On Thursday, 16-year-old gymnastics phenomenon Gabby Douglas won Olympic gold for the U.S. But as Michael Eric Dyson noted on The Ed Show, all a small number of Twitter critics could focus on was the African-American athlete's hair.
"Gabby Douglas, you made history w/your impeccable talent & hideous hair," spewed @BReeMonroe.
Gabby, who is just 4-feet-11-inches tall and flipped and spun through the air in a way that's less than conducive to keeping every hair perfectly in place, wore her hair in a slightly messy bun that was gelled back with hairclips.
"Congrats to Gabby Douglas on her gold metal (sic)! I wish I could say the same. about that hair! Omg horrible!" blared @shestaken.
"We, as a Black community gotta fix Gabby Douglas's hair," chimed in @sarocious.
Hair has long been a critical fixation among much of the black community. On the same day that Gabby won gold and found her locks come under fire, Oprah Winfrey also stirred controversy for unveiling a magazine cover photo of herself with no chemical treatment in her hair.
Dyson was appalled by the online disparagement of the pint-sized powerhouse, and chastised critics for their callous prioritization of aesthetics over athletic prowess.
"Gabby Douglas is an Olympic champion," Dyson said.
"She's being recognized on the world stage for her ability to outperform her completion in a sport," he added. "And to get there, she had to break a sweat just like everyone else. That should be the focus."
The "Flying Squirrel" didn't seem to be bothered by all the haters. She took to Twitter after she won gold, tweeting, "WOW such an AMAZING experience! Thank you all for your support, love and prayers love you all!!! #oncloud9 <3"
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Gabby is a shining example of all that is good about our country. People say mean things because they are jealous (not to mention small minded) and what comes out of their mouths is about them and who they are and says nothing about Gabby. I congratulate her on her hard work, wonderful performance, beautiful smile and for representing the United States with poise and class.
as usual BLACK PEOPLE always betray their community. just the same way blacks sold their brother's and sister's in SLAVERY. Instead of being positive about this young woman's accomplishment they attack her. other races show pride for their children accomplishment. Instead IDIOTS who know nothing are always unloading their jealousy, envies, hate & ignorance. be proud of yourself my sister because you are BLESS & GOD have chosen you for this task, SO REJOICE & BE GLAD I am very glad & proud to call you my SISTER.
It is a right out shame and disgrace that some black women would be so critical of Gabby Douglas’s hair. She is An Olympian at 16 so ask yourself what did you do at 16 that made you so proud of your hair. Obviously those black women have neveraccomplished anything in their life other than getting a weave or perm. I guess they think they deserve a gold medal.
This is the problem with ignorance. People put more value in the outward appearance of an indivdual than they do the enormous personal accomplishments. This young lady just made history, and instead of MY people praising her, we denigrate this feat with comments about her hair.
Typical. A woman becomes a star (OMG, a black woman, nonetheless), and all the STUPID can talk about is her hair. And they say there's no war on women; it happens every day in ways both obvious and subtle. People need to turn off their "fashionista" and turn on their compassion and true patriotic pride.
Gabby, I am so proud of you. I am a mother of two and grandmother of four. Don't let the words of ignorant people get into your head. You have done wonderfully, and God has truly blessed you and enlarged your territory. He saw the sacrifices that your mother and family made, as well as your own committment. I am thankful that God placed you with a good family that has taken care of you. Narrow minds have nothing else to do but to find fault in everyone else, except themselves. God know who these people are, and whether they know it or not, they were sowing seeds, and they will reap what they sow. If we can get revelation of God's owrd to "Do unto to others as we would others to do unto us" the entire world will be a much better place in whic to live. You were perfect.
those who are criticizing Gabby r a bunch of vain a** women'' and i'm sure it's only women' instead of showing support 4 what she have achieve and giving her the respect that she deserve, all they wanna do is talk about her hair''
i wonder what they would say if she had dreads''