Either way, we seem to have come to a point where everyone takes offense with indignation and anger, or we are so afraid of giving offense that we stop talking and stop being honest.
Such is the case with the brouhaha that has arisen over the Dunkin’ Donuts advertisement with Rachael Ray, the Food network personality and talk show host.
Rachael Ray appeared in a commercial wearing a scarf, which was apparently selected by a wardrobe stylist to be worn about Ms Ray’s neck. That seems innocent enough.
But Michelle Malkin, another ‘talk show host’ syndicated columnist claimed the scarf resembled a kiffiyeh, a traditional Middle eastern piece of clothing she said is jihadi garb worn by Muslim terrorists for beheadings and hostage videos.
That statement by itself could be considered flippant, sensationalist, or incitement. But it is just an opinion and commentary.
However, what happened as a result is that Dunkin’ Donuts has pulled the advertisement citing a "possible misperception detracts from promoting iced coffee."
Corporate business and marketing picks a tricky line of creating ‘buzz’ but not creating (too much) offense. A lot of current advertising is just plain gross, banal, and let’s face it, offensive.
We have chosen to have an open society where tolerance and free speech is cherished. Choice of our behavior and clothing is part of that tolerance and freedom, up to the point that in prevents another person from making his own choice.
In this case is Michelle Malkin taking offense at the so-called kiffiyeh, and her own proclaimed symbolism, or is she inciting political correctness and free speech gagging?
