Scottish outlook on kilted Americans?

[Peter Crowe]

I have been reading this thread, and on the whole enjoying it. I have some observations based on my own history, experiences etc.

1) I am a native born, bred, reared and educated Scot living in Massachusetts since I was 37 years old. I am now 46 and the last nine years have probably changed subtly in many ways due to my new environment and culture. However, you can not at age 37 or more change your most formative experiences and cultural baggage, merely adapt to the new situation which involves many little compromises and minor adjustments in order to 'fit in' somewhat with your new reality. I am also a dual citizen of both the UK and the US.

2) I am flattered that men from anywhere see in the Kilt a garment they want to wear, adapt to suit themselves up to a point, and that is to respect it's origin and symbolic if not iconic history and traditions.

3) When we dress in the morning or purchase clothes we consciously or unconsciously tell the world about who we are or who we perceive ourselves to be, and aspire to be. This is true of most people most of the time.

4) Scotland has some similarities and also many differences from North America. Scotland even has internal differences based on geography, local customs and histories, social class, neighbourhoods within localities, family background etc.

5) Scotland has a tradition of plain speaking combined with taciturnity which can be misconstrued as rudeness by those from elsewhere. There is also a tradition of 'flyting' or to use the modern vernacular 'slagging folk' (In American terms, ball-busting) which is a huge part of the culture. Just watch comedy shows like 'Still Game' available on You Tube to get a flavour.

6) Americans (and I assume Canadians, New Zealanders, and Australians) unless from their respective indigenous peoples have a strong almost primordial desire to understand their geneological past and what brought their antecedents to those respective countries. This is not (in my experience) true of the vast majority of folk back home who tend to be almost unconsciously assured about who they are and where they come from. This causes a lot of misunderstanding but both positions are valid and real.

7) Generally speaking people anywhere resent being told, lectured or patronised about their own society and it's culture. Well meaning enthusiasm even if backed up by good research will still provoke this resentment if the person doing it is seen as from outside that society.