Confederate Memorial

[L. Ramsay]

I find that comparison offensive. Secession had nothing to do with the systematic annihilation of millions or with the sickening goal of eugenically propagating a "master race." African Americans fought and died for the Confederacy too.

Now you can't feign surprise at us "picking a fight" when you equate our ancestors with Hitler.

[davidlpope]

Gents,

May I tactfully suggest that a discussion of the causes and effects of the American Civil War are far afield from the subject of kilts....

Perhaps someone can post a photo of some nice Argyll hose designed to accompany this particular tartan (or something to get back OT and keep the thread from being locked)?

Cordially,

David

[tinksdad]

Since I started this brouhaha with what I thought was a simple question, I should probably clarify my original intentions. Facebook, Twitter and texting are denigrating my writing skills and I probably left out some pertinent information.

First off I should state that I wear the kilt as a comfortable fashion choice. I have no clan affiliation. My ancestors, as far as I can physically trace back, are of eastern European heritage. So unless a travelling celtic warrior/explorer/tradesman had his way with a willing barmaid a long time in the past I personally don't feel it would be right for me to wear a tartan that was not released to the general public. Geographically, my maternal grandmothers family was from an area near Warsaw that was part of a royal land grant to celtic settlers; but I don't think that's enough of a tie.

I was pre-pubescent during the Civil War Centennial. Much to the consternation of family and educators at the time, my sympathies were with the South. I don't want to open another "racist" can of worms; but it was my understanding, and still is, that although the slavery issue was the underlying cause, the main reason the war was fought was over the Southern states right to cecede and form a separate sovereign union.

That being said, the reason I am considering the Confederate Memorial tartan is a color choice. All my kilts to date are rather dark (Black watch, Black Stewart, solid black etc.). I want to find one in some lighter shades and still not cross the line between universal and restricted.

Someone mentioned in one of the responses that I should entertain one of the state tartans. I lived most of my life in New York. I cut geographical roots when I left because of a divorce. Since then I have lived in Florida, Tennessee, and now Mississippi and it's probably not my last move. I just don't feel affiliated (?) with any state. I have considered the American Heritage tartan; but again it is on the dark side.

I will take everybody's comments under consideration and ponder some more whether or not I will get a kilt in Confederate Memorial. Thank you one and all for the input.

[Riverkilt]

Just in the interest of "A House Divided" there is also a Union kilt to commemorate the boys in blue like my great great grandfathers who took on John Hunt Morgan during his ride through Ohio, and Jubal Early's raid on Washington D.C. and fought in the Tennessee campaigns.

My middle name is Grant after my father who got it after his great uncle who was the first born son after great great grandfather got home from the war. Yet I was born in Alabama. So have perspective on both sides of these sad times and have lived over ten years of my adult life in the South.

I've had an intense interest in the conflict since boyhood. Today, as an olde man I retain my interest but have more a sadness for the losses of both sides rather than choosing one side or the other.

Because of my ancestry and my great grandfathers' service, I would probably buy the Union tartan kilt before the Confederate tartan kilt.

Or, maybe like that old Bob Hope movie someone needs to make a kilt with one side the Union tartan and the other side the Confederate tartan...

[L. Ramsay]

Whoa. SOrry for the doublepost guys. Computer problem.

[L. Ramsay]

Maybe we need a single ACW tartan for use by all.

But on the main question asked by the OP, I say go for it. The only ones likely to ask "what tartan?" will probably be open-minded to whatever the answer is.

Most of the time people will probably just say "A kilt! Wow thats cool." And move along.

One of the things that I believe sets kiltwearers apart from the general public is a total disregard for what the public thinks.
Speaking for myself, I haven't been too concerned with what people think about me, and now sure isn't the time to start.

[GaRebel211]

Maybe we need a single ACW tartan for use by all.

But on the main question asked by the OP, I say go for it. The only ones likely to ask "what tartan?" will probably be open-minded to whatever the answer is.

Most of the time people will probably just say "A kilt! Wow thats cool." And move along.

One of the things that I believe sets kiltwearers apart from the general public is a total disregard for what the public thinks.
Speaking for myself, I haven't been too concerned with what people think about me, and now sure isn't the time to start.

Amen Brother...however I personally couldn't go with a single ACW tartan, it would clash with my Jefferson Davis Quote tattooed on my arm...

[Colin MacBean]

I find that comparison offensive. Secession had nothing to do with the systematic annihilation of millions or with the sickening goal of eugenically propagating a "master race." African Americans fought and died for the Confederacy too.

Now you can't feign surprise at us "picking a fight" when you equate our ancestors with Hitler.

Of course the comparison is offensive. I was merely trying to show a different point of view. I do not agree with it, but sometimes we have to step back and look at things differently. Although the parallel isn't accurate, it still does mean that African Americans have a right to be offended. And yes African Americans fought and died just as the natives did. There are no good guys in war.

[NorCalPiper]

My original post did not call anyone a racist for wearing this tartan, or choosing it. I just cautioned you that there is an element that will be hurt by its meaning.We should all be proud Americans in this country and should be considerate to our brother's and sister's sensitivity (No afro-centric pun intended). There are numerous generic tartans that you can choose from as an alternative. Have you thought of Isle of Skye?

[Brian K]

Maybe we need a single ACW tartan for use by all.

But on the main question asked by the OP, I say go for it. The only ones likely to ask "what tartan?" will probably be open-minded to whatever the answer is.

Most of the time people will probably just say "A kilt! Wow thats cool." And move along.

One of the things that I believe sets kiltwearers apart from the general public is a total disregard for what the public thinks.
Speaking for myself, I haven't been too concerned with what people think about me, and now sure isn't the time to start.

I have often thought the same thing. Despite my Southern roots, I am glad the South lost and the Union was preserved. I love this country and I'm glad we stayed together. We can, and will argue about why the war was fought but the reconciliation of the two sides, rough though it has been sometimes, continues and is desirable.

With that in mind I designed a tartan I titled Grant and Lee at Appomattox. It has two shades of gray, two shades of blue, olive green for peace, white for reconciliation and a fresh start and gold to represent the general's stars on their uniforms.

http://scotweb-objects.com/images/td...lery/16235.jpg

I don't know if this is what you had in mind, but it's one idea for what you were suggesting.

Regards,

Brian