An Educational moment this morning...

**rondo** · 24th July 12, 10:07 AM

While getting my tires changed this morning I walked across the street to the local fast food joint to get a cup of coffee. As I walked in three young ladies were giggling and chattering and looking at me. The coffee was near their table and as I approached the bravest of the three said "you're wearing a dress, I think that's cool." I smiled and said "it is called a kilt, men associated with Scotland wear them."

The lasses were from about 8 years to 11 years old. Once the ice was broken they asked about the sporran, kilt pin, my bonnet. We chatted for about 5 minutes. All the while Mom and Dad were sitting a table away listening as well. As I turned to leave the Mom touched my shoulder and thanked me for being patient and answering the children's questions. All in all, a very nice way to start the morning.

Rondo

**Father Bill** · 24th July 12, 10:11 AM

Well done, my friend! We have too many "reactors" in this world, and not enough patient teachers. As CdnSushi and others in his neighbourhood know only too well this year, "reactors" can be dangerous to themselves and those around them.

**Tartan Tess** · 24th July 12, 10:36 AM

It does take a whole village to raise a child.

**Tobus** · 24th July 12, 11:02 AM

Very well done. That's three less ignorant people in the world. I think we often take for granted that people know what a kilt is, or its history. It's honestly pretty amazing that there are people who have never heard of it, and who don't recognize it as a man's garment. But they're out there. With any luck, those girls will go home and Google "kilt" and learn some more.

**Spartan Tartan** · 24th July 12, 12:16 PM

Originally Posted by Tobus

Very well done. That's three less ignorant people in the world. I think we often take for granted that people know what a kilt is, or its history. It's honestly pretty amazing that there are people who have never heard of it, and who don't recognize it as a man's garment. But they're out there. With any luck, those girls will go home and Google "kilt" and learn some more.

They probably Googled from their smart phones as soon as they got in the car!

Well played turning that into a teaching moment. You clearly hit the mark as evidenced by the mother thanking you as well.

**dea3369** · 24th July 12, 12:25 PM

Well done, indeed. We all need to copy that page from your book.

And hats off to the mom who showed the kids that nobody is too old to say thank you.

**CDNSushi** · 24th July 12, 05:47 PM

Originally Posted by Father Bill

Well done, my friend! We have too many "reactors" in this world, and not enough patient teachers. As CdnSushi and others in his neighbourhood know only too well this year, "reactors" can be dangerous to themselves and those around them.

My spidermod sense was tingling that someone used my name in a thread somewhere....

Well said, though. And the situation was dealt with nicely too. A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

(Oh, and speaking of reactors... Somewhat off-topic, but remember to keep tabs on the news on Sunday. My local sources tell me that there's a massive anti-nuke protest scheduled for Tokyo on the 29th. The media will likely report on it... My wife wanted to attend, but I said, "no way." This may be one of those that turns ugly.)

**yaakov45** · 24th July 12, 09:43 PM

Nicely done! Enlightenment, no matter what subject, is brilliant!

**Sharkman** · 25th July 12, 11:30 AM

Well done!!

**MNlad** · 25th July 12, 03:53 PM

Had a similar experience a few months ago at the Festival of Nations in St. Paul while manning the Scotland booth. A young man of about seven asked what I was wearing. After explaining the significance and history of the kilt, he nodded knowingly and said, "Here in America we call that a skirt." His mom winked at me and said, "I'll explain it more to him later. Thanks."

I still wonder what the kid's reaction was when he got to the Japan booth with the gentileman in a kimono.