Wearing a Kilt in New Mexico

[Tobus]

I live in Northwest New Mexico, the land of Republicans and TEA Party enthusiasts. Redneckville.

Wow, nice stereotype. I find it humorously ironic that your thread is about fighting the stereotype of a guy in a kilt being thought a "fruit", yet you freely dispense your own stereotype of political beliefs with "rednecks". Do you not think that if stereotypes are to be defeated, it should go both ways?

That said, I do know where you're coming from. I'm in a similar situation, living in a very rural and conservative area of Texas. The usual first reaction to seeing a kilt around here is shock that someone has stepped out of the norm. But I'm finding that their reactions are not so much a function of what I'm wearing, but how I'm wearing it and how I present myself.

Confidence, presentation, and style go a long way. If you are wearing a non-traditional kilt and wearing it in, shall we say, a more "urban" style, rural folk may tend to view it negatively. Especially if you have a look of defiance about you, shooting challenging looks to everybody. But a friendly countenance, coupled with an air of self-confidence, can disarm their prejudices.

They may also be more accepting of a kilted fellow if they can identify it as something traditional, like a well put together authentic Scottish kilted outfit (complete with proper hose, sporran, etc.).

It's fun, in many ways, to experiment with different looks and gauge public reactions. Breaking down stereotypes and getting your community comfortable with seeing you in your kilt is something you just have to feel out yourself. All of us who are in similar situations are going through the same thing. So I wish you luck!

[biblemonkey]

Wow, nice stereotype. I find it humorously ironic that your thread is about fighting the stereotype of a guy in a kilt being thought a "fruit", yet you freely dispense your own stereotype of political beliefs with "rednecks". Do you not think that if stereotypes are to be defeated, it should go both ways?

True, and I have been far less judgmental of the appearance of other since becoming kilted, but it is true that in the "redneck" areas kilts are far more likely to get you thought of as a cross dresser. I am a man from a family which sports tons of rednecks, a few intelligencia, and one part Scot part Yaqui indian kiltie-me. While the family is very accepting of the kilt, it still makes some people uncomfortable. My pastor is an amazing and honest man of God, ex-alchoholic, marine for life, seen the world and then some. He has seen it all and doesn't judge anybody based on appearance, or at least tries not to. He still has a problem with the kilt. It's the "good 'ol boy" in him. As long as we are just being ourselves and not wearing the kilt in certain situations to "start something" most will eventually be won over. For the rest there is simply no hope and, unless they become violent, should be left to their backwards opinions.

All the best in the wilds of "redneckdom",
Hugh

[denmcdough]

[GMan]

I am sitting in Silver City, NM (southwestern NM) as I type this and really have had nothing but great comments about Kilt wearing. To me it has to do with attitude.

I do travel frequently and rather spur of the moment to NM, and do find it enchanting.

Just sayin'

[Zardoz]

Can't say I've been through Farmington, but I have been traditionally kilted in and around Ruidoso, Roswell, Carizozo and Alamagordo without incident. But then again I guess the OP would think my political stance would fit right in with "Redneckville".

[yojackus]

Hey, thanks for the comments, guys!

Yes my politics are liberal but the "TEA Party/ Redneck/ Republican" comment was only to set the tone for the background. Don't get me wrong, people around here are very fine and upstanding folks- I am a home health physical therapist and I have never met a patient or family that I didn't like. Just trend to the conservative side. The sight of a guy in an urban kilt without the tunic, sporran, Glengarry, bagpipes and a parade to go along with it is a bit alien.

That being said, I am not a meek soul; I am Canadian of mostly Scottish descent. The opportunity to wear a kickass urban kilt in a public where no one has seen one before was great! We men know that we are smokin' hot anyway and a kilt just adds to it!

On another note, I have a Stewart Hunting tartan inherited from my dad, not worn yet. Do not have the pin, sporran or the other stuff- can you steer me to the best places to get all of the other necessaries?

The Scot in me is itching to do it up in style...

Mole: My Secondary clan is MacBubba as well! Buuuuurp!

[Woodsheal]

Hey, thanks for the comments, guys!

Yes my politics are liberal but the "TEA Party/ Redneck/ Republican" comment was only to set the tone for the background. Don't get me wrong, people around here are very fine and upstanding folks- I am a home health physical therapist and I have never met a patient or family that I didn't like. Just trend to the conservative side.

Better than half of the regular kilties that attend our monthly kilt night here in "blue state" New York are of the conservative bent, even - gasp! - tea party supporters! How 'bout exhibiting some of the so-called "open mindedness" that liberals are always laying claim to, and laying off the simplistic stereotyping...?

[BoldHighlander]

I live in Northwest New Mexico, the land of Republicans and TEA Party enthusiasts. Redneckville.

Yes my politics are liberal but the "TEA Party/ Redneck/ Republican" comment was only to set the tone for the background. Don't get me wrong, people around here are very fine and upstanding folks- I am a home health physical therapist and I have never met a patient or family that I didn't like. Just trend to the conservative side.

You might do well to go back and read rules #4 & #5 of this forum before posting political attacks / stereotypes that will serve no purpose other than to inflame & incite the feelings of a significant portion of the rabble.

Surely there might have been a better way to have set the tone to your story?

[NashTnGuy]

I would post my response to the idea that tea partiers / conservatives are rednecks and not open to new things, but several of my fellows here have made the point admirably.

[yojackus]

YEESH!

Taking a lot of heat here re- the tone I set for my thread but for the record please look at my replies to the others who have commented on the topic.

Let's just drop the stereotype thing and get back to kilts!