I think it is safe to say that every American knows, or at least has heard of the Olympic Gymnast Gabby Douglas. She is or rather should be known for her gold medal winning gymnastics routines. She rose to fame four years ago when she participated in the 2012 London Olympics. One of her many accomplishments include being the first African American woman in Olympic history to become the individual all-around champion. Though her routines are nearly flawless and she has accomplish far more than most people her age, the public is more worried about her hair. What’s daunting about this is not the fact that people are attacking and judging this woman based on something she cannot control, but the fact that it is mostly black women who are choosing to point these things out. I cannot say this loud enough, GABRIELLE DOUGLAS IS AN ATHLETE! On top of that she isn’t running or hitting a ball, she’s doing flips and jumps. There is no way that her hair could possibly stay in place during her routine. Gabby is representing the United States, so what message are we sending when we cannot even support her. Gabby already has enough people hoping for her failure and enough pressure without having to worry about comments on something as small as hair.
We become outraged when a woman is disrespected or belittled though this is exactly what is happening here. In a time and place where people of color are constantly being disrespected, the last thing we need to do is join in the bashing of our people. We need to support one another and set an example that we are human beings and we are worth more than just our skin color. Gabby Douglas is doing amazing things and instead of praising her as we should be, instead we tear her down on such superstitious things. If she were another race would we even pay attention to her hair? I’ve seen white gymnasts with fly-aways and nobody has questioned that. Even if she gelled her edges or flat ironed her hair a bit better she would sweat it out after her first routine.
While we are on the topic of Gabby Douglas and the Olympics, I’ve noticed that fellow teammate Simone Biles has been put in the spotlight as being better. Black women no matter what are always being pit against one another. Actresses are compared to one another, as well as singers. Who is better Rihanna or Beyoncé? They both slay; why can’t they both be great artists? In this instant it’s worse because they are on the same team. The Olympics is arguably the biggest competition and everyone wants to represent their country in the greatest way: Being the best. Simone Biles and Gabby Douglas are doing just that!
There is far too much hate and negativity in the world right now. This is a time when people like Gabby Douglas and the rest of the Final Five need our support. When records are set and medals are won we need to help to celebrate the accomplishments instead of finding small flaws. Gabby’s hair may not be perfect today, but just think when this is all said and done she can slay with her hair done while taking pictures with her many many medals.
Whenever you think to comment Gabby's hair or anyone for that matter just remember:
