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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All I have to say is that this old, white, Southern man would love to be able to claim that beautiful, dedicated, and talented young woman as another daughter or granddaughter!! She should be pointed out to every young woman, heedless of ethnic origin, as an example of what can be done when one focuses on a goal and works to achieve it. All I have is a heartfelt round of applause for her.
Amen!
Wee said, sir!,
Because Liberals are the Racists in this country. Democrats fought to keep slavery alive and Democrats fought equal rights bills in the 60s. Look it up, years ago they called themselves the Dixiecrats then Democrats then liberals and progressives. They point out racism and they are the racists. It is a shame that we can't just be Americans.
Bigotry pure and simple.
how can a black person be a bigot to another black person cause they don't like her hair.....i think the word is....negative or critical or....stupid....BUT....the word bigot has no place here
wow wake yo game
It is really nice to read all the nice comments from white americans about gabby's hair (code for being black) not being an issue . . . .
. . . . what would be really interesting to know is what is being said at the family gathering at dinnertime about "Blacks" . . . My guess?: It will probably be an eye opener.
The above creation is a product of the Democrat party. Think of the hate, division, and nastiness you support when you vote Democrat, America's greatest evil.
So what's it like in 1954?
This whole thing is a microcosim of what is wrong with African American society (yes i am an african american). While the system has always been jaded against minorities we however have been our own worst enemies (like crabs in a barrel. And women need to do a better job of sticking together, as a gender youre too smart for focusing on such petty things against each other.
My 8 year old daughter watched the gymnastics finals with me. And all she had to say about Gabby was "I love her smile". Which she repeated more than once. Nobody in my family even noticed her hair, as it was styled exactly the same as everybody else's. So who creates the issues for girls to worry about? Obviously not them, but the envious and bitter adults who make unappropriate remarks. I have always taught my daughter that the most important thing on her outfit is her smile, a smile can overshadow anything... We need to teach them which are the important things to worry about.
Gabby you are an amazing example of strength & courage. Congratulations on your amazing performance, we are all proud of you!!
Who cares? I don't! Gabby was awesome and her hair is anon-issue. Go Gabby!
There was absolutely nothing wrong with Gabby's hair. Anyone who focused on that, truly missed the moment! Watching her sail through the air and stick those landings was nothing short of spectacular! Gabby, hold your head (and hair) high! To the haters who would rather criticize than appreciate, think about this. All your bad-mouthing may turn out to be to her advantage. Hair care companies may come out of the woodwork for endorsement deals with her. Wouldn't that be ironic? She's a winner and someone that these companies will pay handsomely to represent their products! Let those endorsements shut all those haters up and get your stock portfolio started!
Her Enemy/Opponents
Whomever started this talk about her hair had to be either her enemy or her one of her opponents. Criticism of one's personal appearence by those known OR unknown can and does take you off your game. So I say to YOU congratualations I hope you or your choice won gold, silver, bronze or got 4th, 5th, 6th, (7th) place. But if you were just running your trap to you I say you really messed up (to put it ever so lightly). As an african american women to Gabby I say I thought your hair was as beautiful as your smile, your grace and your achievements. WE LOVE (ALL OF) YOU!!!
Congrats on a job well done Gabby! By the way, your hair looks fine.
What I find most interesting is the folks MOST commenting on Gabby's hair are African Americans. Other races havent much thought about it UNTIL it was brought to their attention. It is unfortunate that Gabby's hair is making people feel insecure, like Gabby is not representing her community to their standards. But NO ONE noticed EXCEPT for the African American community. Think about that.
wow wake yo game up
These people need to get a life. She's not a hair model, she's a gymnast, and an amazingly talented one. Stop trying to tear down a 15 year old girl and let her enjoy her accomplishments.
I don't see anything wrong with Gabby's hair, and of course, her hair is not the important thing, her achievement is. Let me see all those criticizing her hair step forward and list their achievements. I would guess they don't have any as they are too busy focussing on their hair.
Gabby's accomplishments are stunning! Fortunately, she has a strong enough sense of her accomplishments to rightfully call the comments about her hair "stupid". Go Gabby! Ignore the ingnoramuses! Your head is in the right place. Best wishes for much success in the future.
FOX News went into a long rant about how he uniform was not red, white and blue and questioned her patriotism.
Of course they completely ignored the other girl on the U.S. team that worn the very same outfit.
