Quote Originally Posted by Grouse Claw View Post
Steve Mitchell, I feel for you. I can give a snappy answer, "Because I'm a Scot" to the first question. That usually answers the second question too. I could give a New Zealand history lesson for the second, like "We Scots helped build our nation." But that's all of six words. Maybe I should be more truthful and say, "It's pretty deep." I have said, "It's my culture, and everyone else is doing it." Perhaps you could say, "I'm celebrating my connections with Scotland." Everybody understands celebration. You could write a flier and give one to your sympathetic questioner. I keep a few on the ready. Some Polynesian kids went wild when they met me, so I handed them out fast. (What else are sporrans for?)I like your "introverted" choice of tartan. Best wishes for your adventure.
Thank you, Grouse Claw

That's the thing, when people ask me, I don't know if they mean genetically Scottish, or if they mean culturally or ethnically so. Even though my family tree extends back into Scotland on my dad's side, that side of my family has been in the US since before it was the US! So, I feel an affinity for Scotland and I have an interest in it, but I identify as American.

My mom, who maybe felt a little slighted, asked why I don't also wear lederhosen since I'm half German. I told her I would, absolutely, but they're not as versatile (they don't dress up very well) and my wife doesn't like them!