Pulled Thread

[Panache]

Today I pulled a thread from the open forum entitled “Did someone say this would be easy?”. It was removed because a several negative references to the people of the Southern States here in America. XMTS has specific rules regarding hate speech and discriminatory rhetoric.

There were several of our membership who were really offended by these comments and I and the Mod Squad would like to apologize to all that we didn’t take notice and react sooner. We would like to remind everyone that we strive here to remain ladies and gentlemen, a very important part of that is to show respect and consideration for others. We thank those that took the time to alert us to the problem.

I think it is safe to say that most people who have dared to don the kilt and sally forth into the world beyond a Highland Games, Burns’ Night Supper, or a Scottish Country Dance have experienced some negative reactions. We make the choice to stand out and for that we will received compliments from some and derision from others. Are some communities going to more accepting than others? Absolutely. Are some of us going to have it more difficult than others? Absolutely.

But no matter how mad it might make us it is wrong to generalize and in turn deride entire groups of people. The actions of some do not speak for all.

As Harlan Ellison once wrote:

“The two most common elements in the universe are hydrogen and stupidity.”

Stupidity is not limited by location sex, race, nationality, religion, politics, or sexual preference. When we start generalizing people by such criteria we then become as much a problem as the folks who bothered us in the first place.

Those posting discriminatory material will be subject to a warning and/or infractions from the Moderating Staff.

Respectfully,

Jamie and the Mod Squad