The Tartan Police!

[macwilkin]

It's not your grandfather's war medal he earned by sacrificing his life to save another in the war... it's a kilt. A garment. Thats all. It may have some history, and some may be proud of that history... but to get angry over how someone else chooses to wear something related to that history? Isnt that a bit much?

Yes, a kilt is not a medal...but for some, it is a powerful "totem & talisman" of family heritage, military service, etc. Personally, I am not angry at anyone for how they wear a kilt, modern or traditional, Hector Russell or Utilikit -- I am upset that those who choose to wear their kilt in a more "traditional" fashion tend to be looked down upon by those who charge them with the very same thing.

I was never able to meet my great-great-grandparents who immigrated from Scotland -- and even though they may never have worn tartan or a kilt, it's still a source of pride to me and a connection, no matter how small. My grandmother, may she rest in peace, died in 1996. She raised me to be proud of my Scots heritage, and when I wear my kilt, she is still with me in a sense. I'm only glad she saw me in my first kilt before she passed on. That's why I take my own kilt-wearing very seriously. That's why I'm passionate about it. I'm sorry if that seems a bit sappy to some, but it's the way I feel.
Regards,

Todd

[Raphael]

Yes, a kilt is not a medal...but for some, it is a powerful "totem & talisman" of family heritage, military service, etc.

Tartan Kilts definately have more soul than the solid contemporary kilts.

When I look at my BlackWatch Kilt, I think about soldiers who died to protect my way of life.

When I look at my Black Setwart Kilt, I think about Jackie Stewart's Career as a F1 Driver, a Team Owner, and an inspiration. It tells people that I am a F1 Fan.

When I look at my Bristish Columbia Kilt, I know that I am a proud British Columbian and I want to show the world that.

Aside from the symbolisms behind the Tartans, I also know that I will have plenty of memories that will associate with each one of them.

With my solid Utilikilts, I can only see them as garments that I wrap around my waist. They only show that I am a kilt wearer, and no more.

[Colin]

Tartan Kilts definately have more soul than the solid contemporary kilts.

When I look at my BlackWatch Kilt, I think about soldiers who died to protect my way of life.

When I look at my Black Setwart Kilt, I think about Jackie Stewart's Career as a F1 Driver, a Team Owner, and an inspiration. It tells people that I am a F1 Fan.

When I look at my Bristish Columbia Kilt, I know that I am a proud British Columbian and I want to show the world that.

Aside from the symbolisms behind the Tartans, I also know that I will have plenty of memories that will associate with each one of them.

With my solid Utilikilts, I can only see them as garments that I wrap around my waist. They only show that I am a kilt wearer, and no more.

Well said Raphael, well said.

[LordDamax]

I agree completely... have all the personal meaning you'd like in your kilts and tartans... but to be angry that someone else doesnt feel the same way you do? All I'm saying is thats a bit much.

I bought a black watch tartan, my first wool kilt. Told a close friend about it and she said "Ooh! What tartan?!" I said "Black watch". Her response was "Oh."

I asked whats wrong? Dont like that one? She said "No, I just associate that with my kids at christmas"

Her kids christmas stockings are black watch, and I believe their christmas tree skirt is black watch as well.

We all have our own meanings for these things. To Raphael, it reminds him of a rich military history. To my friend, her children at christmas. To look down on someone or to get angry over what it means to someone else is just too much. Thats all.

[Archangel]

Tartan Kilts definately have more soul than the solid contemporary kilts.

When I look at my BlackWatch Kilt, I think about soldiers who died to protect my way of life.

When I look at my Black Setwart Kilt, I think about Jackie Stewart's Career as a F1 Driver, a Team Owner, and an inspiration. It tells people that I am a F1 Fan.

When I look at my Bristish Columbia Kilt, I know that I am a proud British Columbian and I want to show the world that.

Aside from the symbolisms behind the Tartans, I also know that I will have plenty of memories that will associate with each one of them.

With my solid Utilikilts, I can only see them as garments that I wrap around my waist. They only show that I am a kilt wearer, and no more.

don't agree with all your points but I agree with the sentiment. and for some of us, this is the military medal. If blood has been spilled then that is due respect. I'm "entitled" to wear Black Watch but it's been so commercialized that it's a moot point. Gordon looks nice, but I would never wear the yellow stripe of the military pattern. My own rule, blood was spilled, respect should be shown. Would I challenge somebody wearing it? Who am I to do that?

[Rigged]

When I wear my camo Utilikilt I think of the people in the military service who are risking their lives so that I can live in a free country where I can wear whatever I like.

[sav]

My Great-Grandfather was a Gordon Highlander, so I wear the Gordon Tartan with the yellow military stripe with great pride. As for Black Watch, I agree that it has been far too commercialized.
~Sav

[Archangel]

My Great-Grandfather was a Gordon Highlander, so I wear the Gordon Tartan with the yellow military stripe with great pride.
~Sav

and so you should.

[LordDamax]

When I wear my camo Utilikilt I think of the people in the military service who are risking their lives so that I can live in a free country where I can wear whatever I like.

I never thought about it but a cammo utilikilt isnt much different than a Black Watch... each represents the military in a way... its just that cammo is so common, wearing it as a tribute to US soldiers... hadn't considered that...