Imitation, sincerest form of flattery?

[Dall_Piobaire]

No, not a poser at all!

That part of your heritage obviously calls to you for you to get involved as you are. By being involved with it you build it and strengthen it, as opposed to allowing it to slowly disappear!

The interesting thing is, and this is just my opinion, that the Native American, is the true American, as analagous to the native Scot or native Irishman. The rest of us are Americans, but by nature of geography. We are the "melting pot" and have become an amalgous mass of traditions and customs, homogenized so to speak. This is why I think many are attracted to such cultrues, it gives them a way of connecting with traditions that are almost one thousand years old, or more. As Americans, I feel, we can freely celebrate not only the ideal of what an American is, or should be, but that to which we are drawn for whatever reason.

[Tartanraven]

I find if bloody amusing!!! All the effort to become "free" from Britain, only to want tae be British! As for the deep desire to embrace "Celtic" culture (I type "Celtic" because most Scots aren't) That is mostly because Americans don't really have a culture to call their own, so they have to look back. Nothing wrong with that, save that while its great fun in the US, one tends to look a tw*t in the UK. I almost never saw anyone in a kilt in and aroon Aberdeen, save at Pittodrie when the Rangers are in town.

Attention American MODs.....if you find something wrong with my posts in the future...do not edit them behind me back...delete them. Some terms are different in meaning and intent in the UK. The sooner you learn that, the sooner you will look less like a book burning Nazi.

[John Fiske]

This is a great thread!

My family descended mainly from England and Germany with little, if any, Scot in my family tree. That being said, I hope I don't come across as someone just looking for a place or a culture to belong to. I enjoy wearing the kilt. I have one traditional and two modern kilts. Do I wear the traditional kilt correctly? Probably not. But I attempt to do so.

One day, I hope to travel to England and Scotland. My grandfather tells me it is the most beautiful place on Earth!

Until then, I enjoy being kilted in the most beautiful place in America: the Shenandoah Valley!

[Bigkahuna]

I find if bloody amusing!!! All the effort to become "free" from Britain, only to want tae be British! As for the deep desire to embrace "Celtic" culture (I type "Celtic" because most Scots aren't) That is mostly because Americans don't really have a culture to call their own, so they have to look back. Nothing wrong with that, save that while its great fun in the US, one tends to look a tw*t in the UK. I almost never saw anyone in a kilt in and aroon Aberdeen, save at Pittodrie when the Rangers are in town.

Mores the pity. If the Native Scots don't keep the tradition of Kilt wearing alive then who will???

[Dall_Piobaire]

This IS a great thread, and no one has gotten angry or exchanged harsh words. Everyone one has an equal and valid opinion on this topic.

Keeping a tradition alive requires more than just playing at it. Playing the pipes, wearing a kilt, whatever, are just outward expressions of what one feel's inside. learning about the thing, and not viewing it all as if it were Brigadoon!

Tartanraven, a child may grow up, leave the family, be independent and capable of self rule, but, that doesn't mean what the family has contributed to the child is suddenly forgtten and cast aside!

[Jock Scot]

I find if bloody amusing!!! All the effort to become "free" from Britain, only to want tae be British! As for the deep desire to embrace "Celtic" culture (I type "Celtic" because most Scots aren't) That is mostly because Americans don't really have a culture to call their own, so they have to look back. Nothing wrong with that, save that while its great fun in the US, one tends to look a tw*t in the UK. I almost never saw anyone in a kilt in and aroon Aberdeen, save at Pittodrie when the Rangers are in town.

I have to admit to having the same thoughts crossing my mind, on occasion. However, I do think that the kilt wearing tradition in Scotland is alive and well. It is just not as people from away imagine it to be.

[###KILTEDKIWI###]

I almost never saw anyone in a kilt in and aroon Aberdeen, save at Pittodrie when the Huns are in town.

LOL charming.
I take it you are referring to Rangers?

[dfmacliam]

If I recall history correctly.. the Celts were throughout the British Isles.. now as one might rephrase and suggest not all Scots are "Gaels" that would be more to the point..

[Tartanraven]

If I recall history correctly.. the Celts were throughout the British Isles.. now as one might rephrase and suggest not all Scots are "Gaels" that would be more to the point..

The Celts were mainly the Scotti, and inhabited the western edge of Scotland.
MOST of Scotland north of the Forth were Picts. The far northeast were Catti German. So at best, only aboot 1/3 of the original Scots were Celt.

[Tartanraven]

Here is a thought.
To me, being a poseur is wanting to be someone else, when it is possible to be so. Examples are...if you want to be a Navy SEAL, then be one..it is possible!
One who chooses to emulate a fashion from history, or a manner from history is not a poseur, but a re creationist. A person who is of Scottish heritage, and celebrates that is merely enjoying and reconnecting with their culture, with the assumption that they are admitting that they are who they are. If you are dressing the part, and adopting the accent and syntax, and passing yourself off as being from somewhere you are not...then you are a poseur.
I was brought up in a Scottish home in America (Missouri). Until the birth of my kids, I was the only American in my family. I had to deal with stupid teachers that almost literally beat my accent out of me...shame that, but I've got my beautiful Doric voice back. My family is known in Aberdeen..most still live there, and in other parts of the UK...so I am known as "he who is in exile" LOL