Is it OK for just anybody to kilt up?

[Jock Scot]

Interesting to read Jock Scot’s comments highlighting that there are cultural differences between highlanders and lowlanders and people in Wales say a similar thing about people in north Wales and those in the south. Maybe it is something to do with country people versus those in large industrial areas because I don’t believe deep down the people are all that different. Nothing to do with wearing kilts though!��������������

Actually there is very much a cultural difference between The Highlands of Scotland where the Clan system still exists in some form and the kilt is still very much traditional civilian attire and the Lowlands of Scotland where the Clan system really did not ever exist and the kilt is not part of their tradition. It makes us Highlanders laugh amongst ourselves to hear the Lowland Scots "kilt experts" pontificating on the finer points of what their idea of what traditional civilian kilt attire is.

I can still well remember the ridicule my brother and I received in Glasgow when we wore the kilt there as youngsters. An experience that was not just our experience but also of many others too. Things are indeed changing slowly, but even now it would have to be a very special occasion for me to wear the kilt in Glasgow in particular and the Lowlands in general.

[Nemuragh]

As regards things changing, a friend of mine who was a history teacher told me that, in the 19th Century, English was the minority language in Glasgow because there were so many Highlanders and Irish incomers who all spoke Gaelic.

Forgive me this oblique comment.

John

[Ivor]

I was sorry to read of your bad memories as a youngster in Glasgow, Jock, and which have obviously stayed with you to this day. Nemuragh says that Glasgow had many incomers from the highlands and Ireland and you have to ask if these people suffered the same ridicule as you did due to their background.
It seems a sad fact even in these more enlightened days that people will still find ways to discriminate against their fellows be it clothing, language, appearance or whatever.

[Jock Scot]

As regards things changing, a friend of mine who was a history teacher told me that, in the 19th Century, English was the minority language in Glasgow because there were so many Highlanders and Irish incomers who all spoke Gaelic.

Forgive me this oblique comment.

John

I have heard that too and its not surprising really, given the circumstances. I wonder how many of them actually wore the kilt in some form or other. Not many?

[Jock Scot]

I was sorry to read of your bad memories as a youngster in Glasgow, Jock, and which have obviously stayed with you to this day. Nemuragh says that Glasgow had many incomers from the highlands and Ireland and you have to ask if these people suffered the same ridicule as you did due to their background.
It seems a sad fact even in these more enlightened days that people will still find ways to discriminate against their fellows be it clothing, language, appearance or whatever.

It does not make it right, but such is life.

[OC Richard]

I was born and raised in Lancashire - I have a clear and obvious northern accent...my friends back home think I now talk posh.

It's like when I visit family in West Virginia and they say I sound like a Californian. My wife, a native Californian, says I sound "pure West Virginia". The truth is somewhere in between, I suppose.

About northwest England, my grandmother was a first-generation American, her family came to West Virginia from Dalton-in-Furness. They were miners as would might expect.

[bodhran4me]

As mentioned previously, opinion on who should and shouldn't wear the kilt and what they ought to wear with it will run the gamut from 'only male Highlanders observing THCD within the Highlands' to 'anybody, anytime, anyway'. I understand that those with stricter opinions may be bemused or upset by the 'anything goes' or even the moderate 'Scottish descent but observe THCD but own and wear several different tartan kilts' crowds. I get that way when I see somebody traipsing about with their pants falling down and underwear hiked up.

I also understand that it may reflect a belief that it is a part of what makes them unique and separate group and that they should 'own' it. I don't necessarily agree but I can appreciate the thinking.

The point I would like to make is that if kilts were limited to male Highlanders in the Highlands and everybody were simply wearing their dad's kilt then perhaps the ability to get a kilt would all but disappear. From the weavers crafting quality products in a wide range of well priced tartans to the knowledge and skill of the many kilt makers able to fit a garment that will last for generations to come. With the broader market comes some things you don't agree with from kilt wearers and manufacturers of lesser garments but it does help preserve some of the best aspects also. I hope that it helps temper your feelings a wee bit. As for me I am just glad that the guy with falling down pants is at least wearing underwear, even if I don't want to see them!

[Luke MacGillie]

If you want to be free of the confines of "pants" while on stage, why not the Phish dress, or a black leather minskirt? If those are outrageous suggestions to you, then yes you are most likely engaging in cultural appropriation, and not just wanting "Freedom"

[Jock Scot]

If you want to be free of the confines of "pants" while on stage, why not the Phish dress, or a black leather minskirt? If those are outrageous suggestions to you, then yes you are most likely engaging in cultural appropriation, and not just wanting "Freedom"

From where I stand, I cannot help but agree.

[Father Bill]

Perhaps you would all let me set the cat amongst the pigeons for a moment.

Although I roll my eyes when I hear Christmas music being played at this early time of year, one recording on the cable raised a question which is maybe pertinent to the current discussion. I heard "Silent Night" being played rather beautifully.

Now, Stille nacht, Heilige nacht clearly did not originate here in Canada, nor was it written as "Silent Night" in English. It was written in German, in Germany.

So... is it cultural appropriation for us to sing or play it here, and even to have provided it with English lyrics? I'm wondering what would be the opinion of those who claim cultural appropriation with regards to the kilt which is, of course, the topic of discussion here. I am less interested in the opinion of those who do not believe that cultural appropriation exists since we know what they would say as a matter of principle.