Interesting email from an Irish fellow about Irish kilts.

[English Bloke]

I agree, a very informative debate. I too have come across a bit of the "It's mine, you can't have it" - Dog in the manger attitude from the those who regard themselves as 'true born' but I don't think this is common. In my experience most people either couldn't care less or are chuffed with the global spread of celtic culture, Scottish or Irish.

I think the original emailer would benefit from reading this thread. It would help him to address his intollerance and perhaps realise there are more important things to worry about. I'm wearing the kilt now because it's comfortable and I think just a little bit cool but if an individuals driving force for wearing one is cultural or comfort, does it really matter? I also wear jeans but I can't ride a horse. I wonder if Irish Bar-bloke wears jeans to work in Ohio and realises the irony of that situation.

Incidentally, I just returned from a week in Germany and Belgium where I wore the kilt almost every day. Apart from one Turkish fella working in a schnell-imbiss who nearly fell over when giving me the best double take I've ever seen in my life, no-one else seemed bothered. All comments were very positive and a couple of people I was with even asked were they could get one. I'm sure their requests weren't driven by a burning desire to get in touch with their Highland or Irish roots either but a German? in a kilt? I don't have a problem with it myself...