Is it OK for just anybody to kilt up?

[TGrabill]

My question is, is it considered cultural appropriation for someone who has no ties to Scotland to wear a kilt? I have a utility kilt and enjoy wearing it. I'm in a rock band and wear it on stage, but recently got some questioning from a couple guys who said they were of Scottish descent. I don't mind negative comments from 'Joe Blow', but comments from 'Angus Guthrie' carry more weight.

If it is ok, is wearing plaid (not a tartan) permissible since my ancestors are Anabaptist Swiss/German, and I have no ties to Scotland?

[Father Bill]

There are individual preferences and opinions, but no Kilt Kops.

[Steve Ashton]

The Utility style kilts have no background or connection to the Scottish Heritage of the Tartan kilt.

The designer of the Utilikilt, Steve Viellgas is a Mexican/American from Seattle. He vehemently denies that his product has any Scottish basis.

But even with a Tartan kilt there are far more universal Tartans, Company Tartans, Personal Tartans and Regional/Area Tartans that are not Scottish.

Among the approx. 12,000 Tartans currently registered with The Scottish Register of Tartans less than 5,000 are named for Scottish Highland Clans.

Among the total population of Scotland, both today and back in history, the vast majority are not part of the Highland Clan System.

Before the mid 1700's Tartans were not connected to the Scottish Highland Clans in the way we think of them today. How we view Tartan today is not 'historical' or 'ancient'.

So, in sort, anyone who is telling you that you need some sort of "rights" or "authorizations" to wear a kilt are simply wrong.

"There are no Kilt Kops"

[Jock Scot]

Good question. When it comes to tartan and tartan kilts worn by civilians outwith Scotland it is regarded by some Scots with a mixture of tight lipped acceptance and sometimes barely concealed humour, others are not bothered one way or another. As to the Utility style kilts we rarely see them here in Scotland anyway and many would prefer that they were not called kilts at all. Unfortunately they do meet the definition of the word "kilt" and sadly, no one has come up with a better definition.

However, you do need to be very aware there are distinct differences of where, what, when and how to wear one's kilt from one side of the Atlantic----- other parts of the World---- and the other. To be fair climate has a large influence outwith Scotland.

To demonstrate my point can I suggest you find two of my threads in the website archives, called "Food For Thought" and "Food For Thought 2". Last time I looked they were on or about page 195/6 in the "General kilt talk" section. They are a couple of amateur and fun surveys that do not speak for all of Scotland, they do though, indicate that a different train of thought does exist in Scotland and perhaps, is worth baring in mind on occasion.

[Katia]

They are a couple of amateur and fun surveys that do not speak for all of Scotland, they do though, indicate that a different train of thought does exist in Scotland and perhaps, is worth baring in mind on occasion.

But, one might wonder, how the train of thought of someone "of Scottish descent" might bear up... especially since "of Scottish descent" could mean anything from "first-generation American and much of the culture is preserved in the family" to "has a vague idea there was someone Scottish in their past, they think maybe, if their last name is a sept of something, and they've never even been to Scotland and don't know anyone there."

[Queenslander]

Cultural appropriation is an insidious concept, and most of what is considered such are simply individuals expressing some level of admiration for the culture supposedly being appropriated. When done respectfully and tastefully there should be no problem. Personally I'd be flattered by someone genuinely wanting to emulate aspects of my culture.

[TGrabill]

No Kilt Kops! Love it. Thank-you for everyone's reply.

Out of respect I would never presume to wear a kilt in Scotland. Firstly, I would not like to see tight lipped acceptance directed towards me, much like seeing German people slowly shake their head when confronted with inappropriate foreigner's behavior.

I'm new to this forum and tried to find the 'Food for Thought' threads, but the archive page locked up on me. I'll keep trying. I would really like to read them. If you can send a direct link I would certainly appreciate it.

After reading your comments, I ordered a plaid utility kilt to add to my black one. I'm thinking that since utility kilts aren't a 'thing' in Scotland, I feel better about wearing one. Emulating and honoring the culture is my goal, certainly not appropriating it.

With that being said, there are very few kilt wearing men in south Alabama. Hoping to start a trend.

[Steve Ashton]

Right up at the top of this forum section are a few sticky threads.

One of the sticky threads addresses this issue.

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f99/kilt-kops-68828/

[Jock Scot]

But, one might wonder, how the train of thought of someone "of Scottish descent" might bear up... especially since "of Scottish descent" could mean anything from "first-generation American and much of the culture is preserved in the family" to "has a vague idea there was someone Scottish in their past, they think maybe, if their last name is a sept of something, and they've never even been to Scotland and don't know anyone there."

I am afraid that your question leads in a direction that I am not prepared to go. Sorry.

[Jock Scot]

..................

I'm new to this forum and tried to find the 'Food for Thought' threads, but the archive page locked up on me. I'll keep trying. I would really like to read them. If you can send a direct link I would certainly ......

Try another way. Look at the top of this section “General Kilt Talk” you will see lots of assorted page numbers, click on a page number close to page 195/6 and then work your way to the required number.

Both threads are on page 195. I have just looked.