Olympic gymnast and gold medal winner Gabby Douglas has been the focus of several blogs and tweets as of late, not because of her outstanding sportsmanship, prowess, flexibility, and grace…but because of her hair.
In an article on Jezebel.com, writer Dodai Stewart enumerates several tweets from opinionated naysayers, who typed, “She needs some gel and a brush…”, “Someone needs to give her a hair intervention…”, and “Gabby Douglas needs to tame the beady beads in the back of her head…lol.”
Hair is such a polarizing issue in the African-American community, whether you’re natural, relaxed, or somewhere in between. The common denominator, whatever your style, is this necessity that your look is polished–layed, swooped, and devoid of ‘beady beads.‘ But as we all know, when you’re working out and sweating, your hair is a casualty. And besides, who cares if Gabby’s hair is a little unkempt–shouldn’t the focus be on her skill and accomplishments?
Fittingly, several Twitterers have come to Gabby’s defense, typing, “Talking about Gabby Douglas’ hair? At least it’s hers. You got yours from one of Britain’s Equestrian horses,” and, “Gabby Douglas is competing on a Gold Winning Team not a hair show. #KnockItOff”
What do you think of this whole hubbub?
Read more at Jezebel, Clutch, and Sporty Afros.
August 2, 2012 9:28 am
Gabby is great as she is – she’s a young, cute athlete and not no permbox model! Go Gabby, get it, eff all that hair talk, doing all those routines it gets sweaty! ☺
August 2, 2012 9:31 am
It’s all very sad that our/Black community had to point out a flaw that is irrelevant to the accomplishment this young lady has achieved. We have to keep in mind, her Mom and sisters have sacrificed their daughter to a gymnastics coach to WIN and not a glam squad so she could look “tv ready”. This is called priorities. The pettiness must stop.
August 2, 2012 9:33 am
LMAO @ getting hair from one of the horses. I think it’s expected that people would focus on her hair. Unfortunately, most Black people like to pick on and point out all the faults of their own people who are in the public eye. Always neglecting the positive and phenomenal aspects of their publicity and rather focusing on something as trivial as hair.
It’s extremely sad and disturbing but not unexpected as this kind of ridicule has happened numerous times in the past. I don’t get why people don’t see that most gymnasts(who lo and behold are not Black) have those clips in their hair and usually have their hair gelled down. They are pinpointing her and setting her apart for that when they should be uplifting her especially when it has become evident that the mainstream media has not been giving her the promo that she deserves.
August 2, 2012 9:37 am
Also, are we still denigrating Black women because of the texture of their hair?? (referring to the “beady beads”). I’ve never seen a group of people so extremely brainwashed and wounded when it comes to their natural characteristics. Her hair texture is her hair texture. It’s on her head, not yours. It shouldn’t bother you and affect you, especially if it does not affect and bother her.
August 2, 2012 9:37 am
Just another example of blacks tearing down blacks. I haven’t heard any white people make comments about her hair?
Really pathetic how some blacks put more pride in hair shows than the Olympics. No wonder the prison population and baby momma stats are so high. Also wanted to note the twitter handles of those with the comments — uneducation at its finest.
August 2, 2012 9:40 am
This is why little girls are perming their hair at the precious age of 4 and scared to go natural. I was terrified to go natural. My mother had been relaxing ly hair since I could talk. I am so happy I did. I now embrace my “beady bees” and don’t plan to go back!
August 2, 2012 9:40 am
DItto @Alyssa!!! Leave it to “us” to start degrading our own by picking apart little minor details. Instead of supporting her for her presence in a sport that is dominated by Caucasians, we focus on her hair – a complete non-mf factor!!!! It’s very sad.
August 2, 2012 9:43 am
African-Americans make me sad. I dont blame them for their insecurities and defensiveness anyway…..
August 2, 2012 9:43 am
Of course we have to waste our time pointing meaningless flaws during such a proud moment. SMH We can be so degrating to one another.
August 2, 2012 9:45 am
What the heck is a beady bead anyway? Smh I laugh at the ignorance. I hope this child does not pay any attention to any of it and understands and knows that she is beautiful just the way she is.
