Sunday, February 15, 2009

Rachael Ray and that Scarf

Food Network star Rachael Ray found herself under fire when she wore a scarf in a Dunkin' Donuts commercial that some interpreted to be a kaffiyeh, a scarf worn by Arab men and often associated with radicalism. It wasn't a kaffiyeh. Mere paisley. But Dunkin' Donuts pulled the spot anyway.
Should they have? What are the consequences to either decision? What's the responsibility of the Fox News commentator who set this off? Should she have learned first whether the scarf was indeed what she thought it was?

7 comments:

Tom said...

This story happened a long time ago. The Young Turks covered this story on youtube in May of 2008.

Sarah said...

That is ridiculous, it was a scarf with no intention but to look fashionable. I see girls wearing scarves like that every day around Madison, and NEVER would I think it’s a controversial issue. Get over it people

Keemya Maghsoudi said...

I agree with Sarah, I think this is absolutely ridiculous. I see those scarves everyday, whether it's in a store window or one of my best friends is wearing it. I had no idea about the kaffiyeh but I'm positive she had no bad intentions. She probably just walked into an Urban Outfitters and saw something she liked....

christy said...

I agree that this is ridiculous. Should a person need to learn the possible history of each item of clothing or accessory before wearing it on television?

Heidi said...

This is pretty ridiculous. It seems like DD had two options: pull the commercial because of "possible miscommunication," or make a statement more sympathetic to Muslims. I think they chose very poorly. A scarf. Are you kidding me?!?

Stephen Watson said...

They probably should take that off. That scarf is really distracting during her picture. It's hideous.

Wonderful said...

I'm an ignoramus, apparently. My instincts failed to warn me of the forthcoming terrorist attack.