Editor's Note: Tiya Miles is chairwoman of the Department of Afro-American and African Studies and professor of history and Native American studies at the University of Michigan. She is the author of "Ties That Bind: The Story of an Afro-Cherokee Family in Slavery and Freedom" and "The House on Diamond Hill: A Cherokee Plantation Story." She is also the winner of a 2011 genius grant from the MacArthur Foundation.
By Tiya Miles, Special to CNN
When Gabby Douglas stood on the Olympic podium Thursday, a bright smile on her face and gold medal around her neck, she made history as the first African-American woman to win top honors in the all-around gymnastics competition.
Many African-Americans watching Douglas shared a flush of pride at the accomplishment, noting her joy, her poise, her grace and, apparently, her hairstyle.
I heard about this latter preoccupation from my sister, who swept into town for a weekend visit and opened with, “Have you heard that mess about Gabby’s hair? Type in ‘Gabby Douglas hair’ on Google; you’ll see.” I was dismayed to find a string of posts by African-American women and men debating Douglas’ hairstyle and the perceived imperfection that while her hair was straightened, parts of it had turned visibly kinky during her performance.
The fascination with natural African-American hair
Twitter and Facebook commenters and callers on black talk radio shows questioned whether her hair was too straight or too kinky, whether it was over-gelled or under-tamed, and what she should have done with that floppy bun. My sister, who thought this barrage of criticism was a “mess,” threw in the final comment: “All right, I admit if I was her mother, I would have put a headband on the girl, but really, who cares?”
A significant number of people, if the list my Google search returned is any indication. Why were some African-Americans fixated on hair at a moment that should have been set aside to savor a grand achievement?
For African-Americans and black women in particular, hair has long been troubled terrain. The natural kinkiness or curliness of most black people’s hair places it outside the bounds of mainstream American beauty standards, which emphasizes straightness, length and the bounce and flow of tresses in motion.
Reporter’s Notebook: Viola Davis keeps it 'real'
Historically, the difference of black hair texture has symbolized the inferiority of black people in the minds of some whites and even some blacks.
Naturally kinky hair was viewed as dirty, unkempt and unattractive into the mid-20th century.
In the 1960s and later, as blacks began to reclaim natural styles, Afros, braids and dreadlocks were associated with political radicalism in dominant American culture to the extent that some black women were threatened with the loss of their jobs for wearing braids to the workplace.
Over the years, black women (and men) have turned to numerous products and processes in an attempt to tame their locks into looks more fitting for American society – from twists and ties to pomades and gels to straightening combs and chemical relaxers.
It is no wonder that the first African-American female millionaire, Madame C. J. Walker, earned her riches from selling hair lotions and perfecting the use of the straightening comb.
For African-Americans, smooth, straight hair has been a symbol not only of beauty but of acceptance in broader American culture. And while black women wear their hair in myriad creative ways, one underlying orientation from this cultural history of hair oppression remains: the view that a black woman’s hairstyle is important and even symbolic, so she had better get it right. This is in part why Angela Davis’ Afro became iconic, why Beyoncé’s blond tresses are a signature of her look and why Nicki Minaj made a splash with a twirling carrousel of cotton-candy colored wigs.
Praise pours in for Viola Davis' natural 'do
African-American women feel that we have to “represent” through physical appearance. We know that when we step outside our doors, people do not only see and judge us as individuals, they see and judge our entire community and racial group.
For our own self-esteem and for the dignity of our group, we strive to appear our best. And to do so, we have often tried to replicate the aesthetic values of mainstream American society — including straight hair.
These acts of replication have been internalized such that we often do not distinguish between mainstream standards of beauty and what might have traditionally been our own way of looking at and loving ourselves.
The public reaction to Douglas’ appearance shows that this preoccupation with hair in the black community has gone too far.
In the black culture, a richness of hairstory
After her stunning win, tweeters who publicly demanded “why hasn’t anyone tried to fix Gabby Douglas’ hair?” and charged “gabby douglas gotta do something with this hair!” distracted the nation’s attention from what really mattered in the moment.
Defenses of Douglas posted by black women emphasized salient points: that she was an athlete who necessarily worked up a sweat, that sweat naturally affected one’s hair and that she had just accomplished something none of the “haters” could even dream of. A Facebook page called “I Support Gabby Douglas and HER HAIR” has collected 220 likes.
But overall, the chatter about Douglas’ hair has been insensitive and unproductive. Instead of criticizing this teenage girl for her appearance, black women and men could have been using those 140 Twitter characters to celebrate the skill of an Olympic champion.
The wise black feminist author Alice Walker spoke and wrote about the constraints of hair and beauty ideals in black culture in an essay titled “Oppressed hair puts a ceiling on the brain.”
When we engage in petty talk of perms and gels in the wake of a great triumph, we diminish ourselves and limit the potential of our young women and girls by sending the message that how they look overshadows what they think, imagine and accomplish.
Instead, we should be telling our girls that beauty is as beauty does. So what if 16-year-old Gabby Douglas doesn’t meet an unrealistic black hair-care standard?
She can swing and flip on parallel bars as the best all-around woman gymnast in the world; she can leap through the air like a shooting star.