August 2, 2012 9:45 am
iMO I don’t even think there should be blog posts like this and others addressing it. Those few that are making negative comments are the ignorant minority, why give them an even larger platform? It’s doubtful they will ever change their opinions so just let it die.
August 2, 2012 9:46 am
smh.. first of all, the accomplishments that this SIXTEEN year old girl could overshadow what most of these people have done in their entire lives and a lot of the people talking about it are grown!
and also, gymnasts ususally have a rigorous training schedule of about 300 days a year. Who has time to worry about keeping their edges fresh when you’re sweating for 300 days year. Yea she could get braids but when would she have the time to actually sit and get them done!? Come ON!
August 2, 2012 9:49 am
African Americans are the only race who tear each other down for dumb shit. If she didnt have so called beady bees as the twitter said it would be an issue as well im sure #getafuckinglife I miss the days where there was no twitter and people kept their stupid ass opinions to themselves
August 2, 2012 9:51 am
Ok, let’s pull out the 16-17yr old pics of some of these Twitter haters….bet it’s a mess. Not everyone is into weaves and perms at that age. Leave this baby alone…if I were at her level, having a ponytail to whip around would be my last thought for real. Plus we sweat and our hair can suffer for that….I mean the girl cant hit the tumble mat wearing a tuban now can she. Sheesh…in my Tamar voice get yo life!
August 2, 2012 9:52 am
wtf???SERIOUSLY !! i a m a french black woman and like lot of us in the world i follow and support all the black athletics who are engaged in the JO, whatever are they country.
Why those critics about her hair?????instead of be proud that she represents us in excellence! She was not there to show people how beautiful are her hair or make up but to show us how she’s a strong, professional and powerful athletic!
August 2, 2012 9:57 am
This truly let’s us know how psychologically damaged and hateful many African American are. This young girl with an emphasis on young is a brilliant gymnast with poise, grace, and humility and she is competing in the Olympics and all these hateful, functional illiterate morons could think to do is to tear her down because of hair.
August 2, 2012 9:57 am
i am baffled by this controversy…over her hair! the girl is competing on one of the highest stages for athleticism and strength and people are concerned whether her hair is laid….no ma’am! Gabby is doing something waaaaay bigger than herself than most people could accomplish in a lifetime so i’m willing to forget about her hair and instead focus on her fulfilling her dreams and winning a gold medal.
August 2, 2012 10:01 am
Some days I cringe at the thought of representing such an reprehensible culture that would actually put into cyberspace (and the universe) the ridicule of an Olympic champion who MOVED AWAY FROM HER FAMILY ACROSS THE FRIGGIN COUNTRY to train to represent this cess-pool of ingrates!!! Every last one of those girls had their hair with clips and gel it just so happens, our little Gabby’s hair showed her ethnicity which is why we should be SCREAMING hallelujah at the top of our lungs at the great representation then to be pointing out her hair. If anyone noticed last night’s broadcast which includes glimpses of the teams promo, her hair WAS DOWN AND STRAIGHT like her counterparts. Maybe folks should worry about how they probably couldn’t get their sorry *&^%$#@ off of twitter and FB long enough to accomplish what she and the entire Team USA members did and if they did maybe our community wouldn’t be in the condition it’s in. (off soapbox)
August 2, 2012 10:02 am
such negativity…about her HAIR is ridiculous. We should be teaching our daughters to be as determined and as driven as her…wherever their talents take them. My 4 yr old is amazed by Gabby. No one should be worried about her hair…but congratulating her for her accomplishments.
August 2, 2012 10:03 am
We as a people can be so ignorant. I’m nappy and proud! People say nappy like it is a bad thing. I wear my napps like a badge of honor. Focus on her as the amazing gymnast she is, not on her hair! Grrrrrrr!
August 2, 2012 10:03 am
This makes me hate black women…honestly.
August 2, 2012 10:03 am
I feel for our community. At a time when we should be celebrating this young lady for her historical achievements we are focused on something that holds no importance. I would love for African Americans to rise above this kind of foolishness but until more people wake/grow up and realize what holds value and what doesn’t matter we won’t.
