The Scots Have Influenced My Culture, What Do I Do?

[davedove]

There are lots of resources that describe the influence of Scots and those of Scottish ancestry on the development of the US. Of course, to expect any Highland traditions (or any other traditions) to remain distinct is to ask for disappointment. The US is built on the blending of traditions and cultures; anyone ever hear of the "melting pot".

The real problem comes when people think that the blended traditions are the same as the original. To think that highland games in the US are the same as those in Scotland is just misinformed and a bit foolish. Of course, there are a lot of misinformed and foolish people in the world.

Just as what many in the US think of as Italian food isn't really traditional Italian food, but rather a blend of Italian and the myriad other cultures encoutnered in the US, so too are the highland games a blend of the original concept along with other things.

[Lachlan09]

There are lots of resources that describe the influence of Scots and those of Scottish ancestry on the development of the US. Of course, to expect any Highland traditions (or any other traditions) to remain distinct is to ask for disappointment. The US is built on the blending of traditions and cultures; anyone ever hear of the "melting pot".

The real problem comes when people think that the blended traditions are the same as the original. To think that highland games in the US are the same as those in Scotland is just misinformed and a bit foolish. Of course, there are a lot of misinformed and foolish people in the world.

Just as what many in the US think of as Italian food isn't really traditional Italian food, but rather a blend of Italian and the myriad other cultures encoutnered in the US, so too are the highland games a blend of the original concept along with other things.

As someone of Scottish nationality (yes, Scotland is a nation and has always been a constituent nation of the United Kingdom), I agree 100% with what you say and I see it as a positive point well made.

Americans are known for mixing, adopting and adapting to their needs and progressing their developing culture and that is healthy in any nation. To be stuck in a time-warp can only be detrimental to the original nation, what I would call the “Brigadoon Effect”. Long may the diaspora and well-wishers celebrate Scottishness in their own ways and I am very happy to see that people of other nations wish to even think of Scotland at all !

If you live in Scotland, it is go-ahead and I believe inclusive of incomers of all races, faiths and backgrounds, through my country tends to be a wee bit on the cold side for many. Most Scots don’t dwell in the past in some Celtic twilight (even Highlanders have a living to make in today’s cut-throat world) and in Scotland the Celtic-Culture Pandora’s Box is opened and controlled for festive times and does not control the population. It would be a sad day if Scotland believed all its publicity and became a pastiche and laughing-stock, a freaky, quaint tourist attraction.

So my message is “Go for it – if your kilt-socks (or hose) are lovat, purple, tartan, much-maligned-white or even polka-dot, if you wear a box-pleated travel-rug and a wide-wake hat - it doesn’t really matter – what matters is that you turned up on the day and thought Scotland is cool !”

Keep the faith !