I love to listen to CBC Radio and I learn something new everyday! Right now in fashion you see many people wearing a scarf that hangs down on their chest and it is the newest rage. I thought maybe it was a trend stated from snowboarders that wear bandannas or scarves around their necks to keep the wind from blowing down their jackets. In the interview on, Q with Jian Ghomeshi, I was surprised to learn that the scarf is a political symbol.
Nicole Evanoff
This piece of fabric is a traditional article of clothing for male Arabs. Arab or Palestinian supporters like women began to wear the keffiye or scarf as a symbol for pro-Palestinian support and anti-American imperialism. They talked about how many people have been wearing these scarves for at least 10 years making a political statement and were cautious for showing support because they could be considered terrorists and associated with the war in the Middle East. So the scarf is not a new thing but just like every fashion statement it comes around again. Now it is huge and many young people do not realize that they could be picking a side of a political issue without even knowing it. It was very interesting to hear how some people are totally against it and how it is ignorant support, but others view is as good support either way in the political community.
Rachael Ray shot a commercial and she was wearing a scarf that was black and white the traditional colors of the keffiye and caused a big backlash. Though she was wearing a scarf it was just for fashion but they commercial was pulled either way so that the Americans could not show support for the “Palestinian terrorist”. It is so interesting to know how fashion can be connected to politics and that by wearing something because it looks good could have others judge you for something you have no idea about! So next time you go to wear you new fashionable scarf maybe take a look in the news and and learn something about what is happening between the Palestinians and Israelites in case someone asks you why you wear
One Comment
Art, design, fashion, architecture, etc… have always and will always draw inspiration from cultures around the world. I think we should embrace this diversity, and learn from each other.
Interesting post!