Why Do Some Take Such Offense...

[biblemonkey]

Biblemonkey - if you don't want a flame-war, give up drive-by sniping. You made a mistake in your terminology, my post was to illuminate you.

This whole thread is about semantics - the meaning of words. I would suggest that many of the posters could do with buying a good dictionary.

I have not seen one post where the poster is saying that anyone is less of a man for wearing a kilt. There are those who are intent on taking offence where none has been implied or intended. If people are so upset that their wearing of the kilt could be interpreted as being effeminate, well maybe they should give up wearing it.They would save themselves a lot of stress.

Regards

Chas

PM on it's way

In the mean time, the OP asked why some take offense to the term "skirt". I answered that question and never once did I call insult to anyone. I hope this addresses the situation and that we can let the twisting of one another's words go the way of the dodo.

Hugh

[Tahshar]

When I wear the Kilt I feel many different things about it, and cannot help but reflect on my heritage and ancestry and what the kilt meant to my forebears. My step is a bit lighter, my head a bit higher, my sight a little clearer. All for this expression of who I am, and where I came from. One thing that has always surprised me is how positive the overwhelming majority of looks and comments are from strangers and friends alike when I wear it. Something else that suprises me in the face of those few who would try to make me or my attire the butt of a joke or to openly and agressively behave in a provocative manner, is how surprised they are when they learn that some people can still BE provoked. I wont be touched, nor mocked, insulted nor denigrated nor ill used by anyone. I dont act that way to others and I dont stand for it. If the best a person can do is polite silence, then I can and do strongly encourage them to do that. As to the OPs question, you have may answer, and so far I have been blessed by so many good natured and positve responses that the others simply dont matter much in the long run.

[O'Searcaigh]

Interesting thread. My own $.02 (and experience) though is that some people are actually giving me a compliment when they say: "nice skirt." They actually don't know that it's called a "kilt" so I don't take offense. That has taught me to always say "Thank you" when anyone makes the remark, regardless of their intentions. After all, no matter how much someone else tries, an offense cannot be taken unless one takes it. Saying "Thank you" is just being appreciative of someone who is actually giving you a compliment and a move in psychological judo for anyone who isn't.

[The Volusianator]

After all, no matter how much someone else tries, an offense cannot be taken unless one takes it.

We have a bingo!

[Macman]

Interesting thread. My own $.02 (and experience) though is that some people are actually giving me a compliment when they say: "nice skirt." They actually don't know that it's called a "kilt" so I don't take offense. That has taught me to always say "Thank you" when anyone makes the remark, regardless of their intentions. After all, no matter how much someone else tries, an offense cannot be taken unless one takes it. Saying "Thank you" is just being appreciative of someone who is actually giving you a compliment and a move in psychological judo for anyone who isn't.

That's my take on it too. We have a lot of tourists in our city, and every time I've been told I'm wearing a nice skirt by someone who is obviously a visitor, it's genuine. Any other time, I've taken it to be gentle ribbing, and I respond "Thanks!" in both cases.

[robthehiker]

"He who takes offense when no offense is intended is a fool, and he who takes offense when offense is intended is a greater fool."
— Brigham Young


I'm never a fool and rarely a greater fool.

[The Volusianator]

"He who takes offense when no offense is intended is a fool, and he who takes offense when offense is intended is a greater fool."
— Brigham Young


I'm never a fool and rarely a greater fool.

Good to see the replies getting back on topic!

[Bugbear]

Speaking as an ignorant person who has gotten on many people's nerves by saying "the wrong thing," I can imagine how someone might feel; receiving an angry or gruff reply to a misstated complement. Worse, someone taking my complement as a challenge to their manliness; that one kind of scares me a little.

I'm glad that many have said they would take the time to explain that it is a kilt, or simply take it as a compliment in many situations.

[Father Bill]

Speaking as an ignorant person who has gotten on many people's nerves by saying "the wrong thing," I can imagine how someone might feel; receiving an angry or gruff reply to a misstated complement. Worse, someone taking my complement as a challenge to their manliness; that one kind of scares me a little.

I'm glad that many have said they would take the time to explain that it is a kilt, or simply take it as a compliment in many situations.

Bug - I've read your stuff. There's nothing ignorant about you except like all of us in the honest sense of not knowing everything. The boors are the ones who think they do.

Always your friend,

Bill+

[Bugbear]

Bug - I've read your stuff. There's nothing ignorant about you except like all of us in the honest sense of not knowing everything. The boors are the ones who think they do.

Always your friend,

Bill+

Thanks, Father Bill.