"Rules" for wearing family tartan

[Rob Wright]

Don't know, sometimes that gut feeling is trying to tell you something important. "Reading between the lines," and picking up on what people are really conveying without saying what they are feeling, comes from the gut feeling.

On the other hand, you might be conveying to other people, in ways you are not even aware of, your own unspoken feelings, which they pick up with their own gut feelings.

"the Scotsman," would not fit in a glass case with the other three folks you may be thinking of.

Anyway, just thought I would throw it out there since it's been bothering me, and since this thread took a whole different turn.

Ted, sometimes unintentional messages get broadcast clearer than intentional messages. In the case of this thread, a certain individual is sending very intentional messages trying to make themselves appear to be a font of knowledge and put down others. In contrast we have many wonderful posters from across the pond, and here in the states and Canada, who provide us with knowledge and context so that we may learn and grow in our kilt wearing. Which message's should we give value too? The one that attempts to make us feel inferior? Or the ones intended to help us?

Rob

[robthehiker]

Does anyone else, in reading several of these discussions, get the feeling, and I mean emotional gut feeling, that you do not have the right and entitlement to wear Highland attire?

Perhaps even, and I am again talking about an emotional gut reaction, that Highland attire aught to be exclusive to the Scots in the Highlands?

Just an odd feeling I keep noticing as I read through the forum.

No Ted, I don't get that feeling. While I intend no insult to anyone by how I choose to dress, if they choose to take insult that is their right (or entitlement if you prefer).

I wear what I choose. If it upsets anyone that's unfortunate for them.

[Bugbear]

No Ted, I don't get that feeling. While I intend no insult to anyone by how I choose to dress, if they choose to take insult that is their right (or entitlement if you prefer).

I wear what I choose. If it upsets anyone that's unfortunate for them.

For some reason, that's sometimes difficult for me.

Just wondered if others found themselves reacting in that way after reading some statements on the forum.

Oh well.

[xman]

Just wondered if others found themselves reacting in that way after reading some statements on the forum.

It has made me embrace the fact that I will set my own style, perhaps have a long jacket altered, but still covering some of the pleats, whatever. I've got an Armani jacket I'm going to get altered, maybe Prince Charlie style. We'll see what happens. I'm going to go classy in my dress kilt, but I'm going to go as X, not a cookie cutter 'Scotsman'.

[davidlpope]

The Gordon Highlanders P&D all wear eagles feathers, any idea what that's all about?

Those are blackcock feathers, not eagle feathers.

Cordially,

David

[BoldHighlander]

Does anyone else, in reading several of these discussions, get the feeling, and I mean emotional gut feeling, that you do not have the right and entitlement to wear Highland attire?

Perhaps even, and I am again talking about an emotional gut reaction, that Highland attire aught to be exclusive to the Scots in the Highlands?

Just an odd feeling I keep noticing as I read through the forum.

For some reason, that's sometimes difficult for me.

Just wondered if others found themselves reacting in that way after reading some statements on the forum.

Oh well.

No Ted, why should I (or anyone else)?
The kilt, in some form or fashion, has been worn in this country since the first Scots were transported (or emigrated) after the '45 (& dare I say probably prior to the '45) & by the descendants of Scottish immigrants since (as well as non-Scots).

So Ted, do not fret over what someone might say about 'rights and entitlements' to wearing the kilt, for NO such right or entitlement exist (even the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs say as much); and besides, though it has not been worn as long as in the Scottish Highlands, we in North America (the USA & Canada) have a rich history of wearing kilts as well, even if after the 18th century (until very recently) it was pretty much relegated to Highland Games, special ceremonies, parades etc; instead of everyday wear.

Wear it well, wear it often, & to Hades with the self important (& deluded) enforcers of non-existent 'rights and entitlements'!

[robthehiker]

For some reason, that's sometimes difficult for me.

Just wondered if others found themselves reacting in that way after reading some statements on the forum.

Oh well.

I hear what you're saying but there will always be people who disagree with you. They'll disagree with how you dress, how you vote, how you worship... You can't please everybody and you shouldn't try.

Wear what Ted thinks you should wear.

[Bugbear]

Oh, it's usually, "the kilt is the national dress of Scotland," that gives me pause.

I will say this though, a long while back, a statement was made on the forum by a trouble maker that my tartan did not have the right to exist, and went on to give an illogical reason. The statement was removed, but I do think I felt very much what a Scot might feel if his clan tartan were being insulted. In fact, at the same time a different trouble maker was busy insulting the Black Watch tartan, and I watched, with understanding, the reactions of a few of the Scots members. That's only to compare the feelings and reactions, not comparing the two tartans or clan tartan to non-clan tartan.

So, I do take into consideration the views of the Scots here on the forum.

[robthehiker]

So, I do take into consideration the views of the Scots here on the forum.

As do I. I also take into consideration the views of the Americans, and the English, and the Canadians, and everyone else. But in the end, I make my up my own mind.

If we worried THAT much about what other people thought we'd have all stopped wearing the kilt after the first "nice skirt" comment.

[Brian K]

Oh, it's usually, "the kilt is the national dress of Scotland," that gives me pause.

I will say this though, a long while back, a statement was made on the forum by a trouble maker that my tartan did not have the right to exist, and went on to give an illogical reason. The statement was removed, but I do think I felt very much what a Scot might feel if his clan tartan were being insulted. In fact, at the same time a different trouble maker was busy insulting the Black Watch tartan, and I watched, with understanding, the reactions of a few of the Scots members. That's only to compare the feelings and reactions, not comparing the two tartans or clan tartan to non-clan tartan.

So, I do take into consideration the views of the Scots here on the forum.

Ted,

I have noticed that you're always too hard on yourself here, and you really pay more heed to the opinions of others than you do your own. Please, don't do that. You are a person of worth and you should not live your life according to the dictates of others. I was nearly 40 before I came out and it was way too late, yet once I stopped being afraid of what others would think I was happier. It also turned out that those who cared about me continued to - imagine that!

Let go of whatever is holding you back from being who you want to be and live your life the way your heart tells you to.

Now, go back to page 19 and read post #187, which may just be the best post in this thread. It's the one I enjoyed most anyway

Kilt on, Ted!!

Regards,

Brian