So...you must play the bagpipes?

[macwilkin]

I thank them for the compliment, and then tell them a quick story about one of these gentlemen:

http://www.schoolofpiping.com/articl...recipients.pdf

I don't know why everyone gets so upset about being asked if they're a piper. I'd give anything to be able to play the pipes.

Todd

[slohairt]

I don't think it's so much that people are offended by being mistaken as a piper, Todd, just that some kilties (myself included) despair that others think the kilt is only suitable for pipers to wear. In North America, we sometimes have a bad habit of trivializing culture, so when someone sees a person in a kilt, they assume that person must be a piper. Why else would they wear a kilt? People just need to be educated that it is the modern national dress of Scotland and not just a uniform.

[macwilkin]

I don't think it's so much that people are offended by being mistaken as a piper, Todd, just that some kilties (myself included) despair that others think the kilt is only suitable for pipers to wear. In North America, we sometimes have a bad habit of trivializing culture, so when someone sees a person in a kilt, they assume that person must be a piper. Why else would they wear a kilt? People just need to be educated that it is the modern national dress of Scotland and not just a uniform.

Again, I don't see the reason to get one's ear over it. At least people realize that kilts are associated with pipers, and that pipers are associated with Scotland (and with Ireland, especially among the Irish immigrant communities in North America).

Sorry, but I just don't see it as this great thing to be insulted over.

T.

[Colonel MacNeal]

Another question I get, I frequently answer with -

"Nessie"

[slohairt]

Oh no, like I said, I don't generally get offended by it. I do get amused (and maybe exasperated a bit) when I'm asked the question several times in one day! The only time I do get a mite offended is when someone says (in an unfriendly tone), "Hmph, why would you want to wear a kilt?"

[Colonel MacNeal]

Most people would never ask an African why he is wearing his traditional attire. (Most white people anyway.)

[cajuncelt]

Lol. That ones easier....yes, I do play the pipes.

[The Barry]

I don't get offended when I'm asked, but I can see why one would. The part that I don't like is this: I'm a musician, I've marched with pipe bands, played all over. But as a drummer, people seem to lose faith.

But these are the same people that see a guy in a kilt and look for the coin slot that will initiate a playing of Amazing Grace once they've dropped in a couple of quarters. They are completely unaware that there's hundreds of tunes to play, in all sorts of styles, and even side, tenor and bass drummers as well. To them, kilt = Amazing Grace on pipes.

[LANCER1562]

When I wear my kilt and I'm asked if I plat the bagpipes, I tell people "No, I like to stay at least on speaking terms with my neighbors". This usually gets a giggle.

[JS Sanders]

Geez - when I'm sans pipes and get asked that question, these goomers have always said,

"Really? No kidding?"