Why don't people wear their kilts more?

[Singlemalt]

I well aware of some of the North American history pre-European influx and have always wondered, as an interested observer only, why more is not made of all that wonderful past, by the present residents of North America. Its not for me to comment, but I do honestly pose the question to myself on occasion.

Jock, the question you pose is one that is very often in the media here. With current political sensitivity to Native issues any person who is not of Native Canadian ancestry who in any way appears to be posing as one is very quickly accused of cultural appropriation. It is not dissimilar to how some Scots feel about non-Scots wearing kilts.

[jthk]

Jock, the question you pose is one that is very often in the media here. With current political sensitivity to Native issues any person who is not of Native Canadian ancestry who in any way appears to be posing as one is very quickly accused of cultural appropriation. It is not dissimilar to how some Scots feel about non-Scots wearing kilts.

There's a world difference between a non-Scot wearing a kilt and a non-Native person wearing native clothing. The former is of a non-persecuted group continuing a living tradition of wearing clothing that is very actively sold on the open market and the latter of a person wearing historical clothing from a persecuted group of people that continue today to suffer politically.

[jthk]

I well aware of some of the North American history pre-European influx and have always wondered, as an interested observer only, why more is not made of all that wonderful past, by the present residents of North America. Its not for me to comment, but I do honestly pose the question to myself on occasion.

As a teacher, posing questions is a worthwhile endeavour even if answers aren't available. I don't know anything about your experience with NA but where I am in New England, there are many workshops, lectures, and cultural events which educate and provide fun social experiences for folks focusing on the Native history of the region. These events range from being completely open to the public to being closed and private events.

Part of celebrating Native history and culture is coming to terms with the past and present state of affairs between non-Native and Native peoples. I suspect that the wider culture in NA would rather not face the brutal genocidal history of the United States and Canada (and Mexico, etc.) or look at the existing struggle for political equality and fairness and that it's simply easier (on many levels) to dress in atypical outfits and walk around an outside park all day eating and drinking.

Clearly, this is a deep topic that one could spend many days on several separate threads discussing!

Jonathan

[Highland Logan]

Jock, the question you pose is one that is very often in the media here. With current political sensitivity to Native issues any person who is not of Native Canadian ancestry who in any way appears to be posing as one is very quickly accused of cultural appropriation. It is not dissimilar to how some Scots feel about non-Scots wearing kilts.

I might edit that to those of non-Scots ancestry. If the Scots and their future generations failed to carry on their heritage, what would be the state of it today? But back to my point, those non-reserve living Native Canadians have no such burden, and are free to and are encouraged to carry out their traditional ways, if not, just like without the Scottish diaspora, such thing might well die off.

Frank

[Highland Logan]

As a teacher, posing questions is a worthwhile endeavour even if answers aren't available. I don't know anything about your experience with NA but where I am in New England, there are many workshops, lectures, and cultural events which educate and provide fun social experiences for folks focusing on the Native history of the region. These events range from being completely open to the public to being closed and private events.

Part of celebrating Native history and culture is coming to terms with the past and present state of affairs between non-Native and Native peoples. I suspect that the wider culture in NA would rather not face the brutal genocidal history of the United States and Canada (and Mexico, etc.) or look at the existing struggle for political equality and fairness and that it's simply easier (on many levels) to dress in atypical outfits and walk around an outside park all day eating and drinking.

Clearly, this is a deep topic that one could spend many days on several separate threads discussing!

Jonathan

Many bad things happened in the past, but as a Canadian, although our way forward as a nation was not perfect, I would not characterise what happened here as a genocide. Opinions may vary, and many sources can be cited, but that world has a meaning which should not be trivialized and watered down for things that weren't. This is a crime against those from the past who are unable to defend their actions, and makes true genocidal events, less horrific.

Frank

[Father Bill]

A warning shot across the bow:

The stories about and of our First Peoples have little to do with the kilt except by way of comparison of how cultures are perceived. There is real danger of treading over a very hot and sensitive political line here. I don't personally think the dyke has been breached yet, but... do be careful good friends.

Father Bill+

[Singlemalt]

Just for the record I would like to point out my comment about Native people was followed with a wink signifying it was intended as just a cheeky tease of Jock.

I live right on the border of the largest Native Reserve in Canada (by population) and most of my neighbours are Mohawk, Onondagas and Cayuga. So I am well aware of their issues. I also agree with Logan that Canada's history with regards to relations with Native people is very different than the USA. It has lots to be ashamed of but very little actual warfare.

[Jock Scot]

I can cope with a "cheeky tease" anytime.

[Father Bill]

Just for the record I would like to point out my comment about Native people was followed with a wink signifying it was intended as just a cheeky tease of Jock.

I live right on the border of the largest Native Reserve in Canada (by population) and most of my neighbours are Mohawk, Onondagas and Cayuga. So I am well aware of their issues. I also agree with Logan that Canada's history with regards to relations with Native people is very different than the USA. It has lots to be ashamed of but very little actual warfare.

Yup.

You just never know where somebody will take things once the lid's off the pot and not everyone notices or understands the meaning of emojis in a given context.

Cheers!

[Me cousin Jack]

A wink and a nod is the same to a blind man, I was born cheeky.