We should all aspire to lift our heads so high.
The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Tiya Miles.
What defines you? Maybe it’s the shade of your skin, the place you grew up, the accent in your words, the make up of your family, the gender you were born with, the intimate relationships you chose to have or your generation? As the American identity changes we will be there to report it. In America is a venue for creative and timely sharing of news that explores who we are. Reach us at inamerica@cnn.com.
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This girl is so talented! She'll be in history books and her name will become a household name because she's an Olympian and worked so hard to get where she is. All that hard work came to this? I never thought I'd see this on CNN. The first that I saw to report on it was on YBF and then MediaTakeOut. So sad.
Fascinating.
The author of this drivel ought to read the Willie Lynch letter to see how their article contributes to such views in the modern day.
I love Gabby because she is awsome Gymnist representing our country, and if she wants to style her hair any way she wants, that's fine with me...Gabby has the guts, determination, and tenacity to be a true winner, and her Olympic Spirit is nothing but awe inspiring...Gabby also caries herself with grace and pride, and if being Black is certainly a part of who she is, then I love that about her too...Her smile is infectious, and her teamates are also awsome for winning the Team Gold as well as Gabby's individual Gold Medal...Kudos to her mother who sacraficed herself financially to point of Bankrupcy...If the Obama Administration attempts to tax her for her Gold Medals, while Michelle prances around in an Outfit worth thousands of dollars...Since the Obama's have that kind of money to throw around, and have a record of not donating much to charity, then they can offer along with Congress, and the Senate to pay all the taxes for our American Olympic Heros like Gabby, and all of our Athletes who won Medals in the London Games...You can be the first to pony up Mr. President!
Gabby should be very proud of her accomplishments and so should the USA. The fact that she is African-American is irrelevant to her success. Why must we use labels?
Swinging on the bars and flipping around comes natural to those folks!
First, I am a white woman and I think Gabby is an outstanding (obvious by the Gold) young lady. Her hair was just like all the others.... pulled back in a ponytail or a bun. So what if it is curly or straight or both! There are a number of women that have straighter hair, but it can also turn a little curly or even frizzy with sweat or humidity. Her performance, grace, and contagious beautiful smile would overshadow any flaw - which there were none! Her mother must be very proud and she should be. Also, in her statement in a short interview after her award presentation, she stated she gave the glory to God and he just showered her with blessings. A very grounded young woman. I am proud of her and her appearance and I don't even know her personally. And congrats to her mother for knowing when to let go, that took courage. Hair should not be even be a discussion. How very very petty! Great job Gabby!!
Wait...so she "gives thanks to God," and you think that demonstrates how grounded she is? LOL! She's living in the same fantasy so many of you other dolts are. Yeah, I'm real sure some all-knowing mythological magic man in the sky really cares whether a random girl from the U.S. wins a medal at the olympics. I guess that explains all of the sick and dying children in Africa...God is preoccupied with cheering on the American olympians.
petty people continue to plagued the planet. a champion is a champion. hair is not a person! we should all celebrate miss gabby and not agitate over cranial pettiness!!!
Why were people harping about her hair? Because those people are petty, shallow, and loathe anyone who has more talent at 16 years of age and in her little toe than they will ever have in their entire bodies or in their lives. I watched her routines, and guess what? Her do wasn't of the slightest concern to me. I was in awe of her athletic talent and achievement.
Thank goodness she's so cute – otherwise lame people with nothing better to talk about would be all over criticizing her for all the other things irrelevant to her talent besides just her hair! (And I still don't even see what was wrong with her hair? A few flyaways? What gymnast doesn't have any flyaways? Still confused...)
Gabby did a great job. Only thing is she is a BLACK AMERICAN unless she was born in Africa. I am not a German American or Swede American- I am AMERICAN plain and simple.. I am sure Gabby has many great years ahead of her.
I don't get it. Maybe because I'm white. Maybe because I'm a male. Or maybe because of both. I didn't, and still do not, see anything wrong with her hair. I hope she's above all this petty crap. She's a very pretty girl at 16 years old, BUT SHE'S ONLY 16! She has her whole life to be pretty. Right now she needs to concentrate on being an amazing gymnast.
OK, this is about the lowest of the low. Leave the girl alone! This should be a non-issue. Anyone who has issues with her hair should be ashamed of themselves.
No matter what her race, we should recognise her accomplishments and not her appearance. Well done to Gabby!
Gabby is wonderful but did we forget about our first black gymnast Dominique Dawes. Dominique Margaux Dawes is a retired United States artistic gymnastics team, the 1994 U.S. all-around senior National Champion, a three-time Olympian, and a member of the gold-medal winning "Magnificent Seven" at the 1996 Summer Olympics. Dawes is also notable as being the first African-American woman to win an individual Olympic medal in artistic gymnastics, and the first black person of any nationality or gender to win an Olympic gold medal in gymnastics Gabby is wonderful but did we forget about our first black gymnast Dominique Dawes
Love Dominique Dawes. Love Gabby Douglas. Great gymnasts and great representatives for gymnastics. Loved the Magnificent 7, love the Fab 5. Love USA Gymnastics!
