Why author Jhumpa Lahiri declined award from an NY museum
What's the story
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jhumpa Lahiri has declined to accept an award from the Noguchi Museum in New York City. The decision came after the museum dismissed three employees for wearing keffiyeh head scarves, a symbol of Palestinian solidarity. The firings were a result of the museum's updated dress code policy, which bans attire that expresses "political messages, slogans or symbols."
Official statement
Museum's response to Lahiri's decision
In response to Lahiri's decision, the museum stated, "Jhumpa Lahiri has chosen to withdraw her acceptance of the 2024 Isamu Noguchi Award in response to our updated dress code policy." The museum added that it respects her perspective and understands that this policy may not align with everyone's views. The Noguchi Museum was founded by Japanese American sculptor Isamu Noguchi.
Symbolic significance
Keffiyeh: A symbol of Palestinian self-determination
The keffiyeh head scarf has become a global symbol of Palestinian self-determination, worn by protesters demanding an end to Israel's war in Gaza. Notably, anti-apartheid South African leader Nelson Mandela was also seen wearing the scarf on many occasions. However, supporters of Israel argue that it signals backing extremism.
Controversies
Recent incidents involving the keffiyeh
In a recent incident, three students of Palestinian descent in Vermont were shot in an attack, two of whom were wearing keffiyehs. Israel's ongoing assault on Gaza has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and widespread displacement. This conflict followed a deadly attack by Palestinian Hamas militants on Israel on October 7.
Employment consequences
Job losses in US over Israel-Gaza war stance
The controversy surrounding the keffiyeh extends beyond the museum. Other individuals in the United States have also lost their jobs due to their stance on the Israel-Gaza war. In May, a New York City hospital fired a Palestinian American nurse after she labeled Israel's actions in Gaza as "genocide" during an acceptance speech for an award.