Rachael Ray Gets Into International Affairs

Rachael Ray is many things. An internationally-known celebrity chef. A talk show host. A possibly-traitorous endorser of Dunkin’ Donuts.

But we’re pretty sure the Massachusetts native is not a terrorist sympathizer. Yet some conservative bloggers are accusing her of that after she wore a scarf that resembles a kaffiyeh in a Dunkin’ Donuts commercial.

Many people who are sympathetic to the Palestinian cause have adopted the traditional headdress as a fashion and political statement.

Thousands of women and men, young and old, now wear the kaffiyeh proudly as a symbol of resistance and solidarity with the Palestinian struggle.

This is a lot to process before our medium regular kicks in, but it does look an awful lot like a kaffiyeh (pictured at right). But we don’t think it’s worth boycotting Dunkin’ Donuts over. Especially since the company has since pulled the ad due to the kerfuffle.

Thank you for expressing your concern regarding the Rachael Ray advertisement. 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.

Looks like you’ll have to choke down some more Dunks coffee to make up for the controversial ad, Rache. Just be sure the stylist doesn’t put you in a burqa next time.