Michelle Malkin's Meltdown Over Dunkin Donuts and Rachael Ray's Scarf
Michelle Malkin has too much time on her hands.If you don't recognize the name, she's the flavor-of-the-month among conservative commentators. True, she has significant credentials as a journalist. But (and I can say this as an Asian-American woman) she would probably not be where she is today as a blonde-haired, blue-eyed, standard-issue conservative. Because Malkin is Filipino - and Asian-Americans are a rare commodity in the conservative movement - she brings with her the cachet of diversity. And that makes her the current conservative 'It' girl pundit. But I digress.
Michelle Malkin has too much time on her hands because of what she made Dunkin Donuts do - pull a TV ad featuring All-American girl/talk show host/TV food queen Rachael Ray simply because she was wearing a scarf that looked too 'Arab.' Apparently her neckwear resembled a garment called a keffiyeh, as Malkin writes:
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.Malkin's online fuss incited a number of bloggers to climb onto her "Bad Scarf! Bad Dunkin Donuts!" bandwagon. And Dunkin Donuts, fearing a boycott, yanked the commercial from the airwaves.
This profoundly bothers me, especially coming from a woman of color. I'd expect a bit more understanding and insight from her than this knee-jerk response. When we demonize people, their apparel and the culture they come from, and practice guilt by association to the extent that we feel threatened by a scarf in a Dunkin Donut commercial, it's a sad, sad moment.
Just a few decades ago Malkin herself would have been suspect - racially profiled as a person of Asian descent during World War II - after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. (I too would have been suspect; as the half-Japanese daughter of a full-blooded Japanese woman, I - along with my mother - would certainly have been sent to an internment camp.)
So Malkin should understand the slippery slope we step on when we start to go after people on such ridiculous grounds. I know I do.
Multiculturalism is the bedrock underlying our rich American soil; ours is a melting-pot nation where immigrants have planted roots, raised families, and become U.S. citizens. Malkin's own parents are Filipino immigrants who came here and had a daughter who availed herself of all the advantages an open society has to offer, including education, freedom of speech, and the right to protest a commercial for a coffee shop chain.
Wearing a scarf that looks like a keffiyeh in a TV commercial that sells coffee is not a political statement. It's nothing more than a fashion accessory that a stylist picked out simply because she thought it looked good on Rachael Ray. That's all. Story over. Case closed.
And by going after this commercial for that one trivial choice, Malkin cements her reputation as "the Asian Ann Coulter" by creating controversy just to get headlines and attention.
If she has the ear of conservatives nationwide, then do something better with that time and that talent than focusing on television commercials and what pitch people wear.
Photo © Peter Kramer/Getty Images
Addendum: Pierre Tristam, About.com Guide to Middle East Issues, has an insightful and in-depth piece on the meaning and history of the keffieh (the traditional spelling) and looks at it in the context of how it is worn in the Middle East and the larger world. Indiana Jones fans: Pierre notes the keffieh's influence on pop culture fashion, including the fact that "Sean Connery’s Henry Jones Sr. character, in a nod to Lawrence of Arabia’s fashion sense, [wears] a keffieh toward the end of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade." I urge you to read Pierre's post (and listen to him in an NPR news feature on the Dunkin Donuts keffieh controversy) for a thoughtful perspective from one who is well-versed in Middle East issues and culture.
And Epicurious.com, the destination of serious foodies, also weighs in with "The Perfect Hate Storm: Malkin vs. Rachael Ray and Dunkin' Donuts" on its Epi-log blog. Michael Y. Park makes many excellent points about why Malkin's argument regarding the keffiyeh is flawed.
Finally, Business Week takes up the topic in its Brand New Day blog and voices total contempt; David Kiley calls it "utterly lame and stupid" and describes it as the "idiotic issue of the week."
Comments
I always find it interesting when persons from “profiled” segments of society are conservative mouthpieces… obviously they don’t remember what the Cyclops told Odysseus, “To thank you, I will eat you last.”
If Michelle Malkin is a “woman of color,” and this designation supposedly includes women who are black, Asian, Latina, Native American, Pacific-Islander, Middle-Eastern, and aboriginal Australian, but not — and this is the only group not included — white women, does that make you a woman of no color?
Your offensive term is designed to marginalize women of only one race, and treat them as if they are somehow inferior morally to the vast majority of women. That you are a member of the group you seek to marginalize and scorn makes you just as guilty of moral McCarthyism.
Glass houses.
Flavor of the Month Conservative Journalist, eh? Well, since you went down that road I suppose that would make you Flavor of the Last 15 Minutes. I enjoyed MM’s work before I had a clue as to what she looked like, you prejudiced hack.
this is used by supporters of anti semitic terrorism (note to liberals anti semitism is the oldest form of racism) hamas = nazism some how i doubt this will be posted.
it must bother leftists that jews today don’t turn the other cheek, i perfer live jews to dead jews with leftist sorrow. we been there done that. no one gave a **** when jews were murdered in the past why should i expect today’s anti semites to be any different?
SeafoodGumbo, I am confused as to your comments. I clearly identify myself as a woman of color in the opening paragraphs – I myself am Asian American as my Japanese mother moved to the States well after WWII after marrying my American ‘white’ father.
As for the term “women of color,” you may be offended, but is commonly used and commonly accepted; for many of us, it is a much-preferred term to ‘minority’ and a way to be inclusive, rather than exclusive.
No, a white woman would not be a ‘woman of no color.’ Instead of using the term ‘white,’ many self-identify as Caucasian, European-American, or any of a number of terms that are coming into (or are currently in) vogue.
What I tried to express is my frustration with Malkin, who intentionally promotes divisiveness in much of her commentary. For those who have been marginalized because they are different from the ‘dominant culture,’ it seems strange that once they achieve prominence and some level of fame, they themselves practice marginalization of others.
What I’m arguing for is that she not practice this herself, but instead use her voice to bring people together, not set them upon each other. And hiding behind the label ‘conservative commentator’ does not give her the right to promote hatred, as that does a disservice to conservatives who are not like-minded.
Have you done any research on MM at all? Anything? Read any of her views on the subjects you mention she would be a victim of in the past? Also, the keffiyah is a symbol of the Jewish destruction by Palestinians or any other muslim country to MOST of the world. How would you feel is you were black and suddenly it became cool to have rebel flag shirts worn all over the world? That certainly hasn’t gone over well and does make the msm take notice. Now you can wonder if I am a black woman and that I feel lucky to get eaten last; or if I a I’m a Jew defending Israel, or just a typical person of no color at all.
princetrumpet, it’s easy to be cruel and snarky when you can hide behind an anonymous made-up name. I’d like to see you post that with your own name. Everything I write has my name and photo attached.
Having said that, I’d guess that you are conservative since you agree with Ms. Malkin. My point is this – she’s achieved prominence and split from the larger pack of anonymous female conservative voices because of her ethnicity. She’s been known to say, “I’m American” and dismiss her Asian-American heritage. That’s disingenuous, and I speak as an Asian-American woman who has had doors open to me because I bring diversity.
For me to say, “Oh, no, I’m here on merit alone!” is to be that prejudiced hack that you accuse me of being – prejudiced against the fact that ours is NOT a color-blind society, and that I’ve had a chance here and there precisely because I am of mixed cultural heritage.
As for my fifteen minutes, well, I’m fortunate to have this platform, and I try to be responsible in promoting unity, not divisiveness. If you have issues with that, so be it.
This is an FYI. The scarf Rachel is wearing has a paisley design. The design on a kiffiyeh is black and white check or red and white check. That’s what I saw when I lived in the middle east. I’m surprised that a jounalist of Malkin’s reputation would make such a mistake.
Dianna, I am familiar with Malkin’s views and I know that she’s stated the internment of Japanese-Americans in California during World War II was justified. And that’s why I specifically mentioned that in the context of my post.
If you’ve done any reading on Japanese internment camps (and I have as a Japanese-American interested in the history of my race in this country), you’ll know how inhumane the ‘camps’ were, and how many Japanese-Americans lost land, property, businesses, and their lives, all because they shared a cultural heritage with those whom we were at war with.
Many were as American as you or I, born and raised in this country but with Japanese surnames and Asian features; they were forced into these camps while their non-Japanese spouses (white, Caucasian, you choose the term) were not required to go.
I bring this up because we have advanced as a nation; after 9/11, we did not talk about rounding up people of a certain cultural background even though ‘their people’ flew planes into the World Trade Center. Yet we continue to racially profile ‘these people’ and anyone who may look like them. And they suffer for it. It’s an imperfect system, but we’re getting better.
Dianne, I would ask you – do you have issues with turbans, or those who wear them? Those who’ve traditionally oppressed Jews wear turbans. Does that make anyone wearing a turban a bad person? Having been raised a Jew, I can understand your point of view, but that doesn’t mean we should discriminate against those who cover their heads in this fashion for cultural or religious reasons.
