Bagpipes

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Does anyone hate those things? The sound disturbs me...

Okay, let's go into some detail. I have been diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, and as I look into myself more deeper, I have always hated the bagpipes. Some may just find it annoying, some may like it, but that sound ALWAYS scarred me whether it be 5 minutes or just 2 seconds. The terrifying, extremely loud sound... causes very large sorrow. When I learned they ACTUALLY PLAY IT EVERY MORNING IN PRISON, I only could feel sorry for every prisoner having to bear the evil bagpipes. Whenever I heard the bagpipes on the TV, I swear I always felt as if I were molested... very terrible childhood. Whenever I wanted to watch a TV show, I would fear that the bagpipes could come on as effect or as a joke. If they really do find such an evil instrument funny, I'm not laughing. Worse, whenever I'm trying to eat and watch TV at the same time, the bagpipes might come on, and after that, I just feel nauseous seeing a man wear a skirt and play such a horrible sound and then I'm not hungry anymore. I can't even enjoy a nice meal without fearing that instrument! I mean, come on, don't they know that people have PROBLEMS WITH THOSE THINGS?! I swear the first thing I wanted to do if I were president of any country would be to OUTLAW the bagpipes and fine anyone using the instrument. I honestly cannot say how much I hate those things. I actually talked to my relatives about the issue and cried because of it. I always thought about "no cruel or unusual punishment". For people with Asperger syndrome (or at least just me and a few other people), this would definitely qualify as such.

They were meant to be played into battle, its frightening you because it was meant to. Most people are lucky enough to just find it an ugly din.

However, if you were in Scotland you might not hear that kind of bagpipe so much, but you might hear the pipe played properly, as Pibroch. This is a particular type of bagpiping, Pibroch, which is pipes and harps used as gentle melodic instruments rather than what you are hearing (agressive marches).

Ugly bagpipe is a bit like tartan, its a brand thats seems to work for tourism, its not genuine Scottish culture.

Perhaps hearing the gentle Pibroch could help you deal with the fear? Just a thought.

Being of Scottish ancestry, I'm sorry to hear that bagpipes are so upsetting to you.

I don't know how to suggest avoiding bagpipes on TV if, as it sounds like, they are sometimes coming on unexpectedly as a joke. On an everyday basis I walk round corners where there is a man in a "skirt" playing bagpipes loudly, which gives a strong hint as to where I live. I enjoy bagpipes as a form of music, but the noise of walking right past a piper is another thing.

"These are bagpipes. I understand the inventor of the bagpipes was inspired when he saw a man carrying an indignant, asthmatic pig under his arm. Unfortunately, the man-made sound never equalled the purity of the sound achieved by the pig." -- Alfred Hitchcock

One of my favorite quotes.

For me, it's roughly at the same annoyance level as a crying baby, and there isn't anything more annoying than that.

I've heard bagpipes in person, and they're very loud! The Great Highland Pipes are from Scotland, but it takes an Irishman to play the pipes!

In Scotland we used pipes for whipping us into a frenzy for war and thesedays we use them for the same reason at sports events etc. It's certainly not the most pleasent sound on the ears that's for sure.

We have a band here called the Red Hot Chilli Pipers! no honestly

I much prefer the softer sound of the Irish pipes, but can tolerate Scottish pipes if from a distance. Too close is far too loud & they do hurt my ears.

I have to say even the melancholy of some of the Irish ballads can bring me to tears. The lyrics can provoke strong reactions in me. However, for the most part, the pipes lift my spirits be they Irish or Scot. I suppose different people are affected differently.

I love them. I am very proud of my scottish ancestary and they are so bound in scottish culture. On the streets of edinburgh there is always a piper, and at every scottish wedding there is usually one. They are designed to sound haunting, as they were used for wars to whip fear into the enemy and stir up the troops. However, seeing hundreds of men wearing skirts running at you I thought would be scary enough
They can be played in different ways for different occaisions. Here they are as traditional as kilts and whiskey ('the water of life' as it's called in scotland) and shall remain so.

I hate the sound of the violin at times, it screechs so bad sometimes if played by someone who can't play. But if I demanded it to be outlawed I may come across some oppisition don't you think?