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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I'm white and I never noticed anything wrong with Gabby's hair. I thought she looked really beautiful in all of the events. She has a beautiful smile, chiseled body, and she is capable of flawlessly executing superhuman gymnastic feats. I am shocked anyone would question her beauty. She is stunning!
People are so petty and shallow not to mention just plain jealous. She is a gold medal OLYMPIC Athlete. What have all these people done that are commenting on her hair and for that matter all the no bodies that have been going after certain athletes about their weight. Again, what have you accomplished in you life.. Nothing, that's what I thought.
I can't believe people are commenting on a CNN story by saying it's Fox News racism. I'm not sure how you got there.
And I agree with the others, why is this even a news story? Can't we allow this exceptional and hard working young woman celebrate her victory and be proud for her without finding something negative? Shame on all of you.
Totally agreed!!
Sad and Disappointing....
There are actually rules with regar to their hair in gymnastics. If they don't follow, the judges are allowed to deduct from their score. Slicked back is required if hair is long enough for a ponytail. One of the many screwed up things about the judging in gymnastics (like they can't allow ties and give two bronze medals or how they break the ties or can't allow more than two gymnasts from the same country to compete in the all-around).
why why why who cares but fools about this young lady's hair!!!
I am an Afican American male and I think her hair looked fine. Would people rather her hair look like some other so called Afican American icons like entertainers. How about Willow Smiths hair or lack there of or Nicki Minajs' pink hair. If it didn't look like it did, people would be saying, "who let that child on television with her hair looking like that?" Her hair was more than appropriate just the way it is. A.M. people need to get a better sense of reality and stop letting something like this be the headline of conversation toward Gabby Douglas and let her accomplishments, determination, drive and abilities become a topic to relay to our children.
I guess she should have been wearing that dammm weave stuff and some bird wing eyelashes. It is usual to see a young black women without the Michelins around her waist.
Anyone worrying about Gabby Douglass hair should not be watching the Olympics. She is a beautiful, talented young woman with a most disarming smile and a really naturally nice way about her. She makes all Americans proud.
Agreed:-)
Its not white amerikkka thats the problem. Its ourselves, and our own self loathing. For those unconnected with "urban youth", insecurities surrounding hair have been around since slavery. and the people most prone to perpetuate this trend is other "urban" youth...
The only thing I noticed about Gabby's hair was that she uses the same clips my daughter does for dance recitals. They work great for all the short ends that don't make it back into the bun and they don't slip like a headband might. And I was thinking how hard it must be for gymnasts to keep everything in place and looking pretty for the audience (a bit of sarcasm there folks). In the end they are athletes and their hair is the last thing we should be focused on.
Freedom of choice.
worry about your own d- hair.
half the people who worry about hair styles couldn't walk a straight line with training bars
get over you on your own time...
Gabby shines and the limited thought small minded people who dwell on "HAIR" are in the hate groupie club.
I wish they had a like button for your comment
!
Go Gabby!
"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."
Dear God, Ms. Miles, get over yourself already! You may be obsessing over your hair and exact skin tone but I guarantee white America IS NOT. Frankly Ms. Miles we don't spend all that much time thinking about 'the black community' and are MORE than ready to take individual blacks as just that – individuals. I realize the 'Black Leadership' and Black intellectuals are invested in continued racial animosity but face facts, lady, most of it is now on YOUR side!
As a black man in today's society with a number of white friends. I couldn't have said it better, Roxana.
Thank you! I didn't even notice her hair. I was too impressed with her gymnastics skills and amazing poise. But now that I look at it, I still don't see what the fuss is about! From everything I've seen, she's a fantastic role model for all young girls...no matter what color their skin is.
I honestly thought the exact same thing. I was with her until I got to that sentence and then I went, "Uh...what are you smoking?" I have never looked at anyone of a different race and said, "Oh, so THAT'S what all Asians/Latinos/black people look like!" anymore than I would expect anyone to think I'm the singular definition of all white people. Ms. Miles should learn the importance of using the word "some" as a qualifier when making these kinds of statements.
"Why focus on Gabby Douglas' hair?" Hmmmm – is that not exactly what you're doing by writing this article?
