Kilt Lifting

[Freedomlover]

I have seen several posts where someone mentions having his kilt lifted either by a drunk, a curious lass, a nosy buffoon, or some other troublemaker. It seems that such incidents are generally passed off with good humor, but I wonder if that good humor isn't often simply a cover for embarassment.

The last time I saw such an attempt coming I said, "Do you know what indecent assault is?" He did, and changed his mind. I think we sometimes take such actions too lightly. Lifting a man's kilt is, in most places, a violation of law and the rules of common decency. By failing to take these invasions seriously we perpetuate the tragicomic stereotype of the man in a kilt as merely a butt for crude humor. I wonder why it is quite acceptable (even expected) for a lady to land a sharp one on the face of any man doing such a thing, but not for a man?

Your thoughts?

[Raphael]

If there is a female allows her fellow men to lift her skirt and touch her, she would be seen as an immoral person.

But for the Kilted Men, us, we are prepared to take the 'abuse.' We don't really think much about it. After all, only boys would moon the traffic. Boys will be Boys and we will always act like we are only 5 years old.

[caig]

A couple of months ago I was being pestered by a man in my local pub, who would routinely lift up my kilt every time he passed me. I think he fancied me ! Until one day I pointed out that this was a sexual assault, and that, being a lawyer, I would ensure that he was prosecuted by the police, he would be fined or imprisoned, he would be placed on the Sexual Offenders Register, and that it would likely get into the papers. And I crowned it all by saying that once I had done that, and secured a conviction, I would sue him for damages in the civil courts and I would get about £2000.00 plus my legal costs.

I have had no more trouble from him !

Thankfuly this is a rare occurrence and all of the other people I encounter are supportive about my kilt.

[zeytoun]

It's up to every kilt wearer to decide how he will personally react.

There is a noticeable double standard regarding men and women in skirts/kilts, and if it bothers you, you personally don't have to put up with it. On the other hand, I think much of the double standard in this case is about curiousity/attitude. If you can master the right demeaner, you can lift almost any girl's skirt without her batting an eye .

For me, a lot depends on the circumstances, and the apparent attitude of the lifter. I wouldn't want to be publicly kilt lifted in a Church or an elementary school auditorium. And I won't take a rough/rude/intrusive lifting from anybody. I won't pretend to have good humor about an undesired kilt lifting out of embarrassment. On the other hand, if it's polite/curious/at a pub/a nice looking lady or something similar, I usually am not bothered in the slightest.

Wearing a kilt doesn't obligate you to be kilt lifted at everyone else's whim; it just means you have to have a little extra chutzpa to persuade people to respect your bounderies.

[Colin]

The kilt night regulars (not an easily embarrassed group) have dealt with this many times. Of course it could be because Andrew and Bear encourage these women throughout the evening. One of our former regulars, Vic, came up with a great idea. When one woman asked what he was wearing under his kilt, he turned it back on her. After all isn't a double standard a stupid thing. Needless to say that Vic was flashed several times that night by multiple women, and never once revealed the answer to the question.

[MDR-V300]

[edited to fix the typo in 'indecent assault angel]

If you can master the right demeaner, you can lift almost any girl's skirt without her batting an eye .

Needless to say that Vic was flashed several times that night by multiple women, and never once revealed the answer to the question.

The master of the demeanour that zeytoun was talking about seems to be Vic!
Apparently I've still got a lot to learn in life.

But as to the indecent assault angle... I've never had anyone lift it high enough to get a peek. There's something to be said for the concealing power of deep pleats. If it was really hoisted up there, the chances are the guy'd be in prime position for a punch in the face, and he might get it, too. I wouldn't tolerate for a second having anything done to me with an ill will.
Thankfully, Whyte avenue in Edmonton is the most heavily policed area in the free world*, so there could never be any real trouble.

*a slight exaggeration

[Colin]

Thankfully, Whyte avenue in Edmonton is the most heavily policed area in the free world*, so there could never be any real trouble.

Ah, how I miss the parties on Whyte ave. It's been years since I had a chance to visit your city.

[Casey]

One of the greatest places in Canada to people watch.

Casey

[bikercelt1]

While at the Taiwanese culture festival in Vancouver BC last month I sensed someone at my elbow. When I turned to look it was a lady in her late sixties or early seventies who obviously wanted to say something to me. I leaned over to hear her, it was somewhat crowded and noisy, and she told she wanted to lift my kilt on a dare from her friend. "Thats alright isn't it?" she asked. I turned to look at the friend she indicated. When I turned back to say no it wasn't alright all I saw was kilt material! She had not just lifted the kilt but hoisted it to the full length of her arm! I suddenly felt like an old time portrait camera (and I was getting somewhat concerned about where the negative was going to go!).

This whole kilt lifting thing can be flirtatious or it can be tedious, it all depends on the people and the circumstances. I don't think I could get away with lifting a womans skirt in public (I'm jealous of your ability Oliver) and if I yanked a guys trousers to his knees in a pub I would rightfully expect a negative response. I know people figure we should expect and tolerate this behaviour because we choose to do something different, but I think it's time to start putting a stop to it when it's unwanted attention, and I think that all parties involved know full well whether it's wanted attention or not.

Jamie

[Freedomlover]

Thanks, all. You have expressed some very interesting viewpoints. One more question: Why, if kilts are to be considered as perfectly ordinary, normal, menswear (and they are) are the rules different? Bikercelt1 makes the excellent point that to yank a guy's trousers down will get a negative reaction. From where I sit there is no difference whatever. Trouser yanking and kilt lifting are the same boorish behavior.