What's a Nice Way to Put This?

[Farmer Jones]

Show them this.

Three guys for whom the kilt is everyday wear.

Don't let my sister see you.

[OC Richard]

The favored joke among those accused of conforming was how similar all of the nonconformists were in their noncomformity.

The teen years exhibit the most conformity of all, when kids are searching for an identity outwith their parents and find it (or think they find it) by latching onto some group or other. After identifying with the group (goth, grunge, gangs, neo-beatniks, neo-hippies, neo-nazis, or whatever) they then conform ABSOLUTELY to every requirement of the group (what music you listen to, what clothes you wear, how you have your hair, etc).

I taught High School for several years and found it amazing, the conformity amongst the kids. One day I came across a group of guys I knew and I noticed they were dressed identically: black tennis shoes, black jeans, black t-shirts with a band logo, and plaid flannel shirts worn unbuttoned. I said "what did you guys do this morning, call each other and work out your outfits?" One of the guys said "We're not all dressed alike, Mr C... hey, dude, we ARE all dressed alike!" and they had a laugh over it.

I could sometimes look down a row of desks and see everybody in the row wearing identical shoes. When I pointed this out they were amazed.

[thecompaqguy]

I saw this on Life In A Kilt's site - made me laugh...

Kind of sums up most teenagers nowdays Just be yourself ... I'm wearing a denim kilt to a party tonight

[ABG0819]

Much to all of the advice given to you by these esteemed gentlemen and ladies I agree with. Before you say that is as contridictory as the advice given allow me to explain that I speak from both the perspective of a parent and as a kiltie.

I would do everything in my power to protect my daughter both physically and emotionally. If that means limiting self expression so be it...After all she is not able to see all of the potential ramifications of her actions yet. And in that vein I see where your parents are coming from. It is much easier to limit the things that could cause problems than it is to deal with the problems that result.

As a kilt wearer however I see your point. And allow me to say that no matter how old you are your parents will always be your parents. My mother and I have had several disagreements about my wearing a kilt in a non-scottish setting, she is adamently against the idea. However, I am grown, married and have a child of my own so I can thumb my nose a bit. Yet, because she is my mother I do not wear my kilt around her, that is simple respect. She doesn't care for it so I don't do it in her presence.

Good luck my kilted brother

Graham

[Zardoz]

I think your parents would find many kindred spirits here on the forum, depending on ones definition of 'casual'... Keep in mind there are folks on here that use the words tie and casual in the same description

[Bob C]

While I agree that education is the best option, in my experience people in general, and parents particularly, can be resistant to being schooled by someone of your age.

If that is the case, then I would submit that your best option is to:

1) Turn 18;
2) Move out of the house;
3) Dress as you damned well please!

In that order!

Until then parent's house, parent's rules.

Good advice here. Just wait out the next four years instead of spending them beating your head against that wall.