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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Woman's beach volleyball is sooo much more interesting and fun to watch, luv what they wear.
But they are not nice looking women so the bikinis are not a good look for them.
I always switch to another event when little girl gymnastics comes on it's booooring. Not sure what the appeal is.
Not a single white American gave a fig about Gabby's hair. We cheered and screamed and clapped and thought she was the greatest thing on the planet. Meantime, African Americans, rather than feel proud of her, nitpick about her hair. Blacks are their own worst enemies.
Seriously? They would have to rub cement in their hair to keep it in place with all the acrobatics and appartatus that they work. I would like to see what your hair looked like when you finsihed 4 grueling routines in one day.
If I had a teacher that would kick me out for something so ridiculous, I would find another teacher.
Hair? Who cares about her hair it looks fine but she should work on her teeth and get some braces. And she'll have to go back to her full name when she gets older. Who wants to go through life with a name like Gabby?
It's called constructive criticism. Nothing I'm sure she hasn’t heard and probably already knows about. There was no negative intent so don't take it that way.
How sad a comment is that. Braces are very expensive and perhaps now with all of her endorsements, she will be able to afford some. Her mother put all of her money into her training...wth. As for her name, Gabby is cute. I guess that you don't have a nickname or too shy or ashamed to tell it.
She will have plenty of money with her endorsements and even more if she gets the braces to fix her teeth. Either way she can use this as a chance to improve herself going forward. Sure Gabby is fine for a girl or a teenager but not a grown woman. Then it means ”talks too much” and Gabriella is much better anyway.
I was just saying that bout Mike Phelps. 16yrs in the game and his mouth still looks like Moonraker.
It appears that some of orthodontic work required would involve the realignment of their jaws and/or head gear. Pretty hard to be the best swimmer or gymnast on the planet while wearing headgear for 12-17 hours a day. I'd say they made the right choice. Orthodontics for them would be based on an aesthetic value (they obviously are able to eat) a non-essential; especially so when you are competing at that high of a level.
Her hair, her parents, her teeth and now her name.
If she was a blonde with blue eyes, and porcelain white skin, you would not be complaining. I have noticed that no one is saying anything negative about the white girl that won today, nor the white contestants that were disqualified. You people are racist. You are using her hair as a cover because you know that it is politically incorrect to say that the olympic judges should not have given an African-American those medals. This is why someone wanted to start a bunch of criticism about Serena. You are a bunch of racists.
Does anyone have anything to say about Serena Williams hair in the gold, singles tennis medal round. I don't because they are both very talent and gifted people.
As a Black woman, I feel sorry for and embarrassed by anyone who believes that Gaby's hair was less than perfect. It looked lovely and nothing was out of place! She's a gymnast and needs to keep weight to a minimum (e.g., no extra weight of a weave, etc.). Remember when Janet Jackson wore the horse hair weave? That stuff started pulling her real hair out it was so heavy! She got rid of it fast. I see women all the time where they've been wearing weaves for so long that they're going bald and struggling to keep the unseemly bald spots covered. I say Gaby ...Go On With Your Bad Self! Say It Loud, You're Black And You're Proud!
You have my cheer.
I have realized that all of this criticism is based on racism. Her hair is the cover.
Who cares what her hair looks like. I actually saw a pic with her and her mother with her hair done and she is gorgeous. People get serious.. She has Olympic GOLD. We should be applauding her. Not trying to down her about something so not important. Her mother should not have even responded to ridiculous social media.
This criticism is not about her hair. It is really about race.
So sad to see how many racial posts there are, or that this was even a story to begin with. Just makes me sad that color still comes into conversation. Peace and Love to all and Congrats to this little chick for being awsome!
I'm not seeing comments like that here, I went back a few pages and all I see are supportive ones agreeing that this issue is ridiculous. Am I not going back far enough?
No one picked on Carl Lewis for that dumb ole ridiculous flattop he had, because its obviously a bunch of mean girls who want to pick on a kid and ruin her moment because they are jealous of the millions and millions of dollars about to hit her bank account. If I were Gabby, I'd be laughing like a crazed hyena all the way to the bank.
Never mind, it was the 80's. I just remembered I had a poodle perm at the time.
I didn't realize that hair styles were being judged at the Olympics. Help this young woman celebrate her accomplishments, not her hairstyle! Way to go Gabby! Congrats on making your dreams come true!
I'm one pround American!!
Yeah, if only...
This hair "ado" was no doubt originated by the same stupid losers who follow reality TV stars' lives. They are mentally and emotionally wired not for the high road, but for the cheap and the vulgar. One can only hope that social networking is the only reason that anyone gets to see their worthless observations.