Do you know why they did this?
Because she is black and that means that she is not really an American.
Right Republicans?
Hell... in your book blacks are not even humans let alone Americans.
This is what your hated of Obama is really all about and you are not fooling anyone.
Cowards.
You are not being truthful. The folks on Fox did not do anything like you discribed. I saw and heard the spot. You are wrong... probably watching MSNBC and thought you were watching Fox.
So. . . . When blacks were found in Africa by Slave masters, did Africans have any self-consciousness about their hair? It begs the question . . . who/what put the thought in african american women that their hair was "BAD" or "Wrong"? . . . .
Think people . . . . let's have some good posts on this one . . .
OK, menoc... you got all of us thinkin'. Stay tuned!
I agree with the other people. CNN needs to stop putting this negative mess on their website before it costs them their rating. They are the reason why racism continues to stir up. There was no reason at all to even address such negative comments about that young lady. This is totally absurb. CNN needs to pick and choose which stories they choose to post on their website and this was one they should have left alone. Nobody paying attention to Gabby's hair. Find more important stores to report on. Be happy for her. She is wonderful and did and excellent job
LOL @Paul
I guess the same question can be asked of CNN Contributor Tiya Miles; Why did you bring even more attention to this young womans hair, then the more important topic of her success in the Olympics?
Personally, I wasn't paying attention to her hair, I was focused on her amazing talent on the floor. BTW, I still don't see why her hair is even an issue. She's obviously a beautiful young lady and an amazing talent!
I have to agree. I'm not black but I watched and enjoyed the Olympics in general, gymnastics in particular, and I thought she was absolutely adorable. To be honest, this is the first thing I've read having anything at all to do with her looks - aside from her smile. Enough negativity already
I think she's has great hair. I love it. she's hot!
AMEN @Maurissa
My God people this is unbelieveable. We are focusing on the girl's hair? She is a beautiful, articulate and gifted athlete who looked like a shining start standing on that podium. And, her hair looked beautiful. Polished and pulled back away from her face exactly the way it should be on an athlete's face. I am so happy for this young woman.
In other news today, Gabby's hair just held an impromptu news conference in which it told people to, and I quote :"Get a life, STFU, and get outta my way while I go spend my new-earned millions".....
Uh – I've been watching many many hours of Olympic coverage on several NBC stations and NOTHING has been said about Gabby's hair – her nice smile, yes, but her hair, no...
Gabby is beatiful, daring, driven, talented, and amazing. I'm so proud she's an American. We were fascinated by her routines. I hope she never hears about any of this nonsense subjective input about something that doesn't matter. I feel dumber having read it.
I agree. Why focus on her hair when we can focus on her uneven bars choke.
I am a 53 year old white woman with curly hair...Gabbys hair looked a lot better than mine does after I workout!
I don't get it. What was wrong with her hair?
I'm with you. I don't think there's anything wrong with noticing something that seems...amiss. I noticed the Russian girls looked thin and some had on wayyyyy to much make-up. Other people noticed, too....and commented about it on Twitter. Yet, none of that has gotten the press Gabby's hair has gotten. Why does the media care sooooooooo much about an observation many have made about her hair?
If they weren't focusing on her hair, they'd find some other thing to complain about.
Could not agree more. There are folks who will complain about everything...seeking to bring down a successful person. Go Gabby!
I thought Gabby was outstanding, and never once thought anything about her hair.... Why would someone even begin
to focus on that.. She is a very beautiful girl that is very very talented.. Where your hair the way you want!!!
I sit here ashamed....because I can hear myself pushing my teen every morning to fix her hair...put on a different outfit.....all to bring attention to the way she looks instead of what she can DO. Thank you Gabby for reminding me that this is not the most important issue in life.
Gabby did an amazing job, I was proud of and inspired by her. She's such a great role model, and an example of hard work and determination paying off.
Nothing else, especially stupid frivolous things like her hair, simply don't matter.
II'd like to how anyone's hair holds up after running and jumping and flying the way these girls did. The other girls on the team has equally disheveled hair, with fly-aways and bumps.
So who cares? This wasn't a beauty contest!
I didn't notice her hair to be any different than many of her team mates and most teenagers you see on the streets, twisted up and secured with a hair band. What I did notice was her fantasic performances and beautiful smile.