The state of Gabby's hair is totally irrelevant, for the Olympics or any other part of her life. What is relevant is the high skill level, great personality and professional poise that she exhibited during her Olympic events. She represented America to the fullest. I am so disgusted that a disgusting few of we (African Americans) take sucn negative roads in wanting to kill the spirit of those of us who seek to excel. How about some praise and positive affirmation. If that can't work for those of you who qualify, how about doing something financially or socially constructive to make us proud of you. Leave Gabby alone!
If you don't like the way she looks don't look at her.
Gabby is an amazing young woman. Forget about her hair and focus on her abilities. Black, white, brown, green, yellow or rainbow color who cares what her hair looks like. She can do things 99.99% of the rest of us could only dream of- let her have her day and quit nagging like a bunch of old women.
PK...
You are just a perfect example of "the more you talk the more one is able to get to know your ignorance level...
I don't remember her with an African-American flag just an American one.
What a pity.
She is so accomplished, if she never did another thing in her life, she will be remembered – who cares about her HAIR??!
Much like Oprah Winfrey, she also has a natural beauty that just SHINES
I didn't see anything wrong with her hair....
I became a fan of Gabby's during what was the preliminaries to narrow down the contestants in the individual all-arounds. Her hair had no impact on my support. I guess, like Gabby, I see success as a result of effort and hard work, not of hair style. Perhaps all these people complaining about her hair should spend more time trying to succeed in life than trying to get the perfect do! My advice to Gabby – don't change a thing that's important – a great work ethic, putting in 100% effort, striving for perfection in your sport and life. Leave the hair concerns to the less capable, low effort fools.
The comments have been reportedly made by many African American women? Make no mistake, Gabby's accomplishments are historic already at her young age. Your comments are too; they are rooted in the history of self hatred that prevents you from celebrating your natural selves. Learn to celebrate yourselves (including how you look) and MORE importantly, learn to raise young people who know and embrace who they are based on the greatest potential they can contribute.
This all just shows how the black community is more worried about how she looks than what she has accomplished. I have not read one thing from any non-black they they are complaining about anything she has done. All this negitivism is coming from the black community, and they wonder why there is racism. Hey blacks, get over it, she is a great person and who cares what her hair looks like.
Well stated. And I'm black.
Exactly! I am embarrassed as a black woman that There are some NOT ALL African Americans criticizing Gabby's hair. How stupid is that! I don't care how hair looks, she is a champion and I am EXTREMELY PROUD OF HER. I am a proud black woman and I wear my hair in all styles, straight and natural... but no one should give a damn how we wear our hair. We have the most versatile on the planet. I LOVE THAT!
Enough! If the media would simply DROP this non-issue, it would have already been history.
Please people, get over hair and who can look the grandest, we have more to be worried about. I have worn my hair natrual for many years but at 50 I started my locks. It's 10 years later and all the remarks were well worth it. Don't be a follower but a leader. Gabby is a wonderful bright light that we should all be proud of and by the way, she is my Tidewater homegirl.
As a black woman, this lame criticism of beautiful Gabby's hair is shameful, and quite frankly, embarrassing. With so many black women so uncomfortable with their own hair that they actually weave fake hair into their hair, I think its time black women assess what their problem is with themselves. Gabby is absolutely beautiful. Black women need to wake up!
Thanks Jez, well said. As a white male, I am confused by all this nonsense about hair. Hair doesn't make success, effort and hard work do. Those caught up with hair are likely to fail as they don't understand what is truly important. Your comments are spot on, thank you.
As a black woman who wears nothing but my real hair, no weaves or straighteners.. for anyone who wants to know.LOL, I want to say to you Good Comment
OMG, I can't believe this became an issue about race. I was shocked about all the gymnasts hair, could they not have hired someone to fix their hair up. Scrunchies... really, is this 1990. And the floppy locks just pouring out of hair bands. In equestrian the riders wear buns that are neatly wrapped in nets and all underneath a helmet, they are judged not just on their skills but on the presentation overall, heck the horse have tidier locks than the gymasts. Regardless of athleticism there should be a standard of presentation, these athletes represent the country of the USA, have some pride and hire a hair stylist to do a nice neat wrap so the last thing the judges are focused on is sloppy hair whatever ethnicity, keep it neat!!!
Shallow post, shallow poster.
wow Kim, that's like saying you shouldn't attend church unless you are dressed to the nines ... doesn't a true christian believe that it doesn't matter how you look, as long as you show up? get over it, she did a fantastic job and accomplished something you certainly didn't!
Why did Tiya not mention weaves and the exploitation of poor Indonesian and Indian girls whose hair is grown, shorn, and sold in America so that black women can look "white." When is this exploitation going to stop and who is going to speak up against it other than Chris Rock?
Actually, the Indian women are not being "exploited". They willingly shave their heads in religious ceremonies. Opportunists simply scoop up the hair and sell it.
Why even dignify this by reporting on it?
The young lady's hair is not the first thing I would take notice of in this case. She is 18 right?
Whao Dude! now that's relevant!
