Sleeper Cell Infiltrates the Food Network

Rachel Ray might be a terrorist.  Not really, but to a few right-wing ideologists, the $40 Dollar a Day connoisseur set signals of being a terrorist sympathizer in her latest Dunkin’ Donuts campaign for adorning what they are scolding to be a keffiyeh.

The keffiyeh, which is traditionally worn by Arab men (and New York hipsters as Eater was so forward in pointing out) was said to be resting on Ray’s shoulders in her latest DD spot, and allied here with “Islamic jihad and its apologists.’’  At first the PR set claimed it was not a matter of concern but eventually giving into pressure from right-wing types like, Michelle Malkin, of Fox News, who vehemently wrote in her syndicated column:

‘‘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.’’

The powers that be felt it necessary to pull the ad, stating:

“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.’’

Rachel Ray, as of yet, has not offered a public statement.  Nor, should we expect her too.  Chalk this one up to a “wardrobe malfunction”.

One reply on “Sleeper Cell Infiltrates the Food Network”
  1. says: Kristen King

    Oh for goodness’ sake. This is ridiculous. It’s a SCARF in a DUNKIN’ DONUTS commercial. People need to stop LOOKING for things to get all heated up about. I’m starting to think we’re never going to get past this era of constant panic and name-calling (because yeah, calling someone a terrorist is name-calling). Grow up, folks.

    And just to be clear, Rob, I don’t fault you for reporting the event — I fault the people who are freaking out about it.

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