Kilt controversy nearly keeps johnston county teen from attending his prom

[AFS1970]

For some reason this makes me think of the Restaurant scene from the movie Top Secret. Nick the rock singer arrives at a formal restaurant dressed casually. The Maitre' De offers him the loaner clothes. In the background you can see him being measured for a full custom suit which he wears for the rest of the scene.

[WillowEstate]

Hmm, you go away for a few days and a really earnest discussion breaks out after a quiet period. Oh well...

I'll apologise to any of our American cousins who get upset by my comment but it seems to me that this whole issue actually revolves around a trend prevalent in recent times, particularly in the USA, to pander to "political correctness" and not wanting to risk annoying anyone with the direct approach. That and the demise of understanding of the English language in most English speaking countries - the UK included!

The occasion here was a formal dance. It is perfectly reasonable for the organizers to set a dress code to encourage that formality and would be so appreciated by the attendees, who would enjoy a "special" event.

But that isn't what they did. They said "You may enjoy wearing a tuxedo, but it is not necessary for this event. Dress pants, shirt, and tie are perfectly acceptable. Avoid jeans, shorts, sagging pants, or t-shirts." It's hard to imagine a more imprecise statement.

"A tuxedo is not necessary for this event." Does this mean it is not "acceptable"? Is it advice or a mandate?

"Dress pants, shirt and tie are perfectly acceptable." As written, this is simply an example, "acceptable" is not an imperative, merely a suggestion. It is no more required than the tuxedo is barred.

Some members suggest the lad should have confirmed that his kilt was "acceptable" formal wear in advance and while the imprecision of the guidelines may have recommended this approach, this should not have been necessary. The dress code should have been written as:

"You may enjoy wearing a tuxedo but it is optional for this event. Dress pants, shirt and tie for the gentlemen are mandatory."

Explicit, not open to interpretation and no need for examples of unacceptable dress.