Scarf Controversy
Filed under: Fashion Smashion > Rachael Ray
What's in a scarf????
Well, Rachel Ray wore a scarf in a Dunkin' Donuts commercial that threw the conservatives into a tizzy, according to reports.
Ray wore a scarf that looks like a keffiyeh, a traditional headdress worn by Arab men (see photo above).
Fox News talking head and columnist Michelle Malkin explained, "The keffiyeh, for the clueless, is the traditional scarf of Arab men that has come to symbolize murderous Palestinian jihad. Popularized by Yasser Arafat and a regular adornment of Muslim terrorists appearing in beheading and hostage-taking videos, the apparel has been mainstreamed by both ignorant and not-so-ignorant fashion designers, celebrities, and left-wing icons."
Dunkin' Donuts at first dismissed the complaints, claiming the black-and-white wrap was not a keffiyeh.
But, the right-wing firestorm continued on the internets and by yesterday, Dunkin' Donuts decided it was easier to yank the ad.
Dunkin' Donuts said in a statement, "In a recent online ad, Rachael Ray is wearing a black-and-white silk scarf with a paisley design. It was selected by her stylist for the advertising shoot. Absolutely no symbolism was intended. However, given the possibility of misperception, we are no longer using the commercial."
What do U think of the controversy?
RaRay's stylist is getting no bonus this Christmas!
Perez,
Honestly what is this world going to become? Everyone is so paranoid, in a time of crisis I understand. but to examine details in an ad that might not even represent anything is crazy! Its like that novel 1984 again! Big brother is watching!
The black and white version of the keffiyah is worn by Palestinians, true. But it is a cultural head dress, not a religious one. The red and white version of it is worn by Jordanians. It is typically worn by men but during a recent trip to the Middle East I saw many women wearing them as scarves.
While I don't believe what Rachel is wearing is a keffiyah, it should make no difference if it was. As an American who travels abroad I am often embarrassed by the ignorance displayed by the general public here. Our media does a horrible job of telling the unbiased truth. Every news story is tainted by the political bend of the particular network responsible for the story.
People are morons. Homegirl bought that at Urban Outfitters.
you ignorant americans. that scarf is simply worn by people in palestine as a traditional costume. Just like how indians wear the sari. Its just a costume. And now its a stupid trend worn and sold at urban outfitters and all of u wear it without knowing what it means. When people wear it, cultivated people unlike rachel ray, it basicly means you're pro palestine not pro jihad
Sorry, but I agree with the people who didn't like it… A "freedom scarf" shouldn't be worn on TV… I know people who wear those damn scarves because it represents anti-war and all that bull shit. I've had friends die in Iraq to fight for your hippie freedom and as an Army veteran I don't appreciate seeing those scarves AT ALL.
Re: Joni – you're a DUMBASS
British militiamen wear it to keep the sun off their heads.
Yes the hot IRAQI sun. Please die a painful death in your trailer park. American veteran, my ass. Troll, more like.
Are you fucking kidding me? Who the hell cares about the scarf? I think Rachel should not have worn it because it looks a HOTTT mess. I mean, seriously, a gotdam scarf in May? It's not a freakin Arab scarf. I can't stand Michelle Malkin! I've read some of her articles and seen her on tv and she finds something left winged and liberal about every damn thing! And get some balls Dunkin Donuts! Geez. As if our sugar and caffeine addicted society would have boycotted you because of this stupid crap!
Re: cool m –
trailer trash indeed you un-educated piece of shit.
OMG…give it a fucking break people!! IT's a scarf! What the HELL is this world coming to.
Leave it to right wing retards to turn Rachel Ray into a terrorist over a scarf lol.
time out…. have they seen what people are wearing these days… EVERYONE has one of those scarves! ESPECIALLY in NYC
They need to get over it… talk about prejudice!
Just because you wear that scarf, your a terrorist who's chopping off heads on TV??? PLEASE
only in america right?
In Denmark all the tweens wear it, I have a purple one 
soooo pretty! X)
America, land of the retards. I should buy one of those scarfs and wear it around and see what people say.
wow. congratulations america, you finally topped yourselves.
Wow America - cant wait til next november and you vote Mcain as president, ignorant and republican to represent you!