The condition of Gabby's hair is totally irrelevant in this instance. what is relevant is the pleasant personality, hight skill level and great poise that she exhibited during her Olympic events. This is more that I can say for those idiots who chose, once again, to bash another African American sister who is accelerating toward professional excellence while they continue to spiral toward absolute stupidity.
❤❤❤ I just love and adore Gabby! Please don't ever change!!! You are beautiful just the way you are!!! Thank you for making the USA so proud. God bless you and your sweet family!!!!! ❤❤❤
PS .... I think your hair ROCKS!!! Love it!!!
Yes she does ROCK!!! Love Gabby D. and this is coming from a Puerto Rican. GO GABBY GO!
Oh god, it's not just a black thing. Hilary Clinton got non stop judgement for her hair back when her husband was campaigning for President. Her headbands, etcetc. There is way more judgement passed on women's looks and style than men's no matter what field you're talking about. Although for the record, this is the first I've heard about Gabby Douglas's hair.
Her hair obviously didn't get in the way of her earning 2 gold medals at the Olympics – - – something 99.99999999% of the rest of us will NEVER do.
Go, Gabby! You breath the rarefied air of an Olympian.
Black, white, straight or curly, she's the best gymnast in the WORLD.
Suck on that, haters.
When they start handing out medals for hair styles we will worry about them.
Why am I not surprised that the white community and middle/upper class black community sees a girl who worked hard and won a gold medal, and all the lower class black community can think about is her hair?
Amen!!
Marcia,
You dont know the class of all of the stupid posters. Please dont go into stereotypical extremes. Thats one of the things wrong with people and this country. I thought they were stupid too, but Im quite sure there were some so called "good people" throwing in their 2 cents.
if I'd been tossing around stereotypes I would've said "all blacks."
Didn't have to go too stereotypical there....I'm sure some lower class white communities find her hairstyle to be an issue also. Ignorance doesn't know race.
I thought she was gorgeous. This was so awesome for this young lady. I am still smiling. I was so utterly ashamed of black people when i saw who originally started the negative commentary. Honestly, it was the only day in my life i was ashamed of my race. Please people, dont assume we are all that stupid.
You go Gabby. To hell with the haters, especially the ones that look like you.
Why focus on a gymnast's hair? Because you're stupid.
Gabby, please don't let some random comments on Twitter (or anywhere else) take away your pride in your accomplishments, and I don't just mean the gold you EARNED at the Olympics. You are a remarkable young woman - neither your hair nor your ethnicity over-ride or accentuate that! You are who you are, and the world is a much richer place because you are here! Those who choose to look no further than one genetic trait before passing judgment are not worthy of your time or concern. Rock on, Gabby!
Although, I think Gabby is an adorable girl it's her athletic performance and personality that have captured people's hearts.
"Many African-Americans watching Douglas shared a flush of pride at the accomplishment, noting her joy, her poise, her grace..."
Many Americans of various creeds, colors, and cultures shared a flush of pride at the accomplishment of Gabrielle Douglas, noting her joy, her poise, her grace..." and didn't even notice her hair. Gabby is an American hero, not only an African-American hero. And most of us think she is beautiful just the way she is.
Amen.
When will we come together? We need to. Gabby is one of the greatest athletes in the whole world. Who even cares about race, ethnicity, hair, politics, religion.
Honor her for what she has accomplished.
Thank you. I barely noticed the color of her skin, let alone her hair style. I was too fixated on her flipping twirling little body through the air. And when she stopped, all I could see was her radiant smile.
I am not black, but if I was I would leave my way god made it. If somebody doesn't like it she should not look at me.
This is the most absurd "controversy" I have ever heard of in my life. And what irks me the most about it, is the commentary that it makes about the black community. Not because of Gabby's hairstyle – which I didn't notice over her beaming smile – but that the black community that would rather criticize her hair than celebrate her accomplishment. Here they have a shining example of a young black girl who has gone after her dreams, held herself with composure on the biggest stage in the world, and done our country proud. And rather than take THAT and say, here is who and what the black community can represent, they have instead decided to be small and petty and critical. Of a 16 year old girl. I am aghast.
Her bun at the end is an extension.SHE HAS FAKE HAIR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOLO JONES IS THE GREATEST AND HOTTEST EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Look, People. Just because this young lady has won a couple of gold medals (so far) that she has rightfully earned, let's not try to act like there aren't any real underlying current and/or historical issues regarding Black women who straighten their hair. The Black female's HAIR-anoia often has been and continues to be an ill-advised attempt to assimilate into a white way of "life". A BE YOURSELF and get played OR "be like us and get paid" dilemma.
It greatly contributes to a debilitating self-loathing that has been passed from generation to generation of Black females, LARGELY via their OWN mothers, SADLY!
So, while we wish this young lady, Gabby Douglas, all the success she can garner...it DOESN'T change one iota of history or psychological damage this utterly BACKWARDS practice has wrought on MANY a Black woman's psyche and self-image.
In TRUTH...
–The Black Whole
Gabby is such a beautiful talented young lady. Who cares about her hair? Shame on anyone who is debating how she should wear it.
who cares!!!!
