United States of Scotland

Something has been bugging me for a little while now, and more so lately as I find myself guilty of it too - I am talking about the Americanisation of Scotland. Now, as many of my American friends baulk at that statement, please allow me to explain before going to war on me.

I am of course talking stereotypes here, as that is rightly or wrongly, how a nation is defined. This is not a xenophobic rant either. I think it is a positive thing to take aspects from other cultures, no country is perfect and we can all learn from each other. There are however things that just fundamentally don't sit comfortably outside of their homeland.

The internet has broken down some serious walls in it's time but ironically it has also built some too. I can handle most "geek speak", the whole "LOL" and "ROFL" malarky. Now what is more than niggling me is this era of "EPIC" and "FAIL" which apparently must be shouted across the internet (and every other form of communication) in capital letters. WHY?!

Just a few years ago, alright a decade ago but I was trying to make both of us feel young there, we were bombarded with "what-ever!" and "wassup?!" from across the pond. I don't think it improves us. If anything it cheapens us and potentially damages our Scottish identity. I'm sure most Americans think it is rather crass of us to even adopt these words and phrases in the first place, as there is a historical friendship between Scotland and the States. I might be wrong, but I reckon they like us for being Scottish, and not for a "wannabe" 51st State.

Disagree? How do you feel when you hear an American attempting some "terrible" Scots words and phrases in a desperate attempt to fit in, find their heritage and prove their Scottish lineage? We like them for being who they are, American and not for pretending to be one of us. I think Americans are smart enough to know the difference and I sure as hell notice it when a Scot is adopting Americanisms.

I do think that certain aspects of the American way of life should be embraced but not at the cost of our own. Scots are well known for being the underdog and with it can come a lack of confidence. Americans have a strong belief that anything can be achieved. It's easy to see which of those is the healthier option, however on the other hand, Scots are known for being very warm, friendly, welcoming people and Americans can have a somewhat less than an attractive image born out of meaningless wars, guns and the Jerry Springer show.

There is nothing wrong in diversity amongst cultures, but I do have a problem with anyone who wants to surround themselves in another country's ways and dialect that it strips them of their own nation's identity, for that says to me they are ashamed of their own country - and speaking as a Scotsman, I know I have a lot to be proud of.

This is not about Scotland versus America, or vice-versa. This is about remembering who we are, taking pride on what we and those who came before us have achieved. That goes for any country, any nation, any person. Stand up, be proud and most importantly, be true to yourself.