The ghutra is what its called and every arab man, old and wise, or new and innovative wears this as part of traditional head dress. Next think you know white towels will be outlawed. (Muslims wear those when they do their pilgrimage… ooooohhh)
there are the fashion here in england!!
for god sake its a scalf..it has no bloody significance to that whatsoever..so i wish people would stop taking everything so fucking personally
God I'm quite shocked lol I'm from the U.k and loads of ppl wear those, damn that is pretty sick ppl are makin a fuss about it, get over it its a scarf for christ sake….U.K rules,,,wohooo
Hey everyone i just want to say I'm sorry, it turns out I'm the troll. I do love touching little boys butts and I am too much of a coward to join the military. also star wars is awesome.
a keffiyah definitely has no flowers…she is not wearing a keffiyah
this whole thing is dumb.. whoever started having a fit is prolly some snooty conservative who thought that.. meanwhile if they had not said anything im SURE nobody else would have known and rachel could have had her extra moment in the spotlight ..
I mean for real people scarves if you havent noticed are coming back slow but sure theyre there. And I think the scarf looks cute on her.. styled wrong possibly but its still precious! SO LEAVE DUNKIN DOUGHNUTS ALONE . that is all
that is ridiculous…it's a SCARF! maybe i should stop wearing my white hoodie lest someone mistaken me as a KKK member =O
We need to boycott Dunkin' Donuts for submitting to the opinions of Idiots,
Or Ms Ray could have the scarf mass produced and we could all have one. Why are we so afraid of a piece of cloth??????
I always knew that dumb bitch was a terrorist!
they have those friggin scarfs everywhere now! Even in department stores~
It's a fashion statement! gosh… ppl dont know "fashion" when they know it
I don't agree that the scarf is a fashion item, but everyone is wearing it these days
they probably started this controversy because the commercial had low ratings!
Who likes Dunkin Donuts anyway?
It's Krisoy Kreme and TIM HORTONS all the way babbbby
GO CANADA!!!
Things like this are becoming almost commical–why are americans so effing racist?? Playing into things like wearing a scarf? come on!!
thats so over the top like!!!!! scarfs like that r all the rage in Ireland and England!
like seriously get over it its a scarf
what?! a keffiyeh is NOT a traditional scarf of Arab men that has come to symbolize murderous Palestinian jihad.
wow. get your facts straight
She is such a BIG MOUTH, I hate her voice….
whats wrong with a keffiyah? its worn all around the middleeast dosent have anything to do with terrorism a lot of people wear it in europe ass well its a scarf, some idiot terrorist wears it bu it has no symbol value its justsomething many people wear in the middleeast
I think they are complete f*%@en retards. it's just a scarf!!!!!! pfffffffffffffff
The keffiyeh is a symbol of Palestinian solidarity and worn by westerners to show support for the Palestinian side of the Palestine-Israeli conflict. I don't see how that can be misconstrued to mean that it's worn by terrorists. Statements like these, made by the likes of Michelle Malkin spread false accusations and end up perpetuating an already tumultuous atmosphere surrounding the palestinean-israli conflict. This ignorance is infuriating.
well if they are pulling that add, why dont they pull the mercedes benz add for sex in the city. you know the one that makes it seem like a fucking car is a "DIVA". In that commercial, there is a woman with blonde hair that is wearing the same scarf but it is brown. I havent heard any bitching about that commerical yet.
wtf, this is the stupidest thing ive ever heard, people need to lighten up.
ITS A SCARF.
I think it would be a wonderful fashion forward in nolabelsecret.com
Haha, that dosen't surprise me. I almost got expelled for a bandana at school once…Thism is what the world has come to ladies and gentlemen…
Re: GYPSY – How about you get the fuck over it. He's making more deamn money that you so why should he give a fuck? Why do you either? Dumbass…
FIRST OF ALL, RACHEL RAY ROCKS! AND SHE IS NOT FAT. SHE LOOKS LIKE A HUMAN, WHO EATS REAL FOOD. AND THAT SCARF IS HOT, I LOVE IT. PEOPLE NEED TO GET OVER IT, NOT EVERYBODY WHO WALKS PAST YOU IS TRYING TO BLOW AMERICA UP
i have a real one, red and white, came from Abu Dahbi (? spelling). I use it under the Christmas Tree…
what the hell? are you kidding me with this? the right-wing-nuts with all the power need to chill out, it's fashion. but we can't expect them to know about anything other than the usual black and white, stick up my ass, suit =)
Sure it's silly that the commercial is being taken down, and I know that Rachel Ray isn't associating with the terrorists, but this isn't some evil operation to stop freedom of fashion all around the world, nor some great Conservative conspiracy.