The keffiyah is an item of clothing, as the kimono is an item of clothing, or a turban is an item of clothing. These things do not oppress or kill people. They have no power beyond what we bestow upon them. But to say, “You can wear this but you can’t wear that” is a dangerous path to follow, because where it ends is anybody’s guess. And that’s what’s happened with Malkin, Ray and Dunkin Donuts.
Personally, I don’t want to see us – as a nation – go down that path.
Clothes can certainly be political statements. You ignore that fact.
I have no problem with turbans. They do look uncomfortable though.
Ms. Lowen,
Your piece contains a number of statements that I, and many others of varied political affiliation, find to be repugnant.
Provoked by nothing other than Malkin being the bearer of a viewpoint you oppose, you — with no evidence, other than the false expertise bestowed by your own skin color — label her some sort of conservative “affirmative action” hire.
This is infantile and cowardly — not to mention unprovable. A more principled writer would challenge Malkin’s argument solely on its merits.
You then write:
“When we demonize people, their apparel and the culture they come from, and practice guilt by association to the extent that we feel threatened by a scarf in a Dunkin Donut commercial, it’s a sad, sad moment.”
Malkin does not “demonize” anybody. Nowhere does she practice “guilt by association”.
Rather, she accurately points out that the kaffiyeh has been adopted by terror groups as an identifying symbol. It is no longer simply a cultural item, much as the swastika is no longer simply an age-old design.
You have attempted to delegitimize her rational argument — an argument whose parallels, involving perhaps a swastika, a white hood, or a king’s cross, you likely agree with. You are the one being shallow and relativist here, and it makes for a rather ugly and offensive read.
It truly is sad when all of you thoughtless conservatives freak out over nonsense. When anyone does, for that matter. I have had a lot of experience with stereotypes and being presumed to be one thing…I am a gay man and white (or rather pale) even though my ancestry is American Indian, Indo-Asian and Mexican. I do not get why you are all so hateful to Ms. Lowen. I have read, seen and heard many hurtful “speeches” by Ms. Malkin. And Ms. Lowen is correct she is an Asian Anne Coulter. So tasteless and so wasteful of the precious time we have here to help one another!
If you had an journalistic skills at all you would have known that Malkin had clearly stated she was giving Dunkin Donuts the benefit of the doubt. Hers was an observation only on Rachael Ray’s attire, not a call to action.
I can understand your catty reaction though, being that you keep a weenie About.com with its modest traffic while Malkin attracts millions of visitors a month in comparison.
Jealousy is such an ugly beast isn’t it?
Lincoln, I wouldn’t trade my life for Malkin’s for anything. And as you can read from every post I’ve written and every comment I’ve left for those who savage me here, I’m not a bitter, angry, or emotionally ugly person.
As I said earlier, I’m fortunate to be doing this. And I’m grateful for everyone and anyone who takes the time to read what I have to say. Even if they (like you) don’t agree with me. You’ve given me your time and attention, and many of us can’t even get that from loved ones! So for strangers to invest that in my words is a gift. Thank you for it.
I’m not here for page views, fame, or money. Like nearly all About.com Guides, I’m passionate about my subject, women’s issues. And I believe that we all need to be morally accountable for what we write.
In every interaction in our lives, we can do one of two things – we can help and encourage each other, or ignore and even hurt others. I try every day to help, not hurt. I’m sure this sounds like a Pollyanna attitude, but like many people, I’ve had extremely difficult times in my life, and those moments have taught me that we all should value what we have, and do any bit of good that we can do.
I’m not jealous of Malkin, but I feel that she has sold out in many ways. What she says about her alma mater, Oberlin College, is just plain mean-spirited. So much of what she writes is intended to incite and cause outrage. Is that the legacy she wants to leave? Is that what she wants to read to her child and say, “Mommy wrote this!”
No, thanks. Not me.
As for her giving Dunkin Donuts the benefit of the doubt? Hmmm. She’s a bright woman who knows what she’s doing with every turn of a phrase. Of course she knew this would be picked up and repeated in the blogosphere. And if Dunkin Donuts pulled the spot, it would get her media attention. Which it has.
So I applaud her for playing the system so competently. She’s smart, she’s media savvy, she’ll certainly get her own show at some point in the future on some cable news network because she’s a hot commodity. Good for her! I’m sure you’ll be watching.