Looks to me like the black women need to leave the black women (or children in this case) alone.
Good grief! She is precious, talented and has a beautiful heart. I can't believe how gracious she always is... even when she is not at her best! Her hair is fine and my goodness if that is all that people can find fault with her then I think she is pretty blessed. I think if I were competing, I would get my hair out of my face as well. I saw one runner with hair down to her waist and although it was pretty, I kept thinking that's gotta make this run harder! Congratulations Gabby on all of your accomplishments and making the MAJORITY of USA proud!!!
The major isssue is that now she has dedicated so much of her life to winning this medal, and attained it at such a young age she has nothing left in life to accomplish. She will most likely have to sell that gold medal a few years from now to support her 5 kids and crack habit.
I still don't know if Gabby Douglas was the first black woman to win the All Around or the first African AMERICAN. The politically correct term makes things very confusing here.
mel, good point. Do we call white guys from south africa who become citizens here in the US "african americans"?
Yes we do; if he's from Africa and he's an American. Period.
Looks like if you are black you can't do anything that even remotely associates you with the white community or you will be shunned, even if you are a 16 year old gold medalist.
I can't believe Ms. Miles would pick up on this subject. Please note: physical appearance isn't just an issue for African American women. Many people of all races and genders fuss about how they look or "should look".
Thank you Gabby for your tremendous efforts and accomplishments at the Olympics. And, most importantly, thank you for displaying your great sense of priorities. I'm sure you didn't care about your hair – you were there to win gold and you made your country proud !!!
It's really a sad day when the 16 year old has to be the role model for so many of us adults out there.
Has anyone considered that the reason all women gymnasts wear their hair away from the face is to help with balance as vision gives important clues to orientation in space?
She was responding to a cultural phenomenon. The author didn't start this issue, she was giving commentary on something that has manifested into more than just a blip in media as a result of the comments of numerous people. When this happens, a story becomes newsworthy. Whether it makes sense or not (it doesn't), that's her job. I agree completely with your later points, but it doesn't really make sense to criticize the woman for doing her job, don't ya think?
The only thing ridiculous is that you can't see the value of this story.
as a white lady with the thinnest, straightest hair( no bounce! No body!) in the US, I say leave that kid alone!!!
She is competing in the Olympics, not a hair show. Congratulations Gabby on a job well done!!
As a man I want to say, Thank you I didn't pay any attention to her hair. I heard she had won and I wanted to see it for myself. Her hair wasn't what I was focused on. She worked hard and it showed. Congrats Gabby
This is so weird. I wear my hair EXACTLY like Gabby every single day to work. And I'm white! Who cares what your hair looks like? It's your brains and talent that matter – - and THAT'S IT!!!!
She did an amazing job. Who cares about her hair – its clean and combed. I'm White and my hair fuzzes up no matter what I do.
Son, Gabby can do whatever she wants with her hair–she's earned the right NOT to live up to White Supremacist standards that are being unjustly imposed upon her.
And besides...given the fact that she is a GYMNAST, mind you...hair issues would only get in the way of the larger task at hand, which means hitting her routines spot-on so she could win a gold medal for the USA.
She's astute enough to know not to let a little thing like hair, affect her bottom line the minute that she is on the balance beam or doing floor exercises. You can look it up.
Only in America, someone brings pride and one of many proofs that is the greatest countries in the world, and the concentrate on her appearance... Instead of praising, and making fun of all the other countries that haven't had a medal, she added another one to the looooong list of medals. Xenophobia much!!!
To the writter of this article being an Afro-American, if you are so proud as you said you are and so informed, why would you of all people say and I quote " I would have put a head band on the girl". That is not acceptable, none of the other girls had on head bands and they had fly aways also, Afro-American hair just curls up. I am disappointed in you as a person and I stop reading your article at that point.
Gabby you are blessed and a true athlete, I am so proud of you, don't change a thing, be who you are, a positive role model.
You did not read the article in context. The author was quoting a Twitter post. hence the quotation marks.
If you were reading carefully, you would know that the author of this article did not say that; her sister did.
