What they really say about us

[Cowher]

^

I'll second that

[kc8ufv]

Beyond that, I suspect that "what they say" does matter to virtually everyone here. Not only because we are a social species and no one wants to be such an Ishmael that social intercourse becomes impossible; but also because unless the kilt is to be only an icon of the pariah, it has to "work" on many levels as an acceptable man's garment. It can't just be held like a secret password that only we can understand.

I'm glad for this, and a few other recent threads on here. While I don't usually care what "they" say, there are times when I do. There are some of us who aren't able to easily read people like others can.

[DWFII]

I'm glad for this, and a few other recent threads on here. While I don't usually care what "they" say, there are times when I do. There are some of us who aren't able to easily read people like others can.

***

I suspect everybody cares...despite the solipsistic posturing.

Why?

Because if you (an impersonal, generic "you") really don't care, there is no issue. You "don't have a dog in this fight," as who should say.

And you don't post to Internet forums where the chance that someone will disagree or voice an opinion contrary to yours approaches unity. If only because that level of indifference...to the extent that it exists at all...has no need to express an opinion one way or the other.

More, if you really don't care, you don't subscribe to, or bandy about, such nonsensical invective as "kilt police" or give vent to outrage that someone has another perspective and/or dares to express it.

[Chirs]

As with all things social, context is everything. When I need to be concerned with how I am received by others I will dress in ways that reflect my intentions (to wit: I would not use beachwear for an interview; I would not wear an expensive kilt to a water park). However, in the wider sense of things, I also find that men's wear in our culture tends to be uninspired and rigid, although I admit to seeing what is being offered in Milan the other year and swearing a resounding 'NO!!".

If we were truly as fashion conscious as some suggest we would not be wearing kilts but, rather, we'd be keeping up with the runways. We don't. We like kilts. For reasons many and varied, we like kilts. And we wear them. Just as some people like to wear basketball uniforms as clubwear while others wear only shapeless black clothes and still others wear only the latest and most expensive designer labels, we all wear what we would choose given our own, personal contexts.

At least, that's what I think today.

[tripleblessed]

I think most do care, as people tend toward herd mentality. Fitting in is important in society, though not required, and you're allowed to choose the segment to fit into, so most don't bridle overmuch. Most importantly, if you're willing to pay the price, you can go your own way. If you go your own way diplomatically, the price might not be too high.

I care as far as knowing what someone thinks and why because I care about them as people. I did not, however, hire them to make decisions for me about how to run my life or how to dress.

Or at least that seems to make sense at about 2:30 AM or so, maybe it doesn't actually.

[DWFII]

Someone famous and well respected (Ghandi?) once said something to the effect: "there is infinite freedom in an 8' x 8' cell."

Freedom, independence, individuality isn't in what you wear or don't wear. It isn't in how much you conform to the outward aspects of those around you; it isn't in how much you acquiesce to needs of the larger society or the people you come into contact with. It isn't how broadly or defiantly you "fly the freak flag."

All of that is superficial...and I suspect camouflage for a deeper insecurities.

Individuality is in the heart, in the mind, in the spirit. It is not constrained by walls, clan tartan...or by popular opinion.

It would no more accede to rebellion because rebellion was the orthodoxy of the day than to convention for the refuge it promises.

[tripleblessed]

When I find myself in this discussion, which I do from time to time, people seem to think someone 64 with looong hair and a beard has some insight (hah) into this area, I eventually will recall the scene from Dr. Zhivago on this.

It's when they're on the train to Siberia, and something said offends the chained guy who has to tend the fire and empty chamberpots, and he grabs his chains and pulls on them, saying I AM A FREE MAN! Chills every time I've seen it.

It alone is worth the Oscars the film garnered.