ThePosthumousLuger, are you and I reading the same Michelle Malkin post? Because she certainly does demonize people who wear the keffiyeh. Her words, quoted:
“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….Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez, Spain’s Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean, Hollywood darlings Colin Farrell, Sienna Miller and Kirsten Dunst, and rapper Kanye West have all been photographed in endless variations on the distinctive hate couture. So has Meghan McCain, daughter of the GOP presidential candidate, who really ought to know better given that her dad positions himself as the candidate best equipped to “confront the transcendent challenge of our time: the threat of radical Islamic terrorism.”
The words “ignorant (and not so ignorant)” and “hate couture” are not idly placed in her argument. Likewise, she spears the usual liberal targets – celebrities, fashion designers, Hollywood types, prominent Dems. This is all shorthand for demonization of the liberal right.
My argument is that Malkin can better serve conservative dialogue without fostering hatred. Whatever happened to William F. Buckley conservatism? He was a gentleman to the end. I am a fan of About.com’s U.S. Conservatives Guide, Justin Quinn, who writes on the topic without doing what Malkin does – using loaded language to incite. I think he admirably serves the conservative movement, I respect him as a writer, and I consider him a friend.
Of course Malkin’s cultural background has something to do with where she is today. To say that’s not so is to be both overly PC and disingenuous.
We are all seen, judged, hired, promoted in terms of our gender, age, race, physical characteristics, attractiveness and weight. I have a brilliant friend – white, male, mid 40s, former journalist – who can’t get a good job in his career field because he is a very large man. He’s a much better writer than Malkin and argues every point with wit, intelligence, numerous references to current events and quotes from classic literature. But he is fat and nobody wants to hire fat people.
Malkin isn’t merely an ‘affirmative action’ hire; she made it on both her merits and the fact that she brings added value to the conservative movement by way of her cultural heritage. It’s not ‘infantile’ to state that – it’s honest. And yes, it matters that I, as an Asian American woman, make that statement, because we both fight the same cultural stereotypes regarding Asian women. Someone outside that set of shared experiences comprehends it far differently than someone who lives it daily.
One final thought about the keffiyeh – I’d urge you to read “The Keffieh and the Arab Heartland” penned by About.com’s Pierre Tristam, who writes about Middle East Issues. As one well-versed in the subject, I give credence to what he says over Malkin’s take on this garment.
I think that is absurd and can only say this “michelle relax and have a donut”
seriously….michelle, for such a smart woman you really are a first class idiot. get a f**king clue.
Calling attention to a scarf is another one of those tried and tested distractions and misdirections (”war on christmas”) especially when you have literally been a cheerleader for the Iraq war:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tt_YcQlYxyY
gives new meaning to the term “Media Who*e”
Linda – you’re clueless.
Anyone reverse racist here, who feels superior to M. Malkin, should read “Islam Unveiled” by Robert Spencer for a dose of reality. Or any book on Islamic society and jihad. Or any book, for that matter, other than diet or self-help.
You know, I read all the comments and it wasn’t until I got to the last one by Paul that I felt I just had to respond. In three sentences you clearly demonstrated just how superior you feel to everyone who disagrees with you.
So – just because I think Malkin went off the deep end with this scarf thing, I must not read? Excuse me – maybe I haven’t read your books of choice, but I wonder if you’ve read mine, either (any book that disagrees with your biases)?
Not to mention that I’m the only non-English teacher/professor I know who has actually read Moby Dick more than once.
Ms. Lowen, thank you for enlightening me about this issue.
Paul, although I don’t appreciate the smugness or put-downs (or poorly-based assumptions) inherent in your comment, I do appreciate the recommendation. I have previously read about Islam in a more scholarly context, comparing its roots to those of other faiths. But I have not read extensively on how its belief system jells with contemporary society or the clash of East/West values.
Looking into Robert Spencer’s other works, however, gives me pause about reading his specific world view. His other titles include,
“The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam (and the Crusades),” ” Religion of Peace?: Why Christianity Is and Islam Isn’t,” “The Truth About Muhammad: Founder of the World’s Most Intolerant Religion,” and ” Inside Islam: A Guide for Catholics.”
These titles do not suggest a wholly unbiased approach to the examination of Islamic faith.
Nonetheless, you’re correct – I should be reading up on Islam to better understand the roots of this and other current headlines rooted in the Middle East. And I’ll browse the shelves of my local bookseller to update my knowledge in this area, armed with a list of recommended (and unbiased) readings from Pierre Tristam, About.com’s Guide to Middle East Issues.
