Is it possible to wear a kilt and not look like you're from Scotland?

[Father Bill]

Jock, my old friend, please re-read what I said.

Folks, we have every right to feel as we feel. That doesn't claim that we are right, just that we have a right to our feelings because they are real. We don't choose to feel that way, but polite and decent people normally consider what they say because they don't want others to feel any hurt.

Neloon, that's what I'm speaking of and like your forums where one may speak the truth, I'm darned well speaking it.

It's how I feel. It's not an opinion, it's an internal response. If anyone doesn't like hearing about it, too darned bad. The truth is the truth, and I've spoken mine by telling you what those comments feel like to me. Not to anyone else necessarily, to me. I guess some folks would prefer not to know that.

[Jock Scot]

Jock, my old friend, please re-read what I said.

Folks, we have every right to feel as we feel. That doesn't claim that we are right, just that we have a right to our feelings because they are real. We don't choose to feel that way, but polite and decent people normally consider what they say because they don't want others to feel any hurt.

Neloon, that's what I'm speaking of and like your forums where one may speak the truth, I'm darned well speaking it.

It's how I feel. It's not an opinion, it's an internal response. If anyone doesn't like hearing about it, too darned bad. The truth is the truth, and I've spoken mine by telling you what those comments feel like to me. Not to anyone else necessarily, to me. I guess some folks would prefer not to know that.

Yes Bill we are friends, firm friends, but speaking the truth and feelings are not a one way thing and in all honesty and with the greatest respect your version of these things here are only a one way street-----your street. What about other streets?

This is my point.

[Father Bill]

Aye Jock, and I hope you know that I value your friendship highly. Having said that, anyone should be able to identify to others how they feel without being told that it's inappropriate or whining. Feelings are what they are, and by telling folks how I feel about comments I hope to help them to communicate opinions in ways that don't offend. I'd be a poor friend indeed were I to feel hurt or anger and conceal it. It would be nothing more than a charade.

You've spoken your feelings and I've spoken mine. How is that a one way street?

[Jock Scot]

Aye Jock, and I hope you know that I value your friendship highly. Having said that, anyone should be able to identify to others how they feel without being told that it's inappropriate or whining. Feelings are what they are, and by telling folks how I feel about comments I hope to help them to communicate opinions in ways that don't offend. I'd be a poor friend indeed were I to feel hurt or anger and conceal it. It would be nothing more than a charade.

You've spoken your feelings and I've spoken mine. How is that a one way street?

Somehow Bill, I am sorry to say I get the feeling that you think that you are on a four lane motorway and I am on a bicycle track! I really do not get the feeling that you are understanding what is being said.That is probably my fault, but feelings are only a by product of the main issue.

[neloon]

As I said earlier, I don't think these misunderstandings are anyone's fault but rather a problem inherent in the site's rules.
Alan

[Father Bill]

Well Jock, I'm not sure where you're going with your road analogy, but if I've correctly read your posts over the years, then I believe that you find it amazing that anyone outside of the Highlands would wear a kilt, and puzzling that they do. Your preference, I think, is that we didn't. Your amazement and puzzlement are feelings that result from that preference and understanding.

My understanding of the kilt is different from yours, and I agree that I'm no Highlander. My sense is that your puzzlement comes from an utter incomprehension of the feelings outlanders have for the kilt or for heritage in general, and how we choose to express those feelings as they are, particularly here in Canada, and specifically by me personally.

I hope I'm coming close so far.

Having said that, the frequent subtle inferences by yourself and others that I shouldn't wear a kilt because I'm not sufficiently Scottish does sting. I say that only so that you and others will know the emotional response that arises from such comments. As I said, I'd be a poor friend were I not to tell you and others how it felt.

Finally, feelings in my opinion (and I've done a lot of professional study, training, and thought on this over almost as many years as you have under your belt) are the most genuine, unfiltered, and honest expression there is of who anyone is. To have them dismissed lightly by anyone is always a sad injustice. Thus, when people express them, wise and compassionate people tread lightly and thoughfully about them because feelings just are what they are. We don't decide to feel that way, we just do.

[Knight]

I know that when I wear the kilt, I'm not particularly interested in looking "like a Highlander." After all, there can only be one. I'll just keep my head on my shoulders, thanks.



Sorry. Couldn't help it.

[thecompaqguy]

This guy doesn't look remotely Scottish to me

[Alan H]

Time to take a deep breath and go do something else for a couple of hours?

(...so says the guy that in past years, used to rant on something fierce on XMTS )

[Freebooter]

This guy doesn't look remotely Scottish to me

But he looks sharp as hell. As I said earlier, I wear a kilt on occasion not only because of my Scottish ancestors and to honor that heritage, but I just think a kilt is cool as hell.
FB
Alabama