Posted on 10/06/2018 6:04:33 AM PDT by Simon Green
Melania Trump has prompted consternation, some anger and much derision by choosing a pith helmet – a symbol of colonial rule across Africa – as headwear for a brief safari in Kenya.
On the penultimate day of her tour of the continent – her first solo trip overseas – the first lady visited an orphanage in Nairobi before heading to a national park near the city.
Dressed in riding pants, boots and a spotless white pith helmet, the former model climbed into an open-air vehicle for the safari, taking photos on her iPhone of zebras, giraffes, impalas, rhinos and hippos.
She also stopped at a site where 105 tons of ivory was burned as part of an effort to discourage the trade.
But it was the headgear that attracted most attention. Pith helmets – so-called because they are made of the material sholapith – were worn by European explorers and imperial administrators in Africa, parts of Asia and the Middle East in the 19th century before being adopted by military officers, rapidly becoming a symbol of status – and oppression.
Soldiers, guides and wildlife specialists replaced the pith helmet long ago with more practical and less controversial headgear, but they are still in ceremonial use in a handful of countries – and by tourists in Africa who have limited experience of local conditions and sensibilities.
“That pith helmet you have carried was used by colonialists during the dark days. Doesn’t sit well with us Africans. Who advised you?” wrote Pauleen Mwalo, of Nairobi, on Twitter.
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A pink pussy hat would have been praised.
The leftist hand-wringing over her hat has me wanting to watch Zulu again.
LOL — Their desperation and jealousy is showing.
There is no reason for her to allow her political opponents to dictate her wardrobe.
These people defy description, what pathetic lives they lead!
Practical head ware in the deep tropics.
Clearly the biggest problem in Africa.
I have an idea, no money from White people to Africa, ever again. Wouldn’t want to upset the Africans...
how about a foam middle finger hat
“It’s better to look good than to be politically correct.”
— apologies to Fernando Lamas/Billy Crystal
The critics are pithed off.
Melania Trump criticised for (fill in the blank).
When she returns to America she should wear a Confederate soldier’s uniform just to troll even more liberals.
Excellent film. Much better than the prequel released 15 years later, “Zulu Dawn “.
Burning 105 tons of valuable ivory is criminally stupid.
the sale of that ivory could have funded conservation efforts.
Over there bwana, where I point.
‘A pink pussy hat would have been praised.’
Well said!
Loony lefties are loony.
It’s a hat for keeping off the sun.
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