Quote Originally Posted by AFS1970 View Post
WHen I bought my Kilt I bought a formal wear package. For quite a while, it was all I had, it came with white hose. I was gently told by some folks that I should get another color for day/informal events. I did. Currently I usually wear black hose, although I have a pair of blue also. I actually need to get new white hose. However in the various threads about what is and is not proper, I actually learned something that I had never learned before right here on XMTS (it was not about hose, but was about Highland dress).

For me getting less formal was a stretch. The first time I wore my black sneakers with my Kilt to an outdoor festival, I was sure someone would scold me for not wearing brogues. Guess what no one did. I had the benefit of learning allot in my local Saint Andrews society, and I am glad for it. If I can help someone quietly and with some dignity to wear something correctly I will. However the guy with the basting stitches still in or the backwards Kilt is probably going to take the advice. The guy dressed as Jack Sparrow likely thinks he is doing nothing wrong. I have often asked why a pirate from the 18th-19th century would be at a ren faire about the 14th-16th century, and all I have got was they had pirates back then too.

I have played in many LARPS, although mine were all futuristic and not the vaguely historical wizardry type. Although I have met people who think that they are being historical while casting spells and wearing pointy ears and wings. These people often seek out festivals and advertise themselves as historical groups, and well meaning festival staff say OK, come on down and do your thing.

Also, just playing devils advocate here, it is not OK to say no to the skinheads but say pirates, faeries, and drunks are welcome to have fun in their own way. We are all, no matter how hard we deny it, judgmental in our own ways. I remember when I was a kid the local biker club started coming to our local games. Guess what, they came had a picnic, competed in some events, and didn't bother anyone. I still remember hearing allot of remarks about what "those people" are doing here.

I wonder why, much like the various Kilted at work/graduation threads, it is just fine to do what you want to Scottish culture, but if I did the same at any other cultural event I would be publicly stoned for offending other peoples national origin.
Very true. The insult appears to be lost on many people. Can you imagine showing up at a Japanese festival wearing a bathrobe, flip-flops from Wal-Mart, a ninja-to sword that you ordered online, and a Hello Kitty hat? It's the same thing.