This is why reading comprehension is so important! If you had full comprehension of the particular paragraph in this article you would not have made the comment you made. Go back and read that paragraph carefully and you will see that the writer was quoting her sister.
Sorry, bout that... I shall read the whole article , thanks you guys. Just frustrated about the whole thing.
You misread that, Peggy. She was quoting her sister's input. Let's all be slow to judge.
Actually Peggy, the columnist said that was a comment made by her sister in a moment of candor and frustration... not the columnist herself! Although I have mixed feelings about the article, I urge you to read carefully and in its totality before you post any comment!
De- you forgot shoes, rims for cars, and hi-def tv's instead of books.
Dear author, Do a google images search for women gymnasts and you will see 100's of black, white, asian, mexican girls all with the same exact hair style.
She was responding to a cultural phenomenon. The author didn't start this issue, she was giving commentary on something that has manifested into more than just a blip in media. When this happens, a story becomes newsworthy. Whether it makes sense or not (it doesn't), that's her job. Doesn't really make sense to criticize her for doing that, don't ya think?
Jeez, stop the pain, man!!
She is a GYMNAST–and just like dancers and MLB catchers, they are EXPECTED to have busted feet!!
Med, yes I did notice and as a fan I expect nothing less then perfection in toe nails and hair style
It is true that Black Americans are judged more critically over appearance than White Americans. I've seen it in practice while teaching for 28 years. However, the author knows better than to lump hair relaxing products in with other "trying to fit in" claims. Anyone who has ever spent literally hours combing out the tangles of a black child's hair while the pain of the process brings the kid to tears knows the worth of products that help. It's a matter of what is practical....not a matter of trying to fit in with what is supposedly acceptable with white culture.
That's because many of us were never taught how to handle our natural texture. Why? Because from the age of about 5, the hair is heat-straightened and chemically straightened after age 10. It has nothing to do with managability when you're never taught how to manage it. How many of our moms tried to comb our kinks with a small-toothed comb? How many ripped through our hair, ends first? How many children are allowed to wear two-strand twists, dreds, or even an afro?
Think critically.
After seeing Miss Douglas in action and being able to see her physique in still shots I don't think I would have noticed had she been bald. Trying to tear her down is cruel and an act of jealousy. I hope many wonderful opportunities will come her way as a result of her hard work and self- discipline. I hope her future will be as bright as her pink costume!
"For our own self-esteem and for the dignity of our group, we strive to appear our best."
As you should. White people do this as well, or at least the majority. Those that don't shop at Walmart. Looking our best is indicative of pride and self respect. Choosing to do anything else leaves us wearing sleeveless t-shirts, John Deere baseball caps, or with our pants halfway down our thighs.
This just shows we as Black folks still have a long way to go. This child just made history for heavens sake! Celebrate it and stop being so shallow. Could this be why Black women are usually over weight, can't swim or won't do anything that involves sweating? We'd rather let our health go to hell and cut our lives short than to sweat our hair back!! This child is gorgeous with an amazing gift. Stop the pettiness. This is why Blacks as a whole haven't moved forward as a group! We are too busy pulling each other down about crap that doesn't even matter, instead of supporting each other as a community.
Susan, well said. And I want you to know that this white German/Danish American is quite proud of my fellow American Gabby for her courage and grace. I am also especially appreciative that my brown skinned daughter has a young woman of color like Gabby to see herself in.
The whole talk about her hair is ridiculous. She's an elite athlete and did her hair like the rest of her team. It's gymnastics, not a pageant. Gymnasts wear their hair pulled back to keep it out of their face. A bun, dew drop, or pony tail is as uniform as a leotard. I'm guessing none of the people who are focusing on her hair instead of her 2 gold medals have accomplished much themselves.
