The toughest kilted situations

**Graham** · 15th June 04, 08:40 AM

I was thinking about what I find the most challenging situations in a kilt.

I've mentioned already the reaction groups of youths, going to the movies, non-celtic events etc.

However, on reflection, I think that wearing a kilt in a work/employment situation presents the greatest challenges, why?

because you are putting (in some cases) your job on the line, you are 'putting your money where your mouth is' so to speak.

As a self-employed lad, I am saying 'take me and take my kilt' like it or lump it! this is something that effects the bottom line - the income (either good or bad).

You can visit a different village or city, and brush off any adverse reaction, you may never pass that way again.
But with those you work with day to day, that matters!

What do you think? am I right? or up the creek with no green tights on?

**Ded N. Buried** · 15th June 04, 09:03 AM

Would seem pretty accurate to me.
I myself am not self-employed, however when I do go out to get some side work, I always dress in a way that I feel the potential costomer will find most appealing. However on the flip side if you can bring some attention to yourself with out it being repulsive to the costomer then you are more likely to be remembered when he or she is looking for some more work in the future.
Either way I must concur that this would offer the greatest challenge to the wearing of the kilt.

thanx...Ded N. Buried

**GMan** · 15th June 04, 09:29 AM

I pretty much have worked independently all my life and have always dressed for comfort (need I say the kilt is the most comfortable), and really had no problems, I dressed for whatever the situation warranted, and with kilts I saw no difference. I often walk into businesses and wished that all the male staff were kilted but that is my dream. Sometimes people fear for their job and will not express their own individuality, they become clones to what is deemed proper, those dreaded bifurgated things that we call pants or trousers ugh! However I understand the risk factor people are up against like losing their job and I really feel for them. It really is a tough call, and I do admire all you guys who are stepping out and wearing the kilt as much as possible, and to you guys trying to wear your kilt all power to you and continue fighting for your right.

Good luck to all of us kilted guys as we spread the joys of kilting!

**philbo** · 15th June 04, 09:30 AM

Perhaps it all depends on your line of work. When part of your job is pouring beer, you could wear just about anything and still be greeted with acceptance.

One of my biggest challenges (aside from strong winds) has been explaining the utilikilt (or any non-tartan kilt) to people with a lot of Scotish heritage, or to people who have a hard time accepting kilts that simply aren't plaid. I'm often accused of wearing a "sk!rt", especially if they find out I'm not Scotish. This doesn't happen very often, and when it does, I tend to look for the nearest woman to start flirting with. When no women are around, it's more difficult to explain to rednecks why I wear a kilt.

**Colin** · 15th June 04, 09:34 AM

I would think that the toughest situation would be in gaining the acceptance of your family. After all we represent those closest to us as well as ourselves. It would be a very difficult task to wear kilts if our friends and family were not at all supportive, and were embarrassed by us. Fortunately it seems that most people on this board (myself included) have families that are very supportive and proud of our kilt wearing.

**bear** · 15th June 04, 10:07 AM

Originally Posted by philbo

Perhaps it all depends on your line of work. When part of your job is pouring beer, you could wear just about anything and still be greeted with acceptance.

One of my biggest challenges (aside from strong winds) has been explaining the utilikilt (or any non-tartan kilt) to people with a lot of Scotish heritage, or to people who have a hard time accepting kilts that simply aren't plaid. I'm often accused of wearing a "sk!rt", especially if they find out I'm not Scotish. This doesn't happen very often, and when it does, I tend to look for the nearest woman to start flirting with. When no women are around, it's more difficult to explain to rednecks why I wear a kilt.

Tell 'em Irish kilts are traditionally solid coloured.
The O'Dinan was reported to have research showing that each family in Ireland had their own colour of kilt, much like the Scottish tartans. However, when he passed away, the notes were misplaced.

**Blu (Ontario)** · 15th June 04, 02:40 PM

These are <u>all</u> sensitive situations that require skill and experience to defeat. But for those that work inside a structured corporate hierarchy, the workplace scenario is probably the greatest challenge. (Typically, he who pays the piper calls the tune.) Other situations, where ignorance of facts and redneck attitudes are involved, can be ignored or perhaps ameliorated through persistance and cleverness. Each of us has a risk boundary established by individual circumstances. It's just a matter of how close to the edge each of us is willing to go.