Identity in the Scottish Diaspora

[Reiver]

(I don't think it was Jock's son in law but I believe he may be away from home just now.)
Here is what he actually said
"Is it insecurity that causes some of those from outwith these shores to delve so earnestly into their past? Again, is it insecurity that these distant connections to past times, long gone now, that so much is made of them? I think probably so.I find it strange that the Canadians and Americans that I have met are immensely proud of their country, but they above all other nations have this need to cling to the past. The same goes for other nationalities that I have met, there is still this need, but markedly less so and they too are proud of their respective countries and quite right too, but this rather desperate(sorry) clinging to the past is baffling to most over here."
So the insecurity mentioned was about genealogy - not kilt-wearing.
We are all scuppered by rule #5 here which means that many potentially helpful comments cannot be made. C'est la vie

Alan

Yes, but there is an implied relationship regardless as this site is about kilt wearing and not genealogy and that is basically the rendered implication.
The example I pointed out is also germane as it relates to the outwith issue and the application (to some) of Scots garb in/to the negative.

After reading numerous comments/posts/threads about the Scots attitude about visitors (of Scots decent) wearing a kilt etc. it is simply my own conclusion....a basic schizophrenia if you will....exporting, selling and promoting an item(s) of wear and Scottishness yet somewhat insulted when it actually materializes.

You're not a true Scot but I'd love to sell you all of the garb (you know it's very dear to make so pull out the folding money) but please don't wear it here as you're not a true Scot.

That seems a tad insecure to me at least.