...to be kilted at prom...

[Seumas52]

I realize that my request was not at all a dumb request. My request was to where an article of clothing that’s origins and history is deeply rooted in that of Scotland. Word usage error. Should be "wear".

tie-die suit...did you mean tie-dye?

sorry for the nit picking.

[St. Amish]

Have you received a response from the principal yet?

[Mr. MacDougall]

Have you received a response from the principal yet?

Inquiring minds want to know!

[Jordan]

You know I was just wondering about this today, Hopefully its all going well

[joecool]

Any word on this yet?

[jordanjm]

I too thought of some possible edits. I am posting an alternative letter, I hope that some of my ideas help. I tried to make it a more engaging letter, while leaving your points in place.

---------------------------------
Not long ago I asked the school if I could wear a kilt to the Fall Formal dance. I decided to engage in a hopefully positive discussion about wearing the Kilt. It was suggested that I just show up, but I felt that was negatively confrontational. I know that there is much ignorance over the Kilt, and that it is a misunderstood garment.

My request was quickly rejected. The only reasoning I was told was that it would be “too distracting”. I was shocked and hurt by this. I feel that this situation has been handled poorly. I ask that you take this letter seriously and read it thoroughly.

Upon requesting to wear a kilt to the dance, I felt as if I was requesting to do something dumb or silly. The Kilt, especially in America, have a bad stereotype as a silly “man-skirt” worn only by Bagpipe bands and people trying to be funny.

My request was not a dumb request, or a joke. My request was to wear an article of clothing with origins and history is deeply rooted in that of Scotland.

Any person who enjoys wearing the kilt should have every right to wear it. In fact, no one should even be required to ask permission to wear the Kilt. However that’s the way it often is.

The Kilt is a garment made of a long yardage of cloth, which is pleated in the back. Two aprons cross over in the front, making a knee length garment with several deep pleats in the back and a smooth apron in the front. Most typically, the kilts are made of Tartan cloth.

Since Victorian time tartans have identified Scottish clans and families, and have even expanded to representing Irish families, people, states, cities, and even the US armed forces. The Kilt is considered the formal attire of Scotland, however, many people all over the world wear kilts. Special jackets and other accessories are made to accompany a kilt.

A typical formal kilt outfit would consist of:
A Kilt
Kilt Hose (Socks, which come to be low the knee cap)
Flashes (Like Garters, their function is to help hold the Kilt hose up. They were once tied, but now they are most likely ribbons attached to a Velcro and elastic band.)
Dress Shirt
Tie
Sporran (A Pouch, which holds everything pockets would hold.)
Kilt Jacket (Argyll a semi-formal jacket, or Prince Charlie a formal tuxedo jacket.)
Sgian Dubh (A small knife, which is worn in the sock.) For the school dance I plan to omit the Sgian Dubh.


There is so much misunderstanding about the Kilt. Therefore, I do not blame you for feeling unsure about allowing a kilt. The reason I was told. by Mr. *******. was that the kilt would be too distracting. I understand, but do not understand this statement.

How will the Kilt be a distraction? School dances are meant to be an enjoyable (yet decent) time.


Do you think that my wearing a kilt will prevent people from dancing and enjoying themselves?

On the other hand, one fact that cannot be denied is that a kilt will turn heads. I assume that this is closer to your reason of “too distracting”. However, is that a bad thing? Everybody, particularly the girls, who attend a dance try their best to have the best outfit possible.

However, if a man decides to step beyond the ordinary cultural clothing choices of black, blue or tan pants in favor of connecting with his heritage he encounters opposition.

I have no desire to become the center of attention or anything of the sort, but there is little doubt that I will get some odd looks and questions. That kind of stuff simply comes with wearing a kilt in public.
Do you think that a kilt would be any more distracting than the radical and/or revealing dresses worn to school events? I heard that in 2008 a girl came to Fall Formal dressed as a pirate, is that more appropriate than a formal kilt outfit?

I will wear underwear under the kilt and even shorts if you deem it necessary. If you are afraid of someone being stupid and trying to flip my kilt up, they will simply see the shorts underneath.

Every day we are urged to be accepting of others. But when it comes to the Kilt tolerance goes down the drain. Every person has one or more cultural heritages, and it is their right to express pride in it.

If someone with African or Mexican heritage wished to wear traditional garb of their country, would they not be allowed to because it would be too distracting? There have been countless cases of students not being allowed into school or school dances because of their choice to wear the Kilt. A student from Missouri wore a kilt to a school dance and was forced to change. Soon after, an Internet petition was begun by members of his (Scottish) clan; the principal was required to apologize to the student and allow him to wear his kilt to the following prom.