She's only 16 years old! Look what she's accomplished. I wouldn't care if she wore a clown wig. She is stunning just the way she is. At the medals ceremony, she was A little sweaty, a little disheveled, and absolutely adorable sandwiched in between those two sour looking girls with that big smile on her face. She looked like what she was, a CHAMPION! I didn't know there was such a public ruckus going on about her hair. Go pick on someone your own size people. She's a kid.
As an African American teenager growing up in Atlanta, I learned that hair is a major issue in the Black community. I've gone through my relaxers, braids, and even hair weave stages from time to time, but that shouldn't be a key factor in the judgement of my character. First off, all that jazz about Gabby's hair is ridiculous. Gymnasts have to have their hair pulled back and out of their faces for them to compete. So what if Gabby has hair clips/bobby pins/etc. to hold back her hair? I don't hear people giving Viktoria or Mustafina the business about their hair (even though Mustafina's glitter in the hair was AMAZING!) Gabby WON a GOLD MEDAL people! That's what should count. So I ask all the people who talked about Gabby's hair…What was your biggest accomplishment at 16 & does it even compare to Gabby's? I think not.
Why Are we making this a Hair or for that Matteran Afro American Issue !!!! This should be looked upon as a an American issue. Gabby was born & raised in the USA, she does not represent Africa in any way. She Represents the USA only. So how about we get off of our Race Podium & see this for what it is. It is about an American who has done a fantastic job not only for herself but for all Americans.
Gabby is an amazing athlete who has worked so hard and accomplished so much. She is also a beautiful young lady. I'm proud to have her on our olympic team!!!
Is this seriously front page news? What an absolute embarassment "news" outlets have become.
This was a beautifully written article, I would not care if Gabby turned a flip and her hair turned into an afro, she is beautiful and talented, and an Olympic hero
Really people, what's hair got to do with it? Anyone who is talking about Gabby's hair instead of her accomplishments needs to get a life. You obviously have nothing else to do. Gabby Douglas, your are beautiful. You go girl.
What does it say about the US culture? She is a 16 yr old girl and she is receiving criticism for her appearance. As a teacher I find this disgusting. Everybody who has been making these derogatory comments should feel thoroughly ashamed of themselves.
This is the first I've heard about Gabby Douglas hair...are they serious?!?!? Why on earth would anyone even notice her hair or any other olympic athletes hair unless it was painted some wild colors or something. She's an amazing and beautiful athlete period.
This dumb southern, white boy never even noticed how her hair was done. I know first hand how much effort,dedication and training go into reaching Gabby's level of skill (My daughter was a gymnast,). I just enjoyed watching Gabby perform.
Ain't the media wonderful? Remember when they said Chelsea Clinton was ugly? Nice folks!!!
Gabby is fabulous, and Americans of all colors should get behind her for what she is – an Olympic champion! Everything else is superficial nonsense!
This is sick.
The black women criticizing Gabby Douglas' hair could probably learn a thing or two from Gabby Douglas about priorities, dreams, and hard work. It's not an accident that Gabby Douglas is on the podium in London and the haters are sitting on their couches munching on potato chips. If the black community had more Gabby Douglas, they'd have a lot fewer problems. There is no doubt about it. Great job Gabby Douglas! America in general is very proud of you.
I agree. What does her hair have to with her accomplishment. The topic of her should have never been made a topic. As a black person sometimes I wonder why so many blacks worry about insignificant nonsense. The ignorance that I hear at so many times is unbelievably unnecessary. I am happy for Gabby and I will promote positive words about of my mouth for her instead of petty insignificant nonsense.
Seriously.....Enough already.
Also one more thing, do you realize the publicity that this girl is getting from this controversy and the amount of money she will be earning from endorsements, far more then if this whole thing had not taken place, It makes you wonder who really threw the wood onto the fire.
I'm a white woman who came of age during the Carnaby Street, swinging London era in the mid- to late-sixties when that stick-straight hair look was everything. I ironed my hair, of course, and had blistered burn marks along my forearms to prove it. At the slightest breath of mist or sweat, my hair reclaimed its look anyway. I hated myself. It's difficult to express to others how this can frustrate even the smart kid that I was. I was a girl, and I felt ugly. That's not trivial or shallow. It's emotion. I graduated and got my first job in Oakland working with mostly African American girls. At last I had friends who understood. At first we would shop for wigs together, which were very popular at that time, but as the Black Is Beautiful movement arose, more afros and natural looks, braids and creative do's appeared. I got the support and courage to let my hair be itself. Magic! I looked gorgeous, who knew? People stopped me and asked what I did to my hair to get it that way. But it was much more than hair. It was about seeing and accepting the beauty innate in yourself; not comparing yourself to Grace Kelly or hating yourself for not being smooth-haired and blonde. I felt so close to my African American girlfriends that it changed my whole life from then on. And that was 45 years ago! For Gabby, that sweet and brilliant princess, I could wrap her hair into a ballerina bun in about half a minute with a pretty jeweled snood pinned over it - and it would look gorgeous. But she is focused on her moment now; that's what is important. She'll learn all these fashion tricks eventually. For now she has to live for her art.
Drop the conversation about Gabby's hair. The black community should be celebrating her tremendous achievement. My goodness how stupid is this nonsense. You should be riding around in cars with bumper stickers that say "GABBY IS THE GREATEST". Shame on you.
She has so much to be proud of in and of herself! She is just a child so leave her alone! This world is going to hell and you want to gripe about someone's hair....... so sad!
How come nobody ever mentions Serena and Venus Williams' obvious use of steriods. They look like men in skirts – yuk!
Saying that Serena and Venus Williams look like men in skirts is an insult to men!!! Can you say GO-RILLA???
So when two black women basically own a sport it's steriods?? Let me guess hmmmmm "WHITE" stop hating and tell your girls to practice LOL
How come you are signaling out African-American women athletes for criticism? This is racism.
Those who criticize a 50% African-American president are also racists.
Great job CNN- give more life to this absolutely absurd story by printing an opion piece on it! You've sunk to a new low.
No, Ellen, it's that same old CNN low. They would have to go MUCH, MUCH LOWER to reach a new low!!!
Somebody would complain no matter what. She can shave her head for all I care, she is an amazing athlete. Those young girls work very hard to get where they are. Lets just admire their skill. Those muttonheads who tweet and twit about her hair are the same ones who let everyone know they had sliders for dinner and could not walk a block let alone do what Miss Douglass has done. Give the little lady a big hand and a very well done.
I think you are speaking in generalities, JohnQ, because my friends who are Black are not of that ilk. I am more than aware of the fragmented nature of Black society, therefore I would never make a blanket statement such as yours–not by a longshot.
@JuneBug Nope not blanket at all. I am black and I can say that by majority, I speak the truth. Hell I cant even stand to be in the same room with my Mother or her sisters for the very reasons I laid out. I am 38 years old and have never had the desire to date or marry a black woman. I have yet to meet a single one that is not shallow, malicious or just plain stupid.
I don't understand why anyone cares what her hair looks like. Its pinned back and up, which I would think makes sense in gymnastics... to keep it out of your face. To me it just looks like how anyone in gymnastics or almost any sport would wear their hair if it was long (no matter the color of the person or texture of their hair). I mean, you are flipping around and stuff... of course there are going to be some stray hairs that come out by the time you are done. My hair probably looks worse on an average day at work and I sure am not doing anything as active as this girl.
I really feel sorry for the individuals that are supposed to be black. I think they would rather be white, or have or have Gabby to posess other features other than Black. I am a 62 year old veteran and college graduate and I can truly say that I am truly ashamed of my ignorant people that cannot recognize the dedication this you lady has made and to be known as the best in the world. It is incidents like this, that I ask the questions, when will I women stop putting all this garbage in their hair and look in the mirror and say to themselves I am beautiful as I am without wanting to look like some
other race. To Gabby I am very proud of you, there are many Ignorant people out there, you have the confidence, in yourself without having a ton of makeup on your face. Take the paint of the critics face I'm sure you will understand why they are haters. You have a bright future to let anyone hurt because I am hurting for you. What has been said is a total disgrace. You have a bright future
women do not compete on parallel bars. they are uneven bars.
This is a sad commentary on the black community. Watching her performance I never even though about her race, let alone her hairstyle.
It's unfortunate that you didn't think about her race because it is central to who she is as a human being. There is a huge difference between acknowledging the truth (She is Black) and making vast assumptions about her character and motivations.
For crying out loud.....when I first read there was "controversy" over this gold medal winners hair I was confused. And frankly now that I know the story behind it I have to say its still just as mystifying. I am white, near 50 and have straight, straight hair. In the past I have permed it to get curly! I still use a curling iron. Believe me, we European Americans have plenty of issues with our hair too-and are just as subject to fashion wims when it comes to our hair as any ethnicity. The Farah flip of the 70's, the super perm of the 80's and the list could go on–all are NOT NATURAL. Can't we just focus on what this amazing teenager has done and is doing and not worry about something as superficial as her hair???? Jeeze......
