Irish Kilts: solid vs. tartan

[davidlpope]

But it seems evident from you and other posters' experiences that Irish kilts are more readily identified and accepted as Irish in America.

I'm not sure it's a case that "Irish" kilts are identified as Irish in America. I think that most people in the US have the erroneous notion that kilts are Irish.

Simply put, a good percentage of Americans who are ignorant about kilts and their history simply and erroneously believe that kilts are the national attire of the Irish. Why? Because Irish-American firemen, policemen, and AOH members usually have kilted bagpipers at their parades and funerals (The Black Watch played for President Kennedy's funeral...) Likewise, many St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the US feature a GHB piper in a Scottish kilt.

Don't believe me? Consider these recent threads:
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...-my-son-72757/

In this case, the child is dressing up "as an Irishman" for school. How does one do that? Apparently by wearing a kilt. I really don't think this is a case where someone is making reference to the failed attempts of Irish Nationalists to have the kilt as their symbol, nor do I believe it's a case where "Irish" tartans or solid color kilts are being considered.

Why also might Americans think that? Because a "plaid" kilt is being marketed (complete with a shamrock-bedecked package) at the St. Patrick's Day sales display at their local mega-mart:
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...hunters-72768/

Why else might someone erroneously think that the kilt is an Irish garment? Because Guinness, which is usually the only Irish beer that Americans know (no, "Killian's Red" is made in good old Golden, Colorado), advertises using a fellow in a kilt and Prince Charlie Coatee: http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...g-other-72570/

Americans, unfortunately, are quite ignorant about a great many things. One thing most Americans are ignorant about is the kilt.