Well the latest big controversy is with the famous keffiyeh that Rachael Ray posed in for one of the latest Dunkin Donuts television ads. For those unfamiliar with the term, a keffiyeh is a traditional headdress of Arab men. In the 60s, the keffiyeh became a true symbol of Palestinian nationalism as a result of its association with rural areas. It also became a strong trademark of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. It has been known in the last few decades as a symbol of the murderous Palestinian jihad. Last year, the American clothing store chain, Urban Outfitters, stopped selling keffiyehs because of fear that selling them might be seen “to imply any sympathy for or support of terrorists or terrorism”.
Dunkin Donuts has decided to pull the ad because of various complaints, mainly through emails and on blogs. A Dunkin donuts spokesman issued the following statement:
“Thank you for expressing your concern about the Dunkin’ Donuts advertisement with Rachael Ray. In the ad that you reference, Rachael is wearing a black-and-white silk scarf with a paisley design that was purchased at a U.S. retail store. It was selected by the stylist for the advertising shoot. Absolutely no symbolism was intended. However, given the possibility of misperception, we will no longer use the commercial.”
Was this the right move, or is this American company jumping the gun and being overly cautious. Did Rachael ray know what she was doing? These are questions will will likely be answered in the days to come.
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