'Black tie' questions

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I was only responding to the accounts that you gave of his behavior! Had I met a man acting in the manner you described, I would not have come away with a favorable impression. There might be much about the man and his accomplishments that would command respect and admiration, but your description of his actions was less than favorable. And, actually, I have met a few Scottish gentlemen; they might not have been as notable as Mr. Lumsden, but they knew how to conduct themselves in public.

No need to shout... we're all in the same room.

[Father Bill]

[creagdhubh]

No need to shout... we're all in the same room.

[Phil]

[B]And, actually, I have met a few Scottish gentlemen; they might not have been as notable as Mr. Lumsden, but they knew how to conduct themselves in public.

Precisely, and I think you have pinpointed how a 'gentleman' should behave - certainly not in the boorish manner that the description of Mr Lumsden's behaviour would lead us to believe. I really cannot imagine any so-called gentleman behaving in such an impertinent way.

[Tony]

I often get the feeling that socks/hose should be in the guns/religion category here.
Don't discuss it, it will only lead to crisis, conflict and war.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

My wife and I recently starting watching Downton Abbey, which is set in the early 20th century and follows the lives of a British titled family and their servant staff (for those who haven't watched the program). I am reminded of a scene from the first episode where the family learns of the death of a cousin and his son. The family goes into mourning. As the daughters are getting dressed in their black clothes, they have a conversation that goes something like this; "Don't worry. Mother says we can go into half-mourning in a month. By September we'll be back in colours."

It just called to mind the fact that in British society (of all levels) there is a long history of decorum and protocol that still tends to linger to this day in many ways. In many ways those days are behind us (certainly among most Americans, and I dare say among many British, as well). I know people whose most difficult sartorial decision of the day may be whether to change from sweat pants into jeans before going to Wal*Mart.

But there are still those sartorial conventions that fall into the category of "it's just not done." For some, white kilt hose fall into this category. For others, not so much. But I think we ought to keep this background in mind before we judge people.

I advise not overreacting. It's no surprise that many Highland Dress traditionalists don't like white hose. So what? Let them be Highland Dress traditionalists. It's certainly not hurting the sale of white hose on the global market, trust me. But I have never, ever once met anyone who was "offended" by someone wearing white hose.

I think casting this discussion in terms of "right" and "wrong" and an individual's personal freedom and "right" to wear any color he chooses is going a bit too far. After all, we are just talking about fashion and taste here, which when you get down to it are simply matters of opinion. Sometimes, though, that opinion is formed by many cultural, societal and historical influences, and those must be allowed for.

[Jock Scot]

Well done Matt, that was very nicely put and does cover the British cultural thinking perfectly and does put things overall into perspective rather nicely. Might I suggest that Matt's post is posted as a "sticky" for all to see. It will help to explain the cultural differences that does seem to cause such upset here, from time to time.

[creagdhubh]

Well done Matt, that was very nicely put and does cover the British cultural thinking perfectly and does put things overall into perspective rather nicely. Might I suggest that Matt's post is posted as a "sticky" for all to see. It will help to explain the cultural differences that does seem to cause such upset here, from time to time.

***

Very well said, Matt!

[JSFMACLJR]

I couldn't agree more, Matt.

[Jacobite Laddie]

I suppose I owe the good friends of the late Lumsden of Cushnie an apology - I had no idea whatever he would be so insulted as I look on him with great admiration and respect as a gentleman of the best sort, who, indeed 'got it right'. I really cannot understand the offence it has caused, but I expect it is the distinction between Americans and British, even if both of us are Scots!