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.

Views: 1067

Comment by Dominique Cleopatra on August 5, 2012 at 7:12am

Can I just say how awesome the Olympics is! Today I saw a double amputee from South Africa come in second in a race! And he was hot too! So inspiring.

Comment by Cheryl, Co-founder on August 5, 2012 at 11:23am

Wow! He came in 2nd! That is awesome!

Comment by Deejay on August 5, 2012 at 5:59pm

The fact that this whole situation happened to this little girl who actually HAS hair but apparently wasn't groomed to the standard of her critics both saddens and appalls me. Sorry There's nothing about this that comes off as racist at all.In 2012 people are responsible for their own decisions and the values they instill in their children. Looks like we still have a long way to go. The burden rests on us a generation to change that concept in our own people and it starts with one person at a time. I hope the situation with Gabby becomes a huge turning point.

Comment by Mary on August 6, 2012 at 2:16pm

Gabby responds (LOVE that she says you can be bald!):

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/olympics-fourth-place-medal/gabby-dou...

Comment by Mary on August 7, 2012 at 1:31pm

I was waiting for some reporter to link the two news stories about hair on women Olympians:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/she-the-people/post/gabrielle-d...

Comment by Vesselsong on August 7, 2012 at 7:29pm

For black people trashing Gabby's hair, I think it’s a self-esteem issue and not liking who they are. For too long, we’ve bought into the idea of being someone we are not. The media has done a fantastic job of branding long-straight hair. If black people stop purchasing hair, stop putting chemicals in their hair and go natural, many white businesses and Chinese hair stores would be no more. There is a major incentive to market the concept that long- straight hair is beautiful. The hoopla surrounding Gabby Douglas’ hair is a reminder to me of the power of marketing. I'm inclined to believe that Gabby knows something about choosing her battles. I'm glad she went for gold! Go, Gabby!

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