Kilts and costumes

[ChromeScholar]

Oh heck - Wear what you want! Come to my house when you are out trick-or-treating, and I'll talk kilts with you, and even offer you a beer or a single malt..............

I'd love to, but it's a tad far to commute for trick-or-treating...

[macwilkin]

It is the issue. IMO, if you want to have the kilt treated like any other clothing, then treat it like any other clothing. The kilt seems to be the only type of clothing (as far as I can see) that offends just for being worn as part of a costume. That, in and of itself, prevents it from being treated as any other type of clothing.

Of course, those of us who are traditionalists will argue that because the kilt has symbolism to us in regards to our family heritage, military service, etc., we do not wish to to be "just like any other type of clothing".

Now, I'm not saying my opinion is the only correct one -- far from it. But not everyone who wears a kilt has the "cause" of its adoption as another piece of clothing. For some of us, it is a symbolic garment.

I respect those who differ from me, and ask the same in return.

Regards,

Todd

[Roan Carter]

Also of note, some of us who have tried to wear the kilt have been told "no!" on the grounds that the kilt is a costume for special occasions. That is what my dad told me. I won't forget how he used that exact word, and how much I disagreed. So I wear my kilts daily, and I'm not interested in having it equated to a costume.

[Roan Carter]

I'm not so certain I buy into that analogy. Since you are discussing the issue in the abstract, not the merits of any particular costume, I think the parallel is between someone renting a kilt and PC to dress up as a "Scotsman," and that same someone dressing up as a German in liederhossen and a Tyrolean hat, or as a Frenchman in stripped t-shirt, beret and cigarette, or for that matter a European dressing as an "American Tourist," with loud shirt and camera. While all involve stereotypes (as do many Halloween costumes for sale such as "hippie" "goth" "punk" etc.) none carry the racial baggage, and history of discrimination, as a white person dressing in black face.

Be real certain about the brutal history of Gaels and kilts before you commit yourself to that opinion. We tend to recall recent, local history more vividly.

[ChromeScholar]

Now, I'm not saying my opinion is the only correct one -- far from it. But not everyone who wears a kilt has the "cause" of its adoption as another piece of clothing. For some of us, it is a symbolic garment.

I respect those who differ from me, and ask the same in return.

No sweat. To me, having Scottish ancestors, there is a bit of symbolism there, as well. I don't see that as a reason to keep me from wearing a kilt to the bar, the grocery store, or a Halloween party, though. To each their own.

So I wear my kilts daily, and I'm not interested in having it equated to a costume.

And you don't have to wear it as a costume. I don't see the point in getting torqued off at someone who is wearing a kilt for Halloween, though (assuming they aren't playing some awful parody of a Scotsman), anymore than I would get po'd at someone dressed up as a librarian.

[ccga3359]

Even before I wore kilts or even before I became interested in them, had I have seen someone dressed as 'Braveheart' or Groundskeeper Willy I would have said "Nice Costume!" Because a kilt is part of that character that this person has worked hard to represent. I would not have seen the kilt as the costume, because I am not an idiot. As for those idiots who do see a kilt as a costume, then they would also see it as such the other 364 days of the year. Why would you allow these people to dictate your life, your decisions?

[ChromeScholar]

I would not have seen the kilt as the costume, because I am not an idiot. As for those idiots who do see a kilt as a costume, then they would also see it as such the other 364 days of the year. Why would you allow these people to dictate your life, your decisions?

AMEN!

[macwilkin]

No sweat. To me, having Scottish ancestors, there is a bit of symbolism there, as well. I don't see that as a reason to keep me from wearing a kilt to the bar, the grocery store, or a Halloween party, though. To each their own.

I've worn my kilt to a bar/pub on many occasion, usually after a Scottish society function. I've also worn it in stores, grocery and other wise.

T.

[James MacMillan]

I'd love to, but it's a tad far to commute for trick-or-treating...

Well the offer stands! Open to all! If you are ever going to be in the San Diego (Oceanside) area - please PM me! - - Se habla español!

[Panache]

I can wear a kilt anyday (and often do). There are far too few opportunities to dress as Robin hood, Zorro, The Phantom of the Opera, a Highwayman, Sinbad, Hamlet, The Crow, and other delightful swashbuckling characters to waste Halloween.

Hmmm, perhaps this year I'll try for The Red Death...

Cheers

Jamie