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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If her hair was perfect... would she have scored any higher? NO! NO! NO!
Come on people, she was being judged on her athletic skills. It wasn't a beauty contest. Get over the hair thing!
- Gabby's biggest white boy fan.
As of today Gabby is the best gymnast on the planet and has the gold medal to proove it. Her hair style or lack of it is of no concern.
Regards,
The White Communits
Let's get back to the real issues, like why does that guy at NASA have a mohawk?
I'm a retired African American gymnast and personally when I was younger it was hard enough for my mom to keep my hair looking right for practices and meets. From all the sweat, chalk, flipping and turning and now I see haters getting on a little girl that doesn't even live with her mother get criticized for her hair. The worst part of this whole thing is for once it wasn’t white America making comments on how she looked, it was us black America! Instead of congratulating her on an amazing accomplishment our eyes went straight to her weave, I don’t see any of you trying to make history when you were 16. So like they say about Bolt unless you beat him there’s nothing you can say. Gabby is now the BEST in the world and will stay that way for the next 4 years so you best get used to seeing her young teenage hair do and find something else to hate on.
Please leave Gabby's hair alone. She looks fine and practically works for her performance on the floor. Can we focus on this young teen's great accomplishment because of her hard work for years. Hair style is not scoring any point in gymnastic. I am so happy for her and her family. Good Job Gabby !! Don't mind the hair critics. I am looking forward to see your performance again in 4 years.
Well, that is the new american culture......BASH EVERYTHING AMERICAN....and you did the same as everybody else, you made the white/black comparison. How about drop it. it is over. It has BEEN OVER. with that said, I think it is a shame that this idiotic comment/thought about HER HAIR even came up from ANYONE. It is ridiculous. I think she looks great, and is an AMAZING gymnast.
Her hair is pulled back and held with a scrunchie... that is like the most common hairstyle in the world. What is the big deal here.
Wait, she has hair? I only noticed the exceptional performance she displayed. Maybe I am the stupid one only caring about what she was doing. I didnt care if her outfit was pink or her hair was straight. I only care that she carried herself like a champion and performed like one too. Best of luck.
And her nails! Did you see them? OMG!
Damn trifling women...
Well, at least I'm happy that you're remaining calm and rational about it.
This is quite sad.
Her hair is pulled back and out of her face, which I believe it the most important aspect.....you need to be able to see what you are doing without hair flying in your face. Period.
Her focus should be on her performance. And others' focus needs to be on her performance, or their own hairstyle. Again, period.
They have focused on her performance ad nauseam, what's left to talk about? If you don't like the commentary, don't listen to it. That seems simple enough to understand.
Gymnastics is a sport, not a fashion show. Gymnasts' hair needs to be up and out of the way. How Gabby wears her hair out of the gym is her own personal decision.
Hair? I don't care if its bright green and ten miles long. She performed perfectly, and earned that gold. GO GABBY!!!!
Most efficient would've been a Grace Jones buzz. You don't want a barrette flying off into your eye while you're twisting through the air.
Pete,
Really? You know what's best for African American hair.....particularly female hair?
Barrettes don't "fly off". Gabby is beautiful, you idjit!
i hope and pray that she would'nt loose focus on game she likes and enjoy.
Could not agree more… I don’t see anything wrong with her hair but her performance was remarkable
Yes why are black women and the liberal media so focused on the kids hair?
I 'm an African and i think most Africa Americans have alot to do with Gabby hair news, white people don,t care how her hair looks.
I agree! I am white, and I couldn't care less about Gabby's hair. She's beautiful in every way, just the way she is!
Please stop using the phrase "liberal media". Just because it's left of Fox doesn't make it lefty. There is a center, and Fox ain't in it.
Why is the conservative infotainment Fox News so fixated on what the athletes wear?
I use to be a foster parent. Some of the training offered was African American Hair Maintenance. Because if the child is seen with White hair styles, it usually stresses the family and hinders the help they are trying to get.
The closest analogy for this case would be if the American Olympic Team all died their hair Blond, so they make it seem like all Americans are blond. Part of the pride of the US Olympic Teams is the diversity of people representing our country.
Who cares. She sold out within 24 hours of being GIVEN the medal.
GIVEN a medal? An implication that she didn't earn it? And how did she sell out?
She did not earn the medal. The guy that built the overpass she rode over to gym class made it all possible. The world according to Obama..
Anyway, go girl.
How does this have anything to do with Obama? I hate to tell you but 2 + 2 = 4, not i. And since you're obviously uneducated, i is an imaginary number.
??
Sell out? Because she accepted endorsements? So what, if you condemn that, its a long list. She wasn't GIVEN a medal, did you miss her performance? Speaks for itself. A proud White mother.
So are you saying that Michael Phelps is a sellout too? Or does that only apply to blacks and/or women? Her mother is on the verge of bankruptcy trying to pay for her training, you dolt.
For Robert, if you are implicating that this all was possible because of Obama is the rediculious!! The girl has been doing gymnastic since she was 4 years old, which according to my calculations is way before Obama was even President!! She earned it & was not just given to her!!!
When we stop paying more attention to female athletes' superficial appearance than their athletic ability, I might actually die of shock.
ALL women. My Fox News watching elderly mother has said numerous times, "Have you seen Hillary's hair?". Women are so marginalized every day, usually by other women. Ugh.