Unfortunately, some of us African Americans have swallowed and believed someone else's idea of who we are. No one can define you but you. Therefore, if one believes that the God-given nature of one's locs are unattractive and ugly, that is how one will view themselves. This is self hatred. We have been divided and conquerored. Standards of beauty can only be defined by one's own self. We must learn to totally embrace and accept self and until we do, we will always trivialize the small rather than celebrate the greater. Gabby, my daughter, sister, niece and friend... we salute you and are extremely proud of all you have accomplished. May this be the spring-board to a blessed, joy-filled life and God inspired life. God bless you and pray for us!
i didn't have time or the interest to read this entire article BUT i do have time to post:
REALLY people!!!???? She won! There are more pressing issues in this world besides someone's HAIR!!!!!
What does AL SHARPTON have to say about this?
OMG have you not seen his hair: he straightens it with rollers.
So why are YOU focusing on her hair? You are just perpetuating the story!
I think this controversy exemplifies a long-running issue in the black community: insecurity. Many black women are so deeply insecure about their looks in general, and specifically their hair. As we're seeing in this particular story, rather than deal with their own issues, many of them would rather throw dirt on and put down a fellow black person, in an attempt to make themselves feem better. Its as old as rain.
Pretty sad that so many focus on utterly irrelevant issues in the midst of an historically important moment and an incredible athletic performance. Her hair? Really? Seriously?! Her hair?! Ugh. All I noticed was her athletic talent, her sparkling smile and her exuberance, all of which were truly inspiring. But I guess maybe I'm just a middle-aged white guy who doesn't know or care about what's "really" important. Congrats, Gabby! You are a champion! And that's all that really matters.
Absolutely!
I wouldn't care if Gabby was bald! I am a 73 year old white great-grandma who thinks she is awesome. I am proud of her and what she has accomplished.
Heck yeah!
who cares ,,she was (is)a beautiful young lady,,,(black or white)she got me weeping,,
I didn't even notice nor care about her hair. I was thrilled that she made history and is bringing home a GOLD for the USA. I wonder if we could think of only nice things to say or take action and help or make a change, but no we have cowards complaining and tearing people apart.
We love Gabby and are so proud of her. She is beautiful.
Hello?!!! I guess they needed to fill up some white space.
Gabby you kicked butt young lady, don't worry about the author here or the other negative crap. You did it! America is proud of you, your parents are proud of you, come home and be proud of yourself. YOU ARE AWESOME!
I am saddened that in 2012 some African Americans still don't understand and appreciate the beauty of being natural. There is nothing wrong with her hair. Gabby didn't have time to worry about her hair she was too busy focusing on winning gold for the U.S! Anyone that had anything negative to say about Gabby's hair is just plain out miserable. At a time that we should be focusing on this young ladies accomplishments we are sitting here trying to defend her hair. Shameful! . Well, I am proud of her, and she should love the hair that God blessed her with. I am going to pray for her that all this negativity doesn't dampen her spirit and that she doesn't go and try to change who she is because of the haters out there that will never accomplish what she did!
Great job Gabby! My children and I are excited about your accomplishments, and I am signing my daughter up for gymnastics because you are an inspiration to her!
There was a time when young black people were proud of their hair (remember 'Afros'). I remember my dad had one. Then slowly but surly the fad changed. Now, you'll be lucky to find a black person within a 100 mile radius in all directions that wears their hair natural. Yes, how you want to be looked at is a matter of choice. But, how a person looks in good times and bad should never be subjected to ridicule.
Agree
Lava...you're 100 on point. Ms. Miles continued the idiocy with this article. No commentator should have approached Gabby with it and Tom Joyner and Roland Martin shouldn't have given the story legs. Now we have writers like Ms. Miles want to keep it going and give this foolishness international attention.
When I learned of the feeble minds of these people I could not believe it. One of my coworkers brought it to my attention and I did with this new knowledge what I normally do with garbagel; I disposed of it. She is a very talented young woman who is living her dream and instead of being happy for her, they want to stand watch over her hairstyle. These miserable, shallow, jealous shells of fools can only see what they perceive to be a 'problem' with her hair. How about the grace of her presentation? How about those bends and turns of her body? I have learned when dealing with my race – you have those who will praise the good in people and then there are the idiots who will find fault in anything. It does not take a genius to know that they are miserable with their own existence and think that their words will have some validity to them. This story never should have had any legs to it and should have been crushed by the first intelligent person who heard this story. It takes all kinds – unfortunately.
