Socially acceptable in the Inland Northwest?

**BassClefB** · 28th March 09, 09:36 AM

Originally Posted by Captain Karrot

My kids are on spring break right now, so we decided to drive back down to Greensboro, NC to visit some friends. I wore jeans for the drive, because I didn't want 7 hours of wrinkles on the pleats, but as soon as I got here, I have been kilted every day. Weathered McKenzie at my old church choir rehearsal, Black Stewart to get my teeth cleaned at the dentist, US Navy at a friend's theater production, and UK today at the library. Other than a couple of questions about "why", no comments except for positive.

I say go for it...it might be a non-issue for you.

North Carolina seems to be a pretty accepting place for kilts, especially where I am. I don't know if it would be so well-received in my old hometown, but maybe. Most folks dig it, even in the conservative South. My view is that if they don't recognize and acknowledge this area's rich Scot/Irish heritage, they're denying their past. Glad you were able to go kilted in NC for a bit! How's the reception in Ohio for the kilt? I have lots of family there too.

**horseshoehank** · 28th March 09, 12:51 PM

I really appreciate the replies so far. This helps temper the decision making process with regard to honing my anti-kilt radar...

Now for the next part of the question...

I work as a firefighter in Spokane, and am concerned as to how I go about "breaking the ice" with regards to wearing the kilt around a typically macho man bunch of guys. We have several pipers on the job, who wear kilts for performances, and I am in the local pipe band, which is known to a lot of my co-workers. Again, here is where my wife is concerned about repercussions across the job, because firefighters gossip more than a bunch of people around the water cooler...they aren't happy unless they are griping and gossiping...so she worries for me and my reputation on the job, whereas I am of the opinion that practicing my pipes in the firehouse is a pretty good icebreaker all on its own.

Are we both too far out on opposite ends of the spectrum on this?

Chuck

**Jack Daw** · 28th March 09, 02:46 PM

What sort of 'trouble' are you expecting? Wear it as you please; you won't get arrested!

**werewolves** · 28th March 09, 02:53 PM

I'd give your co-workers some credit. I work with cops and jail deputies, and they've all thought it was cool so far. One even told me that he truly started respecting me the day he saw me in a kilt at the Metallica concert.

**Kiltman** · 28th March 09, 07:03 PM

Originally Posted by horseshoehank

So I'm a quandry about wearing the kilt for daily wear in my hometown of Spokane, Washington. My wife is expressing concerns over how it will be recieved by the supposedly liberal, yet fairly conservative folk of the region...

Just do it, it's not a problem except at certain bars with drunks—just like in the rest of the world.

I am of the same mind as alot of you, wear what I like and the rest of them be damned, but...there seems to be alot of uninformed persons who might see it as a man in a skirt, and may want to cause a ruckus over it.

So my question is this: Should I just wear it because I like it, and not worry about problems until they arise, or do I limit myself to functions and events that are "appropriate" times to wear a "costume" or fancy dress? My wife is of the mindset that it is better to not rock the boat, and I have always followed my own piper(me!) when it comes to caring about what others think about me...

Hope I made some sort of sense in my ramblings....

Spokane is a great place to wear a kilt. It's amazing what and who responds positively. I know first hand as I live in Spokane too.

Chuck

**Makeitstop** · 29th March 09, 01:42 AM

My mom lives in spokane, and she feels obligated to inform me every time she finds another man in a kilt. Apparently several of them go to her church too.

I would say this: Don't confuse "conservative" with "rude, loud mouthed and closed minded." I am kilted in a small college town, which gives me a pretty wide spectrum of people. The most conservative people (particularly the elderly) have been the most friendly and positive. I get funny looks occasionally from some of the people in town, but no more than on campus. And the only people who are truly rude are the random jack@$$es among the student population who act that way whether or not I'm kilted.

My point is that traditional conservative people ought to recognize the kilt for what it is, or at least have the respect and courtesy to stay out of matters that don't concern them. Anyone who gives people crap for wearing a kilt isn't doing so as a conservative, or liberal, but as a jerk.

**Woodsheal** · 29th March 09, 07:59 AM

Originally Posted by Makeitstop

I would say this: Don't confuse "conservative" with "rude, loud mouthed and closed minded." I am kilted in a small college town, which gives me a pretty wide spectrum of people. The most conservative people (particularly the elderly) have been the most friendly and positive. I get funny looks occasionally from some of the people in town, but no more than on campus. And the only people who are truly rude are the random jack@$$es among the student population who act that way whether or not I'm kilted.

My point is that traditional conservative people ought to recognize the kilt for what it is, or at least have the respect and courtesy to stay out of matters that don't concern them. Anyone who gives people crap for wearing a kilt isn't doing so as a conservative, or liberal, but as a jerk.

Very well said...!

**Jock Scot** · 29th March 09, 09:14 AM

Originally Posted by Makeitstop

My mom lives in spokane, and she feels obligated to inform me every time she finds another man in a kilt. Apparently several of them go to her church too.

I would say this: Don't confuse "conservative" with "rude, loud mouthed and closed minded." I am kilted in a small college town, which gives me a pretty wide spectrum of people. The most conservative people (particularly the elderly) have been the most friendly and positive. I get funny looks occasionally from some of the people in town, but no more than on campus. And the only people who are truly rude are the random jack@$$es among the student population who act that way whether or not I'm kilted.

My point is that traditional conservative people ought to recognize the kilt for what it is, or at least have the respect and courtesy to stay out of matters that don't concern them. Anyone who gives people crap for wearing a kilt isn't doing so as a conservative, or liberal, but as a jerk.

You are so right! If this was not a kilt website,with people asking for advice, or, opinions, I, others too no doubt, would not even dream of making a comment(or two!) about some one's kilt attire. What I may be thinking is entirely another matter though!

**irishrob** · 29th March 09, 09:54 AM

I have worn a UK workman as well as traditional tartans while in Spokane. Some of the places were NorthTown, the airport, and the casino. Nothing but positive reactions. With your fellow pipers I would suggest starting a kilt night.

Rob

**dfmacliam** · 29th March 09, 10:50 AM

I figure if I can walk around a small town in Texas with full Native American clothing, moccs, leggings,breech,et al, and not get a comment, wearing a kilt in an area not in the bible thumping south, should be pretty easy.. Just my opinion. The way I see it, more people are more accepting of one paying homage to his culture, especially within the European ancestory.