Confederate Memorial

[NorCalPiper]

I agree with you that my statement would raise rebuttal. I voiced my opinion as to what I fell is the truth. African-Americans (Except those who re-enact......) will feel uncomfortable about someone wearing such a tartan. TRUST ME GUYS-I understand that there are many variables to the conflict from us "White-Guys" point of view, but for African-Americans, anything relative to the Confederacy is an insult. If you think otherwise, you're being delusional. Just remember that post civil-war, Confederate symbology was used intensively (Certain groups using battle flags at their "Gatherings", States adopting this symbol for State flags, etc.)

I personally do not want to insult my American brothers and sisters (Again, no Afro-Centrtric pun intended) with a tartan that would make them feel I was a hill-billy racist, nor do I want them to think that kilt wearers some how have a connection to this philosophy. You guys who feel its not a big deal, thats fine. Again-JUST MY OPINION.

[BoldHighlander]

I agree with you that my statement would raise rebuttal. I voiced my opinion as to what I fell is the truth. African-Americans (Except those who re-enact......) will feel uncomfortable about someone wearing such a tartan.....

I personally do not want to insult my American brothers and sisters (Again, no Afro-Centrtric pun intended) with a tartan that would make them feel I was a hill-billy racist, nor do I want them to think that kilt wearers some how have a connection to this philosophy. You guys who feel its not a big deal, thats fine. Again-JUST MY OPINION.

Let's all get real for a moment.
Just how many African-American, or anyone else for that matter, would know what tartan it was just by looking at it? I mean seriously!

Most people cannot recognize common clan tartans without a scorecard (& I'm not just talking about non-kilt wearers either!).

So let's all just move on....

[GDub]

...TRUST ME GUYS-I understand that there are many variables to the conflict from us "White-Guys" point of view, but for African-Americans, anything relative to the Confederacy is an insult...

I agree, but... There was a recent poll that found that 26% of Americans surveyed didn't know that it was Great Britain that the U.S. declared its independence from in 1776. 26%! Unfortunately, we are a dumbed down society. Many Americans (regardless of ethnicity or race) don't know their **** from a hole in the ground. Sad, but true.

BTW, I like the tartan, but I wouldn't wear it if you put a gun to my head. Guess that's a statement of where I'm at.

[jForrester]

........, but for African-Americans, anything relative to the Confederacy is an insult. If you think otherwise, you're being delusional. ....... Again-JUST MY OPINION.

Which is a real indication of the common ignorance among Americans, since at least 93,000 of their ancestors fought for their country under that flag. Well documented in contemporary writings, but absent the PC history books of today.

[L. Ramsay]

I am personally aggravated by the notion that commemorating history somehow makes me "racist." Simply put, its about history. Its not about hate or ideology. I have no control over what others think of me or of what I wear. It shouldn't be a matter of concern, when people drag history into their own politics, it should not mean I am arbitrarily condemned.

I don't think its "this guy's" business which tartan I choose to wear, I respect his choice of tartan and I trust that I will be given the same courtesy. I also dislike the inference that all African Americans will be offended. I've reenacted ACW alongside African Americans, both with and against. We all respect that the history is the history, and no ideology is inherent.

Frankly, I think its sad when we make the default assumption that history should take a backseat to politics. Its a sign of how things have gone downhill.

[NorCalPiper]

take it easy-i just said it was my opinion. I don't think it makes anyone a racist to wear this tartan personally, but I do feel strongly that there are those that would not be able to see past what the Confederacy meant to their people. thats all.

[Zardoz]

Well, This is way off topic, but like Ramsay, I too am aggravated by the notion that commemorating certain parts of history somehow makes one a racist. So before it gets shut down I'll say this;

That fellow is wearing a tartan based on Royal Stewart, which is an emblem of Britain, being the personal tartan of Queen Elizabeth II. if I remember my history, the British Empire had the institution of slavery until 1833. So he can pick and choose where, and when, and by who, he should get offended.

It would be like anyone who's ancesters or kin were shot at by the 42nd Regiment of Foot or the Black Watch getting all bent every time somebody wore a goverment sett kilt. And don't say that was ancient history, The Black Watch were involved "the Troubles" in the 1970s.

[GaRebel211]

As an owner of a Confederate Memorial Kilt, SCV member and an avid true history nut, I would have no problem with others wearing the tartan as long as the respect and honor befalls those for who it was designed. All of my family tree is surrounded by the War, from Virginia to Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama and my old home state of Georgia. Bear in mind this-I have yet to be asked while wearing this kilt if I am racist or whatever-most people just think its neat your in a kilt, but I digress. BTW I have a confederate uniform for memorials etc- and I usually don't wear the kilt with the frock coat or shell jacket, I think it takes away from the history of it all, plus its hotter than all get out, again I digress. The main point I am trying to make is the goal of mine is to see that my ancestors are honored, nothing more never less-if others want to wear the Confederate Memorial Tartan in a kilt I say go for it for the right reasons-history,culture, and memorial.
I have had the same conversations with my wife about displaying my heritage in regards to wheather I should or should not do something in fear of offending people.What I concluded is if displays of heitage are relative to the occasion and tastefully done and in your heart you are being geniune in your purpose-people know the difference. The misrepresentation of Southern culture in todays society makes me vomit.
Also look up H.K. Edgerton for further insight.

[L. Ramsay]

Oh, and to elaborate I mean no offense to anyone, and I apologize if I sound hostile. Its my goal to be polite whenever possible, so if I stray from that please hit me with a shoe.

[L. Ramsay]

Well, seems it has turned into a wee bit of an issue after all. I'd like it if we could end on a positive note, and hopefully we can all agree to wear what tartans we will with respect towards one and all.