What's a Nice Way to Put This?

[PiperOfThePlains]

With the summertime season approaching the arid, blisteringly hot Texas Panhandle, I've decided that it's time for me to start casually kilting more often. However, the CKP have again decided that this is world's most terrible and horrendous idea. "What or who are the CKP" you ask? The "Casual Kilt Police." A mostly pleasant group consisting of two members, both of whom are my parents. According to my parents, "A kilt is part of a costume you wear whenever you are asked to pipe somewhere, or for Estes Park, or for your Scottish meetings." Brutal, right? Now, before you jump to any conclusions, their stance is based almost entirely off of their lack of knowledge regarding kilt wearing. No one EVER in my family has ever dawned a kilt, but me. It's not a normal thing for them. Unfortunately, this is how it's been for the last several years. Last year, I attempted to go kilting casually, but they gave me the world's largest "No." Before you rush into anything, let me tell you that I am a very good little boy who does everything they ask me to, and not a second later. As you may or may not know, I am homeschooled, so school kilting isn't an issue. And, no, I'm definitely not trying to rebel or anything, as my younger brother does a fine job of that...

I'm stuck between a rock and a very hard place; that hard place being my parents.

So, basically, what I need to know is what is a nice, respectable, polite way to explain to them that casual kilting isn't a felony? You guys are probably my only hope for survival.

"Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi; you're my only hope..."

[Steve Ashton]

Have them look over your shoulder at this forum.

Scroll through some of the many pics and let them see just how many others there are who wear a kilt as something other than a uniform or a costume.
Show them irrefutable proof that there are some who wear the kilt everyday, for every sort of event, and in every way.

17,000 + X Marks members are here to back you up.

[McMurdo]

That is great advice Steve, I also agree that one of the best things would be to show them photos of others wearing the kilt casually. Something like this

[knotty]

Ill assume that youre an adult, I that you buy all your clothes.

A long friend asked me once, "Why are you dressing like that? Are you trying to make a statement?". My response was simple, "Because I can.". To many of us, being kilted is a choice we all made. Rather its part time of full time, we are doing it. There will always those that will never understand what it means to be kilted, but we do.

When I started in the kilt journey someone offered me some advice. WEAR IT WELL. WEAR IT PROUD

Good luck

[rlh2]

First off, good thread. Secondly, you are your own person. I don't know your age, but you have to make your own decisions. Good on you for living the live you choose. Good luck.

[The Wizard of BC]

Show them this.

Three guys for whom the kilt is everyday wear.

[Calgacus]

I suppose a lot depends on your age. I don't know exactly how old you are, but if you are an adult I would show them this website, tell them that the kilt is not a costume, it is simply a mode of dress, then wear your kilt with pride.

If, however, you are not yet an adult my advice would be to do as your parents ask even if they are misguided or misinformed. It is no great hardship not to wear your kilt, and you are living under their roof after all, so you can expect to have to follow their rules. Besides, you will be an adult soon enough and can then make your own decisions about how you dress.

The way I see it, making compromises like that shows your parents respect, and a wise man does all he can to keep his parents happy. You never know when you might need them in the future.

[Jock Scot]

Just something for you to consider. Being a parent is probably THE hardest job in the world and being a boy growing into an adult is possibly the second hardest job in the world( I stand corrected-- you are 14 years old ) , particularly when youthful enthusiasm and impatiance start to take a hand in things. I could go on for pages! But if you think about it and by the tone of your post you are, then both sides of this discussion will find a way to resolve this.

Steve's suggestion of letting your parents look at this website for greater knowledge will help, and the fact that 17000 members, with 17000 points of view, from all corners of the Earth can,-------- OK, most of the time------- discuss a common interest in a civil way should reassure them more than a bit. I can see, I think, where your parents are coming from , but gentle persuasion is your best course.

Oh could you please advise your parents of one thing and I am sure that you will do it nicely, that the kilt is not a costume! Unless its worn on a film set, or on the stage! A uniform most certainly, a garment of Scottish National attire most definitely, a garment absolutely, but never ever, outside a theatrical context a costume!

[KD Burke]

While I agree that education is the best option, in my experience people in general, and parents particularly, can be resistant to being schooled by someone of your age.

If that is the case, then I would submit that your best option is to:

1) Turn 18;
2) Move out of the house;
3) Dress as you damned well please!

In that order!

Until then parent's house, parent's rules.

[S Mitchell]

Is there a possibility they're worried you'll be bullied or harassed for wearing the kilt in a 'non-kilt context'? (I'm not saying you would be but the world can be a scary place for parents trying to keep their children safe.)