Michelle Malkin is one of those special folks who proves that members of all ethnic groups can be racist xenophobic knuckleheads. My favorite tidbit of hers is that 110,000 Japanese-Americans DESERVED to be interned during World War II, when any thinking person with a smattering of interest in history understands it was the racist west coast sentiment of the time that made that happen (no single instance of Japanese-American spying was ever found). My favorite stupid line of hers (I’m sure there would be so many more if I could stand listening to her) was that no one forced the children to go to the Japanese-American camps, they just put the adults there. Well, my parents-in-law, who were in camps as children, apparently selfishly decided to stay with their parents during their incarceration–duh!
Malkin is a bonehead. But what we have learned in the last 8 years is that we have to fear the uneducated boneheads who have power, but no knowledge of history.
Oh my heavens…now any scarf I wear has to be screened by pundits to determine whether I’m sending a message? Is a lavender and fuchsia floral pattern OK? Only red-white-blue acceptable? What if it’s red-white-blue web-like? Really, that paisley design looks nothing like the Arafat pattern. Paisley originated in Persia but has no political significance. It was popularized in Europe through the East India Company imports and a mill in Scotland in the town of Paisley. I’ve always associated paisley with India, I guess that’s why.
I’ve seen neck scarves becoming the in-thing with men lately. They range from gauze-like (Ewan McGregor) to grandma-knit-this. C’mon, sometimes a scarf is just a scarf!
Michelle Malkin, you’re absolutely right…that scarf means that Rachele Ray is a terrorist. Thank you for cooperation…[comment edited for content]
I have read some of Ms. Malkins so-called writing and am aware of how very conservative she is. Indeed, she and Anne Colter are two of a kind – both are sensation seeking and will do or write anything to get an audience. However, by calling her some of names I have read on previous messages, her critics are playing right into her hands. It is best to ignore such people as Malkin and refuse to read their idiotic comments and racial slurs. Why give her a forum for her stupidity? Even this shall pass away –
Dear Santa, when gathering moose poop this summer – scoop a load up for Ms. M. – she is a good one! And don’t forget to fill Jay Severin’s cowboy hat, too.
You ignorant people are missing the fact that the Keffiyeh is an important garment to our troops. I personally know 5 military troops who’ve been to Iraq and used them extensively.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keffiyeh#Military_use
Malkin is the Queen of thinly veiled incendiary propaganda. She is foul, plain and simple. She is actually more foul than Mr. Coulter because, as Linda pointed out, she has volunteered to be a voice for hate and somehow think she’s exempt from it because she pushes their agenda louder and more obnoxious than anyone else.
She loves to make these exaggerated claims to get the ignorant townsfolk all riled, then when it turns out she was misinformed or out and out lying, she does NOTHING to appologize or to squash the anger that she help create. She just moves along looking for the next dumpster to set ablaze so she can rant and rave about it.
Malkin is a terrorist. She runs around trying to make people fearful that her idiot of a day accusations of supporting hate will be unleashed unless they put a cross and a white person on every ad. She’s the decendant of a Filipina *** mother, and a drug smuggling father. Perhaps she’ll want to keep that in mind when she’s making false and uneducated accusations. Truly one of today’s grandest idiots.
That woman’s as big an embarrassment to conservatives as Ann Coulter. She makes everyone look bad.
Upon further inspection…maybe the garment is a terrorist…check out the pic…
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y50/alex33016/Hot%20Guys/rachael_ray_keffiyeh2.jpg
White, black, Asian, male, female, Hispanic, young, old, etc., etc., all these conservative pundits have one thing in common: they have the knack for putting their feet in their mouths.
This is completely bogus….it’s a paisley scarf people!! This is being blown out of proportion! People are making too big of a deal out of this! “Rachael Ray is supporting terrorism…” how retarted!?!?! Once again it’s just a scarf!
OMG right wing conservative hate speech like this gets me SO turned on!!! I’ve never heard of Malkin before today, so I’m thrilled to find a nice replacement for all my Coulter pinups. Her stuff is getting tired, but this one has come on the scene (somehow?) by alerting us to a fuzzy scarf!
Clearly her journalistic prowess is going to earn her a Peabody worthy of someone like Mr. OReilly. Way to dig deep Malkin and go there when nobody else dared!
Lowen 1 : Malkin -1
I cannot believe that Dunkin Donut or any other company would cave in to some “muderous” comments by this b… or any other individuals with Fox crediantials! is this another way of seeking publicity along the line of Anne (the c….) Colter? what’s this b….anyway?
