Obnoxiously long ramble; past, present and future of kilt-wearing for yours truly

**Hamish** · 11th March 09, 10:14 AM

Thank you, Alan. You have certainly caused me to stop, take a deep breath and think things over for a while. You are right: it IS all a matter of priorities, and those of us who have (touch wood) few problems or troubles do not pause to consider them frequently enough.

Take strength in the friendships you have formed here, and away from the Internet. You and your family are much in my thoughts right now and, if it's possible to send positive vibes across the miles, I'm sending them by the bucket-full.

Take care,
Ham.

**dfmacliam** · 11th March 09, 10:33 AM

Alan, my prayers to you and your family. It's refreshing to see those who have similar attitude much like myself... It's good to dance to your own drum.... Mine just happens to be off beat at times...LOL there are so called rules in everything we do.. It's how we prioritize these rules that make the difference.. Just let those who feels it's important be that way... It really doesn't matter... We will do what we feel is right anyway, and if it's wrong, the sun will still rise tomorrow.
well that's my two cents

**ronstew** · 11th March 09, 11:20 AM

ronstews's axiom:

"Your problem is the most important problem in your world."

This is a statement about human nature and priorities. I have found it useful in understanding my actions and those of others.

**CameronTaylor** · 11th March 09, 12:30 PM

Life is what happens while you're worrying about the small things.
Occasionally it will take the bull by the horns to remind you what you're missing just outside your window.

CT

**Wolfgore** · 11th March 09, 02:17 PM

Alan,
Great post, thank you.
I hope all goes as well as can be expected for you and your family.
Will send my thoughts and good mojo out to you and yours.

As for the rest, I couldn't agree more.
I wear a kilt because I like the comfort and looks of it as a piece of clothing.
I don't go to many fancy affairs, so I don't worry too much about "proper" attire.
As for my everyday kicking around, I wear what I like and what I think looks good. (Emphasis on I)
I couldn't care less what anyone else thinks of it or how it was worn "properly" 100 years ago!
Even wearing only modern (and usually more wild than the norm at that) kilts, I find it interesting to learn of the history of it, but I personally don't think that is even necessary for the casual kilt wearer.

This isn't meant to be disrespectful of the history or where the kilt came from, but if you just like wearing it, who cares about all that and why would anyone think it necessary?
For anyone that takes issue with that statement I ask you this, did you spend hours tracing back and learning the history of jeans the first time you put a pair on? Have you done it now? I would guess probably not. Why? It is just clothes. In the grand scheme of things, that is what it amounts to, and that is what a kilt is. Just clothes, something to put on to cover the naughty bits when out in public because that is what society says we are expected to do.

**macwilkin** · 11th March 09, 02:30 PM

post deleted.

**Bugbear** · 11th March 09, 02:42 PM

I've got to agree with Cajunscot. It is fine to think of clothing as clothing, but it can be symbolic as well; for example, one's clan or group tartan. One can feel very differently about an artical of clothing if it has the symbolic link to something special in one's life.

No problems, just something to keep in mind.

**Alaskan Kilted Guy** · 11th March 09, 03:05 PM

Originally Posted by Wolfgore

Alan,
Great post, thank you.
I hope all goes as well as can be expected for you and your family.
Will send my thoughts and good mojo out to you and yours.

As for the rest, I couldn't agree more.
I wear a kilt because I like the comfort and looks of it as a piece of clothing.
I don't go to many fancy affairs, so I don't worry too much about "proper" attire.
As for my everyday kicking around, I wear what I like and what I think looks good. (Emphasis on I)
I couldn't care less what anyone else thinks of it or how it was worn "properly" 100 years ago!
Even wearing only modern (and usually more wild than the norm at that) kilts, I find it interesting to learn of the history of it, but I personally don't think that is even necessary for the casual kilt wearer.

This isn't meant to be disrespectful of the history or where the kilt came from, but if you just like wearing it, who cares about all that and why would anyone think it necessary?
For anyone that takes issue with that statement I ask you this, did you spend hours tracing back and learning the history of jeans the first time you put a pair on? Have you done it now? I would guess probably not. Why? It is just clothes. In the grand scheme of things, that is what it amounts to, and that is what a kilt is. Just clothes, something to put on to cover the naughty bits when out in public because that is what society says we are expected to do.

Originally Posted by cajunscot

I certainly respect your right to hold your opinion, but please remember that for some of us, the kilt is symbolic of our heritage. While that may not be important to you, it is important to other people. If you want others to respect your views, you should return that respect. You are free of course, to view the kilt as just another garment -- but the tone in this quote above doesn't seem to respect those who differ from you, especially when you state that you're not being disrespectful, and then turn around and ask why anyone would care about such things? You may not care, but others do.

And for the record, as a historian, I have researched the history of various items of clothing as a living historian for the National Park Service. But, as a librarian and teacher, I tend to research most everything.

In fact, I generally discuss a brief history of jeans when I talk about the California Gold Rush.

I find my students generally love this sort of stuff, especially when discussing such a ubiquitous item as jeans.

If I am wrong in your meaning, then I sincerely apologize.

Regards,

Todd

It seems to me he was just pointing out that a garment can be worn without the having to follow any traditions or rules.

Most folks are not going to grill someone over wearing a Cowboy hat with tennis shoes, a cuspuk with jeans, or any other traditionally "incorrect" wearings of garments, nor are folks who are wearing these out to offend anyone's traditions.

Many people are initally attracted to a garment for many reasons other than it's traditions or any connections to the heritage of it's original wearers. Some folks may then go seek out infromation regarding the garment, it's history, traditions, etc. Or, they may not.