Stopped by police

[mbhandy]

That is why I being - and with my camera around my neck looking like - a tourist feel offended when a policeman stops his car and is telling me that wearing a kilt is uncommon.

Greg

www.dress2kilt.eu

Well you were wearing a Kilt in Sweden.
Wait that is close to Scotland.
Now if you had spoken English to him he might have said "Carry on".

MrBill

[Streetcar]

..."If it had been a random citizen asking you the same thing, would you still be insulted?" Streetcar asks. No, I wouldn’t.
The difference is that a cop in a uniform is an “official” person and in our society he, as a principal rule, is not supposed to talk to citizens unless he has observed something illegal or he is investigating a committed crime...

Wow. That is a truly sad state of affairs. Can you imagine not being able to tell someone "Good morning," "Nice day," or "How much do I owe you for the coffee?"

[SteveB]

Disclaimer: I have worked in Law Enforcement for a local municipality.

The Polizei were likely only interested in what (if any), your slightly different appearance may or may not have to their efforts to maintain the peace. In most communities that I have visited, it is comforting to be noticed by the polizei. I lived for three years in Germany. The polizei stopped me a few times, while I was kilted. The questioning was friendly. On two occasions, the officer that spoke with me advised me of potential problems that I should avoid if possible. I was in the U.S. Air Force at the time, stationed in an occupational role, as were troops from Canada, and the United Kingdom. It seems that some U.K. Troops had gotten into a fracas with some of the locals. The officer was kind enough to give me some advise on what to avoid so as not to be mistaken for the group that had recently committed the offense.
On occasion I have spoken with people, who by their initial appearance stand out from the crowd. The purpose is to find out if I should be nearby if a conflict seems to be possible. This always seems to be oriented to the local alcoholic beverage consumption facilities closing time.
I would take it as official friendly contact.

--- Steve

[staticsan]

I had a few reactions from officials whilst on holiday and kilted in the US a few months ago. The first was from a customs official who was probably enjoying what would have been an unusual (and possible amusing) sight at the end of a long shift, although all she was was "Nice skirt". Another was from a gudie in the Metropolitan Museum in NY who sounded like she'd been dared... :-/ No police stopped me, though.

Wade.