Things get blocked all the time for being questionably offensive to any given special-interest group, left or right. As many of you have said, 'what's the big deal?', and I think that should go both ways– besides, we can all live with a little less Rachel Ray in our lives anyway.
What surprises me is that anyone listens to or pays any mind to the gaseous nonsense on Fox News. If Dunkin Donuts can’t defend themselves against something so silly they need to hire a new PR firm.
Why can't they just photoshop it out of the picture?
This is retarded! Those scarves are sold everywhere…even H&M has them. Yes, they are Palestinian but who the fuck cares?
i'm from the United Arab Emirates..regular men with no bad intentions wear these types of scarves in my country cz its a cultural thing and theyv been doing so for years..just cz some waky terrorist dudes decided to wear them on their video it doesnt mean that these scarvez symbolisez terrorists.. plzz.. ppl stop making a fuss on everything!
It sucks that people let some jerk dictate what is proper attire. Can we never use that design again, just because some numnutz used it who was an ass? I mean she didn't have it tied around her head, she used it as a scarf!
this gossh damn america… what the flying fuck does that have to do with rachal ray?
How Fucking ridiculous. I have a scarf like that, it was a huge fashion trend in Germany about 10 years ago. Every kid and their momma was wearing one. It's called ECLECTIC FASHION. We wear clothes from so many different cultures nowadays, but this one is a big deal because it's Arabic? OMFG
I wore a keffiyeh to work. I knew that it had some political meaning, and a guy walked in and was like "Where did you get that scarf?" I was like "Forever 21?" he said, "Well it's a keffiyeh, that's a good thing that you have there" I didn't realize it was like affiliated with terrorism?
That is retarded! who gives a fuck.. not all scarfs and symbols equal terrorism…loser right wing idiots.
The first thing I thought was that yeah she looks like Yaseer Arafat, it is no right wing conspiracy. Its common sense to not have a Rachel Ray wear a a scarf that resembles a terrorist on a dunkin donuts commercial somebody should have noticed. We are a country of free speech and freedom of religion. But please before her stylist does her wardrobe for another commercial, google terrorist wear.
Oh my god, - It is not the "scarf worn by arab men" nor the scarf worn by terrorists,yes, Yasser Arafat wore it but it is supposed to symbolize peace so if anything ITS A GOOD THING SHE HAS IT ONE!
Hi Perez, I just wanted to clear up some controversy I've seen in the comments here. Obviously, I'm not going to sit here and read 11 pages of commentary, but hopefully my words will be taken into consideration. Also, a lot of people are quoting wikipedia as if its the be all and end all source — without keeping in mind that it can be edited by virtually anybody.
That being said, the scarf that Ray is wearing is not a religious or political symbol–but rather a piece of clothing traditionally worn by Arab peasants / farmers / bedouins. The leaders of Fatah (in addition to fundamentalists) may have adopted the scarf in order to show their connection to the average citizen but it is NO WAY in and of itself a symbol of terrorism. In my travels to Lebanon, its the poor and lowly farmer in the middle of nowhere that has adorned this scarf. It's important for people to remember that it is an item of clothing that was found in one part of the world and that has been adopted by the West.
The recent controversy about this scarf is akin to saying that ponchos should not be worn by celebrities because Chavez wears the Andean-style wool poncho—and he's obviously a rogue leader.
Thanks,
Ka
Well I have to say that it's about time that someone worked this out. Those scarves have been in fashion here in Australia for the last year and I cannot tell you how stupid the young fashion victims who buy these look. I lived in the Middle East and the only people who wore them were muslim fundamentalists and people that live in the desert. I'm fairly open about most things but these scarves really piss me off and shouldn't be worn as fashion items when they have a much more sinister meaning! I'm glad they pulled it off, the girl looks like an idiot. People should get out and travel more…
Um… EVERY 12-16 year old in Paris is wearing this scarf right now.. FOX NEWS?? I can't believe people actually still watch Fox News. After hearing things like this, it really makes me embarrassed to be an American.. seriously..