Sparko, the difference between your experience and ours is that you didn't have the pressure of being evaluated and judged first by your skin color. When Gabby won, I was so happy that the initial response to her success was not, "The first African American to win......." However, less than 30 minutes after her win, her color was the headline on all the news stations. So while all of these responses are saying her hair doesn't matter, apparently her skin color does. So add that to not looking her best and unfortunately she is being judged. It's terrible to feel in order to be accepted we have to erase what society feels is not pretty. I'm not saying it's correct, but that's the absolute truth. So on one hand you understand, but truthfully you won't ever really get it because at the end of the day, you and I can both fix our hair, but I can't fix the color of my skin.
These people know better than to slam Gabrielle for being black, so they slam her hair, family and teeth.
In Iowa she could be Gabby, but now the liberal media makes her that black girl who does gymnastics. This is why we don't have equality, there is added wieght to the shoulders of people of color with the lib media and their race baiting great society ways. Their Democrat forefathers rode around on horses wearing hoods and burning crossses, this batch of dems are even more damaging for the welfare of people of color in America. just look at any dem district where they have had complete control for decades, if that city or district wasn't in America it would be rightfully lablled genocide.
Oh lord, there goes that "liberal media" again.... must be nice to have an "all purpose" villain to blame EVERYTHING on. Pathetic.......
I suspect that most of the people commenting on her hair don't even vote, let alone call themselves liberals. Ask them who is president and they have no idea and don't care. Ask who the republican running is and the will say Romney who? It is more about how superficial our society has become. There is more interest in the Karadsians, and what Octomom has been doing than what is going on in the world. People just pass on the dumbest emails full of lies and never check to see if they are fact or not. With the low test scores, and how proud people are that they have not read a book since they were in school it is no wonder we have become a National Enquirer country.
This is about nothing more that a bunch of small minded people who cannot appreciate great achievements when they see them, and instead focus on something so petty. Another perfect example... Bobak Ferdowski who helped to land Curiosity on Mars. Who cares that much about other people's hair?!?!? We should just be saying Congratulations!!!!! Way to Go!!!
All too much on this little girl, if treated like her fellow gymnists she would have 3 golds. Nope, she's black and the liberal media must put all this race stuff on her shoulders rather than allow her to excel and concentrate on her skills. Gabby, like millions of other people of color, is a vicitm of the Democrats great society.
I still don't get it.
Please disregard any comments about that childs hair styling. Anybody who has said anything about her (to that regard) is portraying some strange insecurity or egotsical eventl. It is beyond ridiculous to find fault with such poised championship.
It's a sad statement on American culture when someone excells and wins a Gold Medal at the Olympics and all we can talk about it her hair. I guess it is more important to look good than to be good. God Bless you Gabby. You're an outstanding athlete and have a wonderful smile.
What a disgrace that in this moment of national pride and Olympic excitment people want to tear down this exemplary young woman over how her hair looks. Gabby is perfect the way she is.
Nationalism is no different than racism. The Olympics is a shameful aspect of humanity in general. Not a single starving child will benefit from peeople doing flips and retarded water dancing. Human priorities are screwed in general.
You are trying to use humanity as a cover up for the fact that you have a hatred of African-Americans, and you are angry because an African-American woman won the gold medals.
who cares, why does CNN even bother with this kind of stuff?
People are cruel; and then the MEDIA just has to go and make a bigger deal about it.
And they will print it right next to a column demanding an end to bullying!! Go figure!!??
With that talent and that smile, who would notice the hair. However, the sulky Russian with too much eye makeup was noticeable.
Don't these black women who criticize Gabbys hair have anything better to do in their lives than to try to negate her outstanding achievement? GET A LIFE and look at the positive side of what she did; the effort it took; the dedication; the devotion to the sport – and stand up and cheer for her!! don't be so PETTY!
It's likely just envy more than anything.
What a dysfunctional society that we are giving any attention to this young woman's hair, including this article. Sorry Gabby
The ceaseless commentary is a sad statement on behalf of those individuals making it a big deal, not on Gabby Douglas. This gymnast has performed her best and made her country proud, and all the monsters who are making an issue out of superficial details are doing so because they have been trained and taught that as women, their only value is in the cosmetic and aesthetic details and not in using brains and talent to excel. Lets stop perpetuating these archaic ideals an bring women into the modern era. Gabby Douglas doesn't cave into peer pressure – yet another attribute that makes her an inspiration for young women.
