Two Telling comments? The Answer Perhaps?

[Father Bill]

After reading this thread and the 'Wearing a Kilt in Scotland' thread, I've come to a decision. I had been counting my pennies trying to come up with enough money to make the EXPENSIVE trip to Scotland next year for my clan's 5-year gathering which will coincide with clan Gunn's 3-year gathering at the Halkirk Games in Caithness. I don't think I will bother now. I will spend that money right here in the good old USA, thank you very much.

Bring your kilt and come to Canada. The Clan Sinclair 'n of Canada will welcome you as if you were royalty.

[ASinclair]

Bring your kilt and come to Canada. The Clan Sinclair 'n of Canada will welcome you as if you were royalty.

Thank you, cousin, I have no doubt. At the Clan Sinclair Association, USA AGM at the Virginia Scottish Games last year, Rory Sinclair (the Chief's piper) and Sandy and Toni Sinclair from CSAC were there, and as soon as we met, we were fast friends!

[S Mitchell]

Awhile back, reading a similar thread (I don't recall which) I felt pretty demoralized, as an American wearing the kilt, in much the same way as Allen and sailortats have expressed.

Nobody wants to be taken as foolish or seen as inept.

But, my feelings have changed.

I still don't want to be taken as foolish, mind you. But, if I ever make it to Scotland, I'll definitely, at the very least, bring my kilt. I might not have the courage to wear it! But, that's got nothing to do with fear of being taken as hapless.

I wear my kilt a lot. I wear it for any occasion. I wear it on date nights with my wife. I wear it to the tavern with friends. I wear it to parties. I wore it to Disneyland.

I'm still occasionally self-conscious wearing it, but less and less so.

In Scotland, I'd surely be very self-conscious, worried the locals would think I harbored some mythic, romantic idea of Scotland, but I wouldn't feel hapless. Hopefully, by the time I ever have a chance to wear my kilt abroad, I will have developed an ease and comfort which will be apparent. Maybe I never will. Hopefully I will.

I can't pretend I'm not an American in a kilt. The locals might still think I'm playing the Scot (which there are worse things one could be accused of) but they'd maybe recognize I'm not playing at wearing the kilt, much the way mac mhór ón Abb can tell someone who really wears western attire from someone who's trying to fit in.

I'd be back to being viewed as eccentric but harmless which, I'm sure, is how I'm often viewed here in the states. As a matter of fact, while most people I've met have been very positive, there are, even in America, especially in America, people who view the kilt as an embarrassingly needy attempt at attention.

Worst case scenario, even if the Scots still thought of me as that hapless tourist, it doesn't matter so much. If they're wrong about me, (and they'd be half right!) they're wrong about me. By all accounts, politeness and courtesy would still prevail and I'd have the opportunity at least, with my behavior, to raise myself in their estimation a bit.

As far as the Scots on this forum, I appreciate their honesty and take it in the spirit with which it's offered.

[mac mhór ón Abb]

Awhile back, reading a similar thread (I don't recall which) I felt pretty demoralized, as an American wearing the kilt, in much the same way as Allen and sailortats have expressed.

Nobody wants to be taken as foolish or seen as inept.

But, my feelings have changed.

I still don't want to be taken as foolish, mind you. But, if I ever make it to Scotland, I'll definitely, at the very least, bring my kilt. I might not have the courage to wear it! But, that's got nothing to do with fear of being taken as hapless.

I wear my kilt a lot. I wear it for any occasion. I wear it on date nights with my wife. I wear it to the tavern with friends. I wear it to parties. I wore it to Disneyland.

I'm still occasionally self-conscious wearing it, but less and less so.

In Scotland, I'd surely be very self-conscious, worried the locals would think I harbored some mythic, romantic idea of Scotland, but I wouldn't feel hapless. Hopefully, by the time I ever have a chance to wear my kilt abroad, I will have developed an ease and comfort which will be apparent. Maybe I never will. Hopefully I will.

I can't pretend I'm not an American in a kilt. The locals might still think I'm playing the Scot (which there are worse things one could be accused of) but they'd maybe recognize I'm not playing at wearing the kilt, much the way mac mhór ón Abb can tell someone who really wears western attire from someone who's trying to fit in.

I'd be back to being viewed as eccentric but harmless which, I'm sure, is how I'm often viewed here in the states. As a matter of fact, while most people I've met have been very positive, there are, even in America, especially in America, people who view the kilt as an embarrassingly needy attempt at attention.

