kilt at work

[Father Bill]

Listen, lads: Ya' canna legislate intelligence or knowledge!

When my son was first in university, he ran into a lovely young lass with whom he had completed secondary school. In answer to her question, he told her that he was studying to be an engineer, and she asked if he had to learn to run all of the engines, or only one or two types.

She's a lovely girl, and polite and kind, but thick as a plank. I think you ran into the same level of intelligence but with no manners whatever. The result is as you experienced it. Let it drop unless it becomes a matter of regular annoyance.

Let's face it lads, when we kilt up we know that we won't look like most of the lads about us, and we're likely to have the entire gamut of comment and thought. If we haven't the balls for it, we might need to cover them... wi' p@nts.

Enjoy and relax!

[Cynthia]

The thing that stands out to me was that it was done in front of customers. As some of you have said, let it go for now, but I wonder... If she acted up in front of customers doing anything else, would she be spoken to? At some point, people need to be talked to and corrected about inappropriate behaviors. Otherwise, they'll get worse and continue.

[swampfox]

I would say, at this point, don't pursue harrassment charges. Sit down with her, explain to her what it is you were wearing, why you were wearing it, what it means, the cultural value and history behind it, and explain to her how incredibly offensive it is to demean you in that way. She is calling you a cross dresser, and then making a point to dehumanize you for it- it's akin to calling a black person a ****** or a gay man a ******! No civilized human being does it- once given the correct information. After you have had the culture and history part of this civilized conversation, you should tell her that you will show her basic respect and courtesy, and that you expect the same from her. From this point on, if the harassment continues, then yes- take further action with management.

this is pretty much what im going to do

[JCheshire]

meanwhile sarah who is 17 by the way

I think that about says it all, right there...

[Cynthia]

meanwhile sarah who is 17 by the way

I think that about says it all, right there...

I've known people older who acted worse (quite shocked they weren't walked on the spot since they were breaking company rules and acting like bratty children) because no one punished them early on. They literally had no idea that their words and actions are not appropriate.

[JCheshire]

Age is no excuse for bad manners

Agreed, but it speaks volumes for immaturity.

[Spartan Tartan]

I may be a bit late to chime in here, but here goes anyway...

I am actually surprised she behaved that way. Generally speaking, I would expect younger co-workers to be much more accepting of someone in a kilt. No matter...

Anyway, I am glad you got the matter resolved (or have attempted to) and feel better about the situation. Thick skin only goes so far. Outright harassing behavior should be addressed or confronted appropriately.

There is, however, a great line I picked up from someone else on this forum...Just remind the young lady (and your supervisor) that a kilt is reflection of your heritage and such behavior can be construed as an insult to your heritage. In our PC world...that ought to do the trick in the workplace for sure.

[Riverkilt]

Let it go. Worst I had at work was from a lesbian therapist who asked, "How do you take a shyte in that?" Probably could have had her fired...didn't have to, she self-destructed in other areas as I imagine your 17yo will soon.

[Spartan Tartan]

Let it go. Worst I had at work was from a lesbian therapist who asked, "How do you take a shyte in that?" Probably could have had her fired...didn't have to, she self-destructed in other areas as I imagine your 17yo will soon.

AWESOME! Although THAT is a legit question

[McFarkus]

I think it would be pointless to pursue charges against a silly, ignorant girl.