August 2, 2012 10:05 am
How absolutely embarassing
August 2, 2012 10:06 am
I personally think that it is a waste of time to focus on the negative tweets/comments about her hair. She is an American Olympic Gold Medalist, how many of the naysayers has that under their belts? The girl is bad as ish and no one can deny that!
August 2, 2012 10:07 am
And another thing…let’s see what “our folks” have to say during the track and field events. If anyone watched the opening ceremonies, the amount of women whose hair is completely natural and those who chose locks, braids and twists in other countries is astonishing while our folks (in this category not excluding whites and Kardashians) choose weave.
August 2, 2012 10:11 am
I swear to God, we Black people are our own worst enemies.
August 2, 2012 10:13 am
Why do we as black women hate ourselves so much we look at Gabby and only see her hair?
We don’t see her grace.
We don’t see her beautiful eyes.
We don’t see those full lips that many of us have and many more envy?
We don’t see a beautiful black butterfly that is repping for every black girl out there training hard to make her mark just as Gabby has.
We don’t see a queen who millions around the world now know.
Free yourselves of this mental slavery. Gabby is much more than her hair. She is a champion.
August 2, 2012 10:15 am
WOW! I’m so embarrassed for those black women who worry about this child’s “hair” despite her unbelievably amazing accomplishments … really?
August 2, 2012 10:18 am
**heavy sigh** I love my people but Lawrd!! Gabby is cute as she could be, well spoken and talented. What is she suppose to have a Beyonce lace front while doing back flips? The reality is we will never be able to please “some” people. I hope Gabby is not listening to these bitter women and continues to do her thing and make us proud.
August 2, 2012 10:23 am
I agree @Loniann. It is far too embarrassing. It is sick that Black women would go to such lengths to put down a girl that is an Olympian and a Gold Medalist, excelling in her field. Her accomplishments in the face of discrimination and just sheer ignorance does not need ignorance and ridicule from her fellow American citizens. In the words of Marcus Garvey,
“Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery”
August 2, 2012 10:23 am
It’s stupid and ignorant to comment on her hair. I noticed it and I didn’t care. She’s an gymnast not a model.
August 2, 2012 10:38 am
It’s such a same we still don’t get it…
August 2, 2012 10:54 am
All the other posters have already said what I am thinking…black people are their own worst enemy and truly have some self-hate issues, whether its skin color or hair texture and honestly it makes me sick to my stomach
August 2, 2012 10:55 am
btw thanks for putting these idiots with their stupid comments and pics on blast! smh let everyone see what ignorance and self hate looks like…
August 2, 2012 10:55 am
This is so shameful and sad that black people can take a proud moment and find a way to make it disgraceful. First and foremost, this young lady is an accomplished Olympian and Gold Medalist– something most people will NEVER be– her hair should be the least of people’s worries.
It is so sad that as a people we cannot even surpass ignorance and insecurities. It’s just ridiculous.
August 2, 2012 10:59 am
Newsflash: It’s not just black women that are coming down on Gabby’s hair. It’s men and women.
August 2, 2012 10:59 am
I agree with @Mixx. We shouldn’t even give these people the spotlight and time of day, because in the end, they are probably just doing saying what they are saying to get a laugh, or truly are ignorant and have nothing better to do with their time.
Take for instance the girl on twitter who mentioned “beady beads”. Go to her twitter and look through her pics. She has NOOOOOO room to talk. And taking a step further, look at this pic of her and read the caption— https://twitter.com/#!/thats_MYYlane/media/slideshow?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwitpic.com%2Fa9hrcs
Gabby’s hair looked better than this…AND she was doing more work. These kind of twitter folk will always have something to say. We shouldn’t take them seriously, and should just ignore them.
August 2, 2012 11:02 am
Why do people make it seem like hair is only an issue amongst “African Americans?” That is definitely NOT true.
Anyway, I’m proud of Gabby. I think she’s a beautiful young girl, and her hair is her business.