This is the first that I've heard anything about Gabby's hair "issues." Seriously? The girl floats around the gym like a butterfly and won a gold medal, what does HER HAIR have to do with anything?? If you want to talk about Olympic hair then talk about the entire U.S. gymnastics team and that lazy ponytail bun thing that they all have, including Gabby. That's how I have my hair when I wake up in the morning, not how I go out to compete on an international platform! And the scrunchies that everyone seems to be wearing, UGH! Scrunchies went out about four Olympics ago, did no one send Russia and the other Eastern European countries a "tweet" about that?? In all seriousness though, these athletes are just that, ATHLETES! They're not in London competing for smoothest hair or best all-around blow dry. They're running, and jumping, diving, leaping, sweating, and working their @sses off to win medals. Focusing on their hair or anything other than their pure talent, dedication, and devotion that they all have to their respective sports is absurd and insulting.
Gabby is going to have major problems in her life being an African American gold medal gymnist.
Leave Gabby alone! Her hair is not the issue and anyone making it an issue is extremely superficial and has never, ever, competed in sports. This is the Olympics, not Miss America. None of these athletes should be concerned with how they look. They are in London to compete in a sport not a beauty contest. In one of the earlier Track and Field heats I saw a female runner, not from the US, wearing a headband, sunglasses and more jewelery that I have ever wore in my life, and guess what? She lost her heat. Want to know why? Too busy trying to LOOK good than actually being good. Gabby is staying focused. Her hair could be everywhere for all I care. Her job is to compete as best she can. Here hair has NOTHING to do with it. Leave her alone!
Pamela, her hair IS an issue. If you know anything about gymnastics, poise and grace count.
And another thing, since when is this about Africa? Gabby Douglas is an American. She won the gold for the U.S.A. Not for Africa.
From now on I demand that everyone refer to me as an Irish or German American then. After all I probably have more recent roots to my parents fatherlands than most "African" Americans do to theirs.
At one time it meant something for the first Irish American to win a medal, and same for a German American, Italian Smerican, etc. etc. I am only second generation American so I know first hand the stories of my German and Danish ancestors and the pride that my grandparents had as being the first Americans in their families. Just because African Americans are late to the party doesn't mean they shouldn't celebrate it that way if they wish.
I hope this is reply all, but I could not agree more with Julia. Gabby is amazing. She is not only extremely talented, but has much grace and poise. She has an outstanding personality and appears to be an all American young woman that we can all be proud of. She has worked hard to get where she is at and that work ethic will take her wherever she wants to go in life. God bless her.
So black people can't self-identify as "African-American" anymore? And where did Tiya Miles mention anything about Africa? Please be quiet.
This article is offensive, please stop trying to tie our self esteem or lack thereof to our hair. Every race has issues with their hair. hating your hair is a individual issue not a race issue. Look at the poor 26 year old white guy that goes bald. Cmon do you think that guy has esteem issues, he probably does just like the 26 year old black guy that goes bald. Hating your hair is not about race. I never considered that blacks had the lock on hair hate but its always some sister that has decided to go "natural" that wants to act like we feel inferior because of our hair. Your hairstyle or again lack thereof and whether you feel good as a person about it is mostly about maintenance. Everyone has a bad hair day, no matter if youre hair is nappy or thinly straight. I have never ever ever heard a sister say, "OMG I hate being black because of my hair." I always thought that we were envied because we have the most diveristy in hair styles. We do talk about hair, but not because of our race it is mostly because the lack of maintenace or differences in style choices.
Your point is not valid. Obviously it is not Gabby who has the issue with her hair, it is all the other African Americans who went to Twitter and Facebook that have the problem. So apparently it is what they "define" themselves by.
I don't understand it, if i'm running around jumping and flipping and all that the LAST thing on my mind as an african american woman would be a nice hairstyle. Her hair was appropriate for the activities she was doing, who has time to deal with hair when you have to concentrate on what you are there to accomplish and that's winning that GOLD medal. The focus is wayy off and for it to be on her hair is just way out of line. This who story just makes me sick and i'm glad to see that Gabby shut it down as well and hasn't let it become her focus!!
Gabby doesn't have to represent anyone but herself. She has shown the world that apprarently her gymnastic skills and gold medal are what she's interested in, not how everyone looks at her hairstyle. She's a beautiful young girl whose achievements speak for themselves. Lay off the poor thing and let her have her glory.
