A week (mostly) kilted at work (and a rant)

[WBurns]

When asked the question, my reply is most often, "Are your hands warm or cold?" that typically ends any more questions

[wigwamboi]

You're right. I, too, would never ask a woman, especially a stranger, about her underwear. Talk about sexual harrassment. Sheesh! I'm not sure when people got to be so forward. I remember Bill Clinton being asked the boxers or briefs question, and he anwered, "Briefs". I was stunned he answered at all. I'm glad Obama answered as he did. I've heard reporters ask celebrities about their sexual orientation. It's absurd! Why do people feel they have a right to know other people's personal business? I also have been asked the regimental question by complete strangers. I've always been taken aback a bit, but never was sure how to answer. I like the suggestion of responding, "Why do you want to know?" I'm going to remember to use that reply. By the way, I think it's really cool you wear kilts to class.

[Makeitstop]

Friday: Utilikilt workmans (I don't remember what they call the color, but it is the one that looks like chocolate)

I believe they call it... "Chocolate"

I really don't understand the obsession with "the question" either.

I think that there might be insecurity issues with the person asking. He (or she) might, consciously or not, be covering his inability to deal with a sudden rocking of his boat. His secure little all figured out piece of the universe suddenly shifted right under his feet. It is possible that he, apparently knowing a little about kilts, asked that question instead of referencing skirts as an ignorant person might.

I think it can also be that some people see the kilt as being somewhat outrageous or sexually charged to begin with, so in their minds it isn't odd to ask outrageous questions like that.

Also, some people have heard tales about what men wear under the kilt, and it has become a bit of a legend. When they see a guy in a kilt, they have their one chance to get the answer.Thus curiosity and the perceived rarity of such an opportunity can overpower decency and common sense.

But then again there is also just a double standard. A speaker at a rather conservative religious event asked me the question during a little conversation at the end of the night, and after joking around a bit (trying very hard to stay appropriate) I asked her why she thought it was acceptable to ask me that, given that if I were to ask a woman such as herself the same question, I could be in serious legal trouble. Her reply was essentially that men have dirty minds anyway, so it isn't likely to offend. I spent several minutes explaining the various ways in which that was wrong, and mentioned the irony that she had just given a lengthy speech about the importance of virtue and purity and not giving into temptation and corruption even though its everywhere etc.

And then there's always the fact that some people don't think before they speak.

When asked the question, my reply is most often, "Are your hands warm or cold?" that typically ends any more questions

While I've told that one to a few people, I've only actually used it once. I suppose I earned that slap, but I still think its unfair to get offended by a response to an inherently low brow, personal, and usually sexual question.

[Riverkilt]

Teaching fashion FREEDOM!

I love it...!!

Ron

[crboltz]

As the original poster -- In a social (non-work) situation, I have used several of the "responses" -- or sometimes just answered straight out. BUT what really got to me was this was a STUDENT asking a TEACHER. (and as an "out" teacher in California at the moment, I'm very very conscience about what I say and what I do and making sure I am professional at all times.)

Thanks for all the comments on being a "cool" teacher for wearing a kilt. We'll see if my students grades improve - in which case I'll suggest to everyone to wear a kilt -- it's for the students benefit!!!

Cheers
Chris

[Aldisimo]

I think some people ask 'the question' just to let you know that they know about it--that they're 'in the know.' They don't really want an answer, and if you give them a hey, you must be really cool 'cause you know to ask that question look, they'll just go away.

Or if they're really annoying, go with the 'Hhmm first, why do you need to know?' complete with serious visage and furrowed brow. Maybe even rest the chin on the fist.

[KiltedBrewer]

I usually just shrug off "The Question", but the more I think about it, the more I think it's appallingly inappropriate. Even though I have the guts to wear the kilt, I can't imagine myself asking a woman what she's wearing under her skirt.

I don't really have a suggestion, but I wish you luck and hope the student lets it go.

[McNulty]

Yay!! Another classroom comrade. My students now expect me to wear one of my kilts on Fridays. I've been kilted for year and have yet to get the "regimental" question. Ths, however, does help to make a better learning environment.
Nulty