Keffiyeh, or Kufiya is a checkered head scarf typically worn around the heads or neck of Arabs. In the past, and even now, it has become a symbol of Palestinian Solidarity. Also, recently keffiyeh has gained popularity in the United States as a ‘hipster’ fashion, and in Tokyo with shorts. In short, a keffiyeh is something, that means a lot to the people of Palestine, and its supporters, and it has meant a lot to them since quite some time in the past as well. To see it being flaunted as a fashion accessory has become rather offensive for them.
Solidarity
Although a Keffiyeh was traditionally worn by Palestinian farmers, it became a symbol for the continuous ongoing Palestine-Israel issue during the Arab Revolt in 1930.
It gained popularity amongst activists and supporters when a Palestinian Liberation Leader Yasser Arafat donned it during the Palestinian resistance in the 1960s. Since then, it has been worn by numerous political leaders and activists associated, and sympathizing with the Palestinian conflict. People all over the world wear the black and white Keffiyeh, to show their solidarity and support.
Nevertheless, there are quite a few people who are exceptionally against the Keffiyeh. They have rendered everyone who sports a Keffiyeh as symbol of support as a terrorist and are often harsh towards them.
Cultural Appropriation
If at one place a Keffiyeh represents an extremely dark and serious side of the world and history, it has also become a fashion trend. People, especially from the United States have adopted this fish-net patterned piece of cloth, as a fashion accessory. The trend started way back in the 1980s, when Jewish boys wore it around their necks. Afterwards it died down a bit. Then the youth of Tokyo adopted the Keffiyeh along with camouflage type clothing. There has been a recent surge in a production and purchase of Keffiyeh after some fashion magazines portrayed them as an accessory.
What matters the most is, that after the global popularity of the Keffiyeh, there has been an immense amount of production in China. This in turn has taken over the businesses in Palestine which prided themselves in the mastering the art of making a Keffiyeh. Which then further capsizes the Palestinian economy. The question that arises is, if you truly support the Palestinian cause, then the best way to help them is to buy these scarves right form the local manufacturers. Your effort may be a small contribution, but drop by drop it my help the manufacturers through.
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