'Absolutely disgusting': Florida Governor Ron DeSantis slammed for calling traditional Islamic robes 'man dresses' during fourth GOP debate

TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA: For centuries, men in the Middle East and other Islamic nations have worn long, flowing robes known as thobes or dishdashas. These garments serve a dual purpose as they protect the wearer from the intense heat of the desert while maintaining cultural modesty standards.

However, during the fourth GOP debate held on Wednesday, December 6, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis referred to these traditional garments as "man dresses," causing confusion and outrage on the Internet as they found his remark insulting, given the cultural significance of these garments.

Ron DeSantis refers to traditional Islamic robes as 'man dresses' while answering a question on drug problem

During the fourth Republican debate, DeSantis was questioned about his commitment to deploying troops to the southern border with orders to shoot individuals attempting to cross while carrying the lethal drug fentanyl.

While responding, the Florida Governor drew a comparison to his prior service as a lawyer with the US Navy and said, "When I was in Iraq, the Al Qaeda wasn’t wearing a uniform. You'd see anyone walking down the street, they all had man dresses on."

He continued, "You didn’t know if they had a bomb, an IED (improvised explosive device), attached or not. And so you had to make a judgment based on intelligence, based on positive identification." 

DeSantis' commentary on how terrorists and drug smugglers assimilate themselves within the local population may have been of significant importance. However, his reference to the local attire as "man dresses" has garnered considerable attention, overshadowing his primary point.

Matt Willhite, a former state lawmaker in Florida, asked on X (formerly Twitter), "Is the GOP OK with Desantis calling every male in the Middle East wearing man dresses? I guess middle eastern men can’t wear traditional clothing."

Notably, DeSantis has previously made statements that have generated backlash from the Muslim community. During a previous debate, he expressed doubts about the existence of "so-called Islamophobia," questioning the validity of anti-Muslim sentiments.

His repeated references to his military experience when discussing foreign policy matters have also raised concerns. These assertions have been called into question, highlighting the need for greater cultural sensitivity and awareness in public discourse.

Internet slams Ron DeSantis for calling traditional dishdashas 'man dresses'

Following DeSantis' comments about the traditional Islamic robes, netizens were quick to express their discontent with this casual dismissal of other cultures.

One quipped, "While he walks around in heels btw," while another added, "Ron DeSantis explaining his process to identify terrorists to shoot... "They all have man dresses on" This is an actual candidate for President. Incredible."

A person remarked, "A "man dress" @GovRonDeSantis @RonDeSantis @DeSantisWarRoom?? Are these guys wearing man dresses too? Your cultural awareness and levalel of religious tolerance is absolutely disgusting."

"DeSantis talking about “man dresses” while wearing heels is something else lol #GOPDebate," joked a user, recalling the controversy around DeSantis' odd cowboy boots. 

One disgruntled user expressed, "DeSantis calling traditional garb "man dresses" is beyond the pale. It was already obvious he's racist, but the fact that that disgusting remark went unchallenged--with two Indian Americans who clearly understand cultural dress on the stage--is even more gross."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.