I'm afraid many female achievers, not just those excelling in sports, are criticized for real or perceived flaws in their physical appearance. And not only by men; sometimes the most critical are other women. Why on earth do we do this in this day and age?
Every race/culture has it's version of haters that will degenerate people no matter what they've accomplished. Some people didn't like Gaby's hair, so what? Do you realize how many cruel/insipid/useless comments float through the internet each day?
Anyways last I heard Gaby is up for $100 million in sponsorship deals. She'll be able to hire Opra's stylist if she feels like it. I would have rather read an article about that, or heard about that on the radio. Instead of useless bickering over hair.
I think her hair looks fine. What's the big deal? Pull it back and polish your gold, girl, you are a NINJA!
Who cares what her hair looked like, I certainly don't. Would you rather have her hair flopping in her face while she's performing? I would think anyone who is performing gymnastics wouldn't want their hair flopping in their face. Overall your watching their performance and not what their hair is doing. People are just making a mountain out of a mole hill here. The main thing is she won the gold. Congratulations to her, you did your country proud Gabby.
We are our worst enemy...thank you for your comments who cares, but the haters. What do her hair have to do with her winning?
Who cares about her hair she has accomplished something great and thats what matters she will have plenty of time and money to do whatever she wants to do. Go Gabby do your thing show them who you are. God Bless You!!
Agreed wholeheartedly! Its just hair for cryin' out loud! She has done wonderful and accomplished much at her age!
It is unreal how negative people can be. No wonder why the last few generations are so lost, people were NOT concerned about how good Gabby's performances and scores were. Although, had she made a serious error on any of them, there would've been plenty of feedback on that.
To get to my point, instead of being focused on what's important (this beautiful young lady, that has a head full of her own beautiful hair) was put to the test against the best of the best in the world and WON!!!
How can someone even have the audacity to seek out something negative to say. For people to be so pessimistic is very sad.
When people become so involved in a debate that should be nonexistent anyway... What kind of example do we set? How do we teach young women to not feel insecure about themselves when someone they would and should idolize is belittled about something that had absolutely nothing to do with her becoming A CHAMPION
What Gabby cares about: How she is going to spend the million$$ in endorsements coming her way.....
What Gabby doesn't care about: What a gaggle of bored, simple-minded women think about her hair.....
Very Well Said.
I agree with Lady..very Very VERY well said. Leave the child alone!! On every level she is a champion, from her smile and poise to her abilities in the gym. Perhaps these people should try to remember how it felt to be 16 and trying to *fit in*. I'm a 60 year old white woman and I still have 'bad-hair-days'. The only difference is now I could care less. Have a great day everyone!
Okay CNN let it go! Why is this still a story or issue?? And as an african american woman, black women you should be ashamed of yourselves! This child is 16 years of age, has not bowed down to what "WE" have let society proclaim that bone straight hair is the standard for our beauty. Let's set the standard for ourselves. Whether natural (as you were born), weaved, permed, etc. It's an individual choice. Shame on you black women, shame on you!!!!
Are you bloody kidding me? This young woman turned in the performance of her lifetime and people are griping about her hair? This is as bad as Fox Noise moaning because she wore pink instead of red/white/blue.
Word. Seriously, are there really people out there who are talking about this? What a strange thing to be fixated on. I think the focus should be on Phelps' dumbo ears and awful teeth.
I never looked at her hair and i'm white. I only looked at her phenomenal performances
I think her hair looks fine. Don't know if anyone remembers, but she left home for 2 years to train in Iowa with her now coach. As a 16 yr old, away from her family, I think she did the best she could with her hair. She had to juggle between going to school as well as maintaining a rigorous training schedule. Gabby, I am proud of you and your wonderful accomplishment. You are the NUMBER ONE FEMALE GYMNASTIST FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS. ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!
That means that she moved away from her family to persue her dream when she was fourteen. FOURTEEN!
The "do it for the CHILDREN!" whiners would pewl over the fact tha "she is just a CHILD".
Yet this "child" went to school, worked hard, traveled across the ocean, turned in a gold medal-winning performance, and is one of the most polished people in front of the camera that you will see.
But "haters gonna hate". And the simple-minded haters can just quit hating on Gabby.
Its a social commentary and its infinitely more relavent than Faux News discussing the clothing of the athletes. And you are wrong, her mother did not move to Iowa.
SEE even black people can be preoccupied with ridiculous stuff. They isn't any diffawent din us wite follk
So african american woman/men are making comments about her nappy hair. Had it been a white woman making those comments we would have been labeled racist. This young lady, regardless of race, did an amazing job at the olympics and some very ignorant people have the nerve to comment about her hair! Gabby, I'm sure you're bigger and better than those who dare comment on your hair. Wear your gold with pride and that gleaming smile of yours!!
"HAIR"-LARIOUS! ! !
Good grief, her hair? How many of we white women have used the Americanism "II'm having a bad hair day'? WE spend a fortune on hair products because hair is just hair. WE are the folks who are overwrought about how it looks. Just view the jillian hair ads on TV to see that. There is no space in our corner of society to complain about anybody else's hair when ours is usually a disaster without our daily hair routine. Give it up ladies (and some of you men), the child is cause for National pride and is a true role model for young ladies, not only in gymnastics but in every area of discipline required to follow a dream.