Well until this article I hadn't heard a word on the girl's hair. This writer is the one bringing it up and making it into something bigger than it was, which was probably an off handed comment by one person that was seen by a minute number of people and now tons of people know about it.
sometimes people need to just shut up and leave well enough alone. Like this writer.
Mike, you obviously have not been intuned to what's going on. On the day Garry won her gold, it was overshadowed by comments about her hair. This is not a useless article. People need to get something in their heads and not be so concerned with whats on it.
Of all the things to be said about that young lady, her hair shouldn't be included on anyone's list. She is a wonderful athlete (obviously since she has two gold medals around her neck), she is dedicated, works hard, and so very pleasant. She's always smiling and is so gracious; to top it off – she's only 16. Her work ethic, her dedication to her sport, her teammates, her coach and her family is something that we each can learn from and aspire to. I am so proud of ALL of them and Gabby is a wonderful role model for girls and boys alike (no matter color, creed, or – in this case – hair style or texture). They make us all proud. Who really cares about her hair? really?
More like first Black American (But even that doesn't matter). Africa is a different country in these olympics. Get rid of these damn politically correct labeling. You are here, you are born here, you are an American. End of the story. If you want to "Live to your roots" than I guess technically we are all iranian-americans.
Petty worries from a petty country.
No one is focusing on her hair. The author is looking for a racial angle because that's all black people can write about.
Obviously, you're NOT black. Because if you were, and you read the article for it's content, not once did the writer mention any other nationality other than African-Americans. And, her point, since you obviously missed it while you were search for the race card in your wallet, was to admonish African-Americans to support those hard-working black individuals and see their talent instead of focusing on superficial outter appearance.
Ever seen a swimmer's hair in the height of swim season? It's way more offensive that this little girl's.. and who cares?
No one is obligated to like the girl's hair. We comment on the appearance of athletes all the time. You telling me no one tweeted/FBed about any Olympian's appearance other than Gabby's? The real question is, why is the media so fixated on rummblings about Gabby's hair? Who cares if her hair was messy? If it was, it was...just like some of the Russian girls looked like they had no edges. And? If the issue is minor...why make it major?
by the same token, should we complain about all the female swimmers.. how dare they step on the medal platform with tangled, frizzy, damp hair? Hair Dressing is not an olympic sport.
This girl has given years of her young life to train, resulting in a GOLD medal and people have the audacity to criticize her. WOW! She is to be admired for her strength and determination.
Parallel bars are only in men's gymnastics. Gabby and all of the other lovely female gymnasts compete on uneven bars. Also, its unrealistic for Gabby to wear her hair more styled while doing gymnastics.
This is the first I've heard of anything about Gabby's hair and I've been watching her Olympic journey the whole way through. You should have ignored the negativity instead of introducing it to a larger audience.
Just because it's the first you've heard of it doesn't mean that applies to others. I had heard about this before this story.
Where have you been?
Wow, I don't think I once looked at her hair. I've long, long wondered why so very few black women don't wear their hair natural like Gabby. Always figured they were ashamed to go natural but never understood why natural was bad to them.
I have been watching the Olympics. I feel very proud of all the athletes who have won medals – also the ones that did not win a medal. If you make it to the Olympics you can do something not very many people in the world can do. I think Gabby did a wonderful job and I am very proud of her and all the rest of the Olympians in London. The last thing anyone should be commenting on is her hair. For all those that think her hair should be a priority for her, when you win an Olympic gold medal and become the first African-American to win the all-around in gymnastics please post your picture so everyone can see it. Remember – your hair needs to be perfect no matter how much you sweat or fly through the air!
What an amazing young woman. She made me so proud that day. I appreciate it deeply when a young American reignites those feelings in me. Proud of my President. Proud of my black and white Olympians and proud of this country!
Seriously People I own a hair salon and really her hair was perfect for the occassion. Ms. Douglass you are truly inspirational. Please people let's be proud for this young lady be proud of her accomplishments enough of this negativity. This reminds me of the ole crab in the bucket syndrome. Mr.Douglas again congratulations on your achievements.
what...wait....really, her hair? Really. I mean, she was trying to win a gold medal, not go to the prom. Seriously.