August 2, 2012 11:03 am
The really sad part to me is that considering that heart disease and Type 2 diabetes (both of which are largely preentable with proper diet and EXERCISE)continue to be the leading cause of death among African American women, more of us need to worry less about our hair being “fried, dyed and laid to the side” and more about sweating it out so that we can live longer…smh… on a ide note, for these people with oh so perfect hair, remind me again, how many gold medals do you have?? oh, okay, that’s what I thought
August 2, 2012 11:08 am
I saw this on my way in to work. Seriously. This is an outrage. I am a black woman and I just want to say that is whats wrong with those of us that have many other problems. SMH. I remember how folks use to go on Condelezza Rice also. Really? The things some folks focus on. It will never cease to amaze me.
August 2, 2012 11:16 am
smh, some black people with their ignorance is only bringing our people back years and years. Is your hair looking a certain way more important than actually accomplishing something great in their lives. Really? All I can say is congrads gabby, your story has touched my heart and has only reminded me that no matter what, you can achieve your goals. thank you girl
August 2, 2012 11:23 am
I saw people tweets about this the other day and it disgusted me. Maybe if more Black women were worried about accomplishing something as amazing as an Olympic Gold Medal at 15 instead of frying, dying, and blow drying their hair they’d have some now! And yes I’m going there because I’m mad they’re picking on this child!
August 2, 2012 11:28 am
Some people should just STFU with their ignorant azzes
August 2, 2012 11:34 am
There are waaay more ppl on twitter who congratulated Gabby and team USA on the Gold and could care less about hair texture. I wish we wouldn’t focus so hard on these 5 ignorant behind twitter responses.
It’s noted, that even jesus had hair like wool. I think the age old discussion of hair will be around forever, it will never go away until we stop giving it so much attention.
August 2, 2012 11:45 am
Gabby is amazing. She has put out the best performance of all the gymnasts at the olympics and all people can do is complain about her hair, get a life. To quote Beyonce, they ain’t no diva.
Routing for Gabby for all-around olympics gold today. Team Gabby, you go girl.
August 2, 2012 11:59 am
Why Claire? Why would you give the haters the attention they so crave??
August 2, 2012 12:11 pm
once again, when will blacks stop tearing black women down based on the look of their hair? i’m so sick of negroes bitching about hair! here you have an accomplished, talented, & gifted young black woman representing the usa at the olympics & all these negative fools can think to comment on is her hair? we can be our own worst enemies!!!
August 2, 2012 12:20 pm
And furthermore….what you don’t have you can buy nowadays. Kudos to Gabby for keeping it 100% real. Not only can she put it down in the Os she can twirl and flip carefree without worrying about what’s intact. Have of the Twitter haters above drop it in the club and lacefront would be on blast. Boooo haters picking on a young black woman living and following a dream…. Sans Janet: What have you done for me lately?
August 2, 2012 12:22 pm
I see absolutely nothing wrong with gabbys hair. How come we cant praise her about how great she did rather then talk about something so unimportant like how her hair was smh.
August 2, 2012 12:23 pm
She is a athlete,not a hair model. Regardless if she gets it down,its going to sweat out. She probably have it done when she not in training. I swear ppl can be so judgemental about the little things,but not judging the real issuse in America..smh. I bet most of critics probably miserable and just jealous. Gabby keep doing u, b/c @ the end its just hair.
August 2, 2012 12:28 pm
Gabby is a beautiful black strong girl and she probably gets tons of
Flack from the other people she must associate with being the only black girl in her position on her team and moving way from her family
To train. So now she must face scrutiny from some of her own black people…Smh! Those fools should shut up and be proud of a young black girl who went out the box and Nailed her sport to become an Olympian getting the ultimate reward a gold meda! These people talking about her probably could not Even walk a straight line they know they could Never face a balance beam and do intricate movements on it!
It’s more than her hair these people are Jealous of her success!
August 2, 2012 12:30 pm
First I just want to say that is not Gabby’s real hair in the back I just wanted to clear that up but honestly do people really thinks she’s worried about her hair she is doing DANGEROUS flips and jumps that could go wrong at anytime and people are worried about her hair, I’m just praying that she does all of this with out falling so lets look at the talent and not the hair! (Go For Gold Gabby!)
August 2, 2012 12:34 pm
Go GABBY!!! :)
August 2, 2012 12:35 pm
@Aaronie well said. Gabby’s hair is just fine not unkempt, her
Hair looks like the rest of her teammates. Go Gabby.
