Quote Originally Posted by Phil View Post
I am sure many present-day clan chiefs have little or nothing in common with their predecessors and can appreciate why they may find their role nowadays to be thankless. Why anyone would feel the need to "bend the knee" to them, however is completely beyond me, particularly as so much social change has taken place in this country to reduce the relevance and influence of people derived solely from an accident of their birth. In a country such as America where success is based principally on ability, reverence for inherited influence seems totally incomprehensible. I can only assume that there is a latent desire to look up to such people much in the way the late Princess Diana was revered as a fairy tale princess.
Believe me, America is far from the classless egalitarian paradise you paint it in such romantic terms. Perhaps we Yanks aren't the only ones to buy into myths, eh?

And again, I feel you are being very unfair and making generalizations regarding all Americans and their attitudes towards clan chiefs. Like it or not, the Chief historically is the "father" of a clan, and therefore, is at least entitled to that respect. I respect my clan chief and his efforts to promote the clan's history.

And for the record, the only place I "bend the knee" is in church before and after the Eucharist.

T.