Native Scots vs the scottish diaspora

[Jock Scot]

Wow, the OP's question is a really big one in a lot of us Americans minds(mine included). When we kilt up, were not only showing our pride in our ancestors we are also showing how proud we are of our blood which is still alive in Scots. I view it as, imitation is the biggest form of flattery. Its very important to me that I do it as correct as possible because if a born Scot told me I was all jacked up, it would break my heart.

Scots should be honored greatly by the diaspora's imitation and interest in them, I hope they are.

Many Scots are completely mystified by all this. Using myself as an example here, I just don't understand this "cousin" thing, and "should be honoured", "flattered " stuff. Just because someone from Texas, North Island New Zealand, or, Western Australia has the same surname as me, well good for them, but they are not my "cousins"-----I know who my cousins are thank you and frankly I resent the description from those that have absolutely nothing to do with my family. Am I "honoured" that people should dress up in the kilt? In all honesty, I am not. Am I "flattered" that people outside Scotland wear the kilt? No I am not. I do think that a tartan kilt with all the right attire(OK, doing the best you can with what you have) to go with it and worn properly by non-Scots might be seen as a compliment to Scotland though and perhaps this is something that a website like this can work on.

I(we?) just regard the whole thing as you good people from outwith Scotland are just playing at being a Scot and that is fine by me if that is what you choose to do. Come and see Scotland it is a beautiful and interesting place, come and see where your ancestors came from and be proud of them by all means, come to Scotland and wear your kilt if that is what you want to do and all of these things I can understand full well. As to the rest well, I am sorry, but I just can not fathom your way of thinking one bit. If you are an American then be an American, if you are a Russian then be a Russian, if you are a Scot then be a Scot.

Sorry chaps, but I am only being honest.