Melania Wore a Pith Helmet on Her African Adventure, a Very Interesting Choice

In keeping with her history of just really great and diplomatic fashion decisions, Melania is running around Africa wearing an actual goddamn pith helmet—a big, fat metonym for colonialism—square on top of her head.

The Guardian explained:

Pith helmets 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.

Nothing says “goodwill tour” like parading around Africa dressed like you’re the star of some disastrously racist old Hollywood epic, wearing a symbol for empire. Why not stop off in India and talk about how much you love Gunga Din while you’re at it? Really do the grand tour.

This is in keeping with Melania’s long history of seemingly not thinking through her fashion choices or at the very least not giving one single goddamn; previous instances include wearing designer heels to a hurricane and also donning a jacket that literally said “I REALLY DON’T CARE, DO U” on her way to meet detained migrant children. She damn sure doesn’t!