The Kilt Kops

[Irish Jack O'Brian]

Sorry, I've been away from the interwebs. But I see some explanation of my post is in order.

First, as to the "Kilten Polizei" comment: I really need to get a handle on the emoticon thing. It was meant as a joke based on the 'Kilt Polis' post. I did not mean it to refer to fascism (unless there was a hidden "Godwin's Law" wish in there somewhere.)

Second, as to name-calling, I do not consider the term 'Kilt Kops' name-calling. It's a joking descriptive term, unlike "kilt cretins" which I do consider name-calling.

Third, my original point was that the Highlanders' disapproval of the wearing of the kilt by any but a Highlander (which position I have seen repeatedly held in this forum) was a hurtful idea to the world-wide Scottish diaspora. That is true. When I first came to understand my Scottish ancestry, I thought that the wearing of the kilt was a great way to honor my ancestors. And when I first came to XMTS, I thought that I would find Scots and Scots descendants who would welcome those who wanted to honor their heritage. I have bucked the idea that I am not worthy of wearing my ancestors tartan for these many months. I was naive.

Between my post of yesterday and today, I have changed my tune. Only Highlanders currently living in Scotland or first generation offspring of full-bred Highlanders, but living outwith Scotland have a right to wear the clan tartan of their father's name. All others are poseurs playing at being Scot.

This change has come because of a conversation I had this evening with a gentleman residing in Texas, but whose parents live in Aberdeen. He holds essentially the exact same views as Jock Scot, and he assured me that virtually all Highlanders hold the view that the so-called diaspora are far removed from Scotland and that it is a mockery of Highlandism to see an outlander in the kilt. He said other things, but that was the essence.

So, I give. I'm not a Highlander. I'm a Texan. I will probably wear the kilt at my family reunion, and at the occasional Celtic Festival, but otherwise, I am putting it up. Also, I will visit this forum less often.

[robthehiker]

he assured me that virtually all Highlanders hold the view that the so-called diaspora are far removed from Scotland and that it is a mockery of Highlandism to see an outlander in the kilt. He said other things, but that was the essence.

So what if they do believe that? You'd change how you dress because some people 4,000 miles away don't approve?? You'd better change your religion and political views while you're at it...

[Dale Seago]

. . .Highlandism. . .

Hmm. Remarkably apropos term.

[Zardoz]

Hmm. Remarkably apropos term.

Yeah, I got a chuckle out of the "Highlandism" reference. "I do not think it means what you think it means"
I think a lot of folks on this forum could benefit from reading two very enlightening books, 'The Invention of Tradition' and 'Highland Heritage', where that word is used quite a bit.

[Chirs]

"I do not think it means what you think it means"

Inconceivable!!

[Dale Seago]

Inconceivable!!

Ya beat me to it.

[Taygrd]

Ya beat me to it.

I am still looking for the six-fingered man

[Taygrd]

Read 'Highland Heritage' and it was amusing and insightful at the same time. I have never attended a Highland Games or Celtic festival since I do not like crowded events. I wear the kilt on formal occaisons about four times a year and the rest of the time I wear one with a T-shirt and crocs around the house and shop.
When most refer to highland tradition they are thinking of the Victorian Walter Scott romaticized version. My idea of it goes much farther back than that, I remember my grandfather toasting "the wee gentleman in velvet." The last ancestor of mine that left Scotland during the clearances, landed in Canada and worked as a logger. Different branches of the family tree left at different times some before the 45' some after but all were Jacobites. My mother has traced our roots to Flodden and beyond. That is the heritage I speak of, not white hose is a no no, or your kilt is too short. I could care less if a first or second generation Scot say I have no right to wear the kilt or that it should not be worn out of Scotland. I have had a drink or two with Vicount Dunrossil right here in Texas and he was kilted and thought nothing of me being kilted. Scots are terse, blunt, gruff, grumpy, and opinionated. Native Scots may not like this "diaspora" that has spread worldwide. I respect their (Native Scots) opinion and I let it influence my actions only to the point that I try to represent my heritage in what I consider a respectful manner. On other post I may have put forth short terse response, and came back and tried to explain myself better latter on. I PMed those who might have put off by my comments.
There have been a lot of I and me's in the first paragraph, now what about you? IMHO You should realize that everyone has an opinion, some can present it respectfully and some cannot. IMHO Not everyone who disagrees with you is arguing with you or passing judgement. No one has the right to tell you that you should not wear the kilt. ( Not backtracking here, I never said that but it was interpreted by others that I did) IMHO If you read something you do not think is right ask the poster to explain it. It is a discussion and should be treated like one.

