We just did a comic on this very topic: http://www.wordsandpicturesonline.com/06-02-08.html –Toronto, ON

Wimps. –CHICAGO, IL

In many many countries, they have it so tough, they look for stuff to be happy about. In Amerika, we have it so good, we look for stuff to get pissed off about. -AB –Santa Barbara, CA

I can assure anyone at DD that I will never, EVER give them my business again, not when they succumb to strong-arm tactics from right-wing nut-jobs like Malkin. This is corporate cowardice of the most extreme, and most inexcusable. –BURBANK, CA

Respect people's culture. Period. The "not-so-ignorant" stylists, if any, should have known that the people who wear the scarf for traditional purposes have already been not-so-tolerant of people exploiting thier culture. For me, I don't really like when people who aren't rastafarian wear locks. The locks are very symbolic in their spirituality, but people are exploiting the hairstyle and using it for the purpose of fashion, or reasons other than their rastafarian beliefs. As an advertising student, I have learned a significant amount of "do's" and "don't" of the creative process. Exploiting someone's culture is DEFINATELY a don't. It's not Dunkin's fault, blame the absolutely ignorant stylist. ;) –San Francisco, CA

Dunkin' Donuts owners include the Carlyle Group (GHW Bush former board member) and Bain Capital (Mitt Romney's old gang). So floating the idea that this was a subliminal message of solidarity to terrorists worldwide stretch credibility to say the least. –LIGHT, MA

To pretend that these kaffiyeh-type scarfs have nothing to do with terrorism is absolutely ridiculous. They were introduced in the west as a ubiquitous "leftwing" fashion statement in mainland Europe in the late 1970s and 1980s when the Rote Armee Faktion/Baader Meinhof group and their supporters started wearing them in solidarity with the PLO. You should definitely wear a kaffiyeh if you're a big supporter of Jew killing. The kaffiyeh is the swastika of our times. Not surprisingly some former RAF members are now neonazis. –BROOKLYN, NY

To the imbecile from San Anselmo, CA who posted the following comment - "Isn't an important issue here the willingness of some agencies/CMO's to alienate large segments of their customer base in order to push their own personal political/social agenda? –San Anselmo, CA" Are you implying that a large segment of DD's customer are ignorant, xenophobic hicks? –New York, NY

DD should take advantage of this by offering a two for one "Kefiyeh Coffee" special. –SANTA MONICA, CA

Oh pu-leeze! First of all, the darn scarf isn't even a kefiyeh! The right wing nut jobs might have some kind of silly point if it was. But the shape is all wrong, the pattern all wrong, and the fringe wrong to be an actual kefiyeh. I actually do understand why DD decided to pull the ad. Those nut jobs are just as likely to start some kind of stupid boycott as they are to breathe. And sadly our clients can't ignore these people. Unfortunately a large number of the uninformed still get their news from Faux, I mean Fox, so are likely to believe the most outlandish nonsense. What a sad, pathetic reflection this is on the xenophobia and paranoia running rampant today..... –TAMPA, FL

what coffee was Michelle Malkin drinking when she saw the ad? is she a rachel ray hater? were her jackboots on too tight? why would anyone pay attention to what she says? –LONG BEACH, CA

I am dismayed but not surprised by the cultural myopia reflected here. The powerful symbolism of the kefiyeh is not to be disregarded. While the wardrobers likely picked up the ubiquitous item at any Urban Outfitters (note that the Village Voice called it "military chic" back in '05), when draped over the shoulder only and arranging it in the rough shape of a triangle (thus resembling the outlines of the territory claimed by Palestine) it takes on even more symbolic potency, as donned by Arafat. Because of the kefiyeh's association with labour and masculinity, women wore them only as an association with militancy and the Palestinian armed struggle. It is popular iconography used by the armed wing of the Fatah and Tanzim movements in their flags & insignia. For fashion blunders and cultural insensitivity are nothing new. Target pulled back a line of urban youth apparel with patches bearing "88" on the shoulder (Neo-Nazi speak for "Heil Hitler"). The design was unwittingly lifted from observations of bikers in Southern California. Of course, we all remember the Nissan print ads featuring a close-up photo of an African American sporting grill-bling in the form of a Nissan SUV-shaped gold icon on his tooth, and the protests that ensue. As a media professional in the Asian Pacific American market for over 15 years, I have seen marketers trip on every sort of cultural landmine. In fashion, the dolts at Abercrombie & Fitch, Adidas and more recently, Chicago Cubs t-shirt vendors at Wrigley's Field display offensive Asian images without remorse! It is crucial in advertising that a thorough process takes place to review ad copy for not only colour correction and resolution, but for the greater implications of cultural symbolism, especially in the context of broader media consumption by an ever-diversifying, multi-cultural audience. –LOS ANGELES, CA

