The world of conservative punditry is in a tizzy after Michelle Malkin wondered if Dunkin' Donuts spokescheerleader Rachael Ray wasn't wearing a keffiyeh in a recent television ad. Just to be safe, Dunkin' Donuts pulled the ad.
I won't launch into any ad hominem attacks of Michelle Malkin, much as I'd like to right now. But I will offer up a few facts:
- The keffiyeh is an ancient traditional headdress worn by men, and is most connected to the Bedouins. While the keffiyeh was worn by both Yasser Arafat and Che Guevara, it was also worn by bohemian American girls in the 1980s.
- Critics of the keffiyeh's symbolism point to its connection with Palestinians and Fatah. However, Palestinians themselves wear the headdresses no matter what their party affiliation or political leanings.
- Arabs are not all terrorists. In fact, most Arabs are not terrorists. Connecting an ancient traditional garment worn by millions across dozens of countries to a tiny (no matter how awful) faction of criminals seems racist.
- Rachael Ray is not wearing a keffiyeh in this picture. She is wearing a paisley scarf with a fringe, selected by her stylist. Honestly, I don't think it looks great on her, but what do I know.
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