Texas Jack O'Brian, I felt from your other postings that was not your intention and I apologize for not asking you before I used it as an example.

[Dale Seago]

When most refer to highland tradition they are thinking of the Victorian Walter Scott romaticized version. My idea of it goes much farther back than that, I remember my grandfather toasting "the wee gentleman in velvet." The last ancestor of mine that left Scotland during the clearances, landed in Canada and worked as a logger. Different branches of the family tree left at different times some before the 45' some after but all were Jacobites. My mother has traced our roots to Flodden and beyond. That is the heritage I speak of, not white hose is a no no, or your kilt is too short. I could care less if a first or second generation Scot say I have no right to wear the kilt or that it should not be worn out of Scotland. I have had a drink or two with Vicount Dunrossil right here in Texas and he was kilted and thought nothing of me being kilted. Scots are terse, blunt, gruff, grumpy, and opinionated. Native Scots may not like this "diaspora" that has spread worldwide. I respect their (Native Scots) opinion and I let it influence my actions only to the point that I try to represent my heritage in what I consider a respectful manner.

Pretty much how I see it.

I do find pretty much everyone's views valuable, even when I disagree with them (or choose to consciously disregard them), as they help to inform my own. I have an actual and sincere interest in both contemporary Scottish custom and the evolutionary process which has brought it to what it is today.

When you get right down to it, though, if someone doesn't like my wearing a kilt, or the way I wear a kilt, it really doesn't bother me; sort of rolls off like water off a duck's back.

This tag line I created for another forum is very much tongue-in-cheek, partly because of its literal truth:

“I think it's easier to see others as simply human beings like yourself, without being frightened/intolerant of them and their differences (religious, cultural, sexual, whatever), when you know you can cripple or kill them before they have a clue what just happened. It enables you to be more sensitive, closer to being able to embrace all of humanity.”

[DWFII]

Second, as to name-calling, I do not consider the term 'Kilt Kops' name-calling. It's a joking descriptive term, unlike "kilt cretins" which I do consider name-calling.

Well, with all due respect, it seems a bit convenient and self-pardoning to excuse one term but not the other. I suppose it depends on whose ox is being gored. But of course that's the point I've been making all along.

So, I give. I'm not a Highlander. I'm a Texan. I will probably wear the kilt at my family reunion, and at the occasional Celtic Festival, but otherwise, I am putting it up. Also, I will visit this forum less often.

That seems extreme--a knee-jerk reaction. But I have to wonder if you really understand Jock and where he's coming from. I've found myself wondering this a lot on this forum over the years and wondering too if those who don't understand simply don't want to understand.

Of course if you truly believe all that you've written here, it begs the question, doesn't it...is Jock a Kilt Kop or a Kilt policeman?

PS, and neither here nor there...I sympathize with you. I have been making western (cowboy) boots for over 40 years. But I live in Oregon. For most of those 40 years I wore boots and hats and pearl snap shirts buttoned to the neck. I have had a number of native Texans order my boots and even more seek me out to take seminars in how to make cowboy boots. But several well known Texas bootmakers told me I would never be a Texas bootmaker (doh!). In the last five years I have taken to wearing shoes exclusively and a flat cap. I never felt I was unworthy, I just didn't want to be associated with the Texas attitude.