Maybe I'm wrong, maybe the Kilt isn't 'just clothes'.

[Cynthia]

Glad to hear talking and venting with us has helped, English Bloke

It can be annoyingly frustrating going against the grain. Not that there is anything wrong with wearing or doing what most people are. That's the point -- as long as you are happy doing it, who cares what anyone else thinks and they should get over it as well. And that's what I wish others would get... you don't have to like the kilt, or long hair, or facial hair, or anything else, but you should let others be and not get in their face about it. As far as the Scots who were picking apart non-Scots, that's already been covered in this thread... it's just downright rude, and those people can't possibly know every detail about the person they're critiquing, too (and the person critiquing may not even be right anyway).

I realize that the world isn't a perfect happy little place where everyone gets along perfectly... and thankfully, those people who do act like the rude folks described in this thread are not the majority and most -- even if they don't approve or like something -- usually keep their opinions to themselves.

Oh and by the way, I'm not a re-enactor. I'm a historical costumer. I'm not going for 100% accuracy. I'm learning slowly, and sometimes have to use modern techniques or fabrics, especially so I can hurry up and costume with friends, and I don't portray history for the public. My friends and I are part of a private group. I will admit that yes, having non-modern hair is very handy, but I'm not even sure my knee length hair is normal for 18th century (and in fact, it can still be a little annoying... I need to make another cap with a little more room in the back). Mostly, I just have long hair because I grew up seeing and having long hair and it's very "me." I realize that not everyone likes that, but honestly most of the people in my life do like it. Only a few random nosy or rude people have felt the need to voice their opinion compared to the rest. Most importantly, I do, and in order to keep from getting gawked at (or tangled up in it *laughs*) I wear it up. I just wanted to clarify that to avoid any confusion with other re-enactors here -- I apologize to the OP for having some OT stuff in here.

Best wishes!

[McFarkus]

I hereby declare that non-Americans* are "not allowed" to wear blue-jeans and baseball caps!

*Canadians count as "Americans"....

How about Mexicans?

[Chirs]

How about Mexicans?

...or Honduras, Cuba, Nicaragua...?

[Jock Scot]

I hereby declare that non-Americans* are "not allowed" to wear blue-jeans and baseball caps!

*Canadians count as "Americans"....

That is fine by me and I have been doing just as you suggest. For a tad over three score years and ten, I have neither owned, or worn, a pair of jeans, or a baseball cap.I have to say, I can't recall for one second that I have felt one iota of disquiet over it.

[EagleJCS]

...or Honduras, Cuba, Nicaragua...?

Having studied Spanish for nine years, I can tell you that most people living 'south of the border' (the U.S. border, that is) consider themselves American as well. Everyone living in the Western Hemisphere is 'American'. The Spanish term for a U.S. citizen is 'estadounidese' which translates literally as 'United States-en'*.

The way one of my Spanish teachers put it, if a U.S. citizen traveling in those countries describe themselves as "Soy Americano" ("I'm American"), they may get an amused grin and the reply 'I am too, but where are you from?', depending on the relationship with the other peson. Some people get upset about it and will yell at you, and some will just shake their heads a little (maybe just to themselves) and go on.

Once I heard that, I became much more sensitive to using 'American' as a self-descriptor and try to use 'U.S. citizen' instead. A little awkward at times, but more precise.


* Some of the more interesting derivations that don't follow the typical rule (like Mexico : Mexicano):

Spanish term = English term
Bahamés = Bahamian
Barbadense = Barbadian
Gallego (pron. ga-JE-go) = Galician
Guatemalteco = Guatemalan
Nicaragüense = Nicaraguan
Salvadoreño = Salvadorian
Escocés = Scot
Galés = Welsh

Neoyorquino = New Yorker
Porteño = a person from Buenos Aires (there is no direct English translation for that). Generally, a porteño is anyone inhabiting or from a seaport.

[Lallans]

I've met with Scots people who really resented anyone wearing a kilt unless the wearer was Scottish, and with Scots who hated seeing people in Utilikilts and their ilk because the kilts themselves are 'not Scottish.' The fact is that in the modern age, once something escapes one's borders it's going to be changed and adapted. If the original gentleman was Scottish then I rescind my judgement that he was a nut bar, but this very site would not exist if kilt use was as it was 50 years ago- and we wouldn't want that would we?

[Jock Scot]

------- but this very site would not exist if kilt use was as it was 50 years ago- and we wouldn't want that would we?

Well actually, nice though you chaps are and impossible though it is, I will have to say; "yes I would."

[Lallans]

Well actually, nice though you chaps are and impossible though it is, I will have to say; "yes I would."

I can sympathise Jock. It's been very good to us Lowland descendants- I would have my 'own' family tartan (Forrester) if interest in such things hadn't exploded into the Americas- but at least we have kindly gentlemen like you here to keep matters reasonably in line with 'true' practice!

[mookien]

John (EagleJCS): We have Amerigo Vespucci to thank for that. :-)

Some of those derivations are pretty fractured. Here in Nuevo Mexico Gallego is pronounced (guy yay' go). I'm glad we "Americans" don't mangle our language like that. ;-)

[Whidbey78]

Like me (formerly red hair, grey eyes, built large), and probably Hamish, it's likely you are descended from the Vikings that came through the area. Celts tend to be smaller and a bit darker. Of course there is no race of man that is not mixed by this point in history.

Very true. Even those of us "with papers" are mutts to some degree.