Uniform conduct in the House of Representatives presents a civilized environment for carrying out the sittings. But at the same time, representations of various cultures and causes can help show diversity in America.
The dress code is the best way to demonstrate what “representaion” means.
In 2019, the Democrats lifted a core House Rule prohibiting wearing hats, headgear, scarves, etc. This 181-year-old rule was uplifted by Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar from Minnesota, who wore the Muslim cap.
The GOP House saw yet another unusual dressing accessory in the past few meetings. Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin from Maryland was seen sporting a bandana/scarf wrapped around his head on the House Floor.
But why is the sudden change in attire? Is he trying to represent something? Or is it an intimidation tactic?
Let’s unravel the mystery behind Rep/Raskin’s bandana.
Why Does Jamie Raskin Wear a Head Scarf/Bandana?
Jamie Raskin is an attorney, lawyer, and politician who became a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Maryland’s 8th district in 2017. He has dedicated his political journey to advocating for various social issues, including repealing the death penalty and allowing same-sex marriage in Maryland.
But on December 28, Raskin revealed that he was battling cancer–
“After several days of tests, I have been diagnosed with diffuse large B cell lymphoma, which is a serious but curable form of cancer.”
“I am about to embark on a course of chemo-immunotherapy on an outpatient basis at Med Star Georgetown University Hospital and Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Prognosis for most people in my situation is excellent after four months of treatment.”
On January 31, he announced that he was undergoing chemotherapy for it. This intense treatment can lead to hair loss within 2-3 weeks of starting the therapy due to the potent drugs.
To conceal these adverse effects from the public, Jamie Raskin decided to don a bandana. However, there is more to this scarf. Stevie Van Zandt, a musician and the band member of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, gifted this scarf to the Marlynad Representative. Jamie Raskin, who is a big fan of the musician, said–
“Look what I received from one of the greatest musicians on earth, a gift I will treasure almost as much as his song ‘I am a patriot,'” wrote Mr Raskin, adding:
“You are about to see a step up in my chemo head-cover fashions for the next few months. Rock on Stevie, keep spreading the light.”
Raskin told the HuffPost about how the guitarist and actor Stevie inspired his look–
“I give all honor to Little Steven for creating this look for American men going through something.”
In a way, Raskin wearing a bandana is a representation of all men in a vulnerable situation, like battling cancer, as he proudly struts across the House Floor to deliver his speech.
Raskin was also diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer back in 2010, where he underwent intense treatment with radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery.
Are Republicans Asking Jamie Raskin To Remove His Bandana?
In the past couple of days, certain rumors started floating online when some users claimed that the Republicans were against Raskin wearing a bandana. These are some of the tweets that accused the opposition party–
“If there was ever any doubt about how scummy House Republicans are, they want Rep. Jamie Raskin to remove the cap he’s been wearing while he undergoes chemo treatment for CANCER,”
“Kevin McCarthy has insisted Jamie Raskin remove the headscarf he is wearing because chemotherapy has caused his hair to fall out,”
“You would think they would have compassion for a colleague with cancer but they are monsters.”
DEBUNKING THE RUMORS:
When someone asked a hypothetical question about Raskin’s bandana, he jokingly replied that if he gets any pushback from the Republicans–
“And I will make them take off their toupees.”
This statement was misconstrued by netizens thinking that the Republican Representatives have raised opposition to allowing anyone to wear any headgear.
In complete contrast to this perception, both parties were completely supportive and encouraged Raskin’s choice.
Jacob Wilson, a spokesperson for Raskin, issued a statement–
“[Raskin] was responding lightheartedly to a hypothetical question from a colleague.”
“[Raskin] has received nothing but support and encouragement from all of his colleagues and leaders on both sides of the aisle.”
According to the Punchbowl News reporter Heather Caygle’s tweet, Raskin was asked–
“What he would do if Republicans made him take off his headwear on the House floor.”
Mark Bednar, a spokesperson for McCarthy, has clarified that the House Speaker had not asked Raskin to remove his head covering.
What are your thoughts on Raskin’s appearance on the House Floor? Do you think there should be leniency in the dress code?
What other accessories should be allowed on the House floor? Let us know in the comments section below.
1 Comment
When my daughter went through treatment for breast cancer which took her life she did not have any hair at all. Including eyebrows and eye lashes. From what I see of him on TV he still has eyebrows and facial hair. There is also hair at his temples which at times looks like it has had a fresh haircut. I’m confused.