I didn't even notice Gabby's hair, because it was perfectly appropriate for an elite gymnast. I was more focused on cheering for her to win GOLD MEDALS.
Am I the only person who thinks this hair thing is a little contrived? Everybody in the world loves Gabby Douglas. And everybody loves Gabby's hair.
Not contrived at all. FB posts from my African American female friends were almost immediate after it aired. Just take it as a reflection of the general mindset of African American females.
Not really JohnQ. Just because a few loud mouthed idiots who have no common sense (why on EARTH would a gymnast or any other athlete style up their hair when they're about to flip, turn, run, swim, or otherwise cause their hair to go all over the place?!?!?!) choose to tweet their mindless drivel, doesn't mean that they represent all African American women. I for one (and I'm an African-American woman) would think it was stuipd in the extreme for any athlete to come with their hair 'whipped' into a style, and would wonder what their priority was. ALL of the gymnasts I saw either had their hair pulled into a pony tail or cut extremely short in a few cases.
Unfortunately the women tweeting about Gabby's hair looking bad represent the mindless simians that unfortunately are members of our ethnicity, but they don't represent ME or African American women as a whole. In fact people like this make me ashamed to be African American, and people like that are why we can't get ahead and get left behind in the Human race.
African Americans seem to be proud of their heritage in every way except the natural appearance of their hair. Why is that?
Gabby is obviously a strong girl in all respects--
But can you vapid idiots making her hair an "issue of disrespect" take a moment to IMAGINE how this must be really making her feel inside?? She is a child, and a human being with feelings–
She must be so completely disappointed in people right now- SAD
Some people are trifling and many of them work for or listen to Fox News.
It's the media that is trying to make this all about skin color. Before she even won a medal, it was all over the news that her mom had to file for bankruptcy while getting social security and paying for gymnastics, and that became a racial issue as well. Can't it just be about the sport for crying out loud?
What a worthless article. You're the only one who is worrying about her hair.
Wow. Where have you been, Stan?
There's been LOTS of talk about her hair. Try to keep up.
her hair is insignificant and so is her color. She is the best in gymnastics in the world, and she is an American, no need wasting time on unimportant things like hair and skin color. What about her eyes, anyone write about that.
Maybe in the balck community, asd the author wrote, but the rest of the country there's no talk until it hit Yahoo a few days ago and now CNN. In my house viewing the Olympics with a large group of neighbors and family and friends – we didn't give a rat's a$$ about any of the girls hair. We were talking about dismounts and flips. Same at work.
Just becasue it's a focus for SOME does not mean it's a focus for ALL.
Well said!
The fact that other news sites aren't talking about her hair (including the "racist Fox news") only tells me that they are or may be scared to touch the subject.
The bottom line, though......is that there have been many thousands of blog posts talking about her hair.
That qualifies it as an issue (news) and I see no reason why CNN shouldn't have an opinion piece on it.
Gymnastics is a SPORT, not a beauty contest featuring insecure women trying to please the masses!!!!
Agree fully with this author. Black women are just tearing themselves down when they make an issue of this– completely stupid.
Exactly! Gymnastics IS a sport and the only focus should be on Gabby's athletic performance and her sportsmanship.
Now......go get paid, young lady......go get paid
!
It's just hair.....there other more important things in this world to talk about.
Seriously people, leave the kid alone. Her hair should not be a subject for discussion.... The only thing that should be talked about is her incredible accomplishment at the olympics!!!
Do we criticize God about his hair? That what's wrong with tis world, we're always finding something to make people look bad. No wonder God put us on this world to ourselves because we will make a mess of anything else he created. Get a life, please.
I'd love to see Gabby take to twitter to mock the african american community for their penchant for heart disease or diabetes...you know, things that actually matter.
I noticed McKayla's messy bun first. I just assumed that the "messy bun," was a current trending style as I noticed it on other gymnasts. I didn't single out Gabby and swing the messy hairstyles of the gymnasts into a racially charged, overly long, boring article.
I'm a middle aged white boy in Texas and I thought the "Flying Squirrel" was pretty spectacular. Anybody who criticizes her hair is an idiot.