August 2, 2012 12:42 pm
I too thought, “why isn’t this child’s hair combed properly” when I saw her giving interviews on tv, but I would have never tweeted about it or commented had this topic not come up here today. Her accomplishments far out weigh any hair style, but let’s face it—people notice. Maybe the Olympics should go back to the ‘tight’ high bun’ hair style Jihan mentioned in a post yesterday.
August 2, 2012 12:50 pm
You defeated the purpose of this blog post by saying “so what if her hair looks unkempt”.
August 2, 2012 12:52 pm
I hate, absolutely hate, when people use twitter as a barometer to make a definitive statement about public opinion. 99% of people on twitter are idiots. No shade to you guys on twitter but that’s the truth. Twitter does not speak for the majority, only for the majority of idiots on twitter.
August 2, 2012 12:55 pm
OR, sun.kissed, maybe you (& people who thought what you thought) should realize that textured hair unleashes its texture in moisture & sweat.
August 2, 2012 1:13 pm
I find it a bit bizaare, disheartening, and pathetic that the trending topic of discussion with this stellar young lady who has achieved so much at a young age is criticized about her hair! My goodness people, let’s lift one another up and emphasize the talent, dedication and accomplishments she has made and glean snippets from her story to inspire us in our own lives! #Juststopwithallthestupidcomments
August 2, 2012 1:19 pm
So freaking ridiculous! Knock it off. Ppl are so ignorant. I hope Gabby continues doing her thing and not let stupid comments like the ones tweeted above knock her confidence.
August 2, 2012 1:20 pm
These are the kind of things that piss me off. Please focus on fashion, not nonsense. Please. Go team USA!!!!! I wish her all the best in her individual all-around performance.
August 2, 2012 1:34 pm
Why is it that female athletes are judged on their looks and not on their skills? I think it’s sad that we are so image obsessed that we cannot commend a women for her abilities without her appearance being a factor. Is the message we really want to still be sending to our daughters that how you look is more important than excelling in anything they strive to do. What a shame that the comments on this post could not have been generated to celebrate her skills. Instead it’s defend what shouldn’t need to be defended.
August 2, 2012 1:35 pm
Black people are so quick to judge and tear someone down this girl is doing what a lot of people haven’t done before and instead of praising her for her accomplishments and the drive and determination she has…we talk about her hair. It makes me sick to see ignorant comments such as these like I don’t understand but the small ignorant mentality needs to go away
August 2, 2012 1:36 pm
My only issue wit her hair, is the team needs stop doing her hair like she’s a white girl. You can’t just pull it back and add gel. Sorry what ever white person is doing her hair needs to stop.
August 2, 2012 1:38 pm
oh please. Half of ya’ll tear black women down daily on this site alone. Can’t critique a woman’s sense of style w/o saying something nasty. Just admit that most black women are mean, nasty and hateful. Refer to any Fashion Bombshell of the Day comment section and tally up the non-spiteful critiques to the down right demonic statements.
Don’t worry….I’ll wait.
August 2, 2012 1:40 pm
Agree agree agree
August 2, 2012 1:40 pm
People always are going to find something to talk about.smh
August 2, 2012 1:41 pm
I think her hair looks fine. I’m actually really shocked at what people are saying. I don’t understand the negativity about it. We are such a confused race. We hold each other back. Wonder will it ever change….
August 2, 2012 1:49 pm
Track these fools down, weigh them, examine their history and post their yearly earnings for all to see. We need to be like the Chinese right now….make a public display of them. Shame them to hell. Make it impossible for them to find work anywhere. Drive them to stealing and robbing…cause we know they all have relaxers.
Give them a spelling test. Ship them to Iran and dare them to cry.
