No longer a question specifically for Jock

[Phil]

Because I believe Mr. Ashton won't dignify your retort, I will.
Please educate me as to "what it is all about"

Domehead

I think that neloon as one of the last 4 active Scots to participate in this forum was trying to enunciate the feelings of many Scots about the attempts by others, who have no knowledge, belief or interest in the traditions and soul of Scottish people, to use what is an unmistakeable national icon -the kilt as some sort of trivial item to be used in any form at a whim. This deeply held belief may come as a surprise to someone who has no personal affinity to any historical background of any significance but you may take it from me that it is not something to be regarded lightly.
If you choose to dismiss such sentiment lightly then you demonstrate a lack of any understanding of these national values.

[A Lenape Scot]

I think that neloon as one of the last 4 active Scots to participate in this forum was trying to enunciate the feelings of many Scots about the attempts by others, who have no knowledge, belief or interest in the traditions and soul of Scottish people, to use what is an unmistakeable national icon -the kilt as some sort of trivial item to be used in any form at a whim. This deeply held belief may come as a surprise to someone who has no personal affinity to any historical background of any significance but you may take it from me that it is not something to be regarded lightly.
If you choose to dismiss such sentiment lightly then you demonstrate a lack of any understanding of these national values.

I can understand that. I feel the same way when I see Europeans, wannabes, and Boy Scout groups "playing Indian" They don't seem to care about real American Indians, use our culture as thier play thing, and many believe we are extinct. I choose to wear the kilt correctly, learn about the traditions, history, culture, current issues, and literature of Scotland as well. I hope I am not taking the culture lightly or disrespecting it but if I do, I hope that someone speaks up so I can learn from my mistakes.

[Phil]

I can understand that. I feel the same way when I see Europeans, wannabes, and Boy Scout groups "playing Indian" They don't seem to care about real American Indians, use our culture as thier play thing, and many believe we are extinct. I choose to wear the kilt correctly, learn about the traditions, history, culture, current issues, and literature of Scotland as well. I hope I am not taking the culture lightly or disrespecting it but if I do, I hope that someone speaks up so I can learn from my mistakes.

A very insightful post, as was your previous one. Coming from a background as you describe you obviously appreciate only too well how a smaller culture becomes subsumed into a larger, more dominant one. Just like your culture, much of our Scottish
one has disappeared to be replaced by many aspects of English culture. As a result what we have left is jealously guarded and strenuously maintained and nurtured. From this you will understand our reaction when what we have left is trivialised, even mocked as some here are prone to do and just as you describe the disrespectful way your culture is so often treated. Ignorance is one excuse the perpetrators may offer as an excuse but there is a deeper and more sinister motive in action too and that is trying to suppress something you do not understand and which is somehow perceived as a threat.