Melania Trump slammed for wearing ‘common symbol of European colonial rule’ during Africa visit

First Lady Melania received criticism for wearing a pith helmet during a trip to Africa, The New York Times reported Friday.

The newspaper described the helmet as "a common symbol of European colonial rule."

“When people think of Africa, they have these standard narratives,” Professor Kim Yi Dionne explained. “Her attire is a signal of her understanding of what Africa is in 2018. It’s tired and it’s old and it’s inaccurate.”

“It’s like showing up to a meeting of African-American cotton farmers in a Confederate uniform,” suggested Matthew Carotenuto, a coordinator of African Studies at St. Lawrence University.