It's ridiculous that people would judge her hair. First of all, ALL the female athletes struggle to keep their hair bound in place neatly through all the bouncing, twirling, running, flipping, sweating, etc. Notice that ALL of the ladies, regardless of nationality or color, have tons of bobby pins and clips in their hair. No one slams the messy bunned white chicks! I don't get it. And most of the slamming is being done by black women! Such a shame. I don't see why we have to make a fuss over her hair, or even the fact that she's black really. She's an amazing talented athlete and a darling person. And an American. Period. You go, girl! This mixed American girl loves you. And by the way folks, I sweat out my sides just walking from the car into the grocery store so I cannot imagine how awful I'd look at the end of a day like Gabby's. Maybe you should think about what you'd look like too, IF you could even do what she does!
Really!!! This noise takes me back to elementary school, just more gossip and finger pointing. Let's grow up and talk about something that matters. How about the accomplishment of winning a gold medal at age 16?
Gabby is a great Gymnast and a confident person. Apparently she is happy with who she is and with what she was born with. I applauded her. She doesn’t not feel the need to be fake and buy fake hear to put on her had like most of these people out there lacking self-esteem and not liking themselves for who they are. You fakes out there, you know who you are!
Since the article is about her hair, it only makes sense that the comments would be about the article and their take on it. There are other articles about her triumph where I'm sure he stellar performance is the highlight in each comment.
Seriously, even Gabby said no one should be talking about this. When the person who it's about doesn't care to comment, that's when it's time to put this stupid story to bed.
Since when is messy hair a racist issue? Geez Ms Miles! Shame on you for trying to turn this into something it's NOT. The issue is about the girl's grooming and/or lack of it, not her ethnic heritage. Give it a rest. Your sis hit it right on the money. You should have listened.
Jump around on the a mat for a few hours and see how your hair looks, lol..I'm convinced we just like to have things to b itch about...
With a great smile like she has.... how could you tear your eyes away to critizise her hair style ????
You are right about that. I for one, lost every inch of hair that I had on my body when undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. I said I would never complain about having a bad hair. But seriously, I was one of those who looked at her hair and commented that it was a mess. I am sorry for feeling that way, and I apologize for it. Can you imagine how she must feel knowing people are 'talking' about her appearance?
Gaby you make me proud...you go girl.
Ok, seriously? Most Americans can't touch their toes. Gabby Douglas is perfoming skills most people wouldn't even dream of attempting. Her hair doesn't matter, it looks just fine.
I was shocked to see several of the women's USA gymnastic's team members with their hair not in a clean neat pony tail or ball, not just Gabby, McKayla too. It seemed that they did not care much about having a polished appearance.
Her hair is great, everyone is allowed to have any hairstyle they like.
My big complaint is about the headlines, "African American" the newspapers and television continue to poliferate the division of races and inserting a wedge between Americans. we are one people of many races and these division tactics must stop.
I agree, I'm very confused at how much seperation there is in our culture. At work, at school, when your out at the bar, its always us and them. What the hell? this isn't 1950.
It seems strange to me that by using the term African American suddenly there is racial division. The issue with race is not that there are different terms used to describe the background of individuals but the stigmas attached to them. The idea that if we were all suddenly colorblind and didn't use these categories is ridiculous. Saying "I don't see color" is bull. By acknowledging her heritage doesn't automatically make it divisive.
Straight hair is the beauty standard? News to me: I was told my straight hair was 'dead-looking' when I was 9. This was in the 70s when Farrah Fawcett was tops, and her hair was not straight. Now even most white women have blow-outs and use flat irons. Trying to get that look is not limited to black women.
Almost every gymnast I have seen has worn ponytails and barettes to keep her hair out of her face: why is it an issue for a young black girl?
As for Beyonce: she does more of a disservice to black women by dyeing her hair blonde and trying to look white and any 'white standard' of beauty ever will. Michael Jackson's skin bleaching didnt' help either: seems even black men want to look like white women.
emma, that last line is way too funny, "...seems like some black men trying to look like white women...Your post is spot on, I am married to a gorgeous black woman (35 years this year) and have two beautiful daughters. I "know" of the issues with black women and their hair, but we must do as the USMC says, Adapt, Improvise, and Overcome...
