No more Kilts for me

[macwilkin]

Kilts. Kilts are no different and as more and more kilts are worn and made in America some of what makes for a traditional kilt will be lost and some of what makes up a dozen other forms of cultural clothing will slowly be merged into it or added to it as an accessory. As this process unfolds and more and more men of little or no Scottish descent or heritage start to wear kilts then the kilt itself becomes American and wearing a kilt for reasons of heritage becomes less and less common among kilted men.

If heritage declines as a reason to wear a kilt then some other reason will replace it. In a society bent on keeping men in pants it is a rare kiltman who is not forarmed with reasons for why he is wearing one. Frankly, here in America, simply claiming Scottish descent as the culture of America melts all things Scottish more and more into the cultural whole will become a peculiar and rare reason. I'm guessing this evolution of kilting from Scottish to American will not go entirely without a fight from those who continue to hold firm to heritage as their primary reason for kilting.

It's very possible that I don't know what I'm talking about ... it's just as possible that I do. No matter what reason any particular man gives for wearing his kilts I will applaud him. As for any American wearing a kilt outside of reasons of Scottish Pride and Heritage I must wholey agree with Colin that they really do owe a 'thank you' to those brave enough to have opened a societal door just wide enough for any kilted man who wants to to walk through it. Scots did not do this, Scottish Heritage Groups did not do this ... these groups largely provided only an excuse to wear a kilt, "Oh, your Scottish, I guess it's cool." I'm Scots-Irish-American Indian, so I can just get away with it ... my son is Scots-Irish-American Indian-German-French, who knows what broadening mix of descents his children will have. If they wear kilts it will not likely be for reasons of Scottish heritage or pride.

I beg your pardon; Scots and Scottish heritage groups most certainly did do something in helping introduce the general public to Highland attire; In the 19th century, the Highland Games introduced many non-Scots to Scottish culture, and the kilt came right along with it. Not to mention all of the St. Andrew's Societies, who held St. Andrew's Day and Burns Night services, suppers and balls. So please don't dismiss their contributions. They keep alive the story of the Scottish and Ulster-Scottish immigrant who came to these shores and made a contribution to their new country. As President Woodrow Wilson said, "Every line of strength in American history is colored with Scottish blood."

And as far as heritage goes, remember that your ideas are nothing new; the whole concept of American state and Canadian provincial tartans allows for anyone to wear that tartan, regardless of ethnic background. Many of these "non-Scots" still hold fast to traditional Highland attire, whilst wearing a tartan designed to be inclusive of all residents of a particular area. Even other ethnic groups, like the Italians, the Dutch, the Norwegians, etc. are adopting tartans and highlighting, not casting off, the connections between Scotland and their countries and people. Believe what you want to, Chris, but the kilt will not lose its Scottish roots and heritage, no matter how much you wish it.

He's not celebrating his heritage, not attending a Ren. Fair, not participating in a Holiday .... no, he's wearing it for Freedoms' sake. He's wearing it because he wants to and nobody can stop him. This kind of man will wear his kilt to work and open the door for others 'not of Scottish descent' to wear it there as well. Those who are privilaged enough to claim Scottish descent owe no thanks to this man, but for the increasing numbers of those who cannot stake such a claim then let Freedom be the reason they ....

Interesting...so I am less of a kiltwearer in your eyes because I do wear my kilt as a symbol of my heritage to Burns Suppers, St. Andrew's Society functions and educational programs that I present to local schools, etc.?

Todd