Some people are so shallow and small-minded (and just plain stupid) that things like hair styles and clothing are more important to them than what the person accomplishes. It is said that "Small minds talk about people, mediocre minds talk about things, and great minds talk about ideas"...they forgot to mention that "The mindless talk about fashions"
I'm white and I though she looked super cute on the podium stand and I never once thought about her hair. I guess that was because it was all straightened out like a whites hair.
It's misogyny people, pure and simple. You think anyone would dare comment on the hair of one of the jamaican sprinters? Heck no. But Gabby is a young girl, and according to society, she should focus her energy on trivial pursuits of beauty... not silly athletics.
Those posts basically were saying "Sure she's an accomplished athlete, but she remains sub-par in society's eyes because she doesn't waste an hour in front of the bathroom mirror daily.
Funny you should mention runners. Watching the women's marathon my daughter commented on the winners hair, very positively. She though the style was quite attractive and even said she was glad she won cause she had the neatest (cool as opposed to messy) hair. I've often wondered why so many blacks straighten their hair, I never knew it was such a pressure phenom. I've always thought natural hair style was very attractive and love braids, not so much dread locks. I wish things were simpler in society. I feel the pressure now to color (50 and going gray) in my office by many of the women that color theirs, seems they feel I should color to keep it from being so obvious they do. Unless your hair is a total rats nest, smells or is full of lice, how you wear it should be a personal choice and not dictated by society of any color. Sad commentary on our society.
Proving once again that "you" people focus on the most ridiculous things and lose site of what's important. And if you take that as a racist comment then you, yourself, are a racist. By "you" I meant the idiots that would focus on her hairstyle when she's rocking the gymnastic house regardless of your race, creed, color, ethnic origin or favorite skittles flavor...
Good thought!!
When will African Americans embrace the beauty of our diverse and unique features?? Many–Fewer for sure...are still in that slave mentality to attempting to look like someone we are not. Most of us don't have the long flowing hair, or European features. I am not surprise that the few reactions came from within the African American community. There is still the mistrust of each other, rather than encouraging and supportive words. Gabby is an excellent role model.
As soon as Gabby won the gold medal, I made a bet with someone on how long it would take before we'd see an article talking about how her accomplishment will somehow be a sign of racial oppression of blacks. It never fails. No matter what black people do good in the world, their own communities will debate endlessly about anything related to it that demonstrates how oppressed they are. Sure enough, this article came popping up less than a week later. It's not a stereotype when it's true every single time. How did I have the foresight to have made such a precisely accurate prediction? Just random, unfounded racism right?
You know when I saw her win the gold medal all I could see was that gorgeous smile and beautiful face. Couldn't have even told you if she had hair. It's a shame that others feel it necessary to say such negative things about a poised, confidant young woman like this.
cut it all off and paint her head black
The squirrel is probably doping just like that Chinese girl.
To those who took to social media to discus Gabby's hair, they are just ignorant and small minded. She is a beautiful talented young lady. The same was said about the Williams sisters. I find the nicknames given to these wonderful athletes abhorrent ! Calling Gabby a 'flying squirrel' and the Williams sisters 'predators I and II'. I haven't heard those comments made about any other young ladies. My family and I focused on their abilities and their character and everyone else should do likewise.
to even casually focus on the hair of a champion - as Gabby most assuredly is - gives solid evidence to the sad reality that even in the midst of BIGNESS, human SMALLNESS will carve out a jealous piece for itself!!
I am going to post that quote to my oft-used list! Well said!
Show me any woman of any race, creed or color who is happy with her hair and I'll show you--–ain't gonna happen, no woman is happy with her hair.
I guess racism is alive and well on both sides. "I'm a white blah blah blah "..."Ima black blah blah..." who cares. Who are you kidding? Ms Douglas made the USA proud. And her hair was cute. But I'm still gonna think the African American thug walking the sidewalk late night sagging his pants pimpwalkin is up to no good.
amen!
Barnum said – Never underestimate the stupidity of the average American.
After reading some of the comments about Gabby's hair – all I can say is "amen to that".
This is the stupidest thing I have heard in a long time. These women can't even give props to the first African-American woman to achieve a gold medal in this sport. Do they have any idea what that took? Apparently not. Her hair...seriously? I thought she was beautiful inside and out. I hope she doesn't change a thing!
Before commenting on idol gossips thats meant to kill any form of life, hope and spirit; take a deep breath, say NO to the dark voice in your mind. Its so easy to hate than to love. Its so easy to judge and comdemn than show mercy and compassion. When we judge others, we are not defining them, but ourselves. Great minds Value humanity more than Ethnicity. Small minds discuss/spreads fear, hatred, and foolishness...
Gabby God Bless you as you grow into a woman full of grace and honor
Why?, because it would be too mean to talk about how ugly she is.
You're a bottom feeding insect moron. You sound like the kind of idiot who frames your nasty skidmarked drawers as art.
Oooo– burn!!! Go, Gabby!
LOL, keep it up, he or she is hiding making comments on someone they know nothing about!!
