To kilt in modern north american society

[pastorsteve]

.. Yet I am left to feel like there is something wrong with me if I don a kilt and walk down the street. Perhaps my wife is a social prude and gives me nothing but grief saying that I am trying to make a spectacle of myself.

I hear two questions here. One is there something about our current society that is unaccepting of kilts and those wearing them. I say that there is not. As a member of two clans and having extensive Scottish family history, and having worn kilts for a very long time both formally as a pastor and socially as a "dude in a kilt" - I have never had a rude or obnoxious comment from anyone anywhere either in the U.S. or abroad.

The second seems to come from your not wanting to embarrass your family. Your wife is the only one you mention who has given you grief. I too would never wear anything that would knowingly bring undue attention or stress to my family. I have the enviable situation of having a genealogist wife who fully knows, understands and appreciates my family history, heritage and my desire to keep that heritage alive in my life. If you haven't maybe try looking into and supporting your wife's ancestry as well. I've found that those who share appreciation of each other's similarities and differences get more support from those around them than if they try to go it alone. Of course, I'm not suggesting you haven't already done any or all of these things. Good luck and, as stated previously, wear your tartan with pride and in a manner that suggests that you are just another guy out there wearing his familial attire and not one who appears to be seeking attention.

[Finistere]

It is rather funny that my town that I live in was very much founded and inhabited by manly european immigrants and there is a large historic contingency of Scottish heritage here. Yet I am left to feel like there is something wrong with me if I don a kilt and walk down the street. Perhaps my wife is a social prude and gives me nothing but grief saying that I am trying to make a spectacle of myself for wearing clothing that is part of my heritage. I find it ironic that she and other community members doesn't have anything to say when a Sikh wears a robe and tuban, or Muslims walk around in a Najib. But a Scot wearing a kilt is just someone trying to draw attention to themselves and must be commented on.

I am curious if this is common around the X-Mark community, or if I just have the pleasure of being the ground breaker in my town.

Did you mean mainly Europeans or was manly a pun!!! here in France I get quite a few complements on my Kilt and mostly from women which is very nice. Kit

[Leprechaun 91]

It is rather funny that my town that I live in was very much founded and inhabited by manly european immigrants and there is a large historic contingency of Scottish heritage here. Yet I am left to feel like there is something wrong with me if I don a kilt and walk down the street. Perhaps my wife is a social prude and gives me nothing but grief saying that I am trying to make a spectacle of myself for wearing clothing that is part of my heritage. I find it ironic that she and other community members doesn't have anything to say when a Sikh wears a robe and tuban, or Muslims walk around in a Najib. But a Scot wearing a kilt is just someone trying to draw attention to themselves and must be commented on.

I am curious if this is common around the X-Mark community, or if I just have the pleasure of being the ground breaker in my town.

While the Sikh may wear the turban as part of their daily dress, the Scots do not wear the kild daily. (Well, most don't.)

Just as a man of German heritage wearing lederhosen might look out of place unless it's Oktoberfest, or a Dutchman wearing wooden clogs might be looked at as unusual in the streets of North America, the Kilt wearer is also somewhat anomalous.

In short, we all feel the eyes on us when we first start out. We do get used to it the more we wear the kilt. Our spouses, friends, and coworkers also grow accustomed to the look. Those who work or attend places we frequent will get used to you in the kilt as well. It's not common but it is certainly not weird.

Be strong and kilt on.

Slaint

David

[Father Bill]

Useful and helpful perspective, Leprechaun. These are simply not everyday clothes for most people. Good clarification.

[Thekiltedmohawk]

Leprechaun-91

Thanks for pointing out on the comparison the turban and the kilt is a fallacy.