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.

[Grizzly]

I have to say that I find this thread has made me very sad and makes me think about my whole reason for weariing a kilt. Like Steve Ashton I found that the reaction to being kilted whilst in Scotland somewhat of an eye-opener. Its true to say that the most favourable reaction was from fellow tourists who wanted their picture taken with a "Scotsman" or for the want of a better definition a man in a kilt. It didn't matter to them whether I was from the north pole or Timbucktoo. They were in Scotland and they wanted to see someone kilted. The reaction I got from native Scots was either indifference, or the "are you going to the Highland Games?" question and worst of all was the smirking, which I took to mean, " oh another kilted tourist".

I know that our Scottish members from Scotland, Jock, Phil and Alex to name but three are very encouraging and generous with their advice on how to avoid faux pas with traditional highland dress and that they try to stop us making complete berks of ourselves, its a shame that some of our experiences with their fellow coutrymen and women are not such welcoming or pleasing experiences.

[Angstrom]

I can understand the reaction to the perception of "tourist playing at being a Scot". It's probably no different than what would happen if someone were to tour the American West in 50's Hollywood cowboy attire.

I guess I'd ask for a bit more understanding that some folks wear kilts just because they like them, with no other statement intended. But since kilts are far rarer than other fashions that draw attention, I suspect that won't happen.

I wasn't implying that foreigners should be telling Scots how to wear their national dress. The comments have indicated that most Scots consider kilts a piece of history now reserved for formal occasions. But in many areas of life we're finding that some things discarded as old-fashioned do have a place in modern life, and sometimes it takes an outsider to appreciate that. It's not meant as "We know what's best for you" -- it's an enthusiastic "This thing you don't use any more is pretty neat, and works great for me!"

[Jock Scot]

Actually I think it is often the well known and sometimes refreshing American enthusiasm that leads them inadvertently astray, often at considerable expense and the resulting disappointment when they discover the white hose,flat cap, fly plaid, tartan flashes are not necessarily the right thing and often that leads them to say rather less than tactfully that that is what they have and to heck with what the Scots say.

[opositive]

herding cats is always challenging and often frustrating

[Angstrom]

This thread also got me thinking about the unfortunate perception that one is "playing at" being something they're not anytime they step out of the mainstream. My wife -- a data analyst -- also spins, knits and weaves, and sometimes hears comments to the effect that she's playing at being an old-fashioned rural housewife. Some people just can't grasp that the work itself is deeply satisfying for her.

We also contradance, and again, some people we tell can't believe that we're not just playing at being "old-timey" as a novelty. In 2012, a lively social dance with folks of all ages, accoustic instruments, and no alcohol? How could that possibly be fun?

I do understand "playing at being a Scotsman" as a natural reaction, but there are many other reasons that a gent would choose to put more swing in his step....;-)

If we all thought the same way it'd be a dull old world.

[rondo]

Actually I think it is often the well known and sometimes refreshing American enthusiasm that leads them inadvertently astray, often at considerable expense and the resulting disappointment when they discover the white hose,flat cap, fly plaid, tartan flashes are not necessarily the right thing and often that leads them to say rather less than tactfully that that is what they have and to heck with what the Scots say.

Good to know I have learned a few things from our resident Scots since coming to the forum: I don't own white hose, a flat cap, tartan flashes, or a fly plaid. I should also say that I do care about the Scots perspective and what they have to say, so I listen when they speak. However, I am an American, I have Scottish roots, I wear a kilt. I do my best to wear it honorably and properly. End of story.
Rondo

[Sir William]

Actually I think it is often the well known and sometimes refreshing American enthusiasm that leads them inadvertently astray, often at considerable expense and the resulting disappointment when they discover the white hose,flat cap, fly plaid, tartan flashes are not necessarily the right thing and often that leads them to say rather less than tactfully that that is what they have and to heck with what the Scots say.

Jock,

When I attended the travel trade show in Edinburgh last April, I saw a number of kilted Scots, only a few of whom would have been considered to wearing it "properly" as oft discussed on this forum. I saw lots of white hose, a couple of flat hats, a few fly plaids with a day jacket, and lots of dress sporrans with casual or daywear, kilts worn too low, and more than a few wearing a tartan tie with their kilt (usually but not always of the same tartan). I was wearing a day jacket, tattersall shirt with regimental tie, colored hose and I had more than a few Scots compliment me on "knowing" how to wear a kilt; often adding they would like to see more Scots wear a kilt other than just for weddings, ceilidh, and funerals (other than the pipers, guides, and kilt shop clerks who wear it for work).

On the whole, while wearing a kilt in Scotland on 3 different trips, I've experienced much the same reactions as I find in the States, with one exception: In the US there is always some clown who questions your masculinity, while in Scotland its the "look" that says you've been spotted as a tourist who is playing at being a Scot. However, I don't remember ever being "challenged" by any Scot for presuming to wear a kilt in Scotland. As Jock says, most are either too polite or don't really care.

On the other hand, I've been complimented several times by Scots who thought I was a Scot until I spoke. This has led to discussions on non-Scots wearing kilts and I've found that most Scots are totally unaware of how popular the kilt is outside/outwith Scotland.

[Phil]

I do hope that my comments have not discouraged anyone from wearing a kilt or, indeed, from coming to Scotland and wearing a kilt. I just would not want anyone to be so disappointed as some here obviously are to find that kilts really are not seen in Scotland on a day to day basis. To put it bluntly, a proper kilt (8 yard 16oz) is a fairly expensive item and not one to be worn in every occasion. It is not a very practical garment for most modern day activities and, in a business environment is simply not acceptable. And believe me, we in Scotland do actually work in up-to-date business environments despite what 'Braveheart', et al may lead you to believe about Scotland. I worked for an American company for a number of years in Scotland and their dress code most definitely did not allow the wearing of a kilt. Certainly there are cheaper options for more general wear and one of our Scottish members (cessna152towser) does wear his regularly but he is the exception, definitely not the rule I can assure you. Scottish people do love to see the kilt being worn but will not rush forward and say so - it is just not the Scottish way. Perhaps this is the cultural dichotomy that Steve Ashton has disappointingly experienced, expecting the sort of gushing, over the top reaction he might find back home only to find a sort of reserved response to his kilt-wearing. Perhaps people quietly discussing his attire rather than speaking out loudly to him. What he perhaps does not understand is that this is the way of Scottish people. We do not wear our hearts on our sleeves, do not shower praise or openly criticise, are not as demonstrative as other societies perhaps are. This is the Scottish psyche and, like it or not, is what you will encounter when visiting here.,

[Bluescelt]

Peter, I think you and other Scots living abroad have a unique perspective on these posts. In 9+ years in the USA I'm sure you have a pretty good take on what it is to be an american. It must be interesting seeing the celebration of Scotland at local events such as the Highland Games.