Really...this is so sad that this is even a topic or made it as a topic for CNN. Why would any reputable journalist cover the ignorance of a few people that after all of this young lady's accomplishments would follow up with some nonsense about her HAIR! Seriously...
My feelings exactly because I feel that by reporting on this mess just continues to grow its audience.
I thought she looked great. If she was wearing makeup I could not tell. No scrunchie. She broke the mold of gymnasts with tacky turquiose eye shaddow and scrunchies. If she was doing that glitter thing i did not notice either. She is beautiful.
"A Facebook page called “I Support Gabby Douglas and HER HAIR” has collected 220 likes"
After the author saw this, she should scrapped her story. 220 likes?! thats it?! Thats the country (world!!) telling you, "this is a made up issue."
Funny, I thought Gabby was representing Americans and America not just blacks?
Congratulation on winning GOLD!
Gabby you are beautiful! You are a natural talent and I so enjoyed your performances! Please let the hair thing go, don't listen to haters! I had to read a story to know what all the fuss was about because I didn't see ANYTHING wrong with your hair – period!!
It's her accomplishment not her hair that matters. If she is happy, who cares. Negative rhetoric feeds into making a person self conscious of who they are. Some people can be their own worst enemy. Do you think her teammates hair wasn't processed or straightened? Please!
I totally agree:-)
OMG who cares about her hair or if she is white, yellow, orange, black or brown. She is an American that kicked butt over there and we should just be proud of her. Give the kid a break, show her and her family some respect and stop bringing crap like this up. Good lord you idiot. Find a better topic and stop propagating stupidity.
Why can't we focus on Gabby's achievement instead of her hair? PLease just be happy for her, don't try to take the shine away from that beautiful and talented young girl! If we can not say good things about someone we never met, than don't say anything.
If Gabby were a man, hair would be a non-issue.
I have heard for years that women are "catty" about putting down other women but I never knew what that ment. Now I get it.
crabcakes ............ I am sure you have skipped some social science classes, FYI Africa has 55 sovereign states not 44.
I think Gabby look is fine. It looks like she's there to do one thing and one thing only: compete.
Some of these track stars like Sanya Richards-Ross, who looks like she just walked out of a boutique and into the starting blocks, I frankly find kind of bizarre. It basically screams LOOK AT ME".
Give me Allyson Felix, who manages to look good while simultaneously still looking like she means business.
Honestly, I never thought one single bit about Gabby's hair until I just read this, and I am white (but certainly not a racist, apparently confirmed by this example), and I watched everything she did. I guess maybe I "noticed" that her hairstyle wasn't really "coiffed"......I guess I also just assumed it didn't matter, considering that she just accomplished a feat that no other person in America is capable of. To me, that puts her hairstyle in the back seat.
It's like the article that came out about Lochte's parents foreclosure. Why does that matter one single bit? Lochte is an Olympic athlete, yet jealous, speculative people want to take away from the accomplishments of these athletes, obsessing over their families financial woes or their hairstyles.
Why? Sour grapes. Also, some people just can't be happy unless they're complaining, criticizing, or ripping someone apart. It's a sad world we live in.
The story is pointless and a waste of time. The interesting thing about all of this is the comments and how people think and feel about one another. Just because a handfull of morons say something or do something it represents a whole race of people. Silly. Even when someone tries to be nice they can't without a backhand comment. "She did a great job, even if she is trying to look blah blah blah." White people this black people feel this way blah blah blah. Black people only care about this blah blah blah. White people don't understand this blah blah blah. The problem is there are way to many stupid ignorant people who lack common sense. There should of been alot more comments like "what a idiotic story, who cares what a small bunch of idiots think about a champions hairstyle.." But there was blacks this and blacks that and whites do this also and whites this....." This country is so jacked up, this world is so jacked up but what the hell it always has been and it always will until it explodes or dies out.
"The way they all do their hair..." Really?? Racist Much?? Give me a break, there are literally thousands of different hairstyles for black people..to generalize and say "they all do their hair" a certain way shows your ignorance!!
I beleive "all" was referring to gymnasts...all of the gymnasts wear thier hair tightly pulled back in a bun.
