An Appeal to My Generation

[rlloyd]

A recent topic in the Miscellaneous forum, regarding the Scottish Tartan Museum, has me thinking once again on a topic which recently arose in a baord meeting for my local Celtic society.

I believe a large issue with the "steady decline" of the STM, and the Friends of the STM (those affiliated with the Museum which travel to festivals and games to provide information booths) is a severe lack of "young blood". That's not said to knock anyone here or there of a more advanced age; in fact, there are a few gentlemen with the Friends which I would count on a list of personal friends. That being said, though, a lack of youthfulness often (but not even always!) leads to a stagnation of sorts. This holds true with interest in Celtic cultures as a whole, at least in this area (I live right at 100 miles driving distance from the STM - but straight line distance would actually be closer to 75). If more people around my age and younger (I will be 27 next month) were to get involved, I believe things would possibly begin an upswing once again.

My local Celtic society is working now to create a chapter at the university in our area to help better promote our heritage and have, so far, been met with a great interest; most of those interested, thus far, have made comments along the lines of "I've been looking for something for people my age, but anytime I've attended events I'm usually the youngest there by 30 years or more".

To the younger members of Xmarks, I applaud you for being interested in your heritage - or, if not your heritage, for being interested in my heritage. To the older members of Xmarks, I implore you to do what you can to raise an interest in your children and grandchildren. History, and in turn heritage, are things which must be passed down to ensure their continued existence; it is my personal belief that everyone should do their part in propagating that knowledge.

[ratspike]

I think you bring up a legit point. I ran into that trying to get a monthly kilt night happening here in Portland, where being cool is fairly important, and got similar feedback. I'm 44 going on 30, and while I can enjoy the company of others regardless of their age, I definitely understand that feeling of disconnect. The younger people I've met who are actively involved in cultural goings-on always seem to appreciate the older folks and all that they have to share. The tougher group is definitely those who are just showing some interest and would maybe kinda sorta want to get more involved, and finding a way to get them interested without needing to provide free beer.

[KiltedKnome]

Here in Victoria, the sad news from July was that the St. Andrews and Caledonian Society, which had been in existence for 155 years, was disbanding due to declining membership. The young people simply were not joining.

Here is the article:

http://www.timescolonist.com/news/lo...oria-1.1262967

[ratspike]

That's such a shame. I've always wished there had been cultural traditions passed down in my family. As I understand it, great great grandma on my dad's side came over from Stockholm. He grew up in Maine, and used to talk about the Scottish culture that shaped his love of fiddle playing as a young kid. Nothing Swedish ever stuck with him, and aside from music neither did anything celtic, so we were just a regular American family who did regular American things.

[Mael Coluim]

Perhaps Starz new series, Outlander which airs tonight will have a similar effect of creating an interest in all things Scottish that the movie Braveheart did twenty years ago. Fingers crossed!

[Jock Scot]

Perhaps Starz new series, Outlander which airs tonight will have a similar effect of creating an interest in all things Scottish that the movie Braveheart did twenty years ago. Fingers crossed!

I wish that I could be more hopeful Mael, but all that I can see is more Holywood history of Scotland coming out of all this.

[Tarheel]

Here's thought, If Latin is considered a "Dead Language" why is it necessary to identify the finer points of nomenclature? I believe you can not describe a culture without including the traditional attire and the reasons for it. Patiently sit through the fall of the leaves and the tree will bloom again in the Spring.

[Theyoungkiltman]

I believe it is because children/teens simply aren't educated about their heritage. And if the boys knew how much girls like men in kilts it might shape a instant decision to be kilted.

[rlloyd]

Perhaps Starz new series, Outlander which airs tonight will have a similar effect of creating an interest in all things Scottish that the movie Braveheart did twenty years ago. Fingers crossed!

This was actually brought up at the aforementioned meeting; having seen the show, I have high hopes it will do just that.

I wish that I could be more hopeful Mael, but all that I can see is more Holywood history of Scotland coming out of all this.

The more interested in "Hollywood history", the more there are likely to delve into actual history.

[KiltedKnome]

I wish that I could be more hopeful Mael, but all that I can see is more Holywood history of Scotland coming out of all this.

Well, Jock, I guess we have to wait and see. I was talking with some recent Scottish immigrants to Canada (as in, landed on Canadian soil two weeks ago), and they (one man, one woman) said they had read the books and had been following the movie production. Their comment was that they were impressed by how realistic to what is known of the time and events the producers were trying to keep and were themselves looking forward to the show. Both the individuals were also amazed at how interested in Scottish events and history the people they were meeting in Canada were.