An utterly absurd and cowardly submission to a right-wing fringe that is quickly losing its influence on freedom of speech - and common sense. Thanks goodness. Fox News has long been known as the PR outlet of choice for the Republican Party. Shame on us for cowtowing to them and their like. Tim –CROTON ON HUDSO, NY

Ok. This is completely RIDICULOUS. I know, everyone has said it. Just wanted to make sure I add mine just to confirm that there are still people out here concerned about other MORE important things. What's happening to us? –New York, NY

Two winners here: Dunkin' Donuts, terrorists (mid-east and right-wing asshol*s). Losers: the public/ –Tor, ON

Michelle Malkin's opinion that a "scarf equals jihad" is extreme. OMG!!! Michelle Malkin is an extremist!!! - New Jersey –New York, NY

Do they think Rachel and Dunkin' Donuts were sending some kind of secret message to the Al Qaeda brain trust? Typical fare for Fox News, trying to generate hysteria over a scarf. The afore-mentioned "news commentator" Ms. Malkin needs to get a life and a clue and spare us her right-wing, Neo Con paranoia. Sooooo, if I wear a red shirt, I'm a communist? Perhaps Ms. Malkin can issue a Fox-produced "Safe Color" chart for all Americans, we can all download it, read it, sign a loyalty pledge then send it back COD to the Malkin and the other clueless gasbags posing as journalists on that waste of channel space. Arab bashing anyone? –New York, NY

Very curious that my "pro" comment sent in this morning.....when there was just one comment posted.....doesn't get on, but nearly 4 dozen "anti's" do. –New York, NY

Who are these people who need to scrutinze every thing all day long? They need to get a life and not let a simple fashionable scarf send them off to the Twilight Zone –Beverly Hills, CA

DD couldn't stop at just making America fatter - they had to go and make us stupider, too. Nice work, guys. –Portland, OR

I vote we all boycott Fox News...Malkin, Hannity, O'Reilly...they're all nuts. And it's no coincidence that they all get up in arms about the most petty issues. On a scale of 1 to 10 of what's going on in today's world...this shouldn't even be a blip on the radar. St. Louis, MO –SAINT LOUIS, MO

Absolutely ridiculous. –Seattle, WA

Parents of the world, beware: Santa Claus is a communist, he wears red clothes... (not to mention Rudolph and his suspicious nose) Little red riding hood, well, her name says it all. what would this character malkin see when using a mirror? –San Jose

FOR GOD'S SAKE IS JUST A SCARF!!! What is wrong with AMERICA people? DD should keep the ad. PERIOD. Thousands are dyin in China, kids all over America have nothing to eat, and we care about a scarf on an online ad??? –Guaynabo

What a shame that DD didn't have the gumption to dig in their heels and stand up to the idiotic, inane Malkin and let her spew her bizarre views and refuse to even acknowledge her weirdo accusations. –KANSAS CITY, MO

Unbelievable crap that DD's rescinded this ad based on pressure from some idiotic conservative group with too much time on its hands.. –POWELL, OH

Obviously, Michelle Malkin & friends have too much time on their hands. Perhaps that energy could be spent doing other things...like maybe rebuilding New Orleans or volunteering at a homeless shelter? –Greenville, SC

DD, Ray, Malkiin and FOX all got what they wanted -- an endless stream of free PR off a little web ad that a only handful of people probably would have ever seen. They are all right now probably sipping iced coffees and nibbling crullers planning their next nefarious plot. The only reason this nonsense gets so much play is because we lap it up. –Englewood Cliff, NJ

