Negative remark when least expected

[Caradoc]

"Hey mate are you a transvestite?"

I got this comment once.

"No, but one of my co-workers is - if you're so interested in hooking up that you're asking complete strangers, I think I can arrange a date for you."

His fellows gave him hell for that one.

[Rusty]

Well I suppose it had to happen one day that some young man in a group would make a negative remark about my kilt, as from what I have read this seems to happen to the rest of you and seems to go with the territory of kilt wearing outside of Scotland. Having been out and about in Galashiels I was just coming up to the Lochcarron factory as I made my way back to my car. There were lots of youths coming the other way, in groups of four or five. As the final group of five were just going out of my line of sight as they passed alongside I heard one remark "Hey mate are you a transvestite?" As the remark was not made to my face it was easier just to walk on and pretend not to have heard or that he was addressing one of his own group, which is what I did but I really wonder what would have happened if I had turned round and explained that the kilt and sporran are more distinctly male garments tham the unisexed jeans which the youngsters were wearing? One wonders what gets into the adolescent mind to make them open their mouths and put their foot in it. Is it jealousy that they can't yet afford their own kilt? Is it envy that an older man can feel secure and confident to stride out in a kilt while teenage peer pressure causes them to wear jeans? Is it a dare between the group to see what they can get away with without being challenged? Anyway I won't let the remarks of one immature youngster put me off kilt wearing.

We've all been there..... Most of us were mouthy twerps at one time trying to impress ourselves, I was no exception. However, what I find strange is that this would happen in Scotland of all places. I grew up in the UK and saw kilts being worn on occasion but it seemed natural so I don't think I, or any of my peers "cocked off " to anyone wearing one. Must be a sign of the times.

[GMan]

Yes we have all been in that situation. However I have noticed that it is said from someone who has to "show off" to his friends, to make himself look bigger and more important to his friends. Unfortunate yes, but just consider the source. Little minds come forth with strange comments.

[Robin]

It's his problem...not yours...all is fine

[Blu (Ontario)]

... As the remark was not made to my face

TYpical of a coward trying to impress his peers at your expense.

... it was easier just to walk on and pretend not to have heard...

The remark wasn't even clever. I would have done the same

... if I had turned round and explained that the kilt and sporran are more distinctly male garments tham the unisexed jeans which the youngsters were wearing?

Kids don't care about explanations... just conforming to the rest of the group.

... One wonders what gets into the adolescent mind to make them open their mouths and put their foot in it.

A lot of insecurity, low self esteem, and raging hormones.

At least you've got the fortitude to show a little cultural pride.!

[mbhandy]

One wonders what gets into the adolescent mind to make them open their mouths and put their foot in it. Is it jealousy that they can't yet afford their own kilt? Is it envy that an older man can feel secure and confident to stride out in a kilt while teenage peer pressure causes them to wear jeans? Is it a dare between the group to see what they can get away with without being challenged? Anyway I won't let the remarks of one immature youngster put me off kilt wearing.

I have found in working with Kids it is their Parents lack of manners. So not to worry.

MrBill

[Kilted KT]

I have found in working with Kids it is their Parents lack of manners. So not to worry.

MrBill

I've not seen a truer statement in quite some time.

[David Dalglish]

I bet that when they get older, and get married, they will wear the kilt. Kilts are like Guiness, you have to mature into both.

[motorman4life]

My usual response to comments like that is, "No, it's a kilt."

If they start to argue or continue, I usually point out that anyone with a 3rd grade education can identify a man in a kilt. They always shut up or try to play it off about that time. As it turns out, I have never had a comment like that end on a bad note or a fight. No need for crap like that.

My general attitude is, if you don't understand, then don't wear one. I have made comments like, "I understand if you are not secure enough to wear a kilt, (but don't get upset with me if I choose to). This one has gotten some very frank reactions. Most hecklers have been stopped in their tracks and openly admitted they don't have the "balls" to pull it off. A few have told me they wished they could (or wished they had the courage), right after they had just started verbally jabbing me. I find it odd, but encouraging at the same time.

[NewKilt]

I have found in working with Kids it is their Parents lack of manners. So not to worry.

MrBill

If I remember my freshman psychology (a long, long time ago), most of our personality is formed during our first five years, and behaviors are learned. Parents have a major role in influencing both.

Darrell