Tradition and Change

[Nathan]

What about non Scots kilt wearers such as those from the Isle of Mann, Cornwall, Wales etc. They have no tradition.

In response to that, I refer you to my original post.

A genetic connection to this culture is not essential to participate. When one enjoys the music or wears the clothing of the Highland Scot, one is standing in solidarity with that culture. One way to ensure that the solidarity is authentic is by following the lead of the Highland kilt wearers themselves and wearing traditionally made kilts in a traditional manner.

[bwat]

In response to that, I refer you to my original post.

A genetic connection to this culture is not essential to participate. When one enjoys the music or wears the clothing of the Highland Scot, one is standing in solidarity with that culture. One way to ensure that the solidarity is authentic is by following the lead of the Highland kilt wearers themselves and wearing traditionally made kilts in a traditional manner.

I think this is a bit iffy. My cousin, a lowlander, married a highland laddie born and bred and we all went to get fitted at a kilt hire shop for the wedding. This was maybe 20 years ago so you can see where this is going regarding dress. They still live in the highlands and honestly to this lowlander he's as highland laddie as it gets (he works as head forester on an estate in Inverness-shire). You'll either have to accept ghillie brogues and white hose as authentic or make your definition of highland Scot a bit more selective.

[Domehead]

Some of Nathan's cogent points may be understood in the following context:

Jacques Derrida & "anti-defining" (my term) or difference v. differa'nce (his phrase). Derrida, 1960's philosopher, developed Deconstruction, which I've discussed functionally here before.

Derrida's comprehension of "blank"-text (context or outsidetext) in combination with Edward Sapir's essay, On Fashion, should give real insights into the diachronic value of meaning, impression, expression & culture.

I can't go further today, as I'm finalizing an etymological, morphological and tartanological preparation on the surname "Childers" for a member.
These were the two men whom came to my mind while reading the posts.

Ryan

[ASinclair]

Well said Nathan, my friend. When I wear the kilt, it is always to celebrate and honor my Scottish Highland Clan Sinclair ancestry.

[Taskr]

A thoughtful and eloquent post, Nathan

I am not an ancient clansman nor Celtic warrior. No one genre of music stands me in solidarity than another - though listening to Natalie and Ashley can quickly return one to home even from your own living room. I wear garments that are culturally acceptable, not to highlight any culture or bring me back to another time.

My maternal tartan tank is worn traditionally; that is, it is fastened about my natural waist with the pleats to the back. The rest is personal style, as are personal the respective styles in the linked and any of the wonderful shared photos of the rabble on this forum.

What we should do is be our unique selves saving harm of any other. What we ought to do is respect every individual for whom they are, and not only for whom or what they are expecting we recognize.

I do wear the traditional kilt proudly. It is a well made and handsome garment. I feel as good in my other wardrobe items of quality as well.

IMHO