Testing a Theory

[Andrew Green]

Well, today is the first day of wearing a kilt to school. This is part taking my supervisor (one of them) up on her encouragement of the idea (and so far, nothing negative), and part deviance research for my sociology paper. Face it guys, wearing a kilt is not the norm in mainstream American society. Hell, I'd say it isn't the norm in any mainstream society any more. So therefore, it falls under the blanket of deviance. I am to record people's reactions, and use them in a brief paper. The way I see it: If I must engage in a conscious deviant act, I might as well make it fun. I am sure that most of you would agree with that one. I also wanted to see if I really could wear a kilt to work, and not get any gruff. So far so good.

[andyfg]

Well, today is the first day of wearing a kilt to school. This is part taking my supervisor (one of them) up on her encouragement of the idea (and so far, nothing negative), and part deviance research for my sociology paper. Face it guys, wearing a kilt is not the norm in mainstream American society. Hell, I'd say it isn't the norm in any mainstream society any more. So therefore, it falls under the blanket of deviance. I am to record people's reactions, and use them in a brief paper. The way I see it: If I must engage in a conscious deviant act, I might as well make it fun. I am sure that most of you would agree with that one. I also wanted to see if I really could wear a kilt to work, and not get any gruff. So far so good.

Well done Andrew! On social deviance, when I am teaching sexuality and marriage (in a course on contemporary moral problems) I use my kilt wearing to illustrate the ideas of social conformity and deviance, the social construction of gender and tolerance of those who differ. You are, of course, right. It does take a certain character to deviate from the norm. I would like to read your paper.

[Andrew Green]

I can always post it when it is finished. It shouldn't be anything overly special... just a deviant act or two, plus people's responses, why I chose that deviance, what factors of my own played a part in what I chose, how I reacted, how I was perceived, and reacted to etc. Plus the respondent's aspects as well. Most reactions so far have been positive, from "nice kilt" to my supervisor's remark of "look at you! Sporran and everything... looks good.", to one of my associates walking up and politely demanding that I let her see the tartan pattern (I am lazily wearing a black overshirt, that is a little oversized over my t-shirt... it has pockets, but since I use it as a very light jacket, I don't tuck it in), then commenting "right on." Utilikilts has come up twice, so people are recognizing the kilt for what it is. I heard one girl snicker in the cafeteria, but it is also someone who I already don't regard as very intelligent, so it didn't raise my opinion any... not my fault that she's not very educated... this person was also part of what could be called an "ethnic minority", so I just won't tolerate her culture, and we'll be on equal grounds. Oh wait, that could be considered racist of me. Does anyone else see a double standard forming there? But that was really the only hitch so far in my day. I may be inclined to wear some of the other kilts for the remainder of the week, to make sure that I can get a good amount of feedback. Heh.

[Southern Breeze]

Would a gathering of deviants be considerd a convergance?

The paper sounds interesting, let us know how it turns out.

[Graham]

what a bunch of deviants we are then! While not kilts, MUGS are mainstream in some cultures such as India, and Phillipines etc.

[pdcorlis]

I'm a deviant? - SWEET!

[Andrew Green]

Yeah, I'm fine with being labeled a "deviant"... it does mean that I am relatively different after all, doesn't it? And why would I want to be like "everybody else", when I have much more fun as it is?

M.U.Gs= Male Unbifurcated Garments?
That's how I interpreted it. My statement was in reference to the kilt only though. However, if I run across anyone wearing a sarong, or whatever other kind of M.U.G that they might have from their respected cultures, I'd support them in that decision... I don't like the idea of total cultural assimilation...that's how people forget where they came from, originally or otherwise.

Of course I am going to run around the Kelso Highland Games kilted, and perhaps I can even get my belted plaid looking good for wear....despite the fact that kilt wearing is definitely more accepted at a gathering like that, belted plaids are still an uncommon sight. My professor thought that such a concept would give good information to contrast with localized reactions. I just call it a good time, but if it is applicable for what I am doing than so be it! Some might call this cheating, as it is more fun that hard academic research... but the concept DOES indeed apply, as my professor stated in an email. So...I win.

[GMan]

Yes I am from deviant central!

[kilted in kleaveland]

Well I've never thought of myself as a deviant before, but I think I can cope with that. Congrats on finding a way to be kilted at work. I too would be interested in your paper. Best of luck!

[JmLysaght]

All I have to say is: real men wear kilts!

I don't know what's wrong with that girl because if I saw a guy in a kilt the last thing I would be doing is snickering! I'd be trying to figure out how to get your phone number! I love a guy in a kilt!
And I'd love to read your paper too. I am going into anthropology and am always interested in public reactions to unexpected sights!
And, hey Kleaveland, that's my home town! Where the first of my family put down roots right off the boat in early 1900's and am actually moving back up that way soon! (Nice tartan too btw)
Jm Lysaght