I do NOT plan to bring or carry a Sgian Dubh, seeing as it is a knife.

There is so much ignorance and intolerance about the kilt. Therefore, I do not blame you for feeling unsure about allowing a kilt. The reasoning I was given by Mr. ******* was that the kilt would be too distracting. I understand, but do not understand this statement. What will a kilt distract people from? School dances are meant to be an enjoyable (yet decent) time. Do you think that my wearing a kilt will prevent people from dancing and enjoying themselves? The school dance is not meant to be a learning experience, what will a kilt distract attendees from, their concentration on dancing?

On the other hand, one fact that cannot be denied is that a kilt will turn heads. I assume that this is closer to your reason of “too distracting”. However, is that a bad thing? Everybody, particularly the girls, who attend a dance try their best to have the most attractive dress or outfit of everyone there. However, if a man decides to step beyond the boundaries of obligatory black, blue or tan pants, he is suppressed. I have no desire to become the center of attention or anything of the sort, but there is little doubt that I will get some odd looks and questions. That kind of stuff simply comes with wearing a kilt in public.
Do you think that a kilt would be any more distracting than the radical and/or revealing dresses worn to school events? I heard that in 2008 a girl came to Fall Formal dressed as a pirate, is that more appropriate than a formal kilt outfit?

Traditionally, the kilt is worn without underwear. However, since it is a school event, I am more than willing to wear underwear under the kilt and even shorts if you deem it necessary. If you are afraid of someone being stupid and trying to flip my kilt up, they will simply see the shorts underneath.
Every day we are urged to adapt and accept other peoples’ culture and individuality. But when it comes to these “man-skirts”. All tolerance goes down the drain. Every human has heritage, and it is his or her right to express pride in it. If someone with African or Mexican heritage wished to wear traditional garb of their country, would they not be allowed to because it would be too distracting?

There have been countless cases of students not being allowed into school or school dances because of their choice to wear a kilt. A student from Missouri wore a kilt to a school dance and was forced to change. Soon after, an Internet petition was begun by members of his (Scottish) clan; the principal was required to apologize to the student and allow him to wear his kilt to the following prom.

The desire to wear a kilt is not like wanting to wear a skirt, pirate costume or a tie-die suit to a dance. Unlike silly attire such as pirate costumes to make oneself a laughingstock, a kilt is a symbol of Scottish pride and heritage. Aside from that, the kilt is a very formal garment, more stylish and fancy (not to mention expensive) than you typical pair of dress pants.

To sum this up:
-I do in fact have Scottish heritage and a deep love for my roots.
-The kilt is a formal and casual garment and is not at all a costume.
-The kilt does not represent anything inappropriate or racist.
-The kilt has suffered much abuse in America due to its similarities to a skirt, but it should NEVER be treated as such.
-The kilt has its roots in Scottish history, up until the 1700’s, your kilt was your clothing, your blanket, and your pride. (If this interests you or you do not understand, I am more than happy to explain it to you.)
-The kilt, and the tartan which it is made of, represents hundreds of years of family pride and heritage for people all over the world. To insult the kilt is to insult this pride and heritage, and the people behind it.
-The kilt is in no way “worse” or “less appropriate” than a dress or a suit. In fact, a kilt is much less revealing or “distracting” than some dresses that may turn up. It is a garment that you do not see everyday. It is much different than the typical jeans/T-shirt or the ordinary suit and tie that we see as common in America.

I believe that you have the understanding to manage this appropriately. I ask that you please reconsider your hasty “No” to my request and allow a kilt to Prom this spring. I have no intention to make the kilt a center of entertainment and definitely do not intend on doing anything inappropriate with the kilt <line deleted>. I implore you to reconsider.

However, I ask that you do not come to a decision until you have talked with me in person on the subject. Regardless of your answer, I would like to have it in writing even if you tell me in person (many people think more clearly when they write something out).

Thank you very much for your time and I hope that you please reconsider.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

My dollar (inflation sucks) ;)