Dooce, why the racist stereotypes?
I am a subscriber to Dooce.com, and I enjoy reading the sarcasm and humour that Heather often writes on a daily basis. However, today she took me by surprise with her racist comments towards a traditional scarf that is worn by Arab men, mostly Palestinians. She posted today in her photo gallery the scarf that her friend wore and described it as a form of “terrosit apparel” and a symbol of Jihad. She obviously didn’t bother to understand what Jihad meant before she posted that. Media brainwashed? You think?
Anyways, when I saw that, my typical Arabian uncontrollable temper and blood started to boil!
I decided not to email her and publicly address the issue, because she abused her internet celebrity power as of today. I doubt she would have replied anyways.
It is funny, because the other day I bought a scarf from this stand, and as I was browsing the collection, I saw many Arabian scarfs being sold. I was a bit surprised, but then I realized that this year’s big fad in clothing is plaid. Maybe she is not into fashion, or knows much about the latest trends. I don’t know how it is down there in Utah and how closed it is from the rest of the world, but ignorance shouldn’t be spread on the internet!
Also, I don’t care if she keeps complaining about Mormons and whatever brain washed idea she grew up with. I lived in Tennessee too for most of my teenage years, and I know how it is down there. However, what puzzles me is the fact that for weeks she supported Obama and talked about the racist problems in America, especially in the deep South, and yet, she wrote that today. So does the fight against racism and change is only towards blacks? I don’t get it.
What saddens me is that her blog is read by many many many people a day, and she is making a living off her blog, and now, she is spreading racist remarks. I am deeply disappointed. Please, bloggers, if you are reaching an internet celebrity power, and making a living off your site, do not go to that route. It is enough that I quit reading blogs such as Problogger and John Chow because of their arrogance and repetitive posts that don’t help anyone but their selfish demeanor in making money.
Although I complained enough, I still like Dooce’s blog, but I wish she stops this racism, and use her internet celebrity power to entertain us like she always did, and not spread hate!
Note: some people pointed out that she was making fun of Dunken’ Donut’s commercial, but the majority like me doubted that was the main intention!
I guess it’s because she doesn’t know any better, she’s just used to the media’s protrayal of the arab world and yes she should look up the true meaning of jihad.
I used to read her blog but not for a while, she’s too hyped about & don’t get what all the fuss is about
I’m sorry I made a joke, Please don’t bomb my house!
I doubt this is the real Dooce since the IP address is NOT from the US. Lame attempt whoever did this. Try again!
It’s really sad that people look at something as simple as a scarf and immediately think terrorist! Dunkin’ Donuts, to ABC News, to her blog, this is just stupid that anyone’s making a big deal about this commercial.
Wow I couldn’t believe that when I read it, especially when I then clicked on the link to the ABC news site. Completely ridiculous. Those scarfs are being sold everywhere in the UK and, if based on the traditional scarf, that does not mean it is a ‘terrorist’ fashion at all. Isn’t that the same as saying that wearing black clothes makes you a bank robber?!
Mona, I’m with you regarding the likes of problogger and John Chow. Same old barf all the time. They have huge followings of the blogosphere equivalent of SHEEPLE!
Lets give her the benefit of doubt that she was ignorant in making that remark. Any such remark is undesirable; the World is already a much divided place and we cannot afford to have such a thing to happen. We should love each other through better understanding. Through understanding each other, we can learn to respect each other differences.
I’m not Arab but I was attacked with racist stereotypes. And I never would think a fashion accessory would ever be termed as “racist” . If I were you, I would stop reading her blog. She’s too ignorant and too stupid to create such remarks.
I really like your blog so I included your site in my blogroll.
Hopefully by this time, those who are racist cannot influence others to become that way. That probably happens in the formative years of childhood, and hopefully people grow out of it. Ignorance doesn’t have to be terminal.
Racism is based on fear, too, as well as ignorance. The new media hasn’t done a very good job in educating the public about the different facets of Arab culture. They’re too busy bashing the sitting President and meddling in our election process.
That girl needs an open mind. An open mind is not a blank slate. Having one does not mean you’re easily corrupted. It just means you consider things and formulate your own opinions, rather than regurgitating what you’ve been taught.
a good bro of mine sports the scarf. i actually really like it.
Actually I bet she’s making fun of Sarah Palin for when Palin said Obama “palled around with terrorists”. And she’s definately being ironic – you wouldn’t be so flippant about it if you actually thought it was a terrorist supporting symbol.
The problem is the kinds of blogs that you are reading. I tend to read mostly smaller blogs that are dedicated to critical engagement with their readers. If a blog does not talk about things like white privilege, feminism, homoophobia and equal rights, then it is not the blog for me. I read to learn and be entertained, not fill my life with more of the same nonsense that is parroted by the mainstream media. I suggest that you broaden your reading list. Often greatest gem is just around the corner if your are willing to look through the muck.
they took our land, our food, our songs and now they are taking over our fashion. I say this is enough!!! I am holding on my undies!!! Who knows …lol
On the bright side, this is a good way to approach girls>>> hey blonde… ARe you Arab??? lol
Cheers,
imad
Hi Mona, I’ve been reading your archives and enjoying your blog so far!
I know this entry is old but just wanted to point this out:
“It is enough that I quit reading blogs such as Problogger and John Chow because of their arrogance and repetitive posts that don’t help anyone but their selfish demeanor in making money.”
Isn’t the main goal of those two blogs is to help people make money online? I was just wondering what did you expect when you subscribed to those blogs?
well they made it a fashion..and still makin fun of it…whats wrong with those sick stereotypin ppl…who told u that ur better than anyone..instead of just writing down what u just know from the media or what u heard from it….gooo reaaaaaaaaaaaddddd about it..get to know those ppl that ur stereotypin…they had enough hate and ur just addin more hate to them.