There was originally a wave of encouragement to wear it by Palestinians as an act of solidarity, and there was at least one shop in Palestine that sold out completely in like November. It doesn't sound like you have any issues with that and neither do I.

Of course, these things take on their own life at times, and it's definitely cringe of the profits are not finding their way inside Palestinian borders, and if people are acting like wearing it is anything other than an act of solidarity, and maybe a couple dollars donation (probably not that).

We had this thread last week and iirc the consensus was that it is usually seen as a sign of respect and appreciation of the culture, it's not like a keffiyeh is the hottest headwear at Coachella or something.

This thread makes me feel very old, wearing them as a signal of solidarity isn’t new, nor is it cultural appropriation. I remember it being a thing back in the 90s during the lead up to the Oslo Accords. Never really disappeared as a pro-Palestine symbol after that, and it was probably one long before that but I wouldn’t be able to remember. Maybe it is a new thing in the US given how overwhelmingly Zionist friendly it has been.

The way people treat cultural appropriation is starting to border on the ridiculous. It isn’t a deeply religious or culturally significant garment other than specifically as a symbol of Palestinian resistance. At worst someone is unknowingly spreading a message of solidarity with Palestine, which is good.

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I suppose it helps a little if you purchase one from here: https://kufiya.org/

Of all the shit to get mad about

Could've researched it first or idk asked some Palestinians. Not investigating and then speaking while saying you have not investigated, does not give you the right to speak. Also holy shit no one is doing it cause of preservation, they are doing it out of solidarity. How do you misconstrue that into preserving a culture as it is wiped out? Do you think when western communists flew Soviet Flags during WW2 they did so cause they thought it would preserve the culture of the USSR?

Their rationale is dumb but generally speaking a Palestinian pattern kufiyah is a way to signal solidarity. This is not virtue signaling as it is actually useful to show this support and show that you may be a safe person to talk to in an islamophobic country. Zionists should be getting drowned out in waves of support for Palestine and this is a tiny way to help get us there.

PS get a Hirbawi one if you want the consumption aspect to support Palestinians. They're made in the West Bank and are owned by Palestinians.

This is the last place in Palestine directly that makes them. You would have to find out who your seller is and where the money goes elsewhere.

https://kufiya.org/

A SYMBOL OF STRUGGLE OR FREEDOM

The symbolic “Kufiya” (aka “Shemagh” / “Keffiyeh”) garment is more important today than ever. Traditionally worn over the head or shoulders by farmers, the last century has seen a revival of the Kufiya as it became synonymous with the quest for Palestinian freedom and independence.

Adopted by freedom fighters in the 1930’s Arab Revolt, this traditional arabic scarf or headress became the uniform Palestinian rebels, in their resistance against the occupation of the British Empire. Not long after, in continued solidarity with Palestinian heritage and independence from Israeli occupation, the Kufiya ascended into a powerful symbol of Palestinian struggle and freedom.

Today the Palestinian Kufiya, famous for its black & white pattern, is worn across the world by those standing in solidarity with Palestine – in the US, Europe, Malaysia, Indonesia, and of course the Middle East. It has become a meaningful fashion item worn by political activists, musicians, artists, and designers around the world.

https://kufiya.org/what-does-the-palestinian-keffiyeh-symbolize/

Unless you're doing something really stupid or only using it a fashionable in thing then you shouldn't worry about cultural appropriation.

honestly it would be way cooler if more people made symbolic gestures in support of Palestine.

I mean you are right in some sense that there is no ethical consumption under capitalism and that to simply consuming content is not radical. It is our collective actions and organisation that is needed to radically change restructure the system.

though it seems that the palestinians are receptive to westerners donning the garment and, that people are being targeted for wearing them.

so maybe it has in someway become an informal uniform of some sort for those who oppose the current status quo of funding israel.

its the same sentiment with the upsurge in ukranian flags popping up everywhere - scarves, shirts, bumberstickers, etc.

Id argue its just virtue signaling, but im also a moron so take very little of what i say as correct. Ready my comment history if you have any doubt.

Am I missing something? I’m a white burgerlander myself so it’s very possible.

I swear white people make everything more complicated than necessary.

Are you a westerner wearing it and claiming to “resist” oppression while doing nothing - not showing up for protests, not reaching out to Muslims and Arabs, not educating yourself on the history outside of TikTok shorts, not educating your ignorant friends and family on their patronage to complicit businesses that have alternatives, etc? If yes -> cultural appropriation

Are you doing all those things and happen to be a westerner? If yes -> cultural appropriation discussion not really relevant

Are you using it for its intended purpose (protection from sun, wind, or for warmth)? If yes -> not cultural appropriation

As for whether it’s helping Palestinians, yes and maybe and no.

Yes: only one factory in Palestine is producing these keffiyehs (Hirbawi). Your money helps the workers of this factory, but maybe not larger groups of people like refugees. I don’t know how they’re handling proceeds, but they’re not making fuck you money. It’s not combatting genocide. You’re helping feed a couple people and keeping the culture in the mainstream conscious.

Maybe: Hirbawi has a list of approved international vendors. These shops sell nothing but the Hirbawi keffiyehs. Obviously they get a cut to operate, but I’m HOPING that the majority of the proceeds go back to Palestine. Some orgs are also reselling them in order to raise funds for their orgs or for aid towards Palestine. Do your due diligence on the orgs and ask them about where they got the keffiyehs. Also, the blockade in Palestine means that product is slow to ship to vendors.

No: there are a lot of bootlegs out there. Shit from china and who knows where. Be VERY wary of random accounts/people selling these, especially if they have 0 association with any org. I know a few ghouls who sell knockoffs that come in fancy little packaging and it makes no mention of Hirbawi or where the proceeds go. If they’re selling authentic ones, then one could argue they already gave money to Palestinians, but an up charge leaves a bad taste for me. On the other hands, reselling some random mass produced shit is inexcusable because no Palestinian sees the money. The ghouls mentioned above are a couple of influencers (IRL) who do this - the worst part is that they’re also Palestinian (though American); it’s not custom made or anything, just some mass produced Chinese product, and there’s no indication of any money being sent anywhere.

I dont think white people ahould wear anything bur lederhosen tbh

if you bought them from the only palestinian run factory still making them, then you can say you've atleast supported palestinians, it is the absolute least you could be doing. Just sending money to some aid org will be more useful in monetary means though.

Otherwise palestinians have asked people to wear them, so i will continue to wear them. Mind you been doing this for atleast 11 years now, tossed away my german made shit and got the genuine product a bit late though

burgerlander insist that wearing one is the bare minimum for anyone who cares about Palestine because by adopting the clothing, you’re preventing total genocide by making sure their culture survives

this is some hilarious idealism, dont think like this