As somebody who has LIVED in Ireland and worn kilts over there, I can say that they are not laughed at. Granted, I didn't go around telling everybody my kilt was Irish, but a large majority had no problem with an American wearing a kilt. The best thing, I've found, is to just say "I'm a kilt enthusiast," which gives them no right to bash you. You're not claiming an identity, you just love to wear kilts!

But seriously, where did this email come from?!? Who does he think he is, just emailing you about what he thinks of Irish Americans? He's a jerk, so who cares what he thinks?

Interestingly enough though, of the 40 million people claiming Irish descent, 27 million of those are Ulster Scots (Scots-Irish)...