If I've said it once, I've said it a million times: You're either with us, or you're with Dunkin' Donuts. –San Francisco, CA

Another sign that we have lost our way as a nation... So, we are now are on the lookout for the rabid radical extremist militant Islamic Horde in our coffee mugs? How did we allow ourselves to be completely hypnotized and paralyzed by the incantations of fringe-lunatics like Malkin, Limbaugh, Hannity and O'Reilly? Is it really that easy to suspend common sense? And, most importantly, how do we break the spell? –Brooklyn, NY

You know what reminds me of jihadists? Close-minded people who attack others and threaten boycotts over something as comical and ridiculous as a silk scarf. Remember when the world thought the Islamic reactionaries were nuts over their freakout about cartoons of Mohammed? What does that make this rightwing chuckleheads? That's right -- just as reactionary and silly as the nutters who the right thinks are represented BY the "terrorist scarf". Can we boycott DnD in response to their response to the threat of a boycott? –New York, NY

What idiocy. Dunkin' needs to grow a pair, run the ad, and put cretins like that in their place. –Calgary, AB

Anybody ever thought to check on the nationality/race of the "stylist" who made the decision to use the "scarf"? –Germantown, TN

THIS IS RIDICULOUS! The kaffiyeh is a JEWISH invention. I should know I'm a Sephardic Jew and my family has been wearing these for thousands of years before Islam even became a religion. How long must we indure this ignorance? Abraham,Moses and Jesus wore these when the weather got hot enough. It's designed to protect your face,head and neck form the hot desert winds. Stupidity like this is what causes us to lose market share around the world. Christians,Jews and Muslims in the Middle East wear these when the weather warrants it. Michelle Malkin is an idiot and should apologize to Rachel Ray and to Dunkin Donuts. –LAS VEGAS, NV

Ahhh, just goes to show that when you tolerate stupidity --- you get more stupidity. –Calgary, AB

Everyone who saw this article needs to keep it in mind as the presidential campaign heats up. Malkin is just a mouthpiece for the Republican party and they are just trial ballooning their crazy scare tactics to see what will play come November. Watch for more refined craziness from the Un-American Right as the election gets closer. Don't be swayed this time by flag pins and "bitter"ness. –CLEARWATER, FL

Scarf-Schmarf - it's not about the accessory at all - corporate was just looking for a way to dump Ray and get back at her for the derrogatory comments she made about the product she was supposed to be enjoying. –Moweaqua, IL

When is this UTTER NONSENSE GOING TO STOP! Shouldn't conservative bloggers be more concerned with the fact that people can't afford health care in this country, children are going hungry, gas prices are out of control and seniors will be freezing to death this coming winter because of the cost, etc,etc! Advertising is a very easy target to attack, because is usually caves with out much of a fight.Come on now, Rachael Ray the Queen of perky, fostering a political cause? Then a talented stylist that probably has not watched a newscast or read anything other than French Vogue for years is also hatching insidious hidden political agendas? How out of touch with the real world are these self-appointed, so-called conservative opinion makers? It's funny how the scarf doesn't remind me of anything Arabic. But the conservative who practice this finger pointing media-fascism remind me of the very Mullahs they fear. Actually, they just want to enforce their own suffocating "wide-stance", mind police beliefs on us and are jealous of the power the Mullahs command. That's what makes them all so mad, that they just can't lob off a hand or head or two because someone disagrees with them. If this, along with the Starbuck's logo debacle is the best they can come up with, it's really time we stop paying attention to them. Buy the way, Ms. Malkin who dresses you? Aunt Bee? Forgive the snide coment, but I don't think your earning you salary. Is this the best you got? Frankly Dunkin' Donuts should pull all thier advertising from Fox, period. They make donuts, not media fodder for blognuts. Advertisers, let's all throw open our media buys and say, "I'm damn mad and I'm not going to take it anymore, cancel the flight!" How's that for a political agenda –OREFIELD, PA

