Two Telling comments? The Answer Perhaps?

[Nathan]

We're a world away in Scotland, Nathan, and we've actually developed our own diasporic culture. What do you think of the million or so Scots who refuse to wear a kilt, either properly or improperly? Have they failed altogether?

Look, do what you want but don't pretend it's "proper" because if it is, that word is meaningless. If that's proper, what would be improper? To me, an improperly worn kilt is one that is being worn contrary to tradition.

I grew up in a diaspora Gaelic culture in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada (North East of Maine). We didn't assimilate or change as much as our cousins who went to the USA. Perhaps its because we remained part of the British commonwealth or perhaps it is our relative isolation on an island.

The Scots descendants who went to the Southern US and eventually became the Confederates etc... certainly did create their own distinct culture but you'd be hard pressed to find a lot of examples of the kilt being an important part of that culture. Jeans, yes. Kilts, no. They adapted everything to their new environment and neighbours so while you can see the Scottish roots in much of what that culture created (Old Tyme fiddle and blue grass music, square dancing, the Saltire on the Confederate flag) the African influence injected blues modes into the music, The Mexican influence added some Spanish modes as well - toss a little jazz in and you've got Country music.

In fact, if we're going to be honest, that Southern culture misappropriated and brought shame upon some important Scottish symbols like the fiery cross and the word "clan". Regardless how you spell it, calling myself a clansman in some company is very uncomfortable.

Everyone has the right to move past the darker bits of their history and bygones must be bygones but anachronistically hybridizing the Scottish and Southern US cultures in a way they did not evolve, while not against any laws, isn't what I would call a "proper" representation of either culture. It is, in effect, a cultural mash up. Mash away if you like, but don't fart and tell me it's roses.

If you feel fusing these two legitimate parts of your heritage reflects how you feel about yourself in the world, go for it but it's not "wearing the kilt properly" Stateside or anywhere else.