My son and I went to the supermarket this afternoon (Aprox. 4:15) in Newton, IA, just after the "Iowa Corn Indy 250" was over at the race track. We had been playing paintball since noon. I play in a hemp RKilt from Robert Pel (now stained with orange paint spots from the days play).

Open mouthed dumbfounded staring today. It was funny. Only two people we saw had no reaction at all, and one of them was a relative, the other the manager of the liquor dept. at the store, who already knows me and has seen me in almost every kilt I own.

I don't think there is any danger of the kilt "going mainstream" on the USA any time soon. Less staring would be nice, but if you don't have a sense of humour and some wit about you, it is unwise to wear the kilt in these parts. A smile and a sense of humour work rather well for people who would deride it for whatever reason. I am no giant, but tattoos and years of blacksmithing don't hurt either, I suppose.

I don't wish the kilt to be common either. More accepted by more of the population would be good.