Jewish Tartan

[thescot]

I. . .Religion-based tartans would seem to be divisive, rather than inclusive, as they imply that their use should be restricted only to persons of that faith.

. . .Insofar as western society, as a whole, is tolerant of most belief structures why should it be necessary to attempt to set oneself apart from the mainstream by creating a sense of "a closed community within an open society"? . ..

Frankly, Mac, I don't want to be just like everybody else. I am set apart in many ways, as each of us is, and I think that makes life interesting. I am reminded of Vonnegut's "Harrison Bergeron."

While I can I see your point. I certainly disagree that tartan is a symbol of "secular allegiance." In fact, most tartans seem to represent clans, which are by nature exclusive. Same can be said for regimental tartans. Each represents a unique group within the whole, setting itself apart from others.

There's no need for everyone to be like the mainstream. If that were the case, we wouldn't be wearing kilts at all. So I don't see any problem with any type tartan, clan, regiment, corporate, family, religious, clergy, or "bumby." It's a fashion statement.

And--as a couple of others have pointed out--there is more than religion in being Jewish, just as there is more to being Scottish than being Presbyterian.

Besides all that, I think the tartan looks really good.