The desire to wear a kilt is a symbol of Scottish pride and heritage. Aside from that, the kilt is a very formal garment, more stylish and fancy (not to mention expensive) than you typical pair of dress pants.
To sum this up:
I do have Scottish heritage, and a deep love of my roots.
The Kilt can be dressed to any occasion, casual to formal.
The kilt does not represent anything inappropriate or racist.
The kilt has suffered much abuse in America due to its similarities to a skirt, but it should NEVER be treated as such.
The kilt has its roots in Scottish history, up until the 1700’s, your kilt was your clothing, your blanket, and your pride. (If this interests you or you do not understand, I am more than happy to explain it to you.)
The kilt, and the tartan which it is made of, represents hundreds of years of family pride and heritage for people all over the world. To insult the kilt is to insult this pride and heritage, and the people behind it.
The kilt is in no way “worse” or “less appropriate” than a dress or a suit. In fact, a kilt is much less revealing or “distracting” than some dresses that may turn up. It is a garment that you do not see everyday. It is much different than the typical jeans/T-shirt or the ordinary suit and tie that we see as common in America.


I believe that you have the understanding to manage this appropriately. I ask that you please reconsider your hasty “No” to my request and allow the Kilt to Prom this spring. I have no intention to make the Kilt a center of entertainment and definitely do not intend on doing anything inappropriate while kilted.
I have many ways to turn conversation away from topics such as what is under the kilt. Some of them are funny, some are serious. I plan to use appropriate responses to these inquiries. I am glad to go over my responses to you, so that you will feel more comfortable.

I implore you to reconsider.

Please talk with me in person before you make a final decision. Regardless of your answer, I would like to have it written on paper even if you tell me in person (many people think more clearly when they write something on paper).

Thank you very much for your time and I hope that you please reconsider.

[Teufel Hunden]

I'll come back and post some more specific thoughts later, but I just wanted to say I can't believe it has to go this far for you in the first place. I wore a kilt on several occasions in my high school, even on regular school days, and my school staff loved it. My teachers all wanted to know my roots, my principal (non-Scot) thought my sporran was neat, etc. My friend and I just randomly showed up one day both clad in kilts, sporrans, and t-shirts, and the only thing we heard from other students was, "you guys have some balls....." I was also kilted for my graduation, and still hold the record for being one of 2 guys ever at the school to be kilted.

It's sad to me that people would dismiss it off hand. Of course my opinion is biased, but to me it seemed to be an immediately recognizable piece of heritage and pride. But it's still so misunderstood sometimes, it makes me wonder just how much people know about the world at large.

[Drac]

I haven't been part of this thread but have been following it, interested in the outcome and on a quick review one thing that does jump out is this -

There have been countless cases of students not being allowed into school or school dances because of their choice to wear the Kilt. A student from Missouri wore a kilt to a school dance and was forced to change. Soon after, an Internet petition was begun by members of his (Scottish) clan; the principal was required to apologize to the student and allow him to wear his kilt to the following prom.

Be careful here this can come across as a threat. If the purpose is to engage in a positive discussion hopefully in allowing you to attend kilted this might set a wrong tone.

Jim

[dadgad]

I agree with Drac's comment. I would also recommend you revise the parenthetical statment in this line:

The kilt has its roots in Scottish history, up until the 1700’s, your kilt was your clothing, your blanket, and your pride. (If this interests you or you do not understand, I am more than happy to explain it to you.)

My suggeston would be to say something like: "...I am more than happy to discuss this with you." explain seems condescending. Perhaps take out the "...you do not understand" part. Same reason.

[jgorley]

Isaac,

I'm not trying to sound unkind here, but really -- with 8 pages of comments in your last thread on this topic and 5 pages in this one, with some of the forum's kilted "heavyweights" all checking in with their ideas and opinions, I would imagine that by now you would have sufficient material with which to proceed on this issue.

If you haven't gleaned enough by now, do you think you ever will?

Normally I don't get involved in this type of thread, as I had my hand slapped by several members when I was a Noobie and posted a similar thread on not being allowed to wear a kilt to work. Please keep in mind that we are not required to read, or post on ,any of the threads on the board. No need to belittle members of our family who are asking for help or advice. How many members do we have? If only 1% post advice, the thread can span several pages. Also remember that for some, going kilted is very difficult at first and may require quite a bit of support, addressing your school faculty is a big step for a student needing support. I respect Isaac for being mature and brave enough to stand up for his rights.

More on topic, I believe diplomacy will work best in this given scenario. Do keep us posted. Out of curiosity, what will your guest be wearing? Good luck.
James