Other Peoples Expectations

[Riverkilt]

Interestingly, none of the Hopi or Navajo folks commented. Even my Apache friend who I was kilted around all week at the Tucson conference two weeks ago didn't say a thing.

Was only the Bahanas (Anglos) that commented. May be that "we all look alike" since I often get "Hi Mike" when I'm on the Hopi rez because Mike, a high school teacher on the Hopi is often kilted - and that without my kilt I just look like another Bahana.

But since my Apache friend also didn't comment - and I've known her for 20 years and she'd feel free to remark if she wanted to - I'm guessing its also just respect or live and let live. Native peoples are for sure much less likely to worry about what a Bahana/Bilagaana is wearing. I've also never had derogatory comments from Native people when kilted.

Been a while since I've been to Window Rock but will keep a heads up next time.

Ron

[BoldHighlander]

Was only the Bahanas (Anglos) that commented. May be that "we all look alike" since I often get "Hi Mike" when I'm on the Hopi rez because Mike, a high school teacher on the Hopi is often kilted - and that without my kilt I just look like another Bahana.

Interesting thoughts Ron, and there might be something to it
In my own case I don't wear a kilt everyday, and have yet to wear one to my church, but I am a hat fiend, I love wearing hats, and if I don't wear one I get comments -- its become expected that I'll wear one.
As matter of fact, after church one day I went to say hi to a friend of mine (African American) who is an associate pastor. I was hatless & after he looked at me blankly he blinked & said "I almost didn't recognize you without the hat!"