Worst case scenario, even if the Scots still thought of me as that hapless tourist, it doesn't matter so much. If they're wrong about me, (and they'd be half right!) they're wrong about me. By all accounts, politeness and courtesy would still prevail and I'd have the opportunity at least, with my behavior, to raise myself in their estimation a bit.

As far as the Scots on this forum, I appreciate their honesty and take it in the spirit with which it's offered.

Well put. Thanks.

Definitely points to ponder...I've got about 3 weeks.

[Hawk]

A Positive Statement Concerning the Wearing of The Kilt

This thread, on many posts, is getting a bit ridiculous as to those that say "because of this thread" they are rethinking their wearing of the kilt. One thing that I've observed on most "main stream, average" american's is an extreme lack of knowledge of whom a person actually is, ie- their family's history, background, their very foundation on what flows in their blood, their family's essence and spirit. Many don't care, and thereby seem to drift through life searching not knowing. Let me make something clear here at this point - this observation is "in general" and not necessarily pertaining to anyone here on XMTS, group or individual-wise. If you find yourself nearing this description, take note, all is not lost.

Within the Indigenous community, you are nourished and supported as to learning and understanding who you are, as a Tribal People, a Clan, community and family, if you are lucky ( does not happen in all cases ). But importantly, as a person, you are encouraged to know who you are, what flows through your blood, and have respect and honor for what you are carrying forward, into the future. The ancestors have given much, within their lifetimes, to gift you with what you are and have, you continue to pass this on into the future. There is no end, just a continuation of what flows through your veins. It doesn't matter what you do in life, just try to do it to the best you can, honor your family, honor the blood that flows through you. For some of us, within the communities, there is a calling ( Father Bill and others will understand this ) to do a little more, carrying on traditions, culture and teachings ( note here I'm not specifically speaking in a "religious" nature ) and the responsibility of passing this on to the next generations. This is an honor and privilege. Many Indigenous People do not know who they are, as a people, a clan, a community, and tribal nation, and attempt, the best way they can, if drawn to, to re-connect to their foundation, their "People".

I share this, to possibly assist people to an understanding with their own paths, and in the case of this thread and possibly the forum, with their own connection to their ancestors, possibly Kilted in this case. To some, there is no connection to an ancestors kilted past, and it is simply a garment that one prefers to wear. Nothing wrong with that.

Mostly I am sharing this comment to those that have a connection, in some way, strong or small, to those that have worn and possibly still wear a kilted garment, within their culture. Take pride in, wear in the best way you can, on your individual journey, your cultural garment of choice, in this case The Kilt. If you have not been lucky and blessed enough to be taught your family's, your clan, your community, the proper and honorable way to do so, then seek out ( and it's my understanding that many such connections can be made through this forum, possibly...) and learn, educate, and express yourself in a way that brings honor and an understanding to yourself and your family. After all, to know ones past, to honor it in a positive way, embrace it, know what flows through your veins, helps you with a more solid foundation to build you and your family's future upon. In the case of this thread, this forum, and this subject....Kilt On!

Do not be disappointed, even swayed by a few words that you find discouraging, upon this kilted journey, but instead continue your travel toward a better understanding. Your family's future depends on it. Continue on, in a positive kilted way.

Myself, I will continue on "this" part of my path, to attempt to honor that part ( Scottish ) of what flows through my veins so my future generations will know it with honor.

Hawk

[ASinclair]

A Positive Statement Concerning the Wearing of The Kilt

<snip>
Myself, I will continue on "this" part of my path, to attempt to honor that part ( Scottish ) of what flows through my veins so my future generations will know it with honor.

Hawk

Hawk, you are very wise my Colquhoun cousin.

[S Mitchell]

Last edited by mac mhór ón Abb; Yesterday at 06:06 PM. Reason: I called him "Steve". I know a Steve Mitchel...I don't think this is him.LOL.

You can call me Steve; although, I doubt I'm the one you know. I've discovered there's no shortage of Steve Mitchells. Or would it be Steves Mitchell?

[Jock Scot]

Thank you for all your thoughts and comments here, some have been very helpful. Not so much in answering the question as a whole to my satisfaction, but they have lead my mind and enquiries in directions that I had not previously considered.

Alright in truth, I still do not understand where my thoughts are going to end up, but I can, I think, see trends in Scotland that I have not seen before. I quite accept that these germs of observations of mine may well have been there for years and I was unaware of them, I have an open mind on that, but I don't think so. So what am I thinking.

I think Scotland, perhaps due to the national discussion going on at the moment, but I think it goes back more towards the time of Scotland getting it own Parliament and that allowed Scotland as a whole, to review its place in the world and without doubt there is a National confidence growing and I think the tourist industry and "world Scottishness" are going to have to have a rethink, possibly a major rethink.

