Gabby Douglas takes two Olympic gold medals—and hair criticism!

According to an article on Essence.com, some believe that Gabby should be more concerned with more than just her Olympic dream.

"On Tuesday, 16-year-old Gabrielle 'Gabby' Douglas led our women’s gymnastics team to a gold medal, the USA’s first since 1996. The bouncing, bubbly superstar will also be competing for the gold again today, one of just two Americans chosen after she outperformed media darling Jordyn Wieber, whom everyone expected to land a top spot.

"But instead of collectively celebrating her accomplishments on the Olympic stage, Gabby has been dogged with cruel criticism. Too many folk aren’t discussing her awe-inspiring leaps, bounds and accomplishments. Instead, it’s her hair that has become the topic du jour of some less-than-pleasant viewers."

I wonder what impression this leaves with you. That people are really hair-obsessed, or that this is pure frivolousness?


UPDATE: Since this column was originally posted, Gabby Douglas won the gold medal in the women's all-around gymnastics competition.

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Comment by Dominique Cleopatra on August 4, 2012 at 4:49pm

I like the Gabby pic from FB Cheryl, except I don't like how they made her sound all "ghetto".

I watched her win the Gold and she was just radiant. I think her hair was the last thing on anyone's mind when she was up there like the shining star that she is!

Comment by Piotr on August 4, 2012 at 4:39pm
The girl (black, white, purple, orange, whatever) has just won two gold medals. I could care less how she looks like. I sure didn't like it when people pre-judged me when I was 1 out of 5 white people in my H.S. graduating class of 45 in Detroit. Discrimination, even reverse discrimination, is so sad in today's society and it changes people. I wish people would follow this famous M.L. King quote, "People should not be judged by the color of their skin, but the content of their character". I hope she wins more Gold medals in the future so she can shut-up the people ( black and white) that criticise her looks and not the accomplishments.
Comment by Linda Rollins on August 4, 2012 at 2:24pm

Its ignorance to the max, she is a beautiful young lady, with or without hair, combed or uncombed, straighten or nappy. Her hair does not define her. And those talking about her are probably spending their rent money on weaves and updo's and not one of them have ever and probably never will ever win a Gold Medal, You go Gabby!!!!!

Comment by jenx on August 4, 2012 at 1:25pm

Its because she is black and black women are expected to do something with their hair and not leave it at is....

Comment by Cheryl, Co-founder on August 4, 2012 at 12:16pm

Someone just put this on facebook. Thought it was great!

Comment by Mary on August 4, 2012 at 12:00pm

It's very upsetting to see this made an issue for this amazing young woman. Interesting discussion. I saw Chris Rock's docu about hair "Good Hair", and it was excellent. I agree totally with Lisa's comments about how this is racist and sexist in origin. Sad.

Comment by Sunflower25 on August 4, 2012 at 9:39am

Plus, I think she looks beautiful! Her hair isn't crazy tight puller back like the rest of the US girls. That looked painful to me!

Comment by Sunflower25 on August 4, 2012 at 9:38am

I couldn't help but laugh at how stupid this was. You ever see Chris Rock's documentary about hair? That through me for a loop as well.

Comment by Lisa Santer on August 3, 2012 at 1:19pm

Andre, I do know Essence is for black women. In the Essence article Cheryl posted, the writer defended her against others' critiques of her hair. Racism sets up black women to believe they have to do all sorts of things to their naturally beautiful hair in order to fit into white standards of beauty. Sexism sets women up to think that meeting some standards of physical beauty are the most important thing we have to offer.

Comment by Kelci on August 3, 2012 at 1:12pm

and another note she can do whatever she wants with her hair! she's winning gold medals!!!

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