Kudos on Linda Lowen’s intelligent comments and insightful perspectives. The sad reality is that all of it is beyond Michelle Malkin’s comprehension.
Dear God, help us all. We have been standing on the cliff of ridiculousness and fallen into the quary of absurdity.
Scarves? Seriously?
I did get a good chuckle out of her article, though. Typical neo-conservative fear-mongering. It never stops being a source of great entertainment to me. I have to question the intelligence of those who buy into it as well. It’s truly mind-boggling.
All this about a scarf in a freaking Donut commercial? Seriously??? No, SERIOUSLY?? Oh, wait, come to think of it, that Spanish Rice I ate last night looked a lot like couscous DISGUISED as Spanish Rice! OMG, Spain is in on this too! Oh and Spain once was onced ruled by the Moors, and we all know where the Moors came from. Holy Kolache, Batman, we’re doomed!
Nicely put. I couldn’t agree with you more. Ms Malkin should know better!
UNBELIEVABLE..How sad it has become to have people cause such a ridiculous stir over wearing a scarf. Does this mean if we wear black and white together that we are offending the MULSIMS..hmmm seems like that is the most popular color people wear in clothing..give me a break…You offend me Michelle Malkin and all of us who believe in the freedom of speech and rights..If you don’t like it than go back to where you came from..AND shame on Dunkin Donuts for allowing this woman to cause fear on boycotting their donuts..By them doing what they did, I will NOW boycott them, Baskin Robbins and all their affilitates..SUCH greed..
Her comment about the scarf is upsurd!!! If we are stereotyping based on appearance or dress, I could easily say that just because she is a Filipino she must be Abu-Sayyaf’s al-Qaeda connection. F.Y.I – I have worked the past 6 years in nearly 40 different countries, many of them Islamic, including Iraq in 2004 and Afghanistan in 2004 and 2007, as a contractor to organizations such as the US Dept of State, USAID and NATO.
Further proof that Krispy Kreme > Dunkin Donuts.
Linda Lowen is seriously confused regarding what it means to be an American in the great melting pot. Multiculturalism is not as Lowen says “the bedrock underlying out rich American soil.” E Pluribus Unum is the bedrock she is looking for. The United States has never adopted an official policy of multiculturalism.
The idea that Michelle Malkin has some sort of journalistic “credentials” is laughable. Real journalists at least attempt to find the truth. Michelle and the truth aren’t even on nodding terms….
I just have to thank the fellow that made comment #38 — right on!!! Thank you for giving me a chuckle – because actually this Malkin and her ilk make me cringe in fear. Their ignorance is stunning, but the fact that they seem actually to have influence over others is truly frightening. Thank you to #38 for summing up the pettiness and paranoia.
Michelle (and the people who defend her) are the standard-bearers for everything that has gone wrong in the United States over the last 20 years. Much as Malkin believe the keffiyeh to be representative of terrorism, the word “conservative” has been hijacked by a generation of bigoted bullies. Barry Goldwater must be rolling in his grave.
I cannot believe the closedmindedness of people. The first few responses just spouted the prevailing wingnut propaganda. (I guess it saves brain cells). Thanks you Lowen for your thoughtful post. I can’t believe that anyone would take the rantings of a self-loathing apologist seriously.
For those who think Malkin merely offered her opinion, this conversation wouldn’t be taking place if that were the case. Those who disagree, with her opinion would’ve merely rolled their eyes and moved on. However, Malkin riled up the blogosphere over the ugly, paisley, silk scarf, to the point that they threatened to boycott Dunkin Donuts. …AND, before you part your lips to say (or rtouble your fingers to type) that Malkin had no control over other people, read her blog. She congratulates Dunkin Donuts on their decision and ends her post with a warning about fashion in the wake of 9/11. That is ridiculous.
Those equating the scarf to a swastika or a hood are comparing apples to oranges. This is NOT an accurate parallel. It more like saying Klansman wear brown work-boots so everyone wearing brown boots needs to examine the message they are sending. “Oh look, celebrity X is wearing designer brown boots, he or she must be a sympathizer.”
No.
Anti-semitism is wrong, does it really matter how long it has been around? Japanese Internment was a dark moment in history as well, and Malkin is an internment apologist. I really don’t understand how someone can fight against anti-semitism, and turn around and defend Malkin.
I am dissapointed in Dunkin Donuts because they really should have done some critical thinking here. They just cosigned some utter BS.