It's a female issue, that concerns all races. I feel for black women, though, that have to work harder at getting their hair
the way they think it should be. BUT, all those girls on the team had their hair in a way, that works best for them when performing. People don't think when they make negative comments about appearance. Just think. What if any of those girls obsesses about negative comments and starts making mistakes because they start thinking about appearance. How idiotic would that be and a loss for us all. Most times, it's us Women who are our own worst enemies.
Based on Gabby's performance last night (I'm on Eastern time), I think she heard her "hair" is now a topic of conversation!
Sad..but true!
Notice the comments referred to were from blacks and that when watching all major networks, no one mentioned this at all. Think the african americans need to let go of THEIR racism and paranoia. Only heard praise and awe at this child's gifts and skill from the white community. Maybe THAT should be the story.
dhand
"Only heard praise and awe at this child's gifts and skill from the white community. Maybe THAT should be the story."
Really? Where have you been? under a rock or on Mars maybe?
I didn't notice anything wrong with her hair. I only noticed the Olympic medals and the 90 million in endorsements. Gabby can laugh about this nonsense all the way to the bank.
Totally agree with you but mostly I can't get over the negative comments. I'm 61 and white and honestly all I saw in Gabby -as a person – was how she was unbelievably, incredibly, and wonderfully poised. Everytime I listen to her she is the same – even under pressure of winning and even losing. The endorsements will be rusing at her what with her beautiful smile, her vute face, and her incredible poise. I hope she has a very good business attorney.
I mean "rushing"
I also mean "Cute" – sorry
And have a personal stylist too!
I don't care about her hair, Gabby rocks! She's a young teen who represented her country with honor, dignity & respect.
She should be able to do her hair HOWEVER SHE wants...PERIOD!
Where's the outrage over the hair for the sprinters???
Whatever, how many gold medals do you have!!
I have seen a hair is worst shape than hers.
What is wrong, not enough perm, or not enough weave.
Gabby,,wear Your hair, do not worry about petty people and their small STUFF!!!
It's a completely ridiculous thing to even comment on. It's hair, people! I didn't know this was a thing that was going on, but that's because I don't entrench myself in black culture (which would be somewhat weird since I'm not black). If you're looking for black people talking about black people things, still using your race as something to make yourself different (while decrying anyone else who tries to stand as their own race, usually), then yeah, you're going to find out how racist those people actually are. Being a racist doesn't necessarily mean you hate people of another race. This is racism against your own race, telling someone she's either too black or not black enough for their standards. Shameful.
Why is Gabby an African American, both parents being born in the US along with herself but Miss Franklin is just an American, with both parents being born in Canada. Should Missy be referred to as Canadian American and Gabby just an American? Gabby is further removed from her "African" ancestors than Missy is from her Canadian ones. She still lives under the roof of two Canadians. I can't wait for the day the "African" tagline is removed from the American tagline. The sooner we stop letting white people be the only "Americans" the sooner racial qualifier will disappear.
I agree.
It is what it is. She's of the African race and is an American.
The tag line was brought up in the 1970's & 1980's by the black community to get away from just being called "black" and to get back to their roots...the PC pedilum continues to swing
Well said. People over look the fact that the use of the term African-American continues to segregate us in our minds and prevent true equality
Well said.
Amen. I've never felt the need to label myself as German American, or Irish American. I'm just an American, even though my ancestors came from somewhere else. I have no idea how or why they arrived here, and it wouldn't change the fact that this is my home, even if they were brought here against their will.
People really need to get a life. This wonderful and talented girl did something that she should be proud of and is. I am proud of her I am a white male. Maybe the Olympics should have a hair salon built so that when a gymnist or any other athlete's hair gets messy, dirt under their nails or toes, they can simply get a 20 minute break to get dolled up again. Once again, I am sorry to say that this is the way OUR country is these days.
Sorry too busy enjoying the amazing talents of this beautiful young lady and being proud of her to notice her hair, as a Republican I cannot relate to the Democrat mind which as Gabby performed excellence was stuck like a scratched CD on black black black black black black black black black black black black.
Maybe one day you can join us Republicans and see people as individuals then again that would be the end of your hate party.
Gee Doug, and with people like you judging people on their political affiliation and making judgements, why, that isn't doing any harm either is it? What an idiotic comment . . I'm a Democrat and I didn't even notice the girl's hair or think about it until I saw this article . . .all I saw was an amazing young woman who made her dream come true and made her mama proud. WTH does politics have to do with any of it?