I respect worries about symbolism, but, I think what is really a mistake is the fact that the scarf distracts consumers' attention from the product. This should have been taken into account when producing the ad, so clothes would have not been competing with the product. –Panama

I guess this shows why the first law of the agency business is Murphy's Law. Two observations: 1. The scarf is not a keffiyeh (they have a distinctive pattern in addition to the fringe). 2. A black keffiyeh represents support of the moderate elements within the Palestinian state, while a red one indicates the wearer's support of the anti-Israel group, Hamas. Ergo, even if she was wearing a keffiyeh, Rachael Ray would not be showing support for militant Islam in this spot. –NEW YORK, NY

Nothing gets in the frame unintentionally. Not saying it is/was DD's intention...or eevn the director of the spot. But SOMEBODY on the set knew what they were doing. –New York, NY

These right wing nuts have nothing better to concern themselves with? –PELHAM, NY

Actually, the larger issue here is the spinelessness of some CMOs who are willing to cave at the slightess hint of pressure from Fox News. Don't these people realize that by doing so, they only inflate the sense of power and self-importance these bloggers already wield too much of? It's an iced coffee ad for god's sake. –INDIANAPOLIS, IN

Having visited the Middle East a number of times I could not disagree with Ms Malkin's comments more. This is from another blogger but I thought it summed it up well. "Since when is the keffiyeh a mascot or official symbol of terrorism? There are millions of peaceful Arabs and Christians who live in the region who wear it (or something very similar). I think it is anti-Arab fear mongering and nothing more." I'm disappointed that Dunkin' Donuts allowed themselves to be manipulated by a group that has such an ignorant view. –TORONTO, ON

Dunkin' Donuts is silly and cowardly to pull the ad. They are simply playing into the ridiculous generalization of those conservatives. Besides people, I highly doubt neither Rachel Ray nor the stylist has some hidden agenda by way of an accessory choice(which happens to be in style, and rather comfortable). –New York, NY

When I first saw this pass by on television, I assumed to story was a parody -- the Colbert Report or Daily Show. It's certainly a more interesting and democratic world when many voices can comment on a company's marketing choices -- but the point is to have a conversation, not to be cowed into submission by the loudest or most inflammatory opinions raised. It's ironic that the ad pulled is about choice -- and yet Dunkin Donuts doesn't feel it has one when absurd charges are leveled. –BOSTON, MA

It's quite interesting to me that commentators took a shot at the scarf.....perhaps they should do some research on woman's fashions to find out how popular scarf's are today. –Oak Park, IL

this is not only more fuel for the fire in terms of reasons WHY i and anyone with a brain LOATHES conservatives and bloggers of that (closed) mindset. this was a scarf. she wore it. she is squeaky clean and without fault. just more reasons why conservatives should not be given such carte blanche to be douchebags. get a life. vote for your old fart "Methuselah McCain" and let us "lefties" get back to our iced coffees. on a lighter note, this just gives good ol Tony Bourdain more reason to laugh and roll his eyes and make jokes about Ms. Ray. Gotta go, my iced coffee is getting watery! –East Rutherford, NJ

We have to be politically correct about fashion now? I, for one, support Rachael Ray's deliciously refreshing jihad against thirst and the summer heat. –Boulder, CO

I'm glad someone brought this up. I've always thought Wilford Brimley's mustache was clearly a Josef Stalin reference. How many people were brainwashed into communism with those oatmeal commercials? I shudder to think. Jack Minneapolis, MN. –Minneapolis, MN

Please stop analyzing every little thing! Makes a LOT of sense that someone would try and push a political agenda by putting a 'keffiyeh' on a WOMAN in a coffee ad. Get real...they should have pulled the ad because she's wearing that thing around her neck, with a short sleeve shirt, and she's drinking ice coffee? –Herndon, VA

"It was selected by the stylist for the advertising shoot," Margie Myers, senior VP-communications for Dunkin' Brands, said in a statement. "As punishment the stylist has been beheaded and her body dumped by the side of I95 just outside of Greenwich." Dunkin Donuts senior management has no balls. By all means allow the opinions of idiotic talking heads to dictate your stylist choice of wardrobe. Maybe you should ad Fox to your focus groups too. Morons. –New York, NY

