Kilts and Self-Identity

[Kilted KT]

I am me.

I am the one you go to when it hits the fan and you need someone to make you laugh
I am a child who refuses to grow up
I am unwilling to let social stigma or stereotype rule my life
I am a father and husband
I am son of proud parents
I am one of a very long and ancient line of proud and regal Celts
I am one with the forests
I help old ladies cross the street
I will defend myself and those who cannot defend themselves
I don't put up with BS, especially corporate BS
I love teaching children
I wear the kilt as often as is possible.
I am not politically correct
I like single malt Islay scotch
I will climb trees to get a cat
I have chopped down a tree with a military shovel
I love snow
I am at peace in the wilderness
I believe the mind is the true last frontier
I love all animals (especially the furry ones)
I play with matches
I believe the kilt is not just a garment, but a way of life.

I am me.

[Kilted Christian]

Hmm,

I've been thinking about this thread, knowing that I need to join in, but wondering what to say that won't get me censored (not that I'm concerned about the censoring, per se, but rather the lack of grace that leads to it).

It is good to think deeply of such things, and it is good to speak with others about it. I have learned years ago that it is best not to delve into deep questions unless the parties agree to spend the time to hear each other and to reply in thought. So, about all I can say is that I encourage all people to think the questions of deeper thought about all matters, for to live without exercising our mental capacity is a shame.

[MrLion]

I am the hammer pounding the nail. The blade that shapes the wood. The wind that lifts the wing. The water that cuts the stone. I am the pen that writes the poem. I am the string that makes the sound . I am nothing, Without the Masters hand.

Does kilt wearing affect who I am? Not yet.
Ultimately is does not matter WHO I am as much as WHO'S I am.
(I concur with the above post). Thanks for the opportunity to share.
It is enlightening to see the variety of responses!

[Sir Robert]

I am a warrior poet.
I am Kelli's father (Marine JrROTC).
I am Wayne's son (US Army Officer, WWII).
I am Priscilla's son (USMC).
I am Lemuel's 3G grandson (11th MO Inf CSA)
I am John's 7G grandson (Contenental Army)
I am the son of kings.
I am smart.
I am educated.
I am sudden death out to 2400 meters.
I am the baddest SOB in the valley of death.
I am a kilt wearer.
I am a leather worker.
I am a taylor.
I am an electronic techie.
I am a writer.
I am a Trekie.
I am her Mom's worst nightmare.

[Rigged]

I wear kilts because I like them and because I'm willing to be among the first to challenge the conventions that say we shouldn't.

[Frog]

I am me; I can no more NOT be me than a tiger (or a zebra, for that matter) can change his stripes. My being defines me. In being me, I change over time (hopefully, for the better, becoming wiser) but like water, whether sitting still or rushing thru a rapid, is still water; I, where ever I am along my way, am, merely, me.

Frog

[Robin]

When I ordered my first kilt I didn't knew what would come from it, but when I finally got it (jonesing for nr.1 is terrible!) I was amazed about the comfort and the way it looked. Wearing trousers became pointless overnight. I didn't change a bit, still the same person as before...some things changed though...

It's a fact people look at someone dressed odd (overhere a kilt is pretty rare to say the least), so I'm more aware. Also...because I don't want to "disgrace" the kilt I try to dress properly.

I walk a bit straighter and I won't pick my nose when I wear my kilts, that's about it.

Funny...I didn't change, but I learned a lot about other people since I wear kilts. The way they react says something about them..positive and negative, sometimes expected...sometimes not.

[Graham]

Very thought provoking Alan, and much appreciated.
Identity is a big issue among those that claim celtic ancestry, indeed, it is among young people coming into manhood/womanhood.

You've given me much to think about, and I agree, while the kilt seems to get all the attention, what we eat and what we wear and not things to be primarily concerned about, certainly the Bible would say so.

Your post reminds me of the deep stuff typically posted by a long lost friend - Blu. Where are you Blu?

[RossCroft]

i wear the kilt to work every day. i have a leather shop and martial arts school between 3 bars. i have to walk past those bars every day coming and going. there are homeless people who come into my shop to talk, look at the leather work, pet my dog and try to find a way to pass the time as they struggle to survive. i've never had a negative comment on the kilt, leather work or the dog. i tell children dragon tales when they come in with their parents, and sometimes adults who ask. the kilt is not me, but it is a bridge to open communications with other people and share mutual humanity. so is the leather and dog. the kilt i wear is old fashioned. my work is old fashioned. folks are fascinated by what i do and what i wear. so the kilt is a tool if you will. one that increases my interaction with other people. one that allows me to slow time down for other folks and share simple things with them. one that allows me to show them that even though we are different, we are all the same under the kilt. one that helps put a little magic back in peoples lives.

[The F-H.C.A.G.]

Here is my favorite answer to the question of "Who are you?". Understand that this is NOT me (although sometimes I wish I could be this tough! ). In fact this is no one real. Many of you will know where this speech comes from, although I have removed the bit with the actual name, for fun.

"Who am I?...I am the right hand of vengeance, and the boot that is going to kick your sorry a** all the way back to Earth...I am Death incarnate and the last living thing that you are ever going to see. God sent me."

Hee, hee. She's so cool .

Be well,