Dear Deirdre - Am I too sensitive?

**Dirk Skene** · 13th October 08, 10:55 AM

The former fellow may have just been refering to the fact that the Black Watch was a popular pattern and he ment nothing by it. Don'no you are the better judge. The woman seemed to be offended that you wern't her countryman but had on her countries traditional garb. That confuses me becauses I am exactly the opposite.

We're mavericks. It'll be a nice day when most or at least a lot of men go kilted and it is not so much an oddity. Untill then I guess we'll just have to put up with ignorance and stupidity

I am kilted so often now that folks find it odd when they see me in trousers. If you see me in them I am either on my way to work, at work, or I haven't been home from work yet.

**English Bloke** · 14th October 08, 05:29 PM

Sorry,
I didn't explain meself clearly. I am, despite what I may have implied in the thread title, pretty thick skinned! My intention was to tell my story as progressive stages of Kilt-ist behaviour, as encountered that previous day.

ie.

Level One - Harmless fun

I thought Nice English Bloke's remark was quite funny. It was delivered perfectly and as I said, I didn't take it personally. I laughed, as did he. He was a nice bloke delivering a gentle rib which was received in the spirit it was intended.

Level Two - Narrow Minded

Scottish Lady was just being a bit dour. No problem there either, we all do from time to time. Couldn't really be bothered getting into great debate and she obviously couldn't either.

Level Three - Dangerously Bigotted.

It was the third bloke with the withering look of contempt and momentary indication of the desire to insult me (or worse) that was worrying. It didn't worry me in a physical sense, I'm not intimidated easily and can handle most physical situations. I've been in a few scrapes in life and can generally see it coming and read it before it does. So when this chap found his confrontational look immediately returned, he paused, looked away and chose not to follow up. A good thing for us both no doubt.

It was the fact that he was clearly very disturbed by the sight of a bloke in a kilt, His expression was REAL contempt. I think had I not eyed him back and discouraged him he would have had a go... I'm sure it's his problem not mine but it did put me in a defensive mood which meant I would have potentially, defended myself vigorously during the evening had a similar encounter occured while I was in kilt (Particularly after a few large ones) so following my lovely wife's advice (she knows me well) I chose not to put myself in the situation (or the Kilt) during the evening.

In hindsight it was a decision I regretted and I was therefore disappointed to have missed a Kilt wearing oportunity...

**GDub** · 14th October 08, 06:33 PM

Unfortunately, "Level Threes" have always been out there. But as long as your boots are steel toed I don't see a problem.

When I was a hippy in the late 60s early 70s I got a LOT of Level Three action because of my long hair. No way did I cut my hair because of it. In fact, I grew it longer and longer and...

The vast majority of Level Threes are all bark and no bite, and too stupid to get a joke. Just ignore them and go about your business. But DO NOT stop wearing a kilt because of them. Then they win, and that's NEVER a good thing.

My $.02

**English Bloke** · 15th October 08, 11:18 AM

Originally Posted by GDub

... When I was a hippy in the late 60s early 70s I got a LOT of Level Three action because of my long hair. No way did I cut my hair because of it. In fact, I grew it longer and longer and ...

Now there's a funny thing. I used to wear my hair long in the late 70's and early 80's too... And got flak for it from somew as well. You'd think I'd be used to it by now, or maybe I am and just not so patient now.

Ho Hum.

**Geoff Withnell** · 15th October 08, 06:07 PM

Originally Posted by English Bloke

Now there's a funny thing. I used to wear my hair long in the late 70's and early 80's too... And got flak for it from somew as well. You'd think I'd be used to it by now, or maybe I am and just not so patient now.

Ho Hum.

In the Sixties, I wore a crewcut and a full beard and got level 3 looks from BOTH sides!

Geoff Withnell