I happen to wear a Kippa. Big deal.
Never has that Kippa caused me to experience the slightest tinge of conflict between myself and any other person with whom I have come in contact.
Israelis rarely care - or even take notice - whether others don a kippa, a yarmulke, or a skullcap (they're all the same) on their heads. It's irrelevant (the kippa, not necessarily the head) to any conversation, organization, or business affair. It creates or offers no social restrictions or benefits. It doesn't help; it doesn�t hurt; it doesn't matter.
Granted, if you choose to fawn your receding lawn with a little shmatta, then others will inevitably notice the color. That round suntan on the upper deck shines forth when the kippa slides a bit. Thus, the issue is Jewish fashion, not what I keep on.
Yes, the kippa style creates its own internal conflict. That dapper topper has developed a life, tradition, and political stance of its own. Colored kippas, crocheted by schoolgirls of all ages during classes (�it helps me concentrate�) place the wearer in the national religious camp. The size of the kippa or the inscription around the edge pinpoints the wearer's affiliation or birthplace, since a real Israeli would never emblazon his name on his clothes. Although he would not be rejected by his peers, he would be making a statement.
A white, thickly-knitted kippa with an elaborate design over its full expanse identifies the wearer with a specific ultra-orthodox camp. Those who don�t want to let people know their affiliation may opt to bask under a simple black kippa with six triangular sections. Turn that same kippa inside out so that only four sections show and you do indeed make a statement. Velvet kippas go together with a black jacket and hat. Stiff black leather or suede kippas often mean that the Resh won't roll correctly either.
Somebody with the "wrong" kippa may feel uneasy wearing a kippa that is meant for another camp. However, nobody, but nobody, will fearfully hide their kippa under a baseball cap. You can park that idea in your Diaspora.
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