Perils in the Threads!

[James]

I think it is necessary to be aware that there is a great potential for friction amongst us, thanks to our coming to kilt wearing from a variety of sources.

On the one side there are people like myself broght up in a traditional way: there are others who rightly have adopted the traditional kilt as a sensible way of dressing, and there areb others who have been persuaded by the practicality and appearance of such faux kilts as the Utilikilt. All excellent reasons, and ones I would support.

The thread in respect of the skean dhu brought this home to me: for on the one side there are those who see it as just another accessory, and on the other those who see it as a symbol of the warrior past of our clansfolk. Making it both a link to our traditions and why we wear the kilt, and also something that differentiates what we wear, from the skirts worn by so many women and schoolgirls in this country. [UK]

This in turn leads to another point of difference, in that many new to kilt wearing are looking for examples as to how it should be worn: and oft I will read statements that 'the kilt is not a costume'!

Yet so often the examples taken are of costumes, be they of girl, and other dancers, the marriage and other outfits provided by tailors rightly out to make a profit, and the amazing creations of the cinema.

This in turn has lead to items that the traditionalist, long time kilt wearer would see as being purely costume, being adopted as rightful accessories to kilt wearing.

It is not for me to say what is right or wrong, or even suggest that something might not be quite right. Quite the reverse in fact, for unless the kilt is dynamic and evolves with time and need, it will rightly be relegated to a mere novelty.

However as the membership of this board grows, we do need to be aware of the potential for friction, and be careful not to create unnecessary dissent. I write this with feeling, for on several recent occasions I've drafted a response and then binned it, on the grounds that it would cause as stated, unnecessary dissent.

James

[Robin]

I...by now...learned there several "types" of kiltwearers.

When I joined this forum I didn't even knew about the existence of utilikilts. I like all the different points of view...not always agree with others...and others might not agree with what I say sometimes...perfectly fine.

This forum is very mature (nah...) people say what they think and defend their point of view with great zeal, but all seem to respect eachother.

Not bad for a worldwide community...

Hail to the kilt, hail to the kiltwearers...whatever kilt they wear!

Oh...and hail to the tartan! 8-)

[Blu (Ontario)]

I think it is necessary to be aware that there is a great potential for friction amongst us.... It is not for me to say what is right or wrong...
... I write this with feeling, for on several recent occasions I've drafted a response and then binned it, on the grounds that it would cause as stated, unnecessary dissent...

I can only make the following suggestions.

1. It is vital to the health of this board to have viewpoints from the various approaches. Without that, the content here stagnates. And provided any dialogue surrounding possible dissent is kept intelligent and civil, it is a positive thing.

2. There are the excellent moderators to keep house and provide guidance to those members who, for whatever reason, have difficulty with emotional control.

3. Knowing a thing is better than not knowing a thing. We are all better for knowing about different points of view on the issues. The threads discussing "Know your tartan" and "Attitudes to the kilt" are prime examples.

Yes we need to be careful... particularly in the way things are worded. But if it's important, we must speak up. Most assuredly, a bit of dissent will happen from time to time. (This can be done without name calling and harsh language.) And at the end of the day, I believe we'll all be better for it.


blu

[cormacmacguardhe]

I came to this forum from a "heritage" viewpoint, thought that the tartan was the only way to go. I must say that, for me at least, my eyes have been opened. While I still feel that I am honoring my ancestry by wearing the kilt, I am a person living in the modern world. I have no reservations about wearing a more modern version of the kilt. Just wearing one opens new ways of being and acting in the world. I will admit to a modicum of Scottish "machismo" when wearing my tartan kilt, but can see that a similar attitude could manifest in a UK or other modern version.
Kilts are male garments, there is no question about that. No matter what style you wear, you are telling the world alot about yourself simply in the act of wearing it.

[NewKilt]

Blu,

I think your post is right on the mark. It says it all. Debate can be productive, and educational. The key is mutual respect for each other. I think we all come away with a better understanding of different opinions, and we are all better for it. While we may have different opinions, we all united in our right to wear a kilt, for whatever reason.

Darrell

[michael steinrok]

Blu,

I think your post is right on the mark. It says it all. Debate can be productive, and educational. The key is mutual respect for each other. I think we all come away with a better understanding of different opinions, and we are all better for it. While we may have different opinions, we all united in our right to wear a kilt, for whatever reason.

Darrell

All kilts,all traditions,all the time!It's a kilt right wrong or indifferent, a common interest unites us.
Slainte

[GlassMan]

I agree. One of the things I like about XMarks is that we do all have different opinions yet manage to stay completely civil in our discussions. We seem to have a very well-mannered membership here and also good mods (and no that isn't blatant brown-nosing).


As long as we all keep our cool and continue being gentleman I think we can safely discuss all manner of topics without much worry.

[Cawdorian]

We definitely have a well mannered group of gentlemen on this forum.

[Iolaus]

"...different branches of the same family."

[UmAnOnion]

"...different branches of the same family."

why after reading this thread do i have a sudden urge to start singing KUMBAYA...??? ;)

sorry couldnt resist - i will go back to quietly lurking in the corner now...