I myself could care less about her hair. This young woman is AMAZING! For people to waste time being concerned about her hair is immature. To all the people that talked about her hair, You get up and perform on the balance beam, do a floor routine and swing on the uneven bars. Then and only then will I think about wasting time talking about your hair. Why must people waste time tearing other people down. Use that same negative energy to build someone up, it will do wonders for your soul.
She is a beautiful, intelligent and gifted young lady. I am African American,Caucasian American, and Native American. When I see our athelets on the podium or just competing. I see just Americans that I am so frickin proud of win or lose.
This article is an insult to the accomplishment that this young lady has made. It is also an insult to every African American person; male or female that CNN allowed such a STUPID article to be published. This young lady had made history and this stupid article is being read by people all over the world. CNN, you should be ashamed to allow this article to be attached to such a historic moment for African Americans and young woman around the world.
Did you even read it? It's a very educated sociological article about the stigma of black hair and the pressure black womem feel to appear more "AMerican". Which is why Gabby got slack because she could look like all the white girls with their straight pretty hair. To deny this is literally ignorant. NO OTHER GIRL got slack for her hair, cause no other girl was black.
Black Women perpetuate this stigma . They do it to themselves because they buy into the advertising and marketing ploys of the hair care industry. American Women of all ethnicities in general place these standards upon each other to clown themselves up, starve themselves, plasticize their bodies and reconstruct their faces just to have one up over the next woman.
Exactly. 30 minutes after she won, the headlines began with "The first African American to win Gold in......." Race became an immediate issue. People are fooling themselves.
When she won I was happy for her and team USA. Then Costas brought up race right out of the blue. There will never be equality and acceptance as long as people call out the differences when someone does something. Who cares that she is black. If you do, I believe you to be a racist. Am I supposed to call out every time a white guy makes a layup in basketball? I still think to call out her race and to even discuss her hair is racist. Costas was very condensending to me. Aw, look how well the little black girl did. See that proves black girls can do gym. See they can go it. Alll that language is racist and the sooner everyone realizes that and quits having this history month and that history month, we can get on with our lives and not have the labels. She is American.
Charles, I agree.
The Author is using Gabrielle and African-American women as an opportunity to get some notoriety, or she is ashamed of African-American features, and thinks that all other African-American women are shamed of their features. A lot of African-American women are secure.
Wow...embarrassing...says a lot about where our culture places its importance, doesn't it?
Who are these people? This young lady won the GOLD, and made me proud to be an American. She held herself beautifully during interviews, her mom did a GREAT job raising her. After she won–she held herself with class / no acting like it was their FIRST win (as other athletes in other sports). Yes I'm a white female – I didn't even notice her hair – her smile was too georgous.
You are all idiots if you make anything out of her winning other than she is American. Costas bringing up she is african american made me want to puke. Who cares???? The only people, black or white, that would bring up her race after winning the gold are nothing more than racists. Yes, black racists. They think they have to bring up race any time a mouse farts. It makes me not cheer for someone I was so happy for. Just because of you idiots. Well, I will continue to root for her and all the other Americans and athletes from all over that try their best to win and forget you bigots, black and white. Who gives a crap about her hair. Leave her alone, she seems to be a nice girl that is trying to do her best for her country and her team. Idiots. All of you on cnn, Tiya grinning like an idiot and writing about the girl's hair. My girls are in gymnastics. Keep your hair up and out of the way. Other than that, who cars.
Whenever you are a member of a historically oppressed minority, it's hard NOT to recognize achievments of people in your minority. NO one is racist for pointing this out because guess what GABBY is literally THE FIRST black all-around gynmast. If it had been a black girl every single olympic to get this honor, people would be saying its the first white girl. But of course that has never happened so this is literally history in the making. No reason to bash people about being racist when pointing out the amazing fact that no other black woman has been able to pull of this feat. For instance, the DNC speaker is the first Latino EVER. I can't help but be amazed and disgusted that barely in 2012 will we have a latino speaker. Am I racist? No. I am Latino myself and plan to have a career in politics and it's very interesting to learn that barely in 2012 this is happening.
Fine if you are going to be a politician. If you are going to be a latino politician, then you are a racist and part of what is wrong with this country. If there is a black or latino speaker of the Republican party, I wouldn't notice. I couldn't tell you what race they are. My point is that I didn't notice Gabby for being anything other than American. To do otherwise, is racist. Latino, Italian, Jewish. Talked about a history of oppression. Maybe we should all try to elect and promote people of Jewish heritage??? To make it about race is racist. Plain and simple. It's OK, nobody wants to admit they are racist, BUT TO MAKE IT ABOUT RACE IS RACIST!!!!!!!
