Shirts with slogans like “Rock the Vote” show how fashion can be used as an outlet for political expression. The New York Times recently reported that the kaffiyeh, a black and white patterned head scarf traditionally associated with Palestinian men, is now considered stylish by some Americans, who wear it around their necks as a fashion accessory.
Recently, Urban Outfitters featured the item in their clothing collection, and marketed it as an “anti-war woven scarf.” But individuals who emphasized that the scarves are also worn by terrorists raised strong objections.
In response, Urban Outfitters stopped selling the product. A statement issued on their Web page now reads, “Due to the sensitive nature of this item, we will no longer offer it for sale. We apologize if we offended anyone; this was by no means our intention.”
When asked to comment on the scarves and their political significance, students and faculty responded with various viewpoints.
John Wheeler, a Chattanooga freshman, emphasized the importance of people knowing what the scarf is if they choose to wear it. “People who aren’t of that area don’t necessarily understand�so to me it’s really about education,” he said.
Hannah Silver, a sophomore from Kingsport, Tenn., agreed with Wheeler.
“It’s like people who wear a rosary as a necklace,” she said. “I’m Catholic but it doesn’t offend me, unless they have no clue what it is and then get mad if you tell them what it is.”
As to whether or not the scarf should arouse political controversy, Silver said she believes it depends on what people say it symbolizes.
“I mean seriously, looking at these [scarves] I do not think anti-war. I think, oh that looks cute,” she said.
Wheeler agreed with Silver that the way the scarves are promoted determines whether or not the scarf sends a political message. “If it’s marketed in the way to where it’s anti-war then that’s a little bit different, but seeing it, it just looks like a pattern on a scarf,” he said.
By Katherine Smalley
http://media.www.utcecho.com