Imitation, sincerest form of flattery?

[Dall_Piobaire]

No, not a poser at all!

That part of your heritage obviously calls to you for you to get involved as you are. By being involved with it you build it and strengthen it, as opposed to allowing it to slowly disappear!

The interesting thing is, and this is just my opinion, that the Native American, is the true American, as analagous to the native Scot or native Irishman. The rest of us are Americans, but by nature of geography. We are the "melting pot" and have become an amalgous mass of traditions and customs, homogenized so to speak. This is why I think many are attracted to such cultrues, it gives them a way of connecting with traditions that are almost one thousand years old, or more. As Americans, I feel, we can freely celebrate not only the ideal of what an American is, or should be, but that to which we are drawn for whatever reason.

[Tartanraven]

I find if bloody amusing!!! All the effort to become "free" from Britain, only to want tae be British! As for the deep desire to embrace "Celtic" culture (I type "Celtic" because most Scots aren't) That is mostly because Americans don't really have a culture to call their own, so they have to look back. Nothing wrong with that, save that while its great fun in the US, one tends to look a tw*t in the UK. I almost never saw anyone in a kilt in and aroon Aberdeen, save at Pittodrie when the Rangers are in town.

Attention American MODs.....if you find something wrong with my posts in the future...do not edit them behind me back...delete them. Some terms are different in meaning and intent in the UK. The sooner you learn that, the sooner you will look less like a book burning Nazi.

[John Fiske]

This is a great thread!

My family descended mainly from England and Germany with little, if any, Scot in my family tree. That being said, I hope I don't come across as someone just looking for a place or a culture to belong to. I enjoy wearing the kilt. I have one traditional and two modern kilts. Do I wear the traditional kilt correctly? Probably not. But I attempt to do so.

One day, I hope to travel to England and Scotland. My grandfather tells me it is the most beautiful place on Earth!

Until then, I enjoy being kilted in the most beautiful place in America: the Shenandoah Valley!

[Bigkahuna]

I find if bloody amusing!!! All the effort to become "free" from Britain, only to want tae be British! As for the deep desire to embrace "Celtic" culture (I type "Celtic" because most Scots aren't) That is mostly because Americans don't really have a culture to call their own, so they have to look back. Nothing wrong with that, save that while its great fun in the US, one tends to look a tw*t in the UK. I almost never saw anyone in a kilt in and aroon Aberdeen, save at Pittodrie when the Rangers are in town.

Mores the pity. If the Native Scots don't keep the tradition of Kilt wearing alive then who will???

[###KILTEDKIWI###]

I almost never saw anyone in a kilt in and aroon Aberdeen, save at Pittodrie when the Huns are in town.

LOL charming.
I take it you are referring to Rangers?

[Dall_Piobaire]

This IS a great thread, and no one has gotten angry or exchanged harsh words. Everyone one has an equal and valid opinion on this topic.

Keeping a tradition alive requires more than just playing at it. Playing the pipes, wearing a kilt, whatever, are just outward expressions of what one feel's inside. learning about the thing, and not viewing it all as if it were Brigadoon!

Tartanraven, a child may grow up, leave the family, be independent and capable of self rule, but, that doesn't mean what the family has contributed to the child is suddenly forgtten and cast aside!

[dfmacliam]

If I recall history correctly.. the Celts were throughout the British Isles.. now as one might rephrase and suggest not all Scots are "Gaels" that would be more to the point..

[Bugbear]

It's my peanut butter and jelly sandwich kilt!

I'm perfectly happy thinking of my non-Scottish style kilt as an American style kilt that has nothing really to do with Highland attire. In fact, I feel better about it, the cotton kilt, if I don't think about it as Scottish, or Celtic, or Irish, and rather as a natural extention of the clothing associated with America.

So... I guess the other side of that is that the wool tartan kilts are Scottish Highland attire that's been spread around the world along with the Scottish people.


That's the best I can do to sort it out in my mind.

[Jock Scot]

I find if bloody amusing!!! All the effort to become "free" from Britain, only to want tae be British! As for the deep desire to embrace "Celtic" culture (I type "Celtic" because most Scots aren't) That is mostly because Americans don't really have a culture to call their own, so they have to look back. Nothing wrong with that, save that while its great fun in the US, one tends to look a tw*t in the UK. I almost never saw anyone in a kilt in and aroon Aberdeen, save at Pittodrie when the Rangers are in town.

I have to admit to having the same thoughts crossing my mind, on occasion. However, I do think that the kilt wearing tradition in Scotland is alive and well. It is just not as people from away imagine it to be.

[Bluescelt]

I think in the States there are two types of emmigrint families. Ones that are keen to maintain old world traditions and hand them down and ones (like mine) who embraced their new country and traditions quickly. My grandfather was first generation born to Scottish parents and might have maintained a few Scottish traditons but Dad new nothing of them and frankly couldn't care less. So why did I as a young child feel a connection to my Scottish and Irish and English heritage? I don't really know, I just did.
I never want to be the "ugly American" when traveling abroad and I've never had bad experience. I think being respectful of the host country's culture goes a long way with the locals. It works both ways too. Years ago I was in Tombstone Arizona on vacation and saw information signs written in German. I asked why and was told Germans love the wild west and must come in large numbers and probably do wild west fests in Germany. Who knows?! Are they posers. Who cares? It is amusing like it's probably amusing for the Scots when we show up kilted. It's all about respect though. If you act in respectful manner chances are you'll gain the respect of people meet.