WHATEVER HAPPENED TO FREEDOM OF SPEECH!!! THE US CURRENTLY HAS LESS FREEDOM THAN ANY COUNTRY IN EUROPE! No wonder they mock us.
ps. OBAMA
WHO THE FUCK CARESS???!!!!
The Keffiyah scarf is very popular in NYC and has been a fashion staple every winter since the early 90's. The USA is and should remain open to other cultures and customs regardless of of few bad apples. I use to hate RRay now I think she's a bit cooler. I'm sure she knew that scarf could stir up some conflict. You go girrrrl.
Come on. It's a fucking scarf. Michelle Malkin needs to pull her head out of her own ass for a second. GAWD.
If anything FOX news is the terrorist! No one said a pair of jeans and a t-shirt symbolizes terrorism during the Oklahoma bombing or any of the school shootings! Yes Arabs wear that scarf all 300 million of them (terrorist=100 maybe)!!!!!!!! GET OVER IT.. The ones who make/wear the scarf are not ignorant but the people from Fox news who are making this a big deal.
Re: Joni – What are you doing in Iraq??????? What are you fighting for??? Please let me know??? Get out…
People in this country seriously need to lighten up! What, did they think the scarf was going to cause people to start beheading each other as the drank their latte's? Are you serious!!!
wtf ppl read to much into shit worry about more important things
Why waste time and energy on THAT??!! WHO the fuck CARES???
You know you have too much time when…
Not only is it ridic that the conservatives are freaking out, but "popularized by Yasser Arafat and a regular adornment of Muslim terrorists appearing in beheading and hostage-taking videos.." Last time I checked, people ALL OVER THE ARAB WORLD wear keffiyahs. Shoot, I'm a white kid studying Arabic and I wear a keffiyah. Am I now a terrorist? Do I support them? I think not. Let's focus on other nonsense, shall we?
thats all bullshit.. its not worn my terrorists ya its worn by arabs but not all arabs are terrorists and its not a bad thing to wear that. thats very instyle right now i see those scarfs everywhere
fuckin people are all racists in this country
that scarf has nothing to do with violence
I am so glad Perez posted this cause I am in New york rocking this scarf thinking its so cute obviously ignorant and this older black man asked me "Are you a terrorist?" Becareful girl with that scarf people may think you're a terrorist." Clueless I was..but just cus I wear often wear a wifebeater..doesn't mean I am a wife beater…hahahahaha
that scarf is from urban outfitters and is FABULOUS, but miss ray is NOT a hipster by any means and needs to take it off
dont know about everywhere else but in new zealand all the little fashionistas are wearing these, without intending meaning. to be honest they probably have no idea that it is traditional dress. Just a fashion thing, nothing more
USA - RIDICULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh, come on!
EVERYBODY wore these scarfs in Denmark a few months back - I don't get the big fuzz …
for ALL people ignorant and not so…. if it really was a qiffyeh it doesn't represent jihad in any way.. it might be an Arabic scarf but it is not only worn by men… woman wear wear too. it comes in red and black and many people from different nationally wear it…and it is just a trend so… get a break!!!!who cares..
I have 3 i know their origin i still wear them .
Topshop have them
Im from england
like your country dosnt have better things to worry about!!!!!!!!!
Stupid americans.
ive seen this type of scarf on kanye, rihanna even alicia keys..chill peoples its just a fashion trend
Re: glitte said this xenophobic and ignorant comment: "Stupid Americans" –
Are you one of those people that takes the actions of few, and spins them into the actions of many? I wouldn't have HEARD about this silliness if it wasn't for Perez and his sheeple exaggerating and making a big deal about the happenstance.
im sorry but this is so daft! stop being so dramatic and freak out about stuff that really matter…like rachel ray is a terrorist…..how extremely daft!!!!
Re: London –
Um thinking that anyone thought she was a terrorist is pretty daft too.
these wee big in the uk about 6 month ago everyone was wearing them i have an fcuk one !