Claire, best wishes to you in your endeavors and I like how you think!
Personally, I was shocked at the fuss, and I felt a pang of shame on Gabby's behalf, how she must have felt, if even for a moment, when she found out that people were discussing such a trivial, ridiculous fixation as her hair. When I watched Gabby's performance leading up to when she won her solo Gold, I was mesmerized by her athletic perfection, her adorable pixie presence, and her shining, confident, beautiful smile. I never for one second thought about her hair. I observed she was well-groomed, has the slamming body of an Olympian, her makeup doesn't look all tarted out like some of the other women athletes...she is a young woman whose years of dedication, hard work, disciipline and personal ability allowed her to reach that moment. I was thrilled for her to the point of tears. It was an important moment for her as a human being, as a woman, and as an African American.
I am stunned that anyone, particularly one of African American descent, could cloud over her moment of glory by making derogatory remarks about something so trivial as the style of her hair. I'm not sure what inspires that sort of thing, but those who made the remarks should really take a good look inward and explore that. It's just not cool.
You are so absolutely right. And, unfortunately, I've seen Gabby perform since this mess. She seems to be off her game and it's really a shame. She is a beautiful, talented young lady. The press could have kept this story until after the Olympics. There was no reason to air this now. Everyone knows how it hurts to be talked about behind you back. Gabby is a child, for heaven's sake!! But to Gabby: You are excellent in every way. God bless you.
I hope this isn't the case. I saw an interview with her earlier today where she said they (the team) were safely ensconced in the VIllage, so they've been able to avoid media. The coaches are probably (and should be) keeping them away from all of this.
If it wasn't the hair it seems it would be something else. Why can't someone just be appreciated for their accomplishments and just let it go at that. All this other stuff makes me question what is the real motive and objectives with regard to this issue? Is it just because of some jealous undercurrent having to do with who she is and not what she's doing? I've never heard of any other olympian being scrutinized with regard to their preference of hair style. So I have to seriously ask myself WHY?
It is racism. Not only Gabrielle's hair, people have criticized her parents, and her teeth. Then they started criticizing all African-American women. Then they started on Serena Williams. It is racism.
It stupid
You are CORRECT...it is stupid. So what does that say about CNN?
CNN just felt the need to start something. But believe me, black folks would have been discussing her hair anyway. After all, how is Gabby going to attrack a man if she doesn't have "hair" like Beyonce? At this time of her life and all of her life, Gabby just has to learn to be Gabby. Forget all the haters and their shallowness.
Was this really worthy of publication? Really? Someone make a comment about hair style and it merits an opinion piece on CNN.com?
it wasn't just "someone," it was many people, and the commentary was on how trivial it was, given the breadth of her achievement and why it even came up. Use your brain.
Typical stupid females hyperventillating again. Kid wins a gold medal and they get all hyper about her hairdo. Just proves once again the shallowness of the female mind. Oh, and before you all call me a mysogynist – go right ahead, but be sure to note that I am a WOMAN mysogynist.
Any time a black person goes above and beyond and accomplishes great things there are always those coming out the woodwork to discredit them or put them down! A majority of the time it is their own people! Or NBC! I think she is a wonderful inspiration in all her own Natural Beauty! No blond hair and blue contacts needed! Congratulations Gabby and continue to stay positive! The Haters hate that!
As an african american woman, its just hair, and she can where it anyway she wants to. Hair does not define who you are just like the size of your feet. Its her personal preference and how much nerve does anyone have judging her. White girls straighten there hair too, does anybody care?
I could care less about her hair and the ONLY reason it has come up is because the media as brought it to the forefront. Don't write about it and make it a big deal and the supposed controversy would go away. Keep writing about it in articles like this and will have more and more articles and comments on why this is being brought up so much. Self promoting and self perpetual journalism.
"Could or couldn't care less"? Could means you do care.
This is an important article if only to help understand one of the many issues that affect black people and their self esteem that do not necessarily affect others. It is impossible to overestimate the stress that the prevailing culture puts on the 'other' , the 'different' , those who stray from the desired 'norm', whether it be their weight, or skin color or beliefs. Why is sameness prized so much and difference the source of shame and fear?
Fixing your hair straight isn't going to make people think that you are white. . . and you shouldn't want them to. Being capable, having usable talents and abilities, and being hardworking will make most people, at least those who are worth it in the first place, accept you as you are.
This young woman achieved something few people of any race manage. It wouldn't matter if her hair were shaved or out in an Afro, she'd still have achieved it.
Here we have a gathering of the most accomplished athletes in the world and all we can talk about is her hair ? How embarrassing.
