In a perfect world...

[CDNSushi]

When I read through many of the threads here on XMTS, especially in the General forum, I can't help but wonder about the motivation behind these posts. Without granting legitimacy to one over another, it seems to me that in many ways we are a support group for something that is commonly scorned or ridiculed in public. Without a doubt, when we walk around kilted, we get noticed. HOW we get noticed however seems to vary, as do the responses to this attention. Many of us respond with surprise and others with some measure of anger when the bifurcated among us fail to respect something we value highly. It's only natural to do so.

I wonder then, if we were to be perfectly honest with ourselves, and I do mean: as unbiased in judgment as might be expected from a sane individual, would we find within ourselves a desire that far transcends mere approval and acceptance, but reaches for the bar of laud and praise? (Again, not that these qualities are necessarily shameful, but nowadays they often are seen as such).

This came to my mind tonight as I made my way to the local, for to enjoy numerous pints of Guinness and Kilkenny with my friends and co-workers (which undoubtedly inspired this post at least in part). When I first ventured out in my kilt many months ago, it was a big deal. Comments were made, discussions ensued, and later on, at least once or twice during the course of the evening the topic would arise. On the other hand, now, there could be nothing more mundane and to bring up my kilt would be no more (or less) apt than bringing up my friend's ski jacket. It made me ask myself, "Do I miss being the centre of attention? Maybe just a little?" Ergo, I pose the question to the rabble. What would be your wish in a perfect world?

Simply stated, in a perfect world, would your wish be for complete and utter acceptance of kilt wearing, to the point where it would be equally acceptable (and commonplace) to see a man in blue jeans as in a kilt? Or would a perfect world entail a sense of awe or fascination? Would you be acknowledged for wearing a kilt? Put even more primitively, would you rather be noticed or ignored?

Please excuse my indulgence, but tonight's consumption of ale notwithstanding, I'm still dreadfully curious as to how the rabble envisions their own utopias.

[Howard Clark]

I would like very much for it to be thoroughly ordinary.

[Andy]

The inevitable questions, stares, praise and ridicule I first received when wearing a kilt was always kinda par for the course - especially considering where I live. San Angelo, Texas is a nice, open-minded community of sorts, but still pretty status quo as far as normal wear (jeans, shorts, etc.) go. But it's like anything else - eventually, the "shock and awe" of seeing a man in a kilt wears off some.

I can't honestly say I miss or want anymore attention than what I already get. In fact, sometimes it's nice just to be left alone. At this point (for me at least), I get more questions about how a kilt feels, is it too hot or keeps the cold out, are they hard to maintain, where does one get one or if they have to be Scottish to wear one. Simple, to the point questions like that are always welcome to me.

Personally, I would like to see the kilt accepted as much as a pair of shorts or jeans. However, looking into my magic 8 ball and asking "Will this ever happen in Ameriac in the next 10 years", I get a resounding "Ask Again Later"......

[isantop]

While I certainly don't see why any one wouldn't want to wear one, I can tell you that I desire a society where the kilt isn't a bad thing anywhere. Would I mind if no wore jeans anymore? No, but I wouldn't mind either if no one minded the kilt, or if all that wore one recieved compliments based on how good they looked on it, their impecable fashion sense/dignity, etc.

What I don't want is a society that praises you for your bravery to wear one.

[Alan H]

I voted for happy medium.

I'd like the world to change such that wearing a kilt didn't garner any vitriol or wierd looks.

but...

I hope it never becomes totally commonplace here in Northern California, because I have to admit to myself that I enjoy all the positive attention...... which BTW is more or less disappearing at work, after being the kilt guy for 2+ years. Everybody just accepts it without a second thought, now.

[Panache]

Darn!

Based on the title I thought this was another thread about gin!

sigh

I voted for a happy medium.

It is best and happily I seem to have found it in my day to day kilted life

The secret I think is to just wear the kilt and go about your business

Cheers

Jamie :ootd:

[McClef]

As Oscar Wilde said:

"There is only one thing worse in the world being noticed - that is NOT being noticed."

[davedove]

I voted for happy medium, because I have to admit I do like some of the attention.

In the perfect world, wearing the kilt would draw no bad remarks, only good.

[The Barry]

I'll admit it, I like some of the attention that the kilt attracts, especially from the fairer gender!

[puffer]

The secret I think is to just wear the kilt and go about your business

Cheers

Jamie :ootd:

Jamie, IMHO YOU are "SPOT ON" ith:ith:ith:ith:

Puffer