kilt lifters

[Galant]

Strong words from Uncle Ricky, but I have to say I think I'd adhere to his point of view. Whilst this might come across as one of those things where if it's done to a guy it deserves a wink and a nudge, but if to a woman is a case for a lawsuit - and more than that is disgusting dishonourable behaviour - I just don't think I could tolerate it. I'd get pertubed enough if someone asked me.

In this day and age I'm becoming a man who appreciates courteous, modest and honourable behaviour. In the midst of a growing number of 'lads' and 'ladettes' I truly appreciate ladies and gentlemen. I'm trying hard as a guy to control my nature and learning to view women and my own roles rightly. It seems to be getting harder and harder to do that these days, with pervasive imagery and language everywhere. I don't want to be seeing naked women everywhere I go, I want to preserve that side of life. I don't want women who feel like they should, or it's okay to, present themselves that way.

As much as my male nature might like the idea of women, epsecially attractive ones, taking an interest in my 'sexuality', my masculinity knows that such is not appropriate, decent or beneficial behaviour. It's not okay to do such an act, and I feel sad that more and more things are heading that way.

[MACKAY]

I've decided that my co-workers can't seem to handle excessive drinking, and as much as I love some of these guys if they can't handle the alcohol I really don't want to go out drinking with them.

One of my major rules in life is to NEVER drink with co-workers if at all possible. I love working with most of them, but when you mix drink and work, you very often end up with results that cannot only affect your job, but also your reputation (deserved or not). It is really hard to put the Genie back into the bottle in these types of situations. Kind of like having intimate relations with a close friend, it is never the same afterwards and you usually end up losing a great friendship in the end.

On another note, why is it acceptable to do a kilt check at all? The last time I tried lifting a woman's skirt at a pub to see if she was 'regimental', I was beaten, arrested, and had to register as a Sex Offender ... not really, but you get my drift. Seems that in the US that woman’s equal rights only apply when their rights are more equal than ours!!!

Brian Mackay
'Manu Forti'

[beerbecue]

Perhaps it comes down to folks ignoring the old addage "Treat everyone the way you want to be treated". Would the young lady or gentlemen like to drop their pants so we can see what's under them?

It's like this, If a person comes by and asks about what's under my kilt, I think, tit for tat, I should be able to ask what color underwear, if any, they have on. But of course, as mentioned already, that isn't the way to go.

I live in a college town, and I must say, that if I behaved as they do at that age, I was a real twit.

Of course mixing drink doesn't help, especially if it is a bit much - however, I have several friends back home that I used to toss back quite a few with, and I don't believe that any of them would have lifted my kilt, had I been kilted at the time.

Someone once said you are more like your true self when you are drunk. I don't know if that is necessarily true, but I do know there are several people in the world I prefer not to be around (and won't be around) because of the way they behave when drinking.

just my $0.02

Sorry you had to deal with that Magnus...

[Magnus Sporrano]

I've been making the rounds today and pretty much telling them "Sorry it has to be like this, but recent events with two of my friends here have forced me to tell you what to expect should any of you find it amusing to lift my kilt..."

They all know now they can pretty much expect a thorough pounding if they touch my kilt again.

Now perhaps an even tougher question... it's almost never appropriate for a man to strike a woman. But the front of your kilt is lifted by one, exposing you to all in eyeshot. What can you do beyond issuing strong words or sinking into foul language? The bouncers don't care when the men are assaulted in this way.

[beerbecue]

If that happened to me, I can say with 100% certainty that my wife would beat the living sh*te out of her..... if it came to blows and the offender didn't back down....

You don't mess with a 6' tall italian woman or her man!!!

[Galant]

You know that is a tough question.

I think I'd just have to be blunt with her. Tell her I didn't appreciate it and that it is a matter of shame and un-ladylike conduct. I suppose exactly what I said would depend upon whether I knew her.

I have an idea though, not sure anything of use will come of it but there's a columnist in the London Times who writes 'Modern Manners'. He answers questions on everything from eating etiquette to formal events and everything else. I think I'll pose this to him and see what comes of it. He writes once a week I think, so it might take a little before I can respond, or you can keep an eye out for it yourself. Just go to the Times Online website.

[Aaron]

The options are kind of limited aren't they?

Beyond shaming her publicly (which HER actions will accomplish much more than anything) I can't really see any good course to take.

I am pretty sure, though, that if you keep your cool and maintain your dignity she'll look even more like an idiot. People will see that she's acting like an idiot by taking things too far and will respond badly to her. It may be a good idea to keep a very trusted female nearby that doesn't think anything of putting someone in their place. That way, she can act as your surrogate if need be.

I'm sorry Magnus, it's all I can come up with short of the unthinkable.

[Galant]

Actually, I think you're right Aaron. A controlled and quiet response would be best. A friend jumping in would be nice.

I've posted the question to the Times, he answers at 1pm GMT on Mondays, although we'll have to see if my question makes it in for next week's edition.

[Jimmy Carbomb]

Keep this rolling, because I'm finding it REAL interesting.

I don't even need to go into what can happen at the Pubs... or even what HAS happened in the Pubs.

I'm just sitting back and absorbing the responses here.

Maybe these women are fans of Ron White (Blue Collar Comedy Tour). Maybe they have the female side of his famous comment: "You've seen one naked woman...

...you want to see them all".

[David in Maryland]

I once caught a woman trying to lift my kilt, stopped her before she was successfull. She then said "Us ladies want to know what is underneath your kilt." Mind you, she is standing around several people at a church function none the less. My response was "My grandmother told me that a true lady would never ask that question. Bless her heart, to this day she is still right." The woman quickly disappeared with a very embarrassed look on her face.