Gestures of respect

[crfriend]

What does a bloke in a skirt do in the presence of one of superior position? (Yes, this is a rhetorical question.)

Gals curtsey (if they're wearing skirts, and it looks vastly better with long skirts than short), which is a splendid display when well done. Guys usually bow to display submission. Those two models work well given the traditional Western garb of trousers for the men. What happens when the men are wearing skirts?

I admit to being a bit of a renegade in that no matter whom I'm faced with I'll nod my head and offer a handshake; however, in highly formal circumstances that may not be practical -- or conform to protocol.

So, what's a bloke in a skirt to do?

[Grok]

I don't know if this question has ever come up before. In a Western (civilization) context there is no protocol.

[Caultron]

You'd do whatever you'd do if you were wearing trousers. You'd be yourself.

I mean, like, do women ever curtsy anymore?

[skirtyscot]

You Yanks haven't had to bow to anyone since you last had a king in 1776, so this is very much a hypothetical question!

Think Japan: a man in a kimono (not that they are in fashion any more) would bow. Why would wearing a skirted garment make you want to curtsy? Curtsying is for girls. (But why?)

[Sarongman]

Of course one could prostrate oneself before the Grand Poobah, as is done still by men in white dresses in the Catholic ceremonies including ordination. The trouble with us oldies is getting up with a semblance of dignity

[couyalair]

What does a bloke in a skirt do in the presence of one of superior position? ...

I'm surprised you even thought of such a question, Carl.

It's not so far removed from the notion that if you wear an unbifurcated garment you must also wear wig, high heels etc. Personally, I can see no connexion.

Yes, Grok, there are still places where protocol exists, and it is appropriate for ladies to curtsey, though not sinking as low as they might have a century or two ago. Bowing is not unusual foir either sex.

All this, and handshakes, kisses, hugs etc, are not sexually determined, but are purely cultural, varying from place to place, and era to era.

Martin

[Caultron]

The VIP is meeting you, not your clothes. And so you respond as you should.

Of course, there will be some actions you take differently, such as being careful how you sit and getting into a car butt first instead of leg first. But those are personal and practical rather than special means of respect.

[Grok]

If there is to be a specific gesture while wearing a skirt, perhaps we can borrow the Space Corps salute from Red Dwarf.

[BobM]

Well, there is the gesture that Wallace and his men made upon meeting the English army (at least according to the movie), but that is probably not appropriate for all occasions.

[crfriend]

Well, there is the gesture that Wallace and his men made upon meeting the English army (at least according to the movie), but that is probably not appropriate for all occasions.

It's probably appropriate for where I work at the moment. Or, at least in the spirit of the oppressed when confronted with an oppressor.

[JohnH]

The VIP is meeting you, not your clothes. And so you respond as you should.

Of course, there will be some actions you take differently, such as being careful how you sit and getting into a car butt first instead of leg first. But those are personal and practical rather than special means of respect.

I still get into a car butt first and swing my legs in even when I am wearing pants!

John

[Caultron]

I still get into a car butt first and swing my legs in even when I am wearing pants!

John

Yes, it gets to be a habit.

But did you before starting to wear skirts?

[Grok]

I will summarize comments I have seen on line. A deep bow would have a submissive aspect, as one is lowering ones self before a superior. In some cultures this may have evolved-essentially-into groveling. However, a shallow bow may be a sign of respect between equals; I actually did this myself when I took karate classes as a teenager. The two students would bow to each other just before sparring. (The instructors wanted the class to conform to Japanese protocol).

I came across a suggestion that the curtsy may have evolved when women tried to bow while wearing long skirts. The skirts would hit the floor during the bow, so women began to lift up the skirt.

[Grok]

There is an irreverent streak in my personality. However, if I were in a situation in which I was expected to bow, I would be conforming to someone else's protocol, so presumably I would be wearing a suit. As in a suit with trousers; no skirt.

[JohnH]

I still get into a car butt first and swing my legs in even when I am wearing pants!

John

Yes, it gets to be a habit.

But did you before starting to wear skirts?

No.