I never even noticed Gabby's hair. She was phenomenal last week during team and individual!! Her smile is contagious and everytime they would show her smiling I would smile with her. Her poise and confidence is wonderful and I am so proud of her accomplishments at this year's Olympics.
It blows my mind all of the discussion about her hair. I am a white woman that also doesn't follow America's norm for beauty either. I have thick curly hair that I can do nothing with. Straightening is useless and takes entirely to long to do. Would I like straight hair? Sure if it came to me naturally but I have learned to love my hair and myself.
And I also know that if I were in Gabby's shoes right now, with social media and some black American women bashing me for my hair, when I just won 2 Olympic Gold, I would use that new found platform to tell them what bridge to go jump off of!
God Bless You Gabby!!!! A majority of us a VERY VERY proud of you! And your hair!
Black Americans will always be there own worst enemy. The Bill Cosby show airs and from the black community there's the complaint that the show is not a true depiction of the black community. As if blacks have never been teachers and doctors. Controversy exist period because man himself has too much time on his hand. Man himself can not be satisfied with the mere fact that this young lady won the gold that her hair has now become a controversy in the black community and elsewhere? Please. I personally believe all of this crap happens because most people do not want the microscope focused on themselves.
This whole hair debate is a testament to the disfunction of our priorities.
Could not agree more with you. This kid is amazing and has accomplished so much and people are "worried" about her hair?????
All the women on the team wore the same deconstructed ponytail hairstyle. I don't judge a person by their hair (or lack thereof).
I am not African-American, but I am an American that was so proud of Gabby's accomplishment! I never once remarked, or even thought to remark about her hair. Honestly, I thought it looked just like all the other girls' hair on the USA team. I can;t believe after doing what she did, people were putting down her hair?!
Does anyone know how big the industry of hair products for black hair is in the US? I bet is worth billions of dollars. Some black American women spend hundreds of dollars every week in their hair! Wasted money if you ask me!
As long as they are not asking me to pay for it, I don't care how much they spend, or what style they choose to wear.
As a white female who straightens her naturally curly hair, I can only imagine what MY hair would have looked like after performing such an incredible, athletic routine – and how I would have felt if people had criticized it. I, for one, didn't even notice Gabby's hair. I was instead focused on the beaming face of a young woman who had just achieved a lifelong dream that a minute fraction of us could ever hope to emulate.
You're a very ugly person, I'd hate to be that unhappy.
Really?!? WHO CARES ABOUT HER HAIR? The girl could be bald for all I care. I'm not looking at her hair, I'm awed by her strength and athleticism. I could not do ANY of those moves, I'd be out of breath within the first 4 minutes of any of her routines. SHE ROCKS!!! As an American I'm proud, she represents the best of the US and I am proud to share a part of her accomplishments.
would we really be making this much fuss if it what a white person from africa who won?
Through the past years African-American women's hair has greatly improved. Number of years ago I spent quite a bit of time in Zambia, i.e., Lusaka. Appearance-wise the only one could tell the difference in a male and female Zambian was that women wore ear rings. Times change. Perhaps now Zambian men also wear ear rings, following the silly USA current custom.
I watched her performance (I am white) and never once did I think of her hair. I watched her amazing ability and strength. I was so happy for her that she excelled at this sport and did so well. I thought she set an awesome example for African American and all other races of children in the present and the future. Someone they can all look up to and try to strive to do what she did.
I hope more African American children get into sports like this in the future.
I will never forget the still photo of her in the air where it appears like she's upside down flying.
Who cares what her hair looked like! It's what she worked for and attained, not her hair!
GABBY DOUGLAS is a gymnastics GODDESS. Thank you, Gabby for making us proud to be US Americans.
Negative comments about her hair are stupid and help no one.
If African American mothers would worry more about educating their children and less about their hair or their daughter's' hair, I am sure our country would be a better place.
First, there is no such thing a an African American, if you are born and raised in this country then you are an American, when the black community stops segregating themselves then and only then will the white community do the same.
Cattiness knows no single color, creed, or nationality.
I think the author is missing the point. Whenever there is something new and different, like an African-American female gymnast taking gold, there will be a tendency to analyze it in our minds. Its outside the pattern. So we focus on little details, like hair, or clothing, or speech, or background. Its just the human, perfectly normal way to understand, digest, assimilate change. This will pass, and by writing about it, we are adding to the fuss, not detracting. If something piques the interest of humanity about Gabby's hair, so be it. So what? We can all see she is a delightful young agile gymnast who leaves us breathless with her grace, timing, balance, strength to the point where we are not conscious of what she is wearing, let alone her hair.