So what if she fixes her hair differently than other blacks? She is just being herself, if she wants to have a messy bun, so what? Is it illegal? No. Is it insulting? No. Will it kill anyone? Not if you're obssesed with black hair. So just lay off. It's a free country. If you don't like her hair, well I guess that just sucks for you
To embellish upon Eleanor Roosevelt's quote - Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people and truly fabulous people recognize Gabby for the talented, dedicated, accomplished phenom that she is & could care less about her hair! ~ gigi
My first thought was she is such a beauty. Poise and charm, all of the fab five were very professional and great leaders for little girls everywhere who look up to them.
Anyone who had issue with Gabby's hair, all of you are pathetic. Gymnastics is hard, hard work and requires many moves that you would not want your hair going everywhere or in your face. If you looked at all the girls it would not be a hair contest. Look at all of the runners and their hair, or the volleyball players or basketball players, the players are not worried about their hair.
I totally agree with this article! I think Gabby is incredibly talented and also gorgeous, why are people critiquing her hair?? they need to critique themselves first, they can't even come close to what she can do, so they pick on her hair? So shallow...
I was surprised at first to hear that people were criticizing Gabby for her hair. But then when I heard who was criticizing her, I said to myself, "Well that figures."
and just WHO? was criticizing Gabby's hair, Steve?
Nevermind, I'll tell YOU: a handful of people on twitter, which cause someone to write a blog and the media started headlining it as a result. Since when does the media, make a major news story out of twitter comments
The best tweet I saw on this, and I am paraphrasing, is, feel free to comment on her hair, as long as you will let her comment on your muscle tone.
Perfect!
It is amazing how so much hate and negativity has been thrown at this beautiful young lady.
She represented the USA in the highest of honor and respect. What does she get for it?
People saying things like She wasn't being American on the podium because she didn't sing the anthem.
Neither did Michele Phelps and many others who chose to look at our flag and just take in the moment.
People talking about her hair for goodness sakes. I guess they want her to have caucasion hair.
People asking questions about her family's financial problems. That is too much. What does her mom
having financial problems have to do with her winning the USA two Gold Medals? Her family sacrificed so much to give their daughter a chance a shooting for her dream. Of course they are not doing so great financially after giving so much.
It's just ridiculous. Someone said Gabby reminded her of Michelle Obama. Because Michelle talked about
the how proud of America she was at a great moment in time. Blacks understood exactly what Michelle was talking about. Black folks understand about black hair and how we wear it too and the things our women have to go through to keep it looking good. It's just a shame people want to look at the tiniest of things when it comes to black achievement and try to bring it down.Of course we wouldn't dare talk about Michele Phelps' hair because white hair is acceptable in any form, wet, dry, oily, dry, spiked, etc. It all just makes me sick.
Actually I heard more people complaining that her hair looked 'too white' than anything else. But I'm with you. The whole hair issue is beyond ridiculous
And she isn't the only one whose parent's finances are being scrutinized, Ryan Lochte's parents are in foreclosure and that's been just as widely reported as Gabby's mother's bankruptcy. Again, I agree it is no one's business and has nothing to do with their achievements.
Oh and on the hair issue, my black people apparently started this mess. We as black need to grow up and recognize what is really important. The media apparently picked up the hair mess and went crazy with it. But I blame my own black folks for that part.
Thank you David! I don't know about inferior hair styles but the only thing inferior about black women would be if they were too busy looking at Gabby's hair to notice her fabulous accomplishment!
Who cares about her hair? This is sad because as a people if we were not so fixated on hair and materialism and more focused on things that matter most, maybe we would make history more often. Great job Gabby!
I am a gymnastics dad. To the Gabby Haters, Gabby is wearing her hair the way she is for a reason. The judges can take a deduction when a gymnasts hair comes loose or a beret fall out. If you will notice Gabby like all of the gymnasts have their hair plastered to their head. This is about deductions and GOLD medals not about style or ethnicity. I personally find it disgusting we are even having this discussion. It does nothing but take away from the accomplishments of an amazing person and athlete.
Thank you for the explanation, people who are having issues with Gabby's hairs are just JEALOUS.
She is a beautiful young woman who gave her all and won. I'm proud that she represents my country.
I'll also never understand why it is ok to say young African-American children that they should only look up to girls of their own skin color. An ABC producer (who is African-American) came out recently and said something similar about a show on ABC Family. Calling them out for not having any 'young girls of color' (her words not mine) in their cast and saying that she couldn't feel good about her children looking up to the characters because they didn't look like the characters.
Why are we telling our children to only look up to people that look like them? My son doesn't look up only to white athletes. It just seems like it is the opposite of what we should be teaching our kids. If the role model is a respectable and sets a good example what the heck matters about their race (or their stinking hair!?!).
Cedar,
you have to remember that as an AA, we are in the minority. So- we can not turn on any channel at any second and any given time and find a plethora of journalists, actresses, actors, talk show hosts, businessmen, politicians and professionals of color for our children to emulate. Yes- we have them in the AA community but it is very important for children to see these images. If, there were AA's on tv as the majority like whites then your response would be very valid. I don't think they were saying to onl emulate from our race but we want our children to see positive images on tv just like white kids see positive images on tv of their race.
And yes, your child can watch tv and look up to black athletes but notice, you said athletes – not scientists, or doctors etc. Because they are not shown much- yes we definitely have them in our community but these images need to be on tv not only for our kids but white kids as well.