Well said. I couldn't agree more.
I'm sorry but This has nothing to do with straight hair vs. Natual Hair so half of this article was a waste. The fact is is that BLACK WOMEN GET THEIR HAIR DONE....PERIOD! If it's natural or relaxed we make it a point to stay on top of our hair from wash and sets one to two weeks, to getting it relaxed every 6 weeks to twisting our hair, touching up our dreads, it doesn't really stop with us. So for her to be on national t.v. and not have it done I can understand the comments. I just never would have said them out loud and blasted her in social media. As a culture it seems like we've stopped sticking up for each other...THAT'S THE REAL PROBLEM! BLOG ABOUT THAT!
1. It was a gymnastics meet not America's Next Top Model. Please get over yourself and at some learn to look at the bigger picture.
2. How was YOUR hair at age 16 when you made National History? It's ok.....I'll wait...
Please don't speak for all black women. That is what the problem is...People who want to speak for a whole race/gender. Not all black women do the things you have mentioned. I for one, just wash my hair at home while I am showering that's the end of it. I only go to a professional when I want to do something different with my hair not because i have to. So you see, not all black women...even with natural hair, have to do what you have mentioned. Stop being obsessed about superficial things. Gabby's hair looked fine...she is an Olympian...what have you accomplished? Stop thinking you know what every black woman does and being so judgemental.
Here is an extremely talented and awesome young lady and people are focusing on her hair. What a pathetic society we live in.
How little, petty and small minded fux nuws can get.
Her hair, come on people. That is so petty. If you were out there sweating and flipping what would your hair look like
Newest Olympic sport to be introduced: Hair Dressing! Fools!
It's such a shame that this beautiful young girls achievemnts have a parallel shadow with this hair nonsense! I hope a hair care product company hires her for some marketing because I think her hair is beautiful. Knock em' dead, Gabby!
Superb job Gabby! Congratulations!!! YOU and your hair are gorgeous. I am not Black, but I am definitely super proud of your accomplishments. Don't let the naysayers, whether Black, white, green, Brown or "yellow", influence you.
¡Adelante!
REALLY! the young lady is an Olympic champion, come on. bunch of ijits.
Thats wouldn't care!!..sorry about that.
I'm a 47 year old African-American male. If I could do what Gaddy can do, I would care if my hair looked liked Buckwheat from the Little Rascals on a hot and humid Alabama day in July..lol...Great Job Gaddy!!!!!
lol i loved the little rascals. great comment
How vapid we have become and to what low has journalism sunk??? Great job kid!
I don't think any of the young ladies hair looked that hot, but then again your looks are not being judged it is you athletic abilities. After all of the physical demands placed on them I think we should expect a perfect hairdo.
"hair oppression"
^
Really!? Hair oppression? Lady you've got issues. The ONLY 2 things that I noticed about this young lady 1) extremely talented 2) pretty smile. I haven't heard one person (white or black) make mention of her hair. That's just ridiculous!
But I guess being as you write books about slavery and oppression, you can't see past those things. And that's on you.
Everybody know the damn issue but there's a time and a place to debate about this. But it"s too hard for us, african-american to JUST celebrate our talents and our victory, even if it's one us who make history. We are our own worst enemy. She's a 16 year-old kid, from an average town, raised by a single mother who is now the best gymnast in the world, but it's more easy to point that her hair is perm. Contine to shine girl, continue smile girl, Go Gabby.
Could not of said it better. Thank you
Why focus on hair (or clothing or makeup or how fat/thin someone looks in that outfit) ? Because people are petty when it comes to women in the media. Doesn't matter who they are – politicians, news anchors, sports figures – people look at the packaging, not the product. Won't it be nice when women are judged on their characters and their abilities instead of stupid things like hair? Gabby Douglas is world champion. Let's remember her for that, shall we?
Well said Katie, I agree 100%
I am not surprised by the negative comments on Gabby's appearance, even though I do not agree with them. Watching Gabby, I've only seen the glow of a beautiful young athlete. Breathtaking! Sadly, our society has been accepting the distorted image-conscious views of the Emporer's Clothes for too long.
The first striking thing I noticed about Gabby was her lovely smile. The second thing that really striked me and got my attention the most was that Gold Medal around her neck. Her hair I never really noticed. Congrats Gabby.
absolutely appalling!!! here this young lady has won a gold medal, and people find it in themselves to comment on her hair being wrong!!!!! on top of it, it was African American women who were the majority of this. what is wrong with this world any more? people in general !!!! it just seems like people are regressing instead of evolving in all mannerisms in this age.
I completely agree. This dialogue on her hair by people of color is appalling.
I really can't believe that you were actually paid for this story. Nobody, unless they have political undertones cares about how her hair looked. It was her time to shine and she did and I would like to think all of America is proud of her.. I am. This truly is the dumbest article I have ever read. In this day and age you can do whatever you want with your hair. Gymnasts that I have seen over the last 41 years keep there hair short or pulled back. I never even paid attention to her hair but more so was proud of her performance and the support she received from her fellow American gymnasts.
It is this kind of crap that will give plenty of people to write about black/white stuff forever. Get over it.
I am happy this young girl won and it had nothing to do with her hair or stereotypes (which you seem to encourage) more so, it had to deal with her dedication.
