Wearing of kilts and tartan outside of Scotland

[CDNSushi]

I cannot see why the basic question is a contentious issue.

Yes, it aught not be an issue. But what aught to be, and what is are often a world apart, especially on a concentrated discussion forum that brings all types of people together, who have an interest in a similar thing. Such are the unique dynamics on every forum, and on every forum there are topics that have hot-buttons. At XMarks this is one of them and rational explanation, unfortunately will always get trumped by feelings, emotions, and instinct.

It aught to be a non-issue. And yet, here we are...

[Cornet]

Yes, it aught not be an issue. But what aught to be, and what is are often a world apart, especially on a concentrated discussion forum that brings all types of people together, who have an interest in a similar thing. Such are the unique dynamics on every forum, and on every forum there are topics that have hot-buttons. At XMarks this is one of them and rational explanation, unfortunately will always get trumped by feelings, emotions, and instinct.

It aught to be a non-issue. And yet, here we are...

It seems to me that you are making a mountain out of a molehill. Sure some people get their nose out of joint over all kinds of things, but you do not stifle discussion because one out of ten thousand is uncomfortable or might have a snit. The whole purpose of internet forums like this is that people may openly discuss, and those who are uncomfortable may raise their point of view. It is not as if we were out on the streets ready to do fisticuffs, or throw bombs at each other, like some religious groups do when they get offended. If we do not hear what people say, we will not know what they think. Just because you perceive these questions as hot button issues does not mean that they should not be contemplated. If perchance there are those out there, ready to make a fuss and respond emotionally, then their voices should be heard without rancour. I do not have to agree with someone to like them or to be their friend. The point is that just because one or two people feel strongly, should not stop the questioning or debate. Else we will be contributing to that awful grey politically correct world, in which people may only express approved views. If someone is upset, they are the ones who have to live with themselves. I have just read through some of the linked threads from an earlier response in this thread. While emotionally based, there are some highly rational opinions by people who disagree with my point of view, and I am delighted to have read them and learned something.

Edit for spelling

[Grouse Claw]

I'm for reading and learning, but if it ought not to be canvassed aught will be learned, even how to spell. As Andy Stewart quipped in his humorous skit The Rumour, "Tell me more." In my country as in America we have freedom of expression. So let's all be mature about this.

[rondo]

I'll sit this one out.
Rondo

[piperdbh]

It rained at my house today. Again. Lots of thunder and lightning and over an inch of rain.

[seanachie]

I am not sure if you meant in general, or when on holiday etc. I have worn my kilt internationally many times. In fact I have worn it all over China on a vacation a few years back. I did not receive one unwelcome remark and at the Great Wall I posed for dozens of pictures, as I did at the entrance to the Forbidden City. I will admit in places where people speak English I get questioned occassionally and it is only the odd time or two when it has been derogatory. I tried at these times to be a "kilt ambassador" and engage people rather than ignore them. I admit it takes a bit of practice but usually ends well. I have also on several occassions had people spot me and come up and shake my hand and either thank me for wearing the kilt and complimenting me or wishing they had the intestinal fortitude to pull it off.

[BCAC]

Dear AcuteEnigma,

I commend you for trying to find an answer using the search function before posting your question. I realize it's not always easy to know the best keywords to use. Personally, having been party to a number of threads where this has been discussed very thoroughly, I used the keywords "outwith Scotland" and returned some of the following results. This is just a SMALL cross-section of the threads out there covering this particular topic.

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...t-scots-71367/
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...dentity-68555/
This is a sticky, by the way. Searching would not be required to find this one: --> http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f99/kilt-kops-68828/
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...elction-73138/
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...ericans-76991/
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...ditions-59327/
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...-attire-72692/

Also, you may wish to read the two most recent threads currently in the Cooling Off Corner section.

Hope that helps answer your question.

Dear Rabble,

This moderator is feeling just a WEEEEEEEE bit frazzled at the moment, having had to deal with numerous flags in the past few days, and issues which are not yet resolved. With that in mind, please consider this a warning shot fired across the bow of this thread.... Consider your response carefully before you hit the "Post" button....

