No Kilts seen in Scotland!

[Jock Scot]

Actually no.

I think that would make things even worse.

Not only would I be an American poser, I'd be a loud obnoxious American poser!

Please read my posts below. It explains why I found OCR’s post so amusing in an acutely accurate and ironic sort of way!

[kilted2000]

You raise an interesting point.

I don't think the issue is about pretending to be a local, but rather avoiding being The Ugly American.

I've seen some cringeworthy behaviour from my countrymen, the loud crass egotistical cash-waving over-dressed narcissistic ignorant embarrassments they are. How I wished I could just disappear!

While we wouldn't be mistaken for locals we tried our best to not be "that guy".

I know what you mean when you talk about not wanting to be The Ugly American(TUA) and being embarrassed by those who are. But surely TUAs are that because of their behavior? I don't understand why just being in a kilt would put me among their ranks.

[Jock Scot]

I know what you mean when you talk about not wanting to be The Ugly American(TUA) and being embarrassed by those who are. But surely TUAs are that because of their behavior? I don't understand why just being in a kilt would put me among their ranks.

I am afraid the most ugly of ugly Americans quite often do wear the kilt. I am afraid that I witnessed a whole covey of them today at the Commando memorial, all wearing the kilt incorrectly by any standards. When one brave visitor-----from France I think -------suggested that they get back in their minibus and calm down, he was very roughly jostled and verbally mistreated and in the end half a dozen of us threatened to call the police. Yes, appalling behaviour and the worst that I have seen for quite some time. I stress that not all Americans who visit here behave like that, the majority, in fact, are very respectful and it would be very wrong to say otherwise, but...................

[FossilHunter]

I am afraid the most ugly of ugly Americans quite often do wear the kilt. I am afraid that I witnessed a whole covey of them today at the Commando memorial this afternoon, all wearing the kilt incorrectly by any standards. When one brave visitor-----from France I think -------suggested that they get back in their minibus and calm down, he was very roughly jostled and verbally mistreated and in the end half a dozen of us threatened to call the police. Yes, appalling behaviour and the worst that I have seen for quite some time. I stress that not all Americans who visit here behave like that, the majority, in fact, are very respectful and it would be very wrong to say otherwise, but...................

That’s unfortunate. Any idea what the row was about?

[Jock Scot]

Well yes, I do. The French Army’s contribution to the fall of Hitler was called into question. Well alright, anyone who knows their history knows that France and the French military had a very difficult time steering their way through the war, but Major Kieffer and his band of French commandos trained up here at Achnacarry and contributed hugely, by capturing and holding a vitally important target during the first few days of the invasion of Europe in 1944 , to name but one example. They were just a few amongst many thousands of French men and women who fought and died bravely with the allies and for France.
.

[kilted2000]

I am afraid the most ugly of ugly Americans quite often do wear the kilt. I am afraid that I witnessed a whole covey of them today at the Commando memorial, all wearing the kilt incorrectly by any standards. When one brave visitor-----from France I think -------suggested that they get back in their minibus and calm down, he was very roughly jostled and verbally mistreated and in the end half a dozen of us threatened to call the police. Yes, appalling behaviour and the worst that I have seen for quite some time. I stress that not all Americans who visit here behave like that, the majority, in fact, are very respectful and it would be very wrong to say otherwise, but...................

I can't tell you how sorry I am to hear about that. Some Americans think we were the only ones fighting the Axis in WW2. They don't seem to realize the war started in 1939 and not 1941. I can only say I apologize for their behavior. They are why whenever I am abroad, I'm ashamed to admit my nationality.

[Arnot]

They are why whenever I am abroad, I'm ashamed to admit my nationality.

Never be ashamed of your nationality. As Americans, we have maybe more than our share of people whose conduct make us cringe. Having said that, it is indeed THEIR conduct. I try to let mine speak for itself and hope that people realize that we Americans are not all the same. If they still think that all people in a whole country are all alike, then they are too foolish to bother with.

[Jock Scot]

Never be ashamed of your nationality. As Americans, we have maybe more than our share of people whose conduct make us cringe. Having said that, it is indeed THEIR conduct. I try to let mine speak for itself and hope that people realize that we Americans are not all the same. If they still think that all people in a whole country are all alike, then they are too foolish to bother with.

I am pleased to say to anyone who cares to listen, from firsthand knowledge that Arnot's turnout, demeanour and sense of humour does himself and the USA proud.

[Arnot]

I am pleased to say to anyone who cares to listen, from firsthand knowledge that Arnot's turnout, demeanour and sense of humour does himself and the USA proud.

Sir, you are too kind.

[OC Richard]

Never be ashamed of your nationality.

While not ashamed of my nationality I'm ashamed of the behaviour of many of my countrymen.

It's been a relief, in truth, to be mistaken for a Canadian while in the UK. For some reason I often am.