Pretending to be a Scot

[meinfs]

Hello Rabble,

This is related to Alan H's post "Am I a Poser?"

At the last international square dance convention that I attended a few weeks ago, I got in an elevator with a friend and other folks (strangers). One of them asked what event was going on at the hotel. My friend answered it. She (the one who asked) then proceeds to face me and says "and you are pretending to be a Scot."

Needless to say, I was taken aback and didn't quite know how to answer it. I did and I said that anybody can wear the kilt, the Scots even encourage it. (or something like that).

Anyway, I felt that it was an insult - even if she didn't mean it as an insult, it was at the very least quite insensitive. It would be cool if I had Scots-Irish blood in me, but as far as I know, I don't. And I don't look Caucasian. If these people have such a narrow view of things, then they will always see me as a pretender! That's not my problem.

If Alan H's wearing a kilt is being questioned, you could imagine me getting it worse. It's an uphill battle for me; like I'm swimming against the flow.

Alan H, you're not a poser, and I am not a pretender. I enjoy wearing the kilt (and making them). Period.

[Spartan]

Just ask yourself, whose problem is this? (It's her problem -- not yours.)

Keep on Kilting!

[gilmore]

People sometimes say the strangest things.

I am of totally European ancestry (well, for the past several thousand years.) Once I was walking down the street with some Tibetan friends when a complete stranger came up to me and angrily asked me why I didn't go back to Korea where I came from. I was shocked, amused, and angry, but most dumbfounded.

[Riverkilt]

There's a very common two word response to such insults. Best delivered looking the offender in they eyes and saying those two beloved words slowly and clearly. Yes, sometimes to a lady if she's that rude.

Ron

[dfmacliam]

Were you using a bad Scottish accent? Is that how she knew? Did you tell her you were from Scotland? That's thenonly to pretend to be Scottish

[BroosterB1]

There's a very common two word response to such insults. Best delivered looking the offender in they eyes and saying those two beloved words slowly and clearly. Yes, sometimes to a lady if she's that rude.

Ron

Ron.

I assume you mean "Get Lost", any thing else she might consider an invitation.

[Bugbear]

Had she said "playing Scot," I could kind of understand, but "pretending"... It does seem a bit like saying "poser."

[ccga3359]

I don't pretend to be a Scot when I go kilted. When asked if I am of that heritage I reply 'no I'm English, born and raised' perhaps in such a tone or with a look that does not invite any more questions down that avenue. Although I do have a clan tartan I usually my wear my Maple Leaf. I tend to tone down the Scottish look where I can, don't wear a sgian or clan creasts my dress sporran as little gold maple leaves on the cantle. I wear kilt pins that speak of me, my interests, or Canadiana. They can't question my wearing of our national tartan for I am Canadian and perhaps more so than many born here. Thanks to me being here on X Marks I am quite knowledgable about things kilt related or Scot related. That knowledge is indeed power against ignorance.

I was once asked 'What does a Scotsman wear under his kilt?' I responded "Search me luv, I'm English...
...no go ahead search me." I find humour defuses a lot of potential situations. She could have just as easily asked "What does a Scotman have under his kilt?" I'd've responded not "Not as much as this Englishman!"

If you're still concerned go with a contemperary kilt (something else I have in my arsenal, 2 camos and a leather) or a tartan not related to Scotland. In the US you have a plethera of wonderful tartan choices. Rocky has a firefighters memorial and 2 that pays tribute to his German ancestry. There's the NYC commemerative that honours those lost in 9/11. When people realize that they about to insult such as these they'll either back down immediately or find a excuse to make a hasty exit after making themselves look and sound like an idiot.

[Mipi]

If you ask me, we are swimming against the flow. In a way this is good. So we have to be prepared for insults. Not everyone will give as good comment and tap us on the shoulder. Even knowing that, it can hurt.

I know you wont give up Main!

[Andy]

It's just pure ignorance on that lady's part. I think most people think only the Scottish would wear a kilt just as only Arabians would wear a turbin. That's just the way most, not all, people have been taught by the media and those around them. Can't fault them for that. But, I do believe it's up to the Mighty Kilted One's to continue to educate people. And just like anything that must be taught, we need to realize that it will take some time, paitience and perseverance. We'll win the masses over eventually...