Militant Arabs wear paisley? I sure hope Malkin and her Little Football buddy never come to Indianapolis during the month of May — they'd see so much black and white patterned clothing that they would probably think they had wandered into Palestine West. How disappointing that Dunkin' Donuts would cave in to pressure fabricated by the twisted imaginations of these two nutcases. –Indianapolis, IN

All must be good in the world if editors can find nothing better than this to publish. It just might be possible that the stylist actually liked the fabric and that she saves her political statement for the black velvet Elvis painting she has on the wall of her office. What's next? A headline exhorting us to stop sleeping on white sheets since this implies support of the KKK? Can't decide which is more lame the blogger who first wrote it or the wizards at Ad Age who further legitimize this tripe by writing more about it. –Stoughton, WI

I think the important issue here is that we've become a nation of knee-jerk reactionaries and the minute we are personally offended by something, even something PERCEIVED and even if we're the ONLY one offended, that we expect marketers to reverse course...and they DO. Although I'm not old enough, the behavior and reaction towards the spoken word or towards entertainment in this country harkens back to the "Red Scare" days of old. "Are you or do you associate with anyone who has an individual or different opinion than what conservative America wants you to believe?" We just need to take a giant CHILL pill and lighten up. –Naperville, IL

Well this is like banning cowboy hats or jeans in the middle east... The Aristo logic in action! 1. There is terror in most of the middle east. 2. Most men wear scarves in middle east. 3. All scarf wearing arabs are terrorists. This scarf is a very common cultural object used by Arab men in middle east. Pulling the ad will create a much worse impact. Shall we ban Toyota trucks because all terrorists use these across the middle east? The US people are reacting based on lack of knowledge and empathy. The best is to stay away of such powerful symbolic objects while producing the ad. The worst is pulling off the ad. Now the whole world knows about it. :) –ISTANBUL

Michelle Malkin is the clueless one. Not everything associated with Palestinians is about jihad and murder. I wish AdAge had given a better description of a keffiyeh and not relied so heavily on Fox News for an informed perspective on anything related to Palestine. --Syracuse, NY –Syracuse, NY

Are you implying that the CMO picked out her scarf? –Milwaukee, WI

oh how ridiculous! The scarf was used to promote the concept of cold, as in "iced coffee". What's next, crazy bloggers? The cup that holds the coffee is a vessel that is being used to channel a spirit to come down from the heavens? donuts need a backbone –Fredonia, NY

Call me crazy (some may say naive) but I think this is ridiculous! America has become so over-the-top, hypersensitive and PC it's virtually unbearable. Remember the days when a scarf was just a scarf?! –STRATFORD, CT

Chickenhawks on one side of the issue ... chickenshits on the other. –Des Moines, IA

3 little words...Get a Life! –Flint, MI

Add this to the pile of hot air time waster blog dogs. She's one of America's Sweethearts for Christ's sake. Chances are she's not plotting a movement, but just the same, let's keep an eye on her and see if she starts garnishing with baba ghanoush. –harrisburg, PA

Sometimes a scarf is just a scarf, Michelle. What's next - anyone using red in an ad is supporting a communist agenda? –ISELIN, NJ

ridculous –RALEIGH, NC

Oh my God, what the hell has happened to America? The insanity of this article is hard to comprehend, Dunkin' Donuts is promoting the jihad?!?!?! Are you serious???? The stupidity, paranoia, hysteria & all round meat-headed nature of everyone involved in this is truly hard to comprehend. Thomas Jefferson must be turning in his grave. –madrid

Anyone who puts an ounce of stock in Michele Malkin's insane ramblings should be ashamed. For someone who is the child of immigrants, Malkin's obvious xenophobia smacks of self-hatred. Perhaps Dunkin' Donuts is afraid of losing all the white working class customers Hilary Clinton has been appealing to with her racist statements throughout the Democratic Primaries. I guess I'll have to give Starbucks another shot. –LIGHT, MA

Isn't an important issue here the willingness of some agencies/CMO's to alienate large segments of their customer base in order to push their own personal political/social agenda? –San Anselmo, CA