Topless Kilting

[Alan H]

Oh, I'll DO it. Say, if I'm backpacking or something and we're out for a day hike, I might lose the shirt. I haven't done that when kilted, yet, but the kilt part of that whole thing is irrelevant.. I don't have a problem slapping on a swimsuit and going for a plunge in the pool, either. I've been known to kick back on the boat during a race postponement, shirtless, either solo or with the guys on the crew.

And when I sailed into Hanalei last summer, the first thing I did once I got company on the boat was lose my shirt and show off my bruises while I drank beer and flirted with Joan and Synthia..

http://cmgm.stanford.edu/~ahebert/SHTP/arrival.html

So "body shame" isn't the right word. If you want to wander around showing off tattoos, of which I have none and no inclination to ever get one, that's your business. If you want to wander around with a massive gut hanging out over your belt, that's entirely your business as well. If you're proud of all that, then more power to you, and you can call that "body pride" if you want But don't talk down to others who see things differently.

I don't generally go shirtless in public, eh? It's a simple choice, and while I've got a spare tire of motorcycle proportions, (not 18 wheeler proportions) I also spend a fair bit of time in the weight room and I throw heavy stuff. I'm reasonably fit...not ripped, I have more body fat than I should for optimum health, but reasonably fit. I'm not ashamed of my body, though I live with a woman who thinks I should be. It works just fine, and better than most guys who are in their mid-50's. Not that many guys in their mid-50's can turn a caber, you know?

I just don't happen to choose to wander around shirtless at every opportunity, all right?

[Alan H]

I know that last post comes off a bit aggressive. I thought about changing it, but I'm going to let it stand.

If someone wants to go shirtless when they wear a kilt, that's entirely up to them. If Ron wants to go shirtless, that's great....have at it, Ron! Enjoy the sunshine and fresh air, if that's what you like. Please do it in an appropriate venue....not at a dinner party, you know? But go right ahead, when it's appropriate.


I just get annoyed when people look at my reasons, or someone else's reasons for why I/we do something, and try to assign large psychological, or sociological motives to it without really knowing, REALLY knowing what's behind those reasons.

[James MacMillan]

Well, you asked for it Ron - - here goes. This is what I look like on an early Southern Claifornia morning, greeting the day with the first cup of coffee and the first ciggy.

Is this what you wanted?

[Rex_Tremende]

Jay, you've never looked more comfortable.

Say, is that a sgian dubh tucked in at your waist?

Regards,
Rex.

[Nick the DSM]

So be sure to take some photos the next time.

I will. Hope no gets offended by my skinnyness.

[Rex_Tremende]

comments withdrawn

Hey now. Having read your comments before you withdrew them, I thought you expressed yourself quite well and appropriately.

Here's hoping you put them back.

Regards,
Rex.

[bear]

Well, it must be the time of year for this discussion. I just blogged about it, yesterday.
http://macbitseach.blogspot.com/

I go shirtless in the city but not downtown. I'll go to the park or the beach, BBQs ... just not somepleace where proper shirted attire is the norm.

It seems all kids love to run around naked. When we as kids got too old to do that, we'd run around in nothing but shorts. I think it's an extension of that for some of us. The feeling of freedom wearing a kilt or going shirtless ... it's a reminder of a youthful joy.
It's natural.

I'm taking the sun slowly. A little sun every day and I'll slowly tan. I once shaved my head and got a sunburn and peeled. Talk about itchy!

[Alan H]

Again, I'm all for it. If you guys want to go shirtless, that's great. Go for it. Please keep it in an appropriate venue, of course, but have at it.

But to suggest that there's something WRONG with those who don't.... Um.

[Rex_Tremende]

So, to Ron's question, shirtlessness is entirely situational with me. I really can't think of any place, where I've ever been or would go in public where being in a kilt AND it's appropriate to go without a shirt is appropriate. Well, maybe the shore for a morning or late evening stroll.

Generally speaking, though, I tend to think that jiggly parts need to be concealed from view in polite company. If it moves after I stop, it's a safe bet that there are few who want to see it.

I think I straddle the fence between shame and shamelessness, though. When I was a kid, I was ridiculed mercilessly for my weight and body shape. When I lost weight and came of age, and began to explore the idea of being comfortable with my body, like going shirtless in my own home, my parents put an immediate stop to that. (To their credit, though, they attempted to find alternatives, like cropped and mesh shirts and such.)

As an adult, free to make my own choices, I am probably more sensitive to those around me than my own particular needs or hedonism. Working in my yard, I might bare more to my neighbors than I would if, say, I was at a street festival.

Though it would entirely depend on the street festival, you know.

Regards,
Rex.

[Andy]

It looks like you are looking ahead at some four legged animal in the road.

That's my Great Dane Sadie. She's been pictured in these hollowed forum halls several times. And not to get any animal rights activists riled up (if there is such a thing here), but she's just days away from stalking and catching her own white tail deer. Not sure if she knows what she'll do with it once she does mow one down, but I'm sure it'll be interesting.

It's 101 today, so the shirt will be off again