In holland almost everyone wears a skarf like this, so why the fuss? I really don't get it :S
I have a scarf very similar to this, it's cotton and thicker but a similar design and the same colour. I was walking down the street in Sydney Australia (where I live) and a man asked me if I was an arab. I thought he was joking, I just said no, smiled and bought my apple. I love my scarf so much and who cares if I look like an arab. they have beautiful skin so I was kind of flattered
It's such a coincidence though.
Hmmm… the advertising industry (MEDIA) upset about a scarf looking pro-Palestinian???? Big surprise considering who runs all U.S. media corporations! This is retarded. Why should 2% of the U.S. population control what we see, hear and absorb on a daily basis?
how fucking stupid. stupid stupid stupid
This is ridiculous, everybody wears this in Paris, we dont care if it is controversial, this is so stupid! Where is the sense of fashion and interpretation of the signs? We should stop wearing crosses on chains if it is obscene!
Are you kidding me they pulled down the commercial because of a SCARF.. that is retarted… GOSH what has this world turned into. We live in a free country but if we affend someone by anymeans you have to take down your advertising.
Its the latest fashion and if people cant realize that they need to open a magazine..that typ of scarf is sold at Urban Outfitters for CRIST sake! LAME!
Re: tammy said : Hmmm… the advertising industry (MEDIA) upset about a scarf looking pro-Palestinian???? Big surprise considering who runs all U.S. media corporations! – '
Tell us tammy. Who runs all US media corporations. Hold on, let me put my tin hat on first..
Silly..
BTW it's just as lame as those insecure wankers that wanted the 10 commandment statue or whatever taken out of government property even though they weren't being used as any guidelines.
But I bet a lot of you that are bitching about this, supported that one didn't yas.
I say people have too much time on their hands. They need to worry about more important things like the economy, and how the thousands of unemployed people are going to find a job that pays enough to support their families. The U.S. is going down the crapper fast and all people can worry about is a stupid-ass scarf. God help us!!
I actually bought that exact scarf at urban outfitters, it's not the same pattern as a Keffiyah at all… Why is it that people are so fucking sensitive about those kinds of things~? It's fucking absurd.
Re: Vivian exclaimed: he U.S. is going down the crapper fast!!11 –
AND THE SKY IS FALLING!1
Exactly who cares if it looks like a Keffiyah. A scarf is a scarf. It depends how you wear it and whose wearing it. People need to get over themselves. This world consists of many different cultures and religions, not just their own. It's ridiculous how pathetic some people can be.
what, is every black and white scarf a keffiyeh nowadays?!? it's obviously paisley and not checkered! morons.
absolutely RIDICULOUS……
so, all muslims are terrorists? do we have to go down that path again? how can something that is "traditional" item of clothing be a symbol of terrorism.
next they're going to be saying that all arab men should stop wearing the scarves because they look like terrorists. RIDICULOUS!!!!
People are fucking stupid. Who is the racist, republican moron that pulled this one out of his ass this time?!
these sorts of scarves are really popular in aus. i dont see the problem with them.
Re: suz People are fucking stupid. Who is the racist, republican moron that pulled this one out of his ass this time?! –
Since when is Muslim a race? *puzzled look* And I know plenty of racist Democrats. Doesn't have to be a Repub (even though in this case it probably is) There are extreme nuts on both sides. Politicians are politicians. And extreme party zealots on either side act this way. Political extremism or zealousness on either side is bad.
That is why I've always voted for the person, not the party.
Down with the two party system!
that scarf is not a muslim symbol… its from spain, its popular in the northern vask region, and all the kids wear them!!! they are very hip.
It's Michelle Malkin for fucks sake! She's another Bill O'Reilly cum dumpster. The bitch is Psycho!!! She's the kinda hot Asian (wont even admit it) Man Coulter! A total right wing groupie.
WOW!!!!!!!(:
It is really too bad that those who are criticizing this do not have basic knowledge of international relations, or for that matter even read one article about jihad. This is absolutely ridiculous. do your research and leave rachel ray alone. for those in media attacking this, why don't you actually go to those middle eastern countries and do research instead of playing guessing games here in the states… hows that for some fun huh?????