Uncultured A**holes in Maryland

[Cirthalion]

I always, always, always wear a sporran and a sgian dubh when I wear my kilt; that way I project the impression that the outfit is something ethnic and cannot possibly be mistaken for some strange form of crossdressing. The sporran is quite masculine, by virtue of its placement, and there is nothing like a dagger in your sock to say, "don't f!$# with me." Kilt hose over thick calves, and a flash of hairy knee complete the impression.

Maybe it's just because I'm a big, fairly fit guy, but I find if you round out the outfit with all the usual accessories, you extend and diversify the image of the kilt itself, and leave little doubt that it is some form of traditional male attire.

Cirthalion

[Red Lioness]

A**holes? In Anne Arundel Co.?! No way!!

I lived and worked in that whole area for two years after I got out the service. I now hate Maryland. You have my sympathies.

[GTRMAN]

A**holes? In Anne Arundel Co.?! No way!!

I lived and worked in that whole area for two years after I got out the service. I now hate Maryland. You have my sympathies.

LOL.. How long ago was this? What part of the county did you live/work in?

[Red Lioness]

I left Crownsville in August of '05.

[beloitpiper]

When they drive by in a car and yell it out a window, they're worthless. Don't even bother. But, if somebody is face to face and calls it s skirt or dress, I stop and correct them. I make sure they know what it really is.

Rightfully, the college I go to is full of kilt fans (because it's a small school and everybody knows everybody), but the town...well, there hasn't been many incidents, but when there are, I deal with them. Otherwise I think about them later and get upset.

[Riverkilt]

For me, the hardest part was learning to let those incidents go.
No point in carrying them around myself, long after the idiot who made them has forgotten them. Then they "win."

I ignore the drive bys and the behind the back comments.

I've adopted the recommended "Thank you" for the ignorant and uneducated.

When a group of smart comments happens the danger for me is that I'll get all geared up to respond to the next one and then the next comment turns out to be a bungled attempt at a compliment by a person who's not sure how to properly deliver the compliment....and I unload on them. Not good.

We all know that if we track responses that the positives will far outweigh the smart comments.

Oh yeah, if the stupid comment is from a guy with a lady be SURE to look her in the eye and smile at her...let her know you know she could do better.

Ron

[Joe Gondek]

I was born in D.C and Raised in Montgomery County,(Bethesda-Chevy Chase)
I never felt like I fit in or belonged there
I left Maryland after I got out of the Army in 1971
Headed West and never looked back
I returned to the East Coast, Blacksburg Va. in 83 to start my own business
I really missed the Rockies and moved back
I have no love for Maryland or desire to return.

There are A-holes everywhere but Maryland seems to have more than their fair share

[Jaden]

Hello. I'm new and not a kilted male but a female fan. I was lurking about when I read Mechamaniac's post and I had to write a note of encouragement.

I’ve encountered men in kilts out and about on several occasions and I hate to stare (given the novelty of seeing one in public) and make them feel freakish but I can’t help myself. I love that kilted men take a stand and wear what they want. I think kilts are classy and noble. Good for you and keep it up - try to look past those people who don't quite "get it" because there are those of us out there that do get it and love it!!

Jaden ~

[GTRMAN]

I left Crownsville in August of '05.

You really hated it that much?

[porrick]

Yepp, don't get provoked by such comments. Just smile and and enjoy being the less ignorant.

In a positive corner: "nice dress" may simply be as innocent as "nice garb" or "nice gear" (from the verb to dress) - and as such may not be negative at all :rolleyes: