Who Owns the Kilt - My Personal Refelction

[osok1]

I first became interested in kilts when I learned that my lineage can be traced to the highlands of Scotland. My interest has continued because I enjoy wearing the kilt and find it to be comfortable and practical. I also enjoy learning about history, tartans, and clan lore. It is all a sort of a hobby for me, and I have no intent to insult anyone's sensitivity regarding their own heritage or birthplace.
U.S. (and Canadian) history is very short as compared to most nations, and I think that it is only natural for us to pay homage to our Scottish heritage and celebrate it as part of what makes us who we are.
After all, the U.S. economic system was based largely on the thinking of Adam Smith, the Scotsman who penned 'The Wealth of Nations'. Western philosophy and government is also largely influenced by Scottish thinkers such as David Hume. I see my country as having resulted from the ideas of our Scottish and other European ancestors, and my interest in their traditions is a celebration of them, not an insult.
Blue jeans originated in the U.S. and are now worn around the world. To me, that only means that lots of folks from lots of places like blue jeans, just as I like kilts.
Cheers to all my fellow kilt-wearers of any heritage!!

[MacSpadger]

Area/regonal terminology still exists too, a pitch fork (like Alan uses to toss sheaves at a highland games) has several local names, a shuppick, a pike, a pykle for example

How ridiculous, ivvery cheil kens it's ca'ed a graip.

[Lyle1]

My first attempt at a reply disappeared, so I'll try again.

I think the replies to this thread have been very insightful, and reinforce my own thoughts that many disagreements are the result of not appreciating, let alone understanding, the differences in one-another's cultures. I personally don't think it is always as necessary to "understand" another culture as it is to recognize that it is different from your own.

I'll add one thought to the comments about North America. Size has two elements; both the U.S and Canada cover vast geographical areas and have enormous populations. Regional differences are great, and can be attributed to both geography (including climate) and population density; local economics also differ significantly. The U.S. has a population of over 310 million, so the chances of forming a consensus about anything are slim. I recently moved from a northern metropolitan area with a population greater than the population of the entire southern state where I now live. The differences between the two areas are great, and I sometimes feel like a foreigner in my own country. Incidentally, the metropolitan area where I used to live is only the 5th largest population center in the U.S., but it has a population greater than all of Scotland, which I only mention to illustrate the differences between the U.S. and Scotland. If members from other countries don't agree with the American perspective or even understand it, don't worry, we Americans often don't understand the various American points of views.

[Jock Scot]

How ridiculous, ivvery cheil kens it's ca'ed a graip.

Indeed so!

[Riverkilt]

Found if Itype up what I wanna say on Word and quickly post it the new system will acceptit. We’ll see. It does run words together though but itsreadable.
Myobservation distills to what I’ve learned living in “Indian Country,”
at least inNavajo and Hopi country, for the last eleven years.
I’ve neverheard of Native American people disowning their relatives who move away fromtheir homeland/reservation. Those thatmove away for whatever reason are not considered somehow “less than Indian”just because they move away.
Evengenerations of Indians who have not lived in their homeland/reservation formany many years are still considered members of the tribe. They are not criticized for wearing theirtribes traditional garb. In fact, theyare encouraged to do so.
And Indianpeople celebrate their heritage with dancing, traditional food, traditionaldress, and their Native tongue at Pow Wows. Those Pow Wows have much in common with Highland Games.
Many PowWows are held “off rez”
I have oftenwished that my relatives back in Scotland had the same appreciation for ourkinship that Native American peoples have for the kinship of their relatives.
Blood – not geographyI the key.

[Jock Scot]

With the greatest of respect Ron no one, as far as I know, from this side of the pond is talking about disowning anyone. Blood, as you correctly say is not a geographical matter. It is our-----yours, mine---- nationality that some Scots consider the question to be and as I say that has nothing to do with blood. Now it is plain to see that there is a differing criteria here that through circumstance almost guarantees a differing of opinion and I for one intend this conversation to end right here, as far as I am concerned. In passing I have enjoyed this discussion very much. Thank you all.

[Riverkilt]

Have oftenheard of descendants of emigrants not being considered “Scottish” anymore.
Just sayin’ –no dust up intended.
But thensince the DNA of this so of Sommerledgoes back to Scandinavia – maybe I’m not….

[Singlemalt]

Gentlemen all, I only started this thread to get my personal feelings off my chest. I really don't want to rekindle an often repeated and at times heated debate. This is why I chose to post my own reflection rather than respond to other opinions on other threads and be misread as confrontational.

I doubt any of us are going to change any minds anyway. I thank all those who responded for the civil and carefully considered replies. I really don't think I have anything to add or any lingering doubts about what others beleive. If we keep rehashing the subject we run the risk of hurt feelings.

As the OP I would request the moderators close this thread.

Thank you all.

[opositive]

Humans seem to be better at adopting the symbols of others than inventing their own. Triangular Celtic symbols which perhaps originally represented earth, sea, and sky were adopted by Christians to represent the trinity. Other famous symbols which have been borrowed in the last century include the swastika and the rainbow.

The usurping of symbols understandably creates angst amongst those from whom the symbol has been taken. They are often powerless to stop what they may consider an unauthorized use of their symbol which can certainly lead to hard feelings. Particulary when the usurpers are inconsiderate, defensive, or just oblivious. The kilt is worn today to represent Scotland, the Scottish diaspora, the Celtic nations (irrespective of geopolitical boundaries), bravery and freedom in general, or some other meaning that only the wearer may fathom. But most acknowledge the Scottish Highlands as the center of the kilt wearing universe and I hope the opinions of those that live there and wear the kilt are always given the consideration they deserve.

the primary endearing aspects of highland culture for me are bravery and freedom. i thank them for creating this symbol (kilt) in particular. as for the brits, i would have a much more difficult time carrying a blue police box to represent bravery and freedom. from jock et al, i know that some have a much more orthodox view, but i want to be clear that i hold them in high regard and regret any discomfort caused by such discussions. stick to your guns, and i will mine. hooray for bravery and freedom. cheers.

[ThistleDown]

At Singlemalt's request, this thread is closed.