Be ashamed of this lame article that does nothing positive. We should celebrate as a country every athlete and there successes. Did you not have time to write about blade runner? Or could you not say something about Franklin or even Phelps capping off his career? Guess not.
Say what you want about this country but we did embarrass Hitler with one of the finest runners of all time. The problem is not so much about how this country feels as it is about how people like you make a dollar off of it.
Let her enjoy her success without your crap and any other unaccomplished journalist crap.
Gold + USA = Proud.
Dear CNN, please take this article down. It is completely irrelevant. Instead, an opinion piece on inspiration we can take from this beautifu and talented young lady would, for me, have been much more appreciated.
AMERICAN get it=== first ====second ===is there that little to worry about that people have to be the HAIR POLICE =====and why is it African American
Such a beautiful young girl !! I remember my mom and all her generation of young white women in 50ties – when they spent so much efforts to get their hair CURLY. I remember myself as a little girl waiting for mum at hairstylist until she got the procedure done
So all women in world want to have something different, something special 
and thats it !
This is about so many black women today wear so much fake hair that poeple think it's not good to see natural hair. Very simple...
Before Gabby became the FAVORITE..way after it was clear that the 'other girl' was not gonna win..you hardly saw Gabby's name or face. The 'other girl' was mentioned more than Gabby even when it was clear individual gold was not within her reach. But let a few simple idiots begin a blog or tweet about something negative, and somehow that makes it to CNN and actually headlines the news. This is not about hair. This is not about bankruptcy. This is about the obsession we have with focusing on negative non-sense. It captures attention, sells, and lives on far longer than positives. Hence..reality shows. CNN and any network that chooses to embrace these negative conversations are grasping in the wind for a piece of the Gabby-pie. I sincerely pray this child soars above this inappropriate, adult led foolishness and enjoys her success. I can not help but wonder if the 'other girl' had won, would so much focus have been placed on her perceived faults or misfortunes.
So true! I don't follow gymnastics, but I love to watch it during the Olympics. I had never heard of any of these girls, and I too wondered why ALL the attention focused on that 'other girl.' When she didn't qualify for the all-arounds, I thought, so?? She's still competing, isn't she? Do we have to feel sorry for someone who so obviously has to force herself to be a team member supporting the rest of her team? When the team came marching out into the arena, only the three youngest ones looked like they were happy to be there – that 'other girl' and even the team leader in the beginning looked like little robots. The only emotion that 'other girl' showed was when she realized she hadn't performed well enough to qualify for all-arounds, then we were treated to her tears more than we were treated to anyone's celebration. When Gabby flashed that smile, how could you not root for her?
I think this was exploited by white women in the media to make black women look bad. There may have been a few comments, but not many. White women are always on the pedestal, and they can't stand when a black girl gets a little attention.
I am a white woman, and to this lame comment, I would like to say WHATEVER!! One of the dumbest things I've ever heard. I think Gabby is beautiful, and I am so proud of her. She is an American!!!!!
I am a white female and I thinks it ridiculous that her hair is an issue at all. Why does everything have to become a race issue. Lets just let this remarkable young women enjoy her victory after all her hard work and sacrafice.
What an incredibly tupid comment; almost unprecedented, though I'll go out on a limb and guess that you've posted similar types in the past. Yeah, there are a bunch of white women sitting around all completely bent out of shape because a black girl is getting a lot of media attention. Next time put a little thought into your comment. That way you don't come off looking like a complete and total fool. Or, stick to your present way of doing things which is apparently: "Well, I'm too stupid to come up with an actual and original thought, so I'll just pull out my trusty race card".....
I am also white. When I seen the headlines about this beautiful girl, something about her hair-I couldn't figure out what the heck they were talking about. If you read the article, Tata, it says "African-American" women were saying things. I think it's petty and outrageous for ppl to try to take her glory away by talking about her hair. There is absolutely nothing at all wrong with her hair or anything about her outward appearance that would call for it. She's worked hard to get where she's at, so don't take it away from her (or put it off on white ppl-wasn't us)
It has nothing to do with being white, black or purple. It's just beiing stupid. Gabby is a very cute young lady. Amen!
Because Blacks are as petty, jealous, and (yes) racist as Caucasians, and can't stand to see the success of one of our own at times. That is TRUTH.
This is a stupid remark – I guess you didn't see the family who has housed her for the last several years and considers her to be family.
I don't think you can pin this just on black people. Women are almost always judged first on their appearance, by the media, and by the general public. It is cruel and shallow, and all too common for people to comment on hair, makeup, and dress when it comes to women, instead of their achievements, abilities, or talent. Men and women are both guilty of this, and it has little to do with racism. Women are STILL judged as if they are in a beauty contest, no matter what they are being celebrated for.
Why focus on Gabby's hair? Because people are shallow and sometimes jealous. Welcome to The Twitterverse where people feel it is their right to type away what enters their thoughts. And others of course follow.
Unfortunately, get used to it.
First, I was really proud of Gabby's accomplishment and I didn't take any special notice of her hair. Then again, I'm a white guy and a retired gymnast myself so when I watch another gymnast, the hair isn't the first the thing on my mind.