Agreed, Krispy Kreme> Dunkin Donuts
“What you permit, you promote.”
Um, Ken? Do you know what e pluribus unum means? It means “out of many, one.” I can’t think of any more succint definition of embracing many cultures in one country.
I enjoyed MM’s work before I had a clue as to what she looked like, you prejudiced hack.
I find it interesting that you call Ms. Lowen a “prejudiced hack” in the same sentence where you praise Malkin. The latest Wicked Witch of the Right is an extremely prejudiced woman who encourages racial profiling, and this scarf incident is a perfect example of the extent of her bigotry.
Terrorist wears clothes. I wear clothes. I am tacitly supporting the jihaddist message by wearing clothes therefore I am going to go butt naked so i am not seen as suppoting the jihaddist message
Michelle Malkin is full of crap, like most conservative news bloggers.
Yes, out of many, one. The point being, ONE. ONE people who are united by a common language. Come to America, learn the language then BE an American. These are the United States and this is ONE land. The citizens of this country should not embrace the multicultural policies which are currently destroying Europe. So, um, yes I understand what E Pluribus Unum means, and now so do you.
So, Ken, let me understand your position: “Learn the language then BE an American” translates to this key point – you think U.S. citizens with limited English skills should be required to vote in English? You oppose current federal law and the existing Voting Rights Act and its bilingual ballot requirement (enacted in 1975), which includes “provisions that require cities and counties to provide bilingual ballots when 5 percent of voting-age citizens are deemed by the U.S. census to be limited in English,” even though 36 states are legally required to have them?
Guaranteeing access to a ballot is a constitutional right. And despite rumblings such as yours that surface again and again, in 2006, the House soundly defeated an English-only ballot amendment.
Clearly, you must not live in a border state that has hundreds of thousands of Spanish-speaking legal U.S. citizens, or any of a number of cities and communities where multiculturalism thrives. Texas and Hawaii are states that have been multicultural from day one.
I wouldn’t come down hard on you, Ken, but your response to Marcia is heavy-handed and condescending, and indicates a lack of understanding of federal, state and local laws. We live in a multicultural country. You just haven’t noticed it yet, or are unwilling to accept it.
I find it amusing how Michelle Malkin gets all uptight over a scarf. Give me a break. It’s too bad that people like her are so insecure that they need to be the news item of the day.
I am bemused that we haven’t focused on clothing before — like on all the professional sports teams that changed their clothing (i.e., uniforms and souvenir apparel) to appeal to gangs. Atlanta Falcons, Cincinnati Bengals and countless other teams switched to black colors to increase their appeal as bad boys, which were then adopted by gangs in various cities. Teams now sell caps, t-shirts, etc to appeal to these types. Walk in L.A., ride the subway in NYC and you will see what I mean.
I would hazard a guess that more people have been killed in L.A., Chicago and other cities in gang-related violence than in 9/11. For example, more than 2 dozen elementary school kids have died since September — all in their neighborhoods not at the schools.
It reminds me of when kids were killing each other to get money for Air Jordans — the emblem of overpriced outsourced junk. But because money was being made, you never heard from Nike (the outsourcer), Michael Jordan (the model) or from Spike Lee (the commercial endorser) about the crimes.
But because capitalism is our religion, we embrace such money-making behavior. Don’t sacrifice for the war — go out and shop is the message of the government. Go out and buy cheap, shoddy, harmful goods from China (all that is made in America are bloggers at this point) — the Chinese are our trade allies and the worst human rights offenders and polluters on the planet. But they are our economic partners so they are o.k.
Malkin is the typical ignorant talking head (on both sides) who wants to sell a viewpoint that is intolerant and in keeping Americans in line.
Until people think for themselves and realize that tolerance and freedom of expression are the ultimate weapon against evil, then knee-jerk behavior like Malkin’s can only lead to defeat.
Michelle Malkin should never be taken seriously. She is one of many whose source of livelihood is the stark and contrarian views on one day and racist demagogic ideas on the other. She is totally useless …
I am an American of English and Arab heritage and proudly wear the keffiyeh. It is beautiful, versatile, and comfy. It no more signfies terror, merely because some terrorists wear it, than does the yarmulke, merely because some terrorists wear that article of clothing. Am I to forsake tweed, so as not to imply that I am an Indian-killing, colonizing, slave-holding Englishman?
