Press Room

I write to express my outrage that you would pull your recent ad in deference to some right-wing blogger’s criticism of the actress wearing a kaffiyeh. For your information, the kaffiyeh is a scarf that I wore every day in the winter during my service as the Solicitor of Labor of the United States—a position to which I was nominated by President Ronald Reagan and confirmed unanimously by the United States Senate.

It is unfortunate that a company as substantial as Dunkin Donuts would cave so readily to such anti-Arab bias and stereotyping. Your knee-jerk response will in all likelihood cost you more business from Arab Americans and American Muslims than those who sympathize with the bigoted criticism from some right-wing blogger of an actress wearing a piece of Arab fashion in an advertisement.

The days of anti-Arab and anti-Muslim bias should have ended after the 9-11 tragedies and the strong response of federal and state law enforcement to hate crimes and other acts of vigilantism. Unfortunately, you have lent credence and considerable credibility to a shallow, bigoted, anti-Arab and anti-Muslim stereotype. Those of us who enjoy your products deserve better—particularly those of us, considerable in number, who are Arab Americans or American Muslims. Your action should be reversed in deference to those of us who are against this sort of bigotry and bias.

The favor of a reply would be appreciated.

I am a third generation Lebanese American Christian and was excited when I saw the ad with Rachael Ray wearing a kaffiyeh. The scarf is a traditional headdress that symbolizes many of the best parts of Arab heritage and culture. In recent years, American culture has incorporated the piece of clothing as fashionable. To many of us, it reflected the degree to which Arab Americans have contributed to this great country. It is also a small example of shared values between Americans and the Middle East (e.g., faith and family). . . .

I realize that Dunkin Donuts is not in the business of politics, but it should be able to deflect extremist opinions of political ideologues in order to pursue culturally sensitive marketing efforts that advance the business success. As a consumer (and one of millions of Arab Americans who are truly offended that any symbol of their heritage is somehow tainted), I would strongly encourage you to reconsider this decision and reinstate the ad. . . .

Sincerely,

. . . Dunkin Donuts just took the lead in branding this scarf a terrorist scarf and confusing cultural attire to the American public. It is not warranted. I have the same one but it is gold in color – I am not a terrorist, nor am I affiliated with some kind of jihad movement. I am a serving U.S. Marine and have been on the front lines of terrorism for more than 2 and 1/2 years, and I can tell you that your decision was based on uneducated information or lack of information.

I bought the scarf when I was fighting the war on terrorism to keep you and Dunkin’ Donuts safe here at home. Many of my fellow service-members bought the kaffiyeh to bring back home with them as well. The kaffiyeh kept us safe from sand storms and dust when we were trekking in the desert focused on eradicating terrorism. . . .
Respectfully,