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

[crboltz]

I'm a college instructor, and I decided (and announced here) that I would be mostly kilted this semester. (On Tuesdays and Thursdays I teach scenic construction and spend too much time on a ladder to be kilted and maintain my modesty).

Anyway, Monday: Lots of compliments on my heavy weight wool county Donegal tartan (+ white shirt, black tie, cream hose and black boots, and flashes that made from the tartan).

Wednesday: SWK Standard Night stalker, grey shirt, cream hose, black boots, tartan flashes

Friday: Utilikilt workmans (I don't remember what they call the color, but it is the one that looks like chocolate), cream hose scrunched down, tan shirt, black boots.

On


My students all seemed to think it was cool. On Monday, a few sought me out after class to quietly compliment the kilt, after that they were more forward with their compliments. I also had three students ask how to get their boyfriends into one (two of the boyfriends were actively interested -- one looks like he will need convincing), and two of the guys also asked me for details in acquiring kilts of their own (one is taking costume construction this term and was asking about patterns to make his own). There may be several kilted guys around the department soon!

On friday, as I was getting read to leave, a photography student stopped me and asked to take my picture. Her assignment (I found out from one of her classmates) was to take photos of something they found very attractive (with a sexual implication) -- I blushed when I found out!

Now for the rant. There was one student (who actually isn't one of mine but in the department) who repeated asked me on Monday if I was commando (to which I informed him that was an inappropriate question to ask an instructor), then on Wednesday kept going on about how I had better not be regimental (apparently he looked up the correct term on Tuesday), at which point I reminded him that this was not really an appropriate topic for work, and especially not in the lounge/lunch room in the department building. I just do not know what the obsession is! I find "the question" from anyone but a good friend to be unbelievable rude. Most of the people who have asked me would be insulted receiving the same question in return (which is my usual response when not at work). None of these people would ask a woman what she is wearing under her skirt, nor would they ask a guy what he is wearing under his pants. What is it that gives them permission to be rude.

OK, rant over -- I just really needed to get it off my chest. I can handle a smart *** student (He's not the first-- and won't be the last)

And really, overall it has been a great week for comfort and for teaching. (And my classes have higher enrollment than they have ever had -- while I probably can't use the kilt a reason, it certainly would help if the administration had an issue with it -- but they don't -- in fact I heard my former department chair bragging to one of the other chairs, that the teacher in a kilt is one of "hers").

OK, time to shower, and put the UK back on and go to a friends Birthday party!

Cheers
Chris

[ardchoille]

Glad to hear you had a mostly good week. Keep in mind, no matter where you go, you will eventually meet up with someone who has a different sense of "respect" and "manners" than you have, I can only suggest that we be as polite as possible and silence can, in some cases, be your best friend.

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

Have fun at the party

[Freedomlover]

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.

[pdcorlis]

Welcome to the kilted classroom! Give colleagues and students a little time. Soon enough your kilted teaching will become the norm and they will worry about you if you ever show up in p**ts.

I know that's what happened to me!

[Tartan Hiker]

Welcome to the kilted classroom! Give colleagues and students a little time. Soon enough your kilted teaching will become the norm and they will worry about you if you ever show up in p**ts.

I know that's what happened to me!

Same here!

[McFarkus]

More proof of the power of the kilt!

[hospitaller]

most of the people who ask me 'the question' do it just for humor. they don't really want/care to know.

now, when someone like the jackarse student you describe does it the way you describe it, I simply reply that it is none of their business (nunya) and quickly ignore or change subject.

good on ya to go to work kilted. I wear my kilts daily to work as well and it is a pleasure to be able to do so.

[muirkirkca]

Was only asked the question once and gave an oblique rely " I guess some people do". We used to have a local newspaper ask sports celebrities the question " briefs or boxers". They always gave an answer.

In general everything seems to have gone well with you and your class.

[Robert Lamb]

I get the big question now and again and have found if you turn it back on them "why do you want to know?" but don't just let it go at that, keep pressing for an answer. "Is there some personal reason for this question?" etc etc. That usually ends the whole need to know thing then and there.

[Carolina Kiltman]

Was only asked the question once and gave an oblique rely " I guess some people do". We used to have a local newspaper ask sports celebrities the question " briefs or boxers". They always gave an answer.

In general everything seems to have gone well with you and your class.

just a bit off the subject, some nitwit asked Mr. Obama that question, he just smiled and replied" I'm not going to tell you, but whichever it is, I look great in them!