Getting on the Kilt

**ian** · 8th October 05, 08:05 PM

Ian Jackson here, 41 and new to Kilts. Why? Scottish ancestry and generally being different. It's more than that, but defying present convention and pushing tradition forward. It's about who we are presently, where we came from and where we're going, whether Scottish are not.

One thing that really bothers me is the perception of what men are "supposed" to be and what they wear. Like many of you, I'm tired of being told what defines a man whether in wear or "political correctness." We know men wear kilts, unfortunately the majority see it as odd.

Most men are taught from youth to fear weakness. The fear of wearing a kilt due to a fear of a perception of weakness or lack of masculinity. Wearing a kilt has forced me to challenge my perceptions about myself. Wearing a kilt, to me, is being comfortable with yourself and your skin.

We laugh, we cry and feel pain. Work and play hard. We are becoming victims and caricatures of the media and defined by forced conformity and peer pressure. It's amazing the kilt and the masculinity that it represents has been flipped in perception to the general population. I'll do my part to bring it back in my small realm.

I don't really care for football (American). I've served 11 years in the Army, 8 in an Airborne Regiment. I'm a combat veteran. I ride a Harley and brew my own beer. These don't make me a man, they are only on the periphery. Many men have achieved more, some less, it doesn't matter.

The Kilt binds us together regardless of our varied interests and achievements.

We are all charged to maintain our heritage regardless of nationality. If your Lakota, wear your lioncloth and carry a coop stick. Why the attack on culture? If woman are wearing trousers, men should be able to bake cakes without fear. Don't give up on your roots. If you don't have them, plant it now.

Being Scottish and Native American (Cherokee), it's interesting that many Scots intermarried with Native Americans. The natives knew real men wore Kilts.

**GMan** · 8th October 05, 08:18 PM

Ian,

WELCOME! You certainly hit the nail on the head that which binds us together is our love for kilts.

I also do not like American football, even though I played it in High School. A strange and wonderful lot you decided to hang out with, glad that you decided to hang with us!

**cormacmacguardhe** · 8th October 05, 08:27 PM

Welcome.

Interesting thoughts. What is it that makes a man? The clothes he wears, the car he drives, or the deodorant he uses? Somehow the mass culture is trying to define us (all of us not just men), I find a lot of advertising to be demeaning to men. Why is that? It fits with the culture of fear, be afraid of what others think of you, if you are afraid you do not think logically. Therefore you are more amiable to persuasion.

I am of scottish ancestry, but I am not sure that that is the reason I like the kilt. I do feel somewhat stronger as a man when I wear one. Who knows, maybe old stereotypes of highland warriors running through my head. On the other hand, the kilt is just plain more comfortable.

I do not drink beer, can not stand the taste, now give me a nice hard cider, and I will be your friend for life. As for Pro sports, I have major ethical issues with all of them.

**Graham** · 8th October 05, 10:50 PM

Welcome Ian, thanks for sharing a snapshot of yourself. you'll fit right in here well.
Most of us feel the same as you. (I hate sport of all kinds)

Do you have a kilt yet? If so, how much do you wear it?
do you like tartans or plains?

Whatever your needs and tastes, you'll find help and encouragement here!

**Cawdorian** · 9th October 05, 04:16 AM

Ian,

Welcome to the forum.

If you will look back into Native American history, you will find several tribe chiefs with Scottish names beginning with Mc or Mac. Marriage between the Scots, Scots-Irish and Native Americans was not uncommon on the frontiers of Virginia, the Carolinas and Kentucky. The tribal and clan cultures, values and customs were quite similar.

Jim

**macgreggor** · 9th October 05, 04:55 AM

Morning Ian,

It is just at dawn here and I find yet another thoughtful, articulate brother has joined our group! I must say it is a wonderful change form the death, destruction and hatred that fill the front pages of the papers.

Welcome and bring on the philosophy! I love it.

macG

PS. cormacmacguardhe, I love the avatar!

**Mike1** · 9th October 05, 10:35 AM

Hi Ian and welcome to X Marks!

Any time you need to test a fresh batch of your home-brew, just give me a ring and I'll dash down from Lafayette to "assist".

What part of Indianapolis do you call home? I've family in Speedway and out in Brownsburg.

**Archangel** · 9th October 05, 11:14 AM

real men: good for lifting heavy things and killing spiders.

Scot/Cherokee: ever listen to the Walela album by Rita Coolidge and family celebrating their Scot/Cherokee heritage. Native flute, language, drums and bagpipes make a very haunting version of Amazing Grace.

**jfellrath** · 9th October 05, 07:04 PM

Great thoughts here, Ian. I think there are two types of people:

1. Those who wear/do things to try to be something or someone.

2. Those whose things they wear/do show who they are.

A few minutes with either generally reveals which these people are. Most of the folks here are #2, I think. And that's a good thing.

**KiltedCodeWarrior** · 9th October 05, 07:31 PM

Originally Posted by jfellrath

Great thoughts here, Ian. I think there are two types of people:

1. Those who wear/do things to try to be something or someone.

2. Those whose things they wear/do show who they are.

A few minutes with either generally reveals which these people are. Most of the folks here are #2, I think. And that's a good thing.

Jamie, awesome observation! And I would agree that most, possibly all, men that wear a kilt in public have no interest in trying to be something they are not, and wear the kilt expresly because they want to, whether to show who they are, or to show they could care less about others opinions.