Wow, I rooted for her and was proud of her because she was an American representing my country with stellar athleticism and grace. The color of her skin and the significance of that was completely lost on me. Discussing her hair seems even more odd to me. Go USA! Go Gabby!
there are no racial boundaries when it comes to gymnastics and bad hair!!! they all have bad hair!! what bothers me is that when they are out of the gym or arena they keep the same crappy slicked back hairstyle:(, dont even get me started on their makeup!!!!
I think their hair looks just fine. They need to keep it out of their faces. Besides, do you ever look cute after you're done working out? These girls are flipping through the air, of course their hair isn't going to be perfect.
Wow..we have way too much time on our hands...
There was an issue with her hair? Why don't we write an op-ed about random people who write articles about issues no one cares anything about.
A few random thoughts: As other posters have said, this is a 16 year old adolescent; no one has the right to comment on her physical appearance except her mother! Gabby is strong and beautiful just as she is – an excellent role model for other young women who may be struggling with body and appearance issues. Her work ethic and character at age 16 are exemplary. I am so proud to have had this amazing young woman represent my country on the world stage. I respect that this is an issue of concern for many African-American women but I didn't even notice Gabby's hair until I ran across this article – I was too distracted by her skill, talent and dazzling smile. Agree with the author – the focus should be on the child's impressive accomplishments!
There was an issue with her hair? Why don't we write an op-ed on how they let people write about random people who write articles about issues no one cares anything about.
Kudos....... I thought the very same thing
i got a little emotional when i read this. it's so unfortunately true. i love my hair as much as i hate it and i've always been extremely and irrationally proud of never wearing weaves/wigs/extensions. but i still have to relax it so i can get the curl completely out since for some reason stick straight is better than curly (plus when i do wear it natural and people ask to touch it, it takes all my self control not to scream, "i'm not an animal so no you cannot pet my hair"). it really is the most stupid, vain and laughable preoccupation. i'm so proud of gabby and still, in the back of my mind i thought, "geez that hair is awful, she's at the olympics for god's sake." shame on me and shame on everyone else who had similiar thoughts.
This whole argument is so silly. She's a gymnast. She needs to keep her hair back. That's all. What, is she supposed to do gymnastics with an afro?
Not only that, but plenty of white women hate their hair. Everyone is constantly trying to curl straight hair, straighten curly hair, color their hair, perm their hair. Why is this a black issue?
I love you Gabby! You are perfect in my book.
I think you're right to an extent. However, I think the historic veiw that blacks and their nappy hair are beneath everyone else fuels a different fire behind our desire to change our hair.
couldn't have said it better myself!
Amazing how racist these minority groups are to anyone who doesn't aspire to their BS. So we have to differentiate Afro-Americans. Great if we are not all the same Americans than let me tell you don't ask me ever to support anything that they want or do. I am sick of all the BS all my life.
I didn't notice her hair, what I did not was a very talented young lady that represented her country , herself, and her family with great pride and dignity.
The girl looked beautiful and made an amazing show. Her hair? Seriously? Get a grip.
Go Gabby, Let Freedom Ring.
I would think that a giant afro would inhibit some gymnastic moves......
The issue is that a majority of black women are malicious, jealous, shallow and for the most part unintelligent. I am a 38 year old black male and black women have yet to prove me wrong.
Maybe because I'm white, but I didn't even know there was any issue over her hair. This is news to me. This is only an issue because people with nothing better to do make it an issue.
Yeah, wow. There is "Twitter effect" now where the media now has access to the ignorant and (ultimately) insignificant views of individual people, yet somehow remains of the belief that there is a story in the fact that one person – or even thousands of people – have that view. Writing a story about this not only draws attention to a stereotype that I'm pretty sure 98% of America never even noticed, but also furthers the notion that gymnastics is as much about aesthetics as it is about performance. I thought Gabby Douglas was an amazing athlete and inspiring young person, and I don't want crap like "ooh, I wonder if her hair looks unkempt and oh my gosh what racial message can we derive from that" stuck in the back of my head.