@Doug what makes you think they were Democrat, Republican or what ever? Do you have a Crystal Ball? If you do can I borrow it?
It just shows that there are a lot of idiots out there. The only adult in the conversation is the one it's about; Gabby Douglas. If only these twits would rise to 1/10th the level that this young lady has already accomplished, we all might be in a better world. Ignore them Gabby, their opinions are meaningless. You done good!
I agree Jack...you sound like my brother!
Ms Miles got exactly what she wanted from all you "sheep", a response. The article wasn't so much about Gabby;s hair getting noticed as it was a vehilce to get Ms Miles noticed. Ms, Miles, this is what you gained from a college degree, please. It;s like your feeding off your own.
In addition to my last comment – What is it that is "wrong" with her hair??? I see a girl in a pony tail – what is it that is wrong? I can't find anything "wrong" with it. I looked at pictures to try to figure it out, but all I see is the pony tail – what is wrong with that? I kept looking to find something that would stand out – something odd, unusual – Nope – can't find anything remotely like that. She is cute, her hair is cute. What am I missing?
Why does it have to be so much talk about african american crap. She is AMERICAN.
Why is this world so afraid of ambivalence? This "hair" thing is not an "either /or" matter, but a "both /and". Gabby IS a brilliant athlete, AND her hair was a "HOT MESS"! If you can afford to purchase a $100.00 weave, please purchase the $5.00 straightener too! She is only 16, who dropped the ball with her grooming? My hair is natural and looks great! ...Apparently, someone could not decide if they wanted her hair straight or natural. Come on people...this child was focused on winning the GOLD, someone should have pampered her with proper grooming!
Her hair was not "A Hot Mess" ..... normal people didnt even notice her hair until all you jerks started blogging about it. Even now I'm trying to find something wrong with it and can't...it's just tied back...wth is the problem?
I just thank GOD her performance was nothing like her hair. Straight or natural...straight or natural...straight or natural...straight or natural ??????
Can you please explain what ball was dropped in her grooming? The olympics is no fashion show. Still missing the point here
I guess Olympic athletes are just athletes and have no other qualities to be admired....Great... "I give"...you're RIGHT....but did anyone notice the cover of the cereal box....they took a shot of Gabby from the front , where her hair was perfectly in place...perhaps after this column, they will endorse Gabby in her natural state....straight or natural...straight or natural...straight or natural!
@Janet Are you serious?
I completely agree...Yes, the focus SHOULD be on her accomplishments. But unfortunately while she is performing millions are focusing on her. NOTHING is wrong with her having a hair in a ponytail, nothing is worng with her hair texture or the kind of hair that she has. The issue is that she looked un-groomed! She does not neeed weave of anything extra. They just should have paid more attention to her grooming. If they had time to put make-up on the girl then they had time to properly pull up her hair. They say she was competing for the gold so why should she care what she looks like? That's when you should care! Looking nice doesn't mean you have to look like everyone else, she is beautiful. She just wasn't groomed well.
I am sure that you and Janet are in the same position in life. It is amazing how much focus has been place on the superficial and not the core. However I guess you two probably look great and have little else to account for in life. Gabby has scored, accomplishment, and gone places that I am only assuming that the two of you will only see on television. If the only accomplishment you have is what you look like then I think that says it all. For Gabby I hope she realizes that her hair nor as you so eloquently stated her grooming is not what won her the GOLD medal but her skills, her focus, her commitment and her GOD. I also hope she realize no matter what accomplish in life you will always have haters Jesus did so no matter how much it hurts it should be expected on the way and while achieving greatness.
This whole thing is so ridiculous. How Gabby's hair looks has nothing to do with what she is competing in. Gymnasts must keep their hair back, and away from their face so they can perform those amazing athletic feats. After jumping, spinning, flipping, cartwheeling and other moves lets see how your hair looks...How they do their hair, what they use to keep it out of their face and what product they use or do not used is irrelevant. Get over it, and congratulate Gabby Douglas and the rest of the Gymnasts who won medals and all who made it to the Olympics to complete. This is a small percentage of the worlds population who make it to play in the games and they should be celebrated for their athleticism, not how they look!!!! This country is so much about how people look on the outside and not about who they are on the inside and what they have accomplished, its disgusting!