She has experienced the high of a gold medal, and the low of a fall from the beam. That is a lot to experience by 14. What a shining example she is, esp to the African American community and to all of us. What is so uplifting about the Olympics, is that it evens out the playing field for all groups. It opened up the door for black South Africans to compete, and now finally women from Saudi Arabia! Hurray for the Olympics, and for our precious Gabby Douglas. So very proud of her, especially as she fought so hard to get training and determined the course of her own life!!
Well, I didn't notice until now, but they are right – what the heck is going on with that hair???
I don't really understand why a bunch of African-Americans criticizing a girl's hair is proof of white bigotry. I personally think black girls with natural hair are much more attractive than girls with over-proccesed hair.
Her hair is a non-factor of what she has achieved. So why are you ignorant people so concerned about what this girl's looks like? Oh, because you're ignorant. You people have nothing else better to do but criticize someone's hair. With all the negative comments on “Social Media” and now the news, this girl is going to end up with a negative complex about her looks! Her hair is just fine! She does not have time to worry about what her hair is looking like when she is trying to represent our nation and OUR people. She is not so self absorbed like most black women about her hair. She does not have that insecurity that most black women have about their hair. The way some women criticize her hair seems to have a little jealous tone. The main black women that have something negative to say about her hair, wish they had her hair and that's the bottom line.
Seriously her hair? People need ot get a life and leave this girl alone. Firstly it looks fine to me.......secondly focus on her abilities not something so petty! You all should be ashamed of yourselves.
This is a waste of time
The black community doesn't care about Gabby's hair, because there is nothing wrong with it! We are proud of her accomplishments and think her hair looks fabulous. This columist needs to get a life...Seriously!
Well said Lava. I've seen so much negative comments about Gabby's hair on social networks, I'm not surprised to see it here. Now the American black women's main insecurity is put on display for all to see and criticize. Black women can be their own worst enemy.
What's the problem – can't take a beautiful young lady with poise and talent? Gaby is a 2012 OLYMPIAN with 2 GOLD MEDALS, one is for THE ALL ROUND BEST GYMNAST in the world, world, world, world, WORLD !!!!! She is beautiful, talented and gifted, with poise and grace and a trillion dollar smile to melt anyone. She worked hard for this and is very deserving. CONGRATS GABY-WE ARE PROUD OF YOU and we thank you for bringing home the gold.
Can't say I ever noticed her hair. She's beautiful, strong in character, and her performance was phenomenal. I am sure little superficial details about her hair were the least of her worries. Congrats Gabby and continue being the strong and beautiful YOU.
Funny this is coming from the black community. I have heard nothing but admiration for her from my white friends.
This is the dumbest issue I think I have ever heard of. The girl just won Olympic gold. She is competing in an athletic event. Who cares what her hair looks like?
I am white.
Gabby Douglas' hair did not even register on my radar.
I don't get it.
Gabby is amazing and wonderful.
I was going to say what summershaw said. Almost word for word.
Mark Twain said: "Do not argue with stupid people. They will bring you down to their level and then beat you with experience." He is correct.
I don't care about Gabby's hair, or her race, or whatever. What I DO care about is that she gave glory to God! You go, Gabby! America is proud of you!
First off, let me say that Gabby is an amazing athlete and she deserves high praise for that. That being said, don't be so angry at some black people for pointing out that Gabby's hair was less than acceptable. The cameras at the Olympics are constantly on the athletes, even while they waiting to perform AND after they have done so. So it's not unusual to start to take a closer look at their appearance. One might say that, being a black athlete in the Olympics, you might want to make sure you make an all-around good representation of black people. Now, I did take notice that her hair definitely was too gel-ed, and not very well held together, like her counterparts. I didn't dwell on it. But I did wish that it looked better. 'Why'd the black girl have to be the one with the mesed up hair'. AND I am 99.9 percent sure that when Gabby makes her public appearances after the Olympics, the Today Show and what-have-you, her hair is going to be on point. I'll be there are black stylists out there right now waiting to stake claim to that task. In any event, Well Done, Gabby!
I have seen NFL players who could barely get their helmets on during the afro fad. I have seen NLF players with shiny domes covered with nothing but sweat. It simply makes no difference. What makes the difference is are they fast, strong, determined enough to get into the end zone. We would do better to focus on the priorities.
wake yo game up
@ agreement with you @J. Baldwin. Just had that convo with a couple of my co-workers here this mornning. I brought up the hate that "US" black woman have and use against another blackwoman. And I also mentioned that the hate of white woman still thinking that BLACK WOMEN should be still at the bottom.