Question: how many black dolls have you bought for your child or nieces and grandchildren?
I understand what you are saying. And I'll be the first to admit that as a white person I don't understand how it feels to be the minority which is why I posed the questions I did.
And I bought my youngest sister a set of the original American girl dolls which included the doll Addy who is African American I believe. But that was years ago. I have no nieces and only have a son.
I completely agree with this article, and I'm so proud of Gabby! However, as a female gymnast, I'd like to point out that Gabby does not compete on the "parallel bars," which is a completely different men's apparatus, but the UNEVEN parallel bars.
Who cares about her hair?!?!!! She's AWESOME!
I never even really noticed Gabby's hair. I noticed her beautiful smile and incredible spirit she has. I cried when she won that gold medal. I can just imagine all the hard work and dedication that went into it. I've been inspired by her for many reasons, but the day I look for someone's hair to inspire me is the day I will need a reality check.
Didn't notice her hair at all. Just the amazing smile and her proud mother. But then I am white.
This is exactly why black women are overweight and don't exercise. You can't work up a healthy sweat and keep a pristine hairstyle. I think Gabby made the better choice. Get over it. (ps, I am a plus size black woman and know this to be a fact)
Another white female (in her sixties). Congratulations to Gabby on her superior performance; she was an excellent representative for the USA. I didn't see anything wrong with her hair . . . I saw a pretty, delightful, accomplished young lady.
Ditto from an older white male!
She is beautiful, no matter what they say.
Ms. Douglas, you ARE a true champion! It was an absolute pleasure to watch your performances!
Best wishes to you! Go Gabby in 2016!
This is where the Internet has brought us. We had no idea there were so many idiots in our midst. The Internet just gave them a new ability to be heard. Obsess over an athlete's hair? Unbelievable. She is an amazing and gifted athlete and most rational people leave the discussion there. The rest of you need to get a life and stop looking for your 15 minutes of fame by telling your buddies you started a viral discussion on the web.
1. White people really don't care if black people wear their hair straight, natural, in braids, etc. This is your issue, not ours.
2. It's too bad they aren't proud of her—as an American—for winning, no matter what color her skin is.
3. The young lady was participating in an athletic event, not a beauty contest or fashion show. I'm sure she was shooting for what was practical and comfortable, not what was chic or politically correct.
4. How anyone could be anything but proud of her is beyond me!
I am very proud of Gabby Douglas, and could't agree more. I am caucasian and find Gabby, as one of the most beautiful woman, in America. Look at what pride, she has brought to our country and all the hardships she had to endure and overcome to accomplish something, that most people, regardless of the color of their skin or hairstyle that crowns her head. Such ignorance, shouldn't exist, in a land of the free. God bless you Gabby, your the BEST.
She should dye it pink and shave it into a mohawk. That would teach the conformist drones.
I'm what would be considerated a typical white american female (though I don't have silky straight hair – slightly curly and frizzy instead) and not once did Gabby's hair style enter my mind. Instead I was concentrating on her grace and atheletic skill. Plus I noticed she has a beautiful and very cheerful smile.
I didn't see anything wrong with her haircut. I guess I am just out of style.
The people who criticize such small matters are VERY SMALL themselves. This is almost too stupid to be believed. But then we live in mostly stupid times, don't we? There was a man once who said an important thing about people who have no guilt-or-sin being overly judgemental. And NO; I do not wish to see your pictures either...
I'll bet that every person who posted negative comments has petroleum-based hair; so their comments are negated.
People can be so insensitive. These are the same people who don wigs and hair extensions to enhance their own bad hair.
SHUT UP.
Why do non-white journalists always have to discuss their race in their columns?
Sometimes it's because race has quite a bit to do with the topic. In other words, because it's relevant.
Oh give me a break! Why does ANYTHING have to be about race! Get over it already!
You know i am a blackman it is sorry how much we hate self you see all our women with someone else hair
Her hair? People focus on her hair? Wow. Maybe because I'm not black, I truly don't understand, but I see nothing wrong with her hair. Maybe we all need to stop judging people based on appearances alone. Man alive.
No, I'm a black female & I don't even understand this nonsense. She accomplished something very few do & instead of celebrating her, some are talking about her hair. Unreal, sad & embarrassing.
You hit the nail on the head! As much as the comments upset me, I was not surprised. This is a black person thing as another poster implied caused by a white person thing. Our hair has never fit the standard of beauty. We've tried, put poison on our scalps and tried some more but we're still inferior and the thoughts seem to be most prevalent in our own heads now. Sad.
Please don't act like African American women are the only ones that struggle to fit the standard of beauty. I'm a white women that also has to put 'poison' on my hair to get to be straight and shiny. Some days I do, others I don't. I also have curves that most women of my race don't.
I learned a long time ago that I'm a white woman who simply isn't built like one. I do what makes me feel good and stopped caring about what other people expected me to look like. I sure as hell wouldn't let people I never met and will never meet dictate to me what my hair should and shouldn't be or what size my breasts or rear end should be because of the color of my skin.