I believe that conservative folks like Malkin have so little to offer intellectually that all they can manage is the sort of ignorant racist ranting displayed in the case of the Dunkin Donuts ad.
FU Michelle Malkin! You are the terrorist! because you don’t support the troops!
You say that the Keffiyeh is a terrorist symbol, well the troops wear the Keffiyeh. So according to you they are terrorists. You Stupid ****! YOU TRADER! You should be deported or sent to Gitmo. BURN IN HELL!
If taking down the recent Dunkin Donut commercial because of a scarf that “resembles” a keyiffeh is what’s beneficiary in the fight against terrorisn, then why stop there?!!! Let’s pull all khaki pants, and polo shirts off the store shelves because isn’t that what the terrorist wore when they high jacked the airplanes on 9/11?!! So, the next we see a man wearing trousers and button-down shirt, we need to stop them in the streets and say, “You are promoting terrorism with your clothes!”
This story’s ridiculous! MM’s action on taking down the commercial is ridiculous! Can’t we all enjoy and iced coffee without any ties to politics?
I personally think that Dunkin Donuts should bring back the commercial. Taking it down only provokes the idea that they’re agreeing with MM and that the scarf is promoting violence- clearly their intent of the commercial is far from it!!
I find it very troublesome that people want to look beyond the issues to attack anything that even reminds them of an issue. Thank you, Linda, for bringing this post to light, and for handling the nastiness against you with so much aplomb. Michelle Malkin should be ostracized for hate mongering for personal gain – especially by conservatives, for whom she supposedly speaks.
Actually, no, Ken. “Out of many, one people united by a common language” would be “e pluribus unum populus iunctus per a vulgaris lingua.”
It’s only “Our of many, one.” One country. Period. The rest is your own (biased) interpretation.
Marcia Purse
About.com Guide to Bipolar Disorder
You know, I do think US citizens should all know how to speak English, but it’s not high on my priority list of things to fix about this country (supporting our troops by getting them out of Iraq tops my list).
But to deny multiculturalism would mean no leis (or ukuleles) allowed in Hawaii; no Polish sausage; no Mardi Gras in New Orleans; no Mexican, Italian or Chinese restaurants; Scandinavian Design would have to close down; reductio ad absurdum.
Multiculturalism is a lot more than language. Without it, we might as well all be White Anglo-Saxon Protestants. You’d even be denying African-Americans whose ancestors were brought here by force the right to embrace their African heritage.
Ahhhh this discussion has gone to “absurdum.” Don’t be so silly, Ken.
Marcia Purse
About.com Guide to Bipolar Disorder
Having spent time as well as lived in the middle east (which of course doesn’t make me an expert either), I can only observe in amusement how first, Ms. Malkin can distort or even create a negative inference from someone wearing a scarf on a western TV commercial. For her part, she then instigated the negativeness through her observation (which is only her opinion, by the way). Following that, Ms. Lowen’s opinion and comments are then attacked due to, a) choice of words, b) we are going to turn around the comments by degrading and attacking. And as far as Ms. Malkin’s journalistic credentials, credentials do not make the journalist, it is their professionalism and down right “good reporting” that make them good. Bottom line, I support Ms. Lowen’s assertions regarding the inflammatory statements and conclusions made by Ms. Malkin and I firmly believe that if someone is going to make inference or assertions regarding the usage of another cultures garments, it would be better if they had more knowledge of that culture. As someone else said, “Ms. Malkin has too much time on her hands”. If she does though, she should educate herself first hand with the middle eastern culture, unless the sole purpose of this was to garner more attention for herself.
I’m just wondering.
By MM’s logic, does this also mean that the troops in Iraq who also happen to wear a keyiffeh scarf are now guilty of sending out some terrorist connotation?
So Sad for you Michelle. I wish you well and I am so sorry you are so angry and full of hate. Shame on Dunkin Donuts for capitulating to your ignorant and vile comments and thoughts. Love….
Yes Marcia, the discussion has become absurd. Did you notice that you are having a discussion with yourself?
what Ms Malkin also failed to realise that these symbols of terror are also issued to British Soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq. They are fantastic bits of kit, loved by everyone who can get their hands on one.
They are no more symbols of terror than any other item of clothing and she, sadly, is merely another, ill informed, bandwagoning American who, in this instance at least, has shown a rather distateful racist side to her already shallow right wing beliefs.
Thank you, Linda, for all you do. I respect your writing and find some of these comments very odd. More odd is what happened with that scarf and commercial. Keep up the good, smart work!
thanks for the great article.