Outside of the context of gymnastics, I've become increasingly aware of black womens' obsession with their hair and I feel bad for them because there's got to be more to life than that. The author didn't mention black women wearing wigs but I seem to see that a lot these days and it's so obviously fake. Some months ago, I remember seeing a black woman in the subway about my age or a bit older and I immediately found her to be attractive. She was wearing loose clothes...not at all flashy. No makeup. Short curly hair. Most of all, she looked totally comfortable in her skin and that was a beautiful thing to see. Well, anyway, I guess it's always in the eye of the beholder. Sometimes women are trying to impress potential mates, other times they're trying to impress themselves or other women.
I started to pay attention to these things after having the misfortune to have spent time in graduate school classes with kids from privileged families in Nigeria. Their previous education had left them totally unprepared for any serious academic work and so they tried really hard to gain respect by wearing the most amazing hair and clothing while cheating their way through classes. I really wanted to tell them that they could earn respect by ditching the hours spent in clothing stores and hair salons in favor of hours spent studying...but where do you start?
I don't believe the real issue here is about Miss Douglas. The real issue is about African American perceptions of their place in society. Miss Douglas should never have been caught up in such a controversy. She's a 16 year old girl who happened to be the best at something and she was scrutinized and criticized when she should have been praised. I think this article is misleading. For one, because the target of the "hair comments" is a female, the article missed an opportunity to broaden the the topic by fully including the African American Male. I know Ms.Miles mentions "Black Men" too but only as an "Oh let's not leave out the brotha's so I don't get called on it" contribution . There is no genuine consideration for the problems faced by African American Men with this issue so it's a hole in the article. Oh, and yes there are problems in society at large with this issue which is why there is so much commotion about it even though Miss Douglas should not be at the center of it all. The problem is the superficial ways in which we place value on others in our community. The article sugar coated the issue. Knowing that Miss Douglas was a young innocent, I believe Ms.Miles held back too much and made the article too "PG". There was mention of an anecdote about an African American Woman threatened with losing her job over her hair. Just threatened!? African Americans aren't that easy. For that matter people in general aren't that easy. You have to do more than just threaten to make us capitulate...and they do, they fire you. I could only imagine the many African American eyes rolling in their heads when they read that line. I have personally been witnessed to both African American Men and Women losing their jobs for not taking their braids out or any number of other demands do to natural differences between people with straight hair and people with curly hair. When an African American woman wears her hair in it's natural form and it is as long as her straight haired co-workers, she is promptly told to do something with it or find another job no arguments. Her hair has volume and straight hair has a much lower volume. I myself, an African American Man, have been told that my Afro looks untidy and should be cut or else... I make no apologies that my hair will not lie side by side in uniform fashion. It's just not natural for me...because I'm African American. So bottom line, African Americans should embrace the freedom of a natural look that will have consequences socially and economically in the United States but look at the up side. Imagine how much time and money you will save by just letting your body be how it's suppose to be. The challenge all African Americans face is do we struggle to control our lives or do we let others dictate our lives. That is the real issue. Do we need to jump through the hoops placed before us because others won't except our natural beauty? I don't feel Miss Douglas should be the catalyst for this discussion but since it is out there lets deal with it so another child can avoid such nonsense.
Dear Gabby, I hope and pray you are not listening to the small puffs of smoke who are doing nothing with their lives except seeking to nit pick other peoples lives to pieces. Ignore the haters and keep doing what you are doing. You have a awesome talent and don't let the surface dwellers stamp out your accomplishments with stupid stuff.
This is a stereotype, some are born with naturally straight hair, and some are born with hair that has very large and loose curly. You can't kick them out of the race.
This is a problem of the African American culture...choosing style over substance.
There are a lot of African-Americans that view themselves as a person, and do not subscribe to a set of rules set by anyone as to who they are, who they should be, how they should dress, talk, wear their hair, or live their life. They don'i bother or criticize other people about the way they dress, or wear their hair. They don't try to define others according to their views and perspectives, and most of all, they respect others.
Gabby's hair is not really the issue, the issue is that people wanting to control some one else. They try to push their ideas of how they want someone else's hair to look, what they should wear, and they have no right do do so.
There is a problem with much of America choosing style over substance. Why else would Sarah Palin be so popular?
I don't get it. I never noticed her hair...I was just watching her compete. I'm glad she cared more about her performance than her hair. She wouldn't have made it to the Olympics if it were the other way around, and we all would have missed out! The girl was focused on the right things...and it showed. BRAVO!
It never would have occurred to me to say anything about her hair. I hope she doesn't take any of the mean words to heart...being 16 is hard enough.
Actually it is bullying.
My thoughts exactely, I couldn't look past that fantastic performance and that fabulous smile.
As a dear friend (may he rest in peace) told me one time that the definition of "good hair" was any hair that is on your head. He was BALD!!
I am a black woman, who had chemically relaxed my hair for more than 30 years, and decided to go naturall. I went to the barber one day (after much deliberation) and instructed her to cut it all off. I rocked a short natural for a while, and it was very liberating, until my hair started growing out and I didn't cut it. It was very hard to deal with because it is very thick. Needless to say, I went back to the creamy crack.
Hair, like life, is all about choices. I am not my hair, but it is a part of me.
Gabby is a beautiful, talented young lady and the state of her hair is a non-issue. What she just showed the world with all that talent IS THE ISSUE. She and her family made great sacrifices and she dedicated herself to her sport to reach that pinnacle!
Give props where they are due and cut out the nonsense. It's so nonproductive.