1. Is my response NECESSARY?
2. Is my response on-topic?
3. Is my response helpful?
4. Is my response respectful to other opinions
5. Is my response KIND and thoughtful of others?

If the answer to all of the above is "YES" then it's likely that you're on the right track. But if you're being honest with yourself and the answer is "maybe" or "no" to any of these, I strongly recommend pouring yourself a dram, watching some cat vids on Youtube for a few minutes, re-writing your response, and repeat from step 1 as necessary, until your self-evaluation comes back all "yes" OR you fall asleep peacefully with a belly full of single malt, at which point it may be a good idea to repeat the process in the morning.

Thank you kindly for your co-operation,

JD

Jim,

Maybe you should include in your reply to the rabble:-

6. Should I really get upset because someone replied to my post and didn't agree with me?

[Steve Ashton]

Or perhaps a step 7.

[English Bloke]

6. Should I really get upset because someone replied to my post and didn't agree with me?

David, I agree entirely but a lot of that depends on how the response that disagrees is worded. Is it just countering a point or does it venture into the realm of being personal? No amount of pre-post contemplation will prevent the submit button being hit if the poster thinks they've been slighted.

In reply to Cornet. You raise very valid points but the reason it's contentious (at the moment) is the fires of the last spat have only just been put out. Wounds may be still raw and so it invites another round of heated dischord. It's not the subject that's contentious, it's the timing.

[Phil]

In another thread Matt said "So, all those grumpy old Highland kilt wearers who think the kilt should only be worn by Highlanders in the Highlands should raise a dram in appreciation to all those outwith Scotland who buy from their favorite Scottish suppliers, enabling them to keep the doors open for dour Scots traditionalists! :-)"

Also EnglishBloke said " I've also met Scots who have expressed vociferously a strong objection to me wearing it [the kilt] because I'm "not Scottish"."



Why do those who think so, think that way? I'm trying to break it down into parts so I do not make any assumptions.

Do they object to tartan being worn by non-Highlanders?
Do they object to any kilts being worn by non-Highlanders, even single-color ones?
Do they object to tartan kilts being worn by non-Highlanders?
Do they object to specific Clan tartan kilts being worn by non-Highlanders?

What is the objection and why?

Thank you.

Not being a Highlander and also being a Scot who has no opinion one way or the other about anyone wearing a kilt I am perhaps not the best person to reply but as everyone else so far seems more concerned about treading on eggshells and no-one from Scotland has voiced an opinion maybe I should.
I have met many Highlanders but never one who possessed a kilt himself. A few have very much wanted one but couldn't justify the expense, and they would not consider any of the strange concoctions discussed here sometimes. Other Scots have been financially better off and bought a kilt which gets trotted out for special occasions. Then others, and a significant proportion I might add, quite vehemently would never consider wearing a kilt. Why? Well some feel they have no right to do so (the reason behind the OP's question perhaps) while others regard kilts as an antediluvian throwback to a primitive past which has no place in a modern Scotland. And, of course, there is a third group who just think the whole thing is ridiculous and redolent of music hall jokes of the likes of Harry Lauder and Andy Stewart etc. and wouldn't be seen dead looking like that.
Kilt wearing in Scotland nowadays has less to do with being a Highlander and more to do with expressing a distinct identity. As a small nation of 5 million or so people tacked onto a larger neighbour of 55 million or thereabouts it is difficult to express your national identity when so overwhelmingly out-voted and this way of doing so really took off during the Margaret Thatcher years when unpopular measures were foisted upon the people of Scotland by a remote and seemingly uncaring administration. From a very low base kilt-wearing suddenly became almost de riguer, no doubt as a way of expressing a unique identity.
And lo and behold it spread. Nowadays we find English, Welsh and Irish people donning kilts. Why? Well I think for the very same reason, namely to express a unique identity. Presumably all those overseas do so for very similar reasons apart from a few who have their own reasons for wearing a "skirt" and find this an acceptable choice in what is still a very gender conscious society when it comes to clothing.
To get back to the original point, however, I have only ever encountered Scots of the female persuasion who hold strong views about who should or shouldn't wear a kilt, and quite strongly expressed views as well!