Wish me luck...

[Ayin McFye]

The only thing that I hate about the whole bit is that there are other ethnic groups at my work that are allowed to wear the clothes from their culture. I think it's plain and obvious that he's discriminating against me and my culture, but oh well.

I have done what i'm willing to do about the issue, so i'll just be wearing my kilt when ever the opportunity arises at work. I'm going to start wearing it on the weekend when there isn't a dresscode at my work, plus like any other events that are held outside of the work office for various reasons.

Cheers everyone!

[auld argonian]

The only thing that I hate about the whole bit is that there are other ethnic groups at my work that are allowed to wear the clothes from their culture. I think it's plain and obvious that he's discriminating against me and my culture, but oh well.

This is a big sticking point for me...living in a city like Chicago where it's like the International Village all year long. I think that showing up in the kilt is just such a dramatic departure from the convention of wearing pants...it blows peoples' minds WAY too often whereas we here all look at it as pretty normal. The funny thing is that when I run into fellas who are dressed very "ethnic"...like the cats recently immigrated from Africa or the Middle East...they seem to get it right away and there seems to be sort of acceptance and approval...sort of: "...right...we're doing our thing...this is good...mutual respect..." This extends to the guys who are obviously USA born and bred but who decide to make a statement about their African roots by adding some African elements to their everyday dress. It's really strange that there seem to be so many "conventional Americans" who have problems with it.

It just makes me want to try harder. I try to dress as neatly and as well as possible...I figger that it makes the point that the kilt is just an element of my clothing and not anything out of the ordinary.

Good luck with 'em...hope they get the message.

Best

AA

[Nighthawk]

Yes, in America, we're not Celtic Americans, we're just plain white. We have no culture of our own. It sounds like this guy had preconcieved prejudices. He wasn't going to let a man wear a skirt in his office, regardless of how professional you looked. I kinda saw it coming. I doubt he even actually looked at you. My kids do the same thing with food that's new to them. They put a little in their mouths, spit it right back out, say "I hate it!" and go for the mac and cheese. Same thing. You tried to give fillet minon and all he wanted was the same chewed over garbage. What a shame.

[rollerboy_1979]

[QUOTE]

I'm going to start wearing it on the weekend when there isn't a dresscode at my work, plus like any other events that are held outside of the work office for various reasons.

Ayin, I think you're on the right track. The more you're seen in your kilt by your employer and co-workers, the more your kilt will be considered to be "you". If it is seen as your preferred manner of dress, it will become more acceptable to everyone. I'm getting to the point where if I show up at a social event without my kilt, I hear "Where's your kilt?". People are starting to associate me with wearing the kilt, and I like that. It's kind of like a guy who shaves his head or grows a beard....everyone reacts to it, but it then becomes the norm for him and people stop commenting after awhile. I've just joined the local Scottish Society here in the desert, so I'll have even more opportunities to wear it around like-minded people. Wear it, enjoy it, and remember..........we're all going to be dead a long time!
Cheers!
RB