Gabby, you will really look cute on the Corn Flakes boxes! You really represent ALL young girls very well!!
Excellent comment !!!!
Yeah, her hair kinda sucks. As someone with MPB, my hair is much worse so I can sympathize. I really don't give a crap though and I doubt Gabby Douglas does either. She's a gymnast (the best in the world), not a supermodel.
Good Lord. Miss Douglas is one of the (if not the) youngest ladies to receive a gold medal in the modern Olympics, and people complain about her hair? This non-controversial trash originated on Fox News like the rest of the social garbage we as a society tend to associate with nowadays. Who the bloody hell cares about the young lady's hair?
Why focus on anything? And who's focusing on her hair?
I really don't understand this. Her hair? Gimme a break...no give HER a break! She's not only an incredible athlete but she's an incredibly attractive young lady. I think her hair looks great!
Gabby, I doubt that you read these comments but on the slim chance that you do please don't let the pettiness get in your head. The vast majority of Americans are in awe of you AND we think your hair looks great!
Wow, very crazy that black people would talk about her hair. It looked like a black girls hair, and that's sad other blacks dont understand that, or maybe they don't understand anything but fake and over processed hair. She's a kid and so cute! If she worried about her hair all the time, she wouldnt be an Olympian. I have a black friend that won't swim for exercise with me because she tells me her hair will mess up
Nicoleasm, stop the lie right now. Not all blacks are criticizing Gabrielle.
Of course not, judging by the comments here, everyone is coming to her defense. So I don't know WHO is spreading the negativity
I really don't understand the point of talking about her hair. Hair is hair.
Here lies the problem of the orignator of this topic –
Great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, small minds discuss people!
Amazing what people focus on and tear apart. When Gabby and the other young ladies were competing in their sport, I didn't see hair styles or even color. I saw 5 fantastic young women who were outstanding. I was proud of them and loved seeing them perform to the best of their abilities. I haven't seen color of their skin in any of the athletes, that isn't important. It's what's inside, what they can do that is important. It's sad that so many others only see what's outside.
First of all, I can't believe anyone would be focused on her hair of all things. She had it pulled back to keep out of her face while she performed amazing feats. Second of all, I am genuinely curious as to why one would be ashamed of their natural hair. Even as a Caucasian woman, I have always thought African American hair in all it's textures and styles is very beautiful. I have always seen it as strong and powerful, even in it's natural state. I wish I could pull off even a third of the natural hairstyles I see on beautiful African American women. Mine just lies lank and boring without a ton of product to boost it.
There is nothing wrong with her hair. She can wear it whatever way she wants too. Explanations such as, "She had it pulled back to keep out of her face while she performed amazing feats," is not necessary. No explanation is needed. She has the same rights as you do to wear her any way that she wants too. Most African-Americans are not hung up on her hair. Most of us did not notice her hair until reading the CNN articles.
I didn't know that there was an issue with her hair. I think Gabby's ponytail is beautiful and she's beautiful. I think the natural hair of african-american women is really pretty. Women would look best if they focused on the hairstyles that fit their hair type, instead of trying to change their hairtype by making it flat, oily, or putting weird wigs on, which in many cases don't look very good. Braids usually look great when they aren't too tight. In all honestly, this preoccupation with hair makes women (both white and black) loose out on many things.
In all honesty, I don't care about what you think about how an African-American wears their hair. Your comment is as silly as the Gabrielle haters.
Serena Williams is the one looking absolutely ridiculous with these ever changing hairstyles...
She clearly has a hair physiological problem
Do you think that behind your back everyone gives you praises about how you wear your hair?
Psychological....really. That's way too deep.
Those who can't, talk!
If someone (the people complaining about her hair), who is supposedly intelligent, can't keep with the spirit of an event, then he/she/it needs to keep their yap flapped. This topic is simply incredible. People who are totally irrelevant to a topic just have to try to get into something in order to draw attention to their self. The whole world looks at us, points their fingers, and laughs. Would any of this have occurred had she won silver or bronze, or lost? Morons!
This just helps to confirm, too many of us are still majoring in the minors !
The only think I notice about Gabby is her big perfect smile and her powerful skills as a gymnast. This concern about hair is degrading. He is an olympic champion. Would anyone say a word about President Obama if he used hair products? I don't think so. People should not try to pull her down. Jeez.
Especially Mothers and Fathers. How wold they feel if other adults attacked their child like this.
This is the first I heard of this. Its only going to perpetuate as you guys carry the story. Here's my question though...why are we focusing in on anything except two things: she is an amazing athlete and has a smile that simply beams happiness? I don't care about her hair or her color. Dividing people into groups even for good things is still dividing. For crying out loud, we are at the Olympics. Lets drop the divisions and say that she is a charming, talented American athlete. Go Gabby! ; )
VERY WELL SAID! I am so tired of the distinctions. I once watched an awards program on BET (which should be outlawed) where they gave an award to the "Best African American Pediatrician"....I am assuming he was an amazing pediatrician...why take that away from him with the distinction. This article is more of the same and the author cheapens this young woman's accomplishment with the distinction. Celebrate the fact that Gabby is an amazing athlete. Leave it there...no more...no less.
Opinion: Because many people are superficial, shallow, and ignorant.