August 2, 2012 1:54 pm
I didn’t like any of their hair for the record…I honestly think that Gabby is just catching the heat because of her skin. #teamgabby
August 2, 2012 1:56 pm
This makes me soooooo soooooo sooooo very sad!! Why? Coming to the realization that we are never going to get where we need to be…never..and we have ourselves to blame. Hate to sound so down but we really think we can afford to tear down our own 16yr child for her hair? There are so many of us that dont and will not get what is wrong in saying these things. The entire scope of the concept exscapes them, which is why it makes me sad. GABBY is AWESOME and she loves the LORD! How can you ever not be proud of a young women like this as a part of your community? Well we can, and find a way to tell the world that we dont even value our own valuables, so what and who is gonna stop anyone from taking or demeaning the things we hold in high regard or precious. This hair thing has shown light on how messed up we are and how deep the conditioning is still running. And I thought the light/dark skinned thing was an issue back in the day. The natural hair debacle that we have created for our ownselves is bigger and exposes deeper issues but some of the same. Thanks Claire for bringing this to light and exposing those with small minds. GO GABBY GABBY!!!
August 2, 2012 2:02 pm
You just now seeing how effed up black people are????? God Bless you….cause this ain’t nothing.
August 2, 2012 2:04 pm
and you wonder why some black folks love being the only blacks in the whole damn town. It is much easier to suffer the ignorance of those who don’t know you vs. those who claim to share the same values simply because they are the same color as you.
August 2, 2012 2:09 pm
LOL mainstream society doesn’t even need to TRY and keep black folks down– we do a good job of it ourselves! I 100% agree with everyone who said we’re our own worst enemy. I am so sick of the ratchetness and the foolishness. Like really, WHO CARES WHAT HER HAIR LOOKS LIKE THE GIRL IS TUMBLING AND FLYING LIKE A MANIAC.
Imagine you win 1/3 of the points that got Team USA the SECOND gold medal they’ve EVER gotten in women’s gymnastics and some fat, bitter, bewigged ladies want to tear you down.
Gabby better do the damn thing and kill it in the all-rounds. Her hair is FINE, she’s tumbling up and down, what do they expect? Gabby’s amazing, and such an inspiration for young girls.
August 2, 2012 2:14 pm
Go Gabby !!!!
GOLD MEDAL GABBY wave at the haters !!!
August 2, 2012 2:30 pm
Folks talked about Venus and Serena while the wore their hair BRAIDED with their beads!! Folks going to talk regardless! For goodness sake, the child JUST won a gold medal for the USA as the only Black female on our team!
August 2, 2012 2:34 pm
We should support Gabby, but not tear down all black people. Call out the ignorant people who have nothing better to do with their lives. I personally know more black people rooting for Gabby than tearing her down.
August 2, 2012 2:37 pm
Team Long relaxed hair
August 2, 2012 3:00 pm
I really wish FBD had not posted this. Gabby just won Gold at the Olympics!!! (Sorry for the spoiler, I live in London). I think the only way to handle these idiotic opinions about hair is for the African American blogs not to highlight it. I wouldn’t have known because no one in UK cares about her hair. Most people on twitter are idiots who hide behind computers to spew hatred and absolute nonsense. She’s achieved more than most adults at this young age, and we want to discuss her hair?!? Ludicrous.
August 2, 2012 3:12 pm
Smh @ black people. Missing the big picture, not caring about what’s really important. Hair! Come on!
August 2, 2012 3:53 pm
MsKay, I don’t think you’ve spoiled anything. I think everyone knows she’s won the gold medal.
August 2, 2012 4:04 pm
This just shows that people’s priorities are screwed who gives a crap what your hair looks like if you are a top athlete competing for a gold medal. I bet the same people who are talking noise are the same ones that don’t work out at all and sweating pork fat when they walk a block because they are afraid to mess up their hair but in poor health. I swear it seems like black women can’t win for losing with some ignorant people. Go Gabby!
August 2, 2012 4:17 pm
forget the fact she won an Gold medal.. her hair?? got out of here people.. so sad it hasn’t even been a full 48hours before we start the hate smh i’m done
August 2, 2012 4:52 pm
I understand that people need to stop hating on Gabby specifically, but if you have been keeping up USA gymnastics this year then you have realized that the whole team has been doing this type of “I don’t care” hair style. The team as a whole and each individual person is representing our country, shouldn’t they look polished? If your going to hate on Gabby, you might as well hate on the rest of them (not that I’m encouraging it)
August 2, 2012 4:55 pm
and the haters/self-haters can stay mad…Gabby just made history…when are these idiots gonna do it…
August 2, 2012 5:00 pm
Horrible and why must we stay void of “beauty beads” Thats our hair and thats the problem. We really think our natural state is unpolished!?!
