Two Telling comments? The Answer Perhaps?

[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.

[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

[ASinclair]

At this point, if I leave my country, I'm more likely to visit Canada, and particularly the Maritime Provinces, where the blood of the Gael appears to still flow through the veins of her people.

[Nathan]

When I visit Scotland, I'll bring my kilt. Like some others have stated, I'll bring it and wear it when the locals are wearing theirs. I'll wear it to a Highland Games most certainly and to any clan-related gathering. I'll also wear it to a ceilidh or Highland ball. I won't wear it walking around shopping in Glasgow, touring castles, visiting museums etc... I don't typically do that here and I won't do that there.

I've worn the kilt a whole lot in my life both on and off stage but I'm not a daily kilt wearer. From what I gather, I tend to wear my kilt in Canada in similar contexts to which kilt wearers in Scotland seem to wear theirs. There are certain contexts where the kilt is most appropriate and others where it is more of an outlandish choice.

Since I've gotten involved in Clan Donald, joined the St. Andrew's Society and started planning and attending kilt nights, I've been wearing the kilt quite frequently. The most common question I get asked is not "the question", it's some form of "what's the occasion?"or "Where are you off to?"

That should tell everyone something. To the vast majority of people inside and outside of Scotland, kilts are cultural garments that some people wear on some special Scottish occasions. You can decide that a kilt is just another clothing option and wear it everywhere all the time but that is not how it is perceived by others. I know there are plenty of people on xmarks who wish that wasn't the case and try to "be the change they want to see" but sometimes it's helpful to remember that other people get to decide for themselves what they think of the choices we have every right to make.


Regardless of what others think, however, if you are happy marching to the beat of your own drum and have thought it all through - just go on being you and don't sweat it.

N

P.S. @sailortats - I would think a man with tattoos on his face would have long made peace with marching to the beat of his own drum. Once you've been bold enough to do that, I don't think a kilt is going to shock anyone. Your whole bearing is a statement of your individuality and you have always come across to me as a very confident guy who is comfortable in his own skin. There's no reason to turn your beautiful kilts into dishrags. You left conformity behind a while ago, have earned a head of white hair and sailed the sea in service of your country. I think that gives you the license to have the trip you want and if someone thinks you a doofus, think them a stick in the mud and order an other pint.

[Nathan]

At this point, if I leave my country, I'm more likely to visit Canada, and particularly the Maritime Provinces, where the blood of the Gael appears to still flow through the veins of her people.

I hope you do visit the Maritimes, Allen, but I think you and I would have a grand time sharing a dram at the Braemar Gathering or the Arisaig Highland Games all kilted up, don't you?

[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

[ThistleDown]

P.S. @sailortats - I would think a man with tattoos on his face would have long made peace with marching to the beat of his own drum. Once you've been bold enough to do that, I don't think a kilt is going to shock anyone. Your whole bearing is a statement of your individuality and you have always come across to me as a very confident guy who is comfortable in his own skin. There's no reason to turn your beautiful kilts into dishrags. You left conformity behind a while ago, have earned a head of white hair and sailed the sea in service of your country. I think that gives you the license to have the trip you want and if someone thinks you a doofus, think them a stick in the mud and order an other pint.

Well said, Nathan.

[ASinclair]

I hope you do visit the Maritimes, Allen, but I think you and I would have a grand time sharing a dram at the Braemar Gathering or the Arisaig Highland Games all kilted up, don't you?

Nathan, my friend, that would be grand, indeed, but I fear it may never come to pass...but one never knows.

[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.