Also, when you blame this 'black person thing' on white people (even though most of the critics were African-American) you do nothing but perpetuate the stereotype that African-Americans would rather sit back and blame the white man for their problems than do something to fix them.
There are real problems involving race in this country, some which are the fault of white Americans. But honestly, blaming this crap on us though makes people just roll their eyes and ignore the real problems.
Call me crazy, but as a white girl, I have never thought of black women's hairstyles as being inferior. Personally, I don't pay much attention to how people wear their hair, even myself, as long as it is clean and out of my face. I have even on many occasions admired beautiful hairstyles on black women and wished that I could do the same thing to my hair, why do you think black women have inferior hair?
I heard Oprah was also talking about Gabby's hair right? If so she could have sponsored her with a hairstylist. Anyway, whatever the hair problem there was, she is a proud American to represent every black woman out there and if the ladies cannot see pass that, they're a bunch of haters.
If Oprah was talking about her hair then she really needs to get a new life...
I will bet every cent I have that those who had the time to focus on the need for Gaby to improve her hair-do will never possess the ability to become an Olympic gymnast. What a missed opportunity for each of them to have congratulated her on her excellent performance and winning gold. She is a shining star for many young gymnasts who are not worried about the superficial things of life but on achieving your best.
This must be a black person thing, cuz I do not see what the problem with her hair is. She looks like a champion to me.
Congratulations, Gabby, you just did something the REST OF THE WORLD couldn't do! Hope you enjoy being an American celebrity, because we're going to try our best to suck the joy and greatness out of all your accomplishments. I wonder if this is how other countries celebrate their athletes?
I am an African American MAN and I wasn't surprised by the hatred or comments spoken by other African Americans. Two things that I want everyone to take away from this lesson is this. 1. If you want to keep something from blacks, put it in a book. 2. The best way to stop a black person from being successfull is to point out that success to another black person. In the first incident we are more worried about looking good and having rims on our cars than reading a book. The second statement will always be true, we (blacks) are jelouse to see another black "get ahead". Sad but true... This girl won a Gold medal, and stood on the heels of Jessie Owens and all we can talk about is her hair.
Thanks for the advice, Pk! This knowledge will surely help me improve my ability to keep the black man down.
Although you did not express surprise, your post in itself spewed hatred. I take issue with a black man expressing such inaccuracies and applying them to MY entire race. You, Mr. Hater, have fit yourself right into that group by adding on an extra layer of ignorance. Not only do we read books to educate ourselves but did you know that we have graduated to writing them as well? Some of us even possess both books, advanced degrees, and nice rims....how about that for multi tasking? Jealousy when another black gets ahead??? Perhaps you have experienced it in your life but that does not ring true as your blanket statement says that it does. It was the blacks before us that paved the way -in fact some gave their lives -for the generations that followed them because they wanted us to get ahead. You being a black man certainly doesn't make you our spokesperson. And by the way.....if YOU had read more books you would be on par with your spelling skills. That's my takeaway from you "lesson".
Man the truth hurt!!! Maybe I was a little to broad in my statement. Perhaps this would help open your eye's, I earned a B.S. from a credited school all while serving in the military. Oh, after I retired from military I focused my efforts on our young black brothers, I teach them to look a man in the eye when you are speaking, pull your pants up, don't talk ebonics and expect to get ahead in the work place and most of all don't expect help...get it on your own.... I am in the trenches, Brother!!! Where are you? Yes I was little to broad in my earlier comment, however if you see what I see day in and day out, maybe, just maybe you will comphrehend. And to Steve!!! your wife or girl friend probably have a BBC stuffed in the closet... Sad....lol
To Pk,
I am a White college professor and I did not appreciate your comments. I know a lot of African American people who DO enjoy reading books and who were very happy and proud of Gabby Douglas winning the Gold Medal. The African American people I know were not concerned about her hair. The next time you decide to speak for ALL African Americans do yourself a favor...don't! I truly do not believe you are qualified to do so, no more than I am qualified to speak for every White person out there. Finally, perhaps you need to elevate your associations, perhaps that is why you do not know any intelligent, articulate, book reading African Americans.
There you go, the White professor pointing out that he is a Professor. Do you have tenure? who cares. Did you serve your country, I did... over 20yrs... go back to the class room brother, I'm sorry, go back to the classroom dude, and let the real men be in the trenches.
Natural Girls Rock. Go Gabby. So Proud of You.
hahahhaahahhahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahhahahahahhahah
Olympic gymnast. natural.
hahahahahhahahahhahahahahahahhahahahhahahahhahahhahahahahhahahahahhahahahhahahahahahahahha
Not once did I pay attention to her hair! I don't do Twitter or Facebook, so I had no idea this was an issue until this morning! As an AA woman, i'm embarrassed by this conversation that refuses to go away. Now this has gone mainstream. Wow, now some idiots have managed to overshadow her gold medal wins by focusing on something so trivial!
Really, people! Grow up! This young woman is an incredible athelete – regardless of whether her hair is long, short, tied up, hanging loose, in braids, in a mohawk, dyed blond, pink, green, or neon blue. What does her hair style have to do with her incredible ability or achievements? And new media – focus on newsworthy stories – not the pettiness of whining public.