August 2, 2012 5:08 pm
She is an amazing athlete. As much as I’ve tried seeing past her hair, it is quite noticeable. The other young landies appear very polished and it makes the undone appearance of her hair more appearant.
August 2, 2012 5:24 pm
Ok Keishaun and the other commenter who just HAD to point out that that isnt her real hair (really?) Please have a \_ . have many actually. \_\_\_\_. why cant we just embrace the fact that girl, at 16, accomplished something that almost none of else could. she works hard 24/7 and has a rigorous lifestyle and schedule that few of us could ever endure physically and emotionally. and then we wanna tear her down for some supposed “beady beads”? Relaxed, natural, permed, pressed, afropuff, whipped, layed, swooped, blowout, twistout, whatever. Lets embrace the fact that we as African American women can rock many styles and stop tearing each other down for something so petty and immature.
August 2, 2012 6:15 pm
Can people stop saying black people this and black people that? stop the effin ignorance. A few idiots on twitter do not represent all black people.
August 2, 2012 7:01 pm
This is not a black issue this is an african american issue. i am african and grew up surrounded by natural sistas only to get to america and learnt that natural hair was seen as a negative thing. something has to be done in the black community.
August 2, 2012 7:05 pm
fashion bombshell shame on you for spreading this madness, i had no idea this was going on. why coudn’t you do a story featuring what she has achieved. fashion bombshell and all the twitters , blogs you are part of the problem. Be the solution and stop featuring this nonsence. you need to write an artticle celebrating her victory. shame on you.
August 2, 2012 7:12 pm
Claire you should’t have even let this ignorance post on your blog. Take opportunities like this to uplift. Do you know how much this child has to work and sweat? How does your hair look when you work out? This post irks me.
August 2, 2012 7:27 pm
Once again an unnecessary hair issue and I am kind of upset it was posted too because I love this blog and I didn’t even know about her hair being talked about. But of course we’d expect this because the land of ignorant minds (Twitter) was buzzing about it. That’s partly the reason I got off Twitter.. too many people spreading their negative opinion as though it’s fact.
I honestly HATE how much emphasis people (especially black women) place on hair. Dead shlt that sprouts from your head should never be that serious. I was just having this conversation with a coworker yesterday but people REALLY need to stop being so concerned with what’s on someone else’s head. Let alone someone who’s making history. Do you, baby!
August 2, 2012 7:41 pm
People, do you know that she is the second African American female gymnast to ever make the U.S. team? And after all her accomplishments, these ignorant people have the audacity to be concerned about her hair? That young lady is a gold medalist, so the rest of you bums need to get your sorry behinds up from behind your computer/phone/ipad and find YOUR purpose in life!
August 2, 2012 7:55 pm
You guys criticizing the Fashion Bomb (not Fashion Bombshell) are just as bad as the people who criticize Gabby. Can’t support a black website, you always have to find fault. Why don’t you look inside and analyze that?
August 2, 2012 8:33 pm
Go Gabby, I’m soo proud of you!!! This girl is AMAZING please let’s support her you guys
August 2, 2012 8:40 pm
She’s a CHILD. Why is this nonsense even posted on here? Fashion Bomb, please remove this post. You’re doing a disservice to the black race by spreading such ignorance. Disappointing.
August 2, 2012 8:59 pm
i agree with above commentators claire should not have posted this. This is a disgrace. i guess you all have sold out for the sake of blog visits and number of comments. yeh you got peoples attention. but this is not the kind of story i expect on this blog, the child has made history and none of that is featured and you do this article about her hair. seriously. like some body said hell yeh fashion bomb, claire and your team you are part of the problem. im not even in the states and didnt even know this shit is going on and you put that here. im shaking my head. You guyz are better than this.
August 2, 2012 9:36 pm
Gabby Douglas just won big at the Olympics and we are concerned about her hair? That is