What's with these uneducated educators?

[Yaish]

Im afraid it does hold water, if your attending a formal dance (as advertised)wearing the Kilt then a PC or at least and Argyll jacket and matching accesories is appropriate, what other people are wearing is up to them, the fact of the matter is Nathan as he stands looks a bit of a dogs dinner, and is not appropriate for a formal event, its good to see that Clan Gunn has recognised this and is clubbing around for the accessories etc.

It certainly does matter what the others are wearing, because the issue isnt whether or not the attire was formal enough for the evening, but whether or not the standards help for the event were universally enforced.
If the only difference was the kilt, and not the 'level' to which it had been dressed up, then thats flat out wrong.

[royce52]

It certainly does matter what the others are wearing, because the issue isnt whether or not the attire was formal enough for the evening, but whether or not the standards help for the event were universally enforced.
If the only difference was the kilt, and not the 'level' to which it had been dressed up, then thats flat out wrong.

The kilt seems to have been the only issue.

R

[highlander_Daz]

I think we are filling in the gaps here, basiscally it was a "silver arrow dance" Ive no idea what that is, this young man was told he couldnt attend becasue he was wearin the kilt, basically thats all we know as a fact. the principlal may or may not have said he looks like a clown we dont know that, like ive already stated if he were to attend a FORMAL event here, dressed like on the photo, then he would be offered advice, and possibly refused entry, not because he wearing the kilt but becasue or the way its worn, Im all for alternative kilts and such lkie but for a formal dance or dinner (as im assuming a "silver arrow dance" is) then he is dressed inapproriatly. And if the Principla has imposed a dress code (and as the organiser he is entitled to) then either attend as required or dont attend. If I was invited to an event where the Kilt was banned I would not attend and write a stern letter expressing my views and asking for the rules to be changed.

[Ugly Bear]

Yes, there's a whole lot we don't know for sure. Maybe it was a formal dance (doubt it), maybe there was a dress code posted in advance (doubt it), maybe the dress code was evenly enforced (doubt it) and maybe the principal was the organizer of the event (really, really doubt it).

All these doubts stem from the same thing: COMPLETE SILENCE FROM THE PRINCIPAL! Story after story relates the same thing: The principal could not be contacted for comment. He is shutting out the press.

Did he call Nathan a clown? Is there a "history" between them? The principal could clear up these issues in a heartbeat if he'd just tell his side of the story. He's had plenty of time and opportunity to do so. I'm inclined to think that if he had anything contrary to say, he'd've said it. His silence is damning.

As for the question of whether there's a history of friction between them, I'm guessing there is. The principal sounds like such a prick that it would be hard to see how ANYONE couldn't get on his bad side, or hold him in low esteem.

Until he speaks up for himself, I won't take seriously any attempt to defend the principal (except for the defenses I've posted much earlier in this thread, which I have partially retracted).

[Sciuropterus]

I think the pricipal keeping his mouth shut is the only smart thing he has done, he is probably under orders not to comment, as his superiors no doubt realize that anything he might say will just make the situation look worse, based on his past comments. I hope they have a Scottish theme for their prom and all the guys wear kilts.

[Hamish]

I think we are filling in the gaps here, basiscally it was a "silver arrow dance" Ive no idea what that is, this young man was told he couldnt attend becasue he was wearin the kilt, basically thats all we know as a fact. the principlal may or may not have said he looks like a clown we dont know that, like ive already stated if he were to attend a FORMAL event here, dressed like on the photo, then he would be offered advice, and possibly refused entry, not because he wearing the kilt but becasue or the way its worn, Im all for alternative kilts and such lkie but for a formal dance or dinner (as im assuming a "silver arrow dance" is) then he is dressed inapproriatly. And if the Principla has imposed a dress code (and as the organiser he is entitled to) then either attend as required or dont attend. If I was invited to an event where the Kilt was banned I would not attend and write a stern letter expressing my views and asking for the rules to be changed.

Daz,

You know, you do write a lot of sense?! Having only just been able to see the photo of this young man as he was at the dance, my immediate (yet considered) opinion is: Well, if he turned up dressed like that to a dance I was organising (unless it be a Ceilidh), I too would have banned him. There's nothing wrong with the kilt and, fair enough, maybe he didn't have the funds to obtain a sporran or a formal jacket but who, in their right mind, goes to a dance in BOOTS?!

The lad's partner is elegantly dressed, as were most likely all of the other ladies present - hopefully the men too - so why did Nathan have to let everyone else down by looking as if he's off out on a country walk. I know this is the grumpy old man speaking, but soon after I first began wearing the kilt at the age of 14, I was invited to a formal Scottish Dance with Supper and, much as I wanted to wear the kilt I knew I could not as I hadn't the appropriate jacket or accessories. I attended the event in a Dinner Jacket suit, as was appropriate, and suffered an uncomfortable evening of dancing in trousers - but, at least, no-one was aware of my discomfort nor, more to the point, did I offend or embarrass my hosts or anyone else.

I'm sorry Nathan, but you got it wrong on this occasion.

[arrogcow]

I think that there is some difference of opinion based on what side of the Atlantic you are on. The boy is "over dressed" for any dance I ever attended in high school with the exception of the prom (formal and held in the spring) and the Sadie Hawkins (semi formal - i.e. a suit - held in late January) and even then add a blazer and he would be ok. she is dressed a little too formaly for the average dance as well, so I suspect that the dance was a semi formal (like SH) but I bet the guys weren't required to wear a jacket.

Adam

[davedove]

I think that there is some difference of opinion based on what side of the Atlantic you are on. The boy is "over dressed" for any dance I ever attended in high school with the exception of the prom (formal and held in the spring) and the Sadie Hawkins (semi formal - i.e. a suit - held in late January) and even then add a blazer and he would be ok. she is dressed a little too formaly for the average dance as well, so I suspect that the dance was a semi formal (like SH) but I bet the guys weren't required to wear a jacket.

Adam

I'll have to agree with that Adam. To most high school students formal means you throw on a jacket and/or a tie (the prom being the obvious exception). Of course, even to most adults in the US, formal means a jacket and tie.:rolleyes: For a lot of Americans, the only tux they will ever wear is the one they RENT for their wedding.

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

I just wanted to weigh in with a thought. There have been many comments about whether Nathan would have been allowed to attend the dance if he were dressed more "appropriately" or formally. However, we all know it is a rare individual, outside of another kilt wearer, who really knows what is traditionally worn with a kilt on specific occasions and for different levels of formal and casual events. And even some of those rules are changing and evolving. My point is that I really don't think that the principal refused entry based on the level of formality of the kilt and accessories, but just because he was wearing a kilt.

And as has been stated, the principal is not talking, so we don't really know.

[bubba]

Starting to remind me of Principal Skinner and the Superintendent on the Simpsons. Here's what I think is going to happen. They'll quietly alter the dress code to allow for the kilt and try to block any further publicity in the matter. They never expected this level of publicity, or any publicity for that matter, and are not pleased by it. We can expect to hear nothing more from either the Principal or the Superintendent and I'm sure Nathan and his family will be asked to not make any further public comment on it.