He's not saying they have the same "type" of hair texture but the same hairstyle! Every gymnast had the same damn hairstyle – slicked back and in a ponytail or bun. That is it! It is the standard of gymnastics. It keeps their hair from flying away or distracting from the work they do. I don't understand how everyone can't plainly see this! Asians, Caucasians, Africans, etc. – all the same. The only difference was the Russian penchant for glitter hairspray!
I do not see anything wrong with her hair, to me it looked the same as all the other girls.
As a white person let me just say I wasn't only disappointed by her hair but almost everyone hair. The swimmers looked like alien heads in the swimming caps. But whereas there is supposed to be grace and beauty with Gymnastics you see these girls with great bodies cute outfits, beautiful smiles, and then a dump of poop on top of there head. I found the glitter that some used to be extremely nauseating. I believe that these messes on the top of their heads may have actually contributed to their being out of balance!
You're not into to sports... You should be watching a makeover show. The games are about sports and who comes out on top. Not who looks the best... They are not there to model, even if some appear to think they are their for beuaty.
I'm black (mind you, black-Canadian) and I don't even see what makes people think there's something wrong with her hair. First time I saw her compete, I thought she looked stunningly beautiful. Are people seriously picking on a black teenager because of her natural, curly hair and next-door girl look? I mean, seriously?
Definitely!!! Who cares about this? The biggest non-issue I have ever seen or read in the news. Why can't this poor girl just enjoy her victory after all of her hard work instead of having to deal with this idiocy?
I was too focused on what she was doing to notice her hair and when she won, I was too focused on how happy she was. Honestly, all I saw was a girl in a ponytail, maybe my TV needs to have better quality so I could lower myself down to the level of the people who are critizing her.
LOL – to KROSS's post about Albert Einstein.
Lava:
My thoughts exactly.
If a person can't simply be happy for this young lady and her accomplishment then it says much more about the critic than it does about Ms. Douglas.
Well said; My sentiments exactly....
And you wonder what race perpertuates racism? Why cant she just be a girl who is an excellent gymnast? Why is it so important that you need to point out that she is black? evolve!!! The other thing is you people dont know the importance of hair in gymnastics.Ask any gymnast how much time they spend on their hair before a meet.
there are 2 reasons that anyone would say something negative about this girls hair osr appearance. !) they're jealous they didn't win a gold medal 2) they're jerks
Worse than attacking her hair or her outfit is attacking her faith. THAT is who she is. I've seen quite a bit of that on the left. On Facebook I see people completely embracing Gabby especially because she is such a strong young lady of character and strength and obviously an amazing Olympic star. Go Gabby!
I'm white and a former gymnast. I don't get it whatsoever!! Her hair is CUTE!!! BEing a gymnast is the TOUGHEST sport. I'd like to see those criticizing her hair do what she has done – it's much more difficult than doing your hair!!! Hair style can change instantly in a relaxing salon for the laziest person – building muscle, working VERY hard to be a gymnast – that takes discipline, efforrt, perseverance, and talent. Don't say a word unless you have won a gold in gymnastics!!
People are saying the media made it an issue. In some sense, that is true. However, it was a huge issue for her on Twitter when people left nasty comments. The news could have ignored it, but that wouldn't have made it untrue.
I'm curious, what style do these hair critics think she should have had?
As a white woman I simply do not understand the fuss, her hair while competing was similar to all the other gymnasts. She is adorable. I have thick hair that goes crazy frizzy in summer humidity and often find myself throwing it into a pony tail, especially when I'm exercising.
Your comment is the best response to Gabby's hair. Only a hater would say anything about this young lady's hair. Whoever made this comment is evil and their only interest is to steal this young lady, as Oprah Winfrey would say..JOY RISING! This is her Joy Rising and no amount of hating will change that... God Bless this Young Lady!
Who cares talk about something else . Facial discription is nothing
Aren't there pressing issues that CNN is supposed to cover than Gabby's hair?! Gabby is beautiful and we should focus on her accomplishment instead of her hair. She has achieved her goals and has made her country proud and that's what matters.
Why are you guys talking about her hair.
Congratulations Gabby!!! You are an awesome gymnast and an inspiration to us all!
Has anyone seen that Alfred Einstein dude??!!! His hair is a hot mess!! Can't go far with hair like that.
Ever notice they don't call black Britans African British or black French people African Frenchman.