Just stop it
Ms. Miles, although you may have a forum to discuss topics of public interests or debates, sometimes it is better not to say anything. You have to learn the art of silence because sometimes silence is more powerful. You have just magnified the topic regarding Miss Douglas that did not need any further attention drawn to it. This is the time to celebrate the historic win that she has worked so hard to achieve and has been blessed with – nothing else. To reduce this moment by discussing her hairstyle belittles her hard work and shows a lack of wisdom and compassion by all who participate.
The concern should not be hair style, but the accomplishment. I feel if the media would not have given a voice to the ignorance of such a meaningless subject it would not be of concern. We need to celebrate and honor a strong and beautiful young woman.
great joy to the USA an unforgettable moment
Why would anyone be concerned with this kid's hair?? She's an incredible athlete who's made her statement on the world stage and ALL we can talk about is her hair?? AND, it seems that the criticizing is coming from, of all places, black woman?
Shaking my head in complete disbelief......................................
You would think that they would be celebrating Gabby's success with the rest of us who are way less judgmental
I too am shaking my head in disbelief and I am an african-american woman. I am so sadden by their insensitivity.
I am shaking my head because you can't accept the fact that the majority of African-American women do not have any concerns about her hair. I guess you are so wrapped up in this, you did not read the articles about President Barack Obama calling her and the team inviting them to the White House, tweets from Oprah, Beyonce and a host of others. In fact some whites expressed their anger that Oprah and Beyonce tweeted Gabrielle.
Several years ago when Vanessa Williams was pulled down as Miss America, the majority of the African-American community came to her support. When many successful African-Americans were upcoming, before being accepted by white America, the African-American community was there for them. So is the case with Gabrielle. There are some African-Americans that are silly enough to focus on her hair, just as there are whites silly enough to focus on the color of her skin. But if the African-American community at large feels that in any Gabrielle is mistreated, I can assure you that from those at the very top to those at the bottom will come together and support her. Even some of those that are criticizing her hair would not be silent.
I watched with pride as little Gabby grabbed the headlines and the well deserved medal. I never noticed her hair, or anyone else given the grueling tirals they are put through. the fact that a gifted novelist would even respond to such a trivial topic as Gabby's hair is so sad. Imagine what the author could have treated us to if she would stay on the topics she knows best. Enough of this hiar business from losers who have nothing else to offer the world- give the young woman her unfettered moment.
Who is focused on the hair? maybe no one would bother with it if the media didn't publish stupid stories like this . If you don't want people to focus on her hair then don't talk about it. All I care about is a very talented young American girl won the gold medal for herself and her country. This article is about the writer and her need for attention.
No Kevin the article is not about the author trying to gain attention for herself. She's just responding to several other news articles and tweets that were negative about Gabby's hair and pointing out how stupid they were to do so. There was nothing negative about this article she was just pointing out how stupid some of us black people behave towards each other. Maybe you should read it again.
smh! what was so bad..they all wore it the same way really...up in a ponytail or bun..none were perfect..many had the strands that strayed..why would ppl criticize that..what do they expect? extensions? she is a gymnast! she needs up and that is about it..big deal! the girl even had make up on! i think not only did she do great, but she did what most of them did.
I haven't heard or read any mention of Gabby Douglas' hair until this article. If you think the focus shouldn't be on her hair why did you just write an article about her hair?
Is this all some people have to talk about...hair? This young woman dedicated h life, every waking minute, to the pursuit of her goal and attaining it and the "news" is hair? THIS is why America is in a decline. Hair? Really? This is just sad. Happily this young woman has enough poise to ignore it all – and good for her. Meanwhile, can we elevate the conversation just a little bit?
this is not a story. there is no story here. move along. nothing to see here.
What a very stupid thing to hate on an athlete about.
" I was dismayed to find a string of posts by African-American women and men debating Douglas’ hairstyle " Online how do you know they were African-American?
At a guess, the posters in question identified themselves as African American. Something like "As an African American, I feel..." or other phrases that would clearly identify the writer.
"Many African-Americans watching Douglas shared a flush of pride at the accomplishment, noting her joy, her poise, her grace and, apparently, her hairstyle."
Really?
I am an American too, white. Not an African-American though. Have never been to Africa. Not a European-American. Only once been to Europe.
Was born in America, am simply an American.
Yet I also was delighted, beaming with joy & pride, in the adorable smiley Gabby winning gold.
I just wonder why CNN keeps allowing "black" to always be a factor?
Let's turn the page. This is 2012, not 1968 anymore.
CNN likes to print controversial articles about blacks. They have some reporters that seem to be confused about black Americans. Don Lemons who did an article about searching for his white ancestry in Louisiana; LZ Granderson always writes articles attacking blacks for not relating to gays and lesbians; Soledad O'Brian did an article about how different the black preachers sermons are from the white preachers sermons (never understood the point of the article), and there was an article about a Doctor ho passed for white, and seemed not to understand why some blacks are prejudice against whites; a lot articles about blacks. I don't know if it is a fascination about the darker skin, curiosity, hate or fear.
Hate to burst your bubble on this part you wrote: "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 am an American too, not from Africa, or even Europe. Born here. Like most black-Americans.
I am not a white American. Or a European American. I am an American.
And I, too, was beaming with pride & joy over the adorable and bubbly Gabby winning the gold medal, with that big smile.
Why does CNN keep feeding us the "black" in everything? Turn the page. Move on.
