You just can't beat culture!

[Larry124]

I’ve had similar experiences at Bluegrass Music Festivals in the mid-Atlantic States area.
So it’s not just Southern. (Bluegrass Music is IMHO as much “Mountain” as Southern.)
And the music is from “Border” States where folks fought on BOTH sides in The War Between the States / Civil War (Take your pick).

Rural/small town narrow-mindedness maybe.
Not used to mixing with folks from a wider area or folks that are “strangers”.
Add drink and (don’t) stir.
“We’re us – and you’re not.”

Not to paint with too broad a brush -- there are also thankfully many friendly and accepting folks.

But there are some other kinds of folks too and you can’t fight them all -- especially not a gang of them at the same time.
Good way to get hurt.

Odd since that music is from an area settled by many Scots.
Father of Bluegrass music Bill Monroe? (Munro.)

Or maybe not so odd. There is a type of Mountain personality/attitude (some not all) that is shall we say definitely not cosmopolitan.

[davedove]

I’ve had similar experiences at Bluegrass Music Festivals in the mid-Atlantic States area.
So it’s not just Southern. (Bluegrass Music is IMHO as much “Mountain” as Southern.)

Bluegrass is definitely derived from the Appalachian mountain music, which is ironically derived from the tunes the Irish and Scottish settlers brought with them. Many of the traditional bluegrass tunes come directly from the old country.

And the music is from “Border” States where folks fought on BOTH sides in The War Between the States / Civil War (Take your pick).

Actually, pretty much all the States had folks fighting on each side, some just more than others.

Also, the mountainous regions of the southern States often didn't agree with the rest of the state, especially about seccession. The State of West Virginia is the best example. However, the inhabitants of the Smoky Mountain region of Tennessee and North Carolina also didn't agree with the rest of their state. They were just too isolated from the Union.

Not to paint with too broad a brush -- there are also thankfully many friendly and accepting folks.

Very true, a lot of "country" folk are some of the friendliest you'll ever meet. They'll invite you in and give you a meal and maybe even a place to stay. Of course, they'll probably talk about your weird clothes when they're alone.

[beowulf67]

Actually, pretty much all the States had folks fighting on each side, some just more than others.

Also, the mountainous regions of the southern States often didn't agree with the rest of the state, especially about seccession. The State of West Virginia is the best example. However, the inhabitants of the Smoky Mountain region of Tennessee and North Carolina also didn't agree with the rest of their state. They were just too isolated from the Union.

Very true. I'm from Alabama (roll Tide!) and there were people that fought on both sides for many different reasons.
Also we had "The Free State of Winston" an area that basically seceded from Alabama after it seceded from the Union.

[davedove]

Very true. I'm from Alabama (roll Tide!) and there were people that fought on both sides for many different reasons.
Also we had "The Free State of Winston" an area that basically seceded from Alabama after it seceded from the Union.

That's really interesting. I had never heard about that before.

[beowulf67]

That's really interesting. I had never heard about that before.

Yes we have some interesting people around here.

[Coinneach]

Now that you've introduced the rural area to your brand of culture, even though it might not have been the best of experiences, it might be a good idea to make occasional visits back to the same pub. Minds are only going to be changed when they get used to the idea.

Of course, don't go back if you don't feel safe. You never want to put yourself in harm's way.

The more they get comfortable with you and the kilt the more they're likely to ask questions and learn. They may never be able to bring themselves to the point of wearing a kilt themselves, but that will be their problem, not yours.

[creativeaccents]

Call it ignorance, bigotry, judgmentalism, bias or whatever, the sad fact is that such exists throughout the world in every locale and has throughout history on every continent. I think that for myself it was probably a learning experience to actually feel what it like to be on the receiving end of the snickers, the looks, and the sense of real tension. As some have pointed out here, the choice is ours as to how we choose to respond, both internally and situationally. The night it happened I chose to move on, to extricate myself from such an environment and the potential of escalating hostility. Last night the wife and I were doing a photo shoot in another location where I enjoyed my Black Watch kilt and the company. For myself, the casual kilt was a catalyst for a learning experience and some reaffirmation that I have absolutely no desire to be in a community or among people where such negativity, bigotry, bias...call it what you will... is predominant. This is by no means an issue of north or south, or rural versus metropolitan, but just a recognition that ignorance exists everywhere and that from time to time we may well find ourselves the target. Even as the recipient, I don't think that provoking anything further would either change any minds or the people, but only serve to reinforce stereotypes and bring negative attention to kilts in general. They are who they are, so I move on.