The tourist industry is a major and important industry in Scotland, of that there is no doubt -----it is not the only income generator in Scotland though-----however, the "romantic, Clan, short bread, tartan clad everything, rose tinted specticled, Laird filled, bagpipe, kilted" country that has been painted by the tourist industry for the last 150 years needs a rethink. In truth, it has realistically never existed, but it has, very successfully, been marketed by a fairly cynical tourist industry to, lets be frank, generations of willing customers. Its been done, overdone for years and I do detect an accellerating tiring of tolerance of all this, by the younger generation that I have to confess, I had not seen in any sort of scale before. Let me say straight away that this is not "anti tourist", it is more of an "anti-romantic, lets get real" type of thing. Many of those of the older generation have quietly let it all happen around them, whilst having quiet and genuine misgivings, but there has been I think, a major change of emphisis from the younger generation that "Sally and Harry" unwittingly brought to my attention. Where all this will lead who knows? Will it be sustainable? I know not. My research goes on.

This is not a political post and I would appreciate it, if politics are kept out of this thread. Mods should this go political, then please close this thread forthwith.

[Calgacus]

I would agree with Jock that recent events in Scotland have led to a growing national confidence and awareness of ourselves and our place in the world. I'd also agree that there is an element of "anti-romantic, let's get real" as he puts it. A belief that somehow you can't be a modern country and still hold on to these things that I think has been around for a decade or more now. I also think however that there's another view forming that "it's OK to be Scottish" that I have noticed only in the last year or two which is more embracing of our cultural uniqueness.

I agree with Jock that these things can be discussed apolitically. It is not necessary to discuss the reasons behind the changes in order to discuss the changes themselves.

It is not at all clear which way things will go in the future, all one can say for sure is that change is afoot.

It's also worth remembering that the tourist industry does what it does with the sole aim of increasing revenue. It cares little for any real culture that it might trample on in the process.

[Lodrorigdzin]

The point is, if you, Americans, visit Scotland, you will be a tourist, no matter if you wear a kilt or not. I thought the lion dancers towards the end of that video were very telling: the first group of lion dancers looked chinese and wore kilts, the second group's leader wore the lion dancer costume, but did not look very chinese.

A tradition "done for tourists" both communicates that tradition and offers a demarcation line. And that's where "non scots" who are knowledgeable and comfortable wearing kilts "cross the line"

I wrote my thesis about Bali as a tourist destination in the 1920s. Back then, Bali became incredibly popular as a tourist destination to fashionable Europeans and Americans, and most of its appeal as a "peaceful hindu island of artists" was consciously manufactured by a small group of artists and civil servants. In reality, Balinese society is actually pretty violent and in time "traditions" were invented that have shaped Bali's image. Such as the "kecak" monkey dance for instance, that was choreographed by Walter Spies at the request of a village leader who wanted to attract more visitors to his village. At present, Kecak is thought of by tourists as deeply traditional Balinese culture and is marketed by tour companies as the quintessence of Balinese "magic".
On the other hand, having a tradition for tourist also creates a demarcation line behind which every day Balinese culture can hide. And in that sense the line mustn't be crossed, because that allows "real" Balinese culture to be further exploited and eroded for tourists.

Likewise with Scotland and the kilt: there's the tradition invented for tourists (including going regimental, I might add, and the bit of being forbidden to wear clan tartans if you're not of the clan). You can lament that all these things are there, but the tourist tradition also serves as a demarcation line behind which the native tradition can feel safe. It functions like that in the kilt run example: no "traditionally" worn kilt in sight: all the kilt wearing is for a charity event. I bet none of these runners wear a kilt in daily life and if you look at the spectators, none of them wears a kilt.

I wore a kilt to the Vierdaagse marches in the past week, because the two relatives with whom I walked did, and because we walked for a family related charity, that family is part Scottish and we wanted to draw attention to the charity.

If I am in Scotland I bring a kilt if I plan to attend a ceilidh, when it's nice to wear one, and I wear one if I attend Highland games, or at family occasions. And if I go hill walking I find it more comfortable than trekking trousers. And that's it. I like to be well turned out in a casual way. I take my cue from certain older relatives I used to know and from gentlemen I've seen around who wore a kilt in a way I found appealing. At no time do I think I'm "not a tourist". Nor is it my ambition not to be thought a tourist.

Kecak in Uluwatu for tourists: look at the guys at the start of the videos wearing the purple kains (male sarong): this is done out of "traditional" considerations, to cover their legs if they wear shorts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0HY0oD84OM