She wasn't implying that others who weren't African-American didn't enjoy Gabby's performance or that you as an American of European Descent weren't also beaming with pride. The author was setting the stage for the theme of her article: that in addition to watching Gabby's stellar performance, some members of the black community were also looking at her hair (as unfair and ridiculous as that is). Hardly CNN pushing "black" – whatever that means.
I like what you said. When races are identified, the country of birth is listed first. "African-American" means that one was born in Africa, migrated to America, and is a naturalized citizen. When in fact, most are five to ten generation Americans born in the U.S.. Basically it diminishes the birth right as Americans. Most were born in the U.S., have not lived in Africa, nor visited Africa, do not speak an African language, do not know the African culture, and most are not 100% African. They are a mixture of African, European and Native American, and some times other bloods.
I love my wifes natural hair. She has been on the natural hair thing for a while and I love it. I was begging her to stop with the weaves, though, mostly due to the cost – I'm cheap, lol. Natural beauty is always the best....
The fact that this black reporter/writer is continuing to add fuel to the fire/hatred/ignorance is why folks are still talking about this. Media is always spewing hatred about blacks. The fact is if we learn to accept ourselves as GOD made us with nappy hair and to love who we are and not be brainwashed by the people that have oppressed us all our lives and continue to do so by making us feel inferior to them this would not be a matter of discussion. Stop being someone you're not becuz you all will be judged on judgement day and the question will be "Why did you straightened and permed your hair when I made your hair nappy?" Be happy nappy and stop allowing white media/society to dictate your life.
I love Gab for who she is, beautiful, black and talented. Gabby was Designed by the Divine and thatz why she can fly! She is a beautiful human being and nothing should be said to make her feel less than. Blacks are their own worse enemy and when you tear another black person down you are giving the enemy just what they want. Stop the madness people, please. Focus on the heart and the good cuz the hatred and malice will only cause you misery.
PS to all the sisters and brothers who have said something negative about her hair, especially sisters, you might wanna rethink that perm when you are suffering from cysts, fibroids and any other unexplainable health issues i.e. cancers. It is not hereditary – believe that!
White people haven't said a thing on this. I seriously doubt any of us knew this was an issue. It's AA people who have made this an issue. If you're going to be a hater, stop hating people who have nothing to do with this.
Who owns this network and all other media networks? In my post I mentioned nothing about hatred, you did! You have a good day! Peace.
I agree with all that you said pretty much other than this garbage: "not be brainwashed by the people that have oppressed us all our lives and continue to do so by making us feel inferior to them this would not be a matter of discussion."
The white man does not oppress blacks anymore. Far from it.
Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, and those types do, and so does black rap violent culture.
You're right about God creating us all. Some just have evolved faster than others. Well all seem to have evolved about the same, except one, at least mentally.
Explain that.
Perhaps you should explain which one you are referring to.... I always crack up on watching people say how they aren't racist and just "American" in one comment and then the next post put another race down under their breath.
Actually cancer, non-cancerous fibroids and cysts are often, in fact, hereditary. Molecular Biology & Genetics 101. And if I'm standing at the pearly gates and God actually says to me, "Why did you straightened and permed your hair when I made your hair nappy?" I'll eat my shorts. God has better things to do than care if we straighten our hair or not don't you think.
You don't read much do you?
Fibroids are not caused by perms. God looks at the heart, and not the hair, loves everyone, and is not intimidated by women. God loves the praises of everyone including the African-American women regardless to what their hair looks like.
There are very few black women who agree with you... Take a look around and look on TV 90% of black women buy straight hair to cover their nappy. This an issue with black women and you should direct your remarks to them for not being proud of nappy. Sorry but that's life.
This is so funny all the furore about Gabby's hair.
First of all it has taken a looooooooooot of work to make her hair look like that (caucasian like) because it doesn't grow like that... that's why it can't be perfect
Maybe if she had left it nappy, there wouldn't be anything to talk about.
If you and others would respect her as a person with the same rights to make decisions about her hair as you do, there wold have not been a problem. You need to respect her.
I always respect women who love their natural beauty. I find it sad with little with fake hair and are not being taught to love themselves first. This young lady has lived with a white family for a few years now and did not require her to change her looks so this hair issue is something created by black women.
I hate to burst the bubble here, but as a white woman with extremely curly hair, all of this is true for me as well. This isn't just a black thing. For 30 years everyone has asked me why I can't straighten my hair, have I tried this or that? I've tried everything, literally, even ironing it with a clothes iron. In the last few years, I've decided to stop trying. It's curly. Deal with it. I do, and I like it now. Keep your boring straight hair. I'll be keeping my hair just the way it is.
You need to respect other women.
The only people bringing this nonsense up are miserable losers who are jealous of her
The people bringing this up are people who've been told all their life that their hair is "bad" and shameful because it's nappy. The people bringing this up are people who cannot get a job unless their hair is straight. People who are bringing this up have been taught to believe that only revolutionaries wear afros and only pot heads wear dreadlocks. If we really cared about Gabby then we would be a little more truthful about the reasons this came up: Nappy hair is looked down and ridiculed by most people who do not have nappy hair. Those women looked at Gabby and were wrongly embarrassed by her the same way they have wrongly been embarrassed for themselves. And shame on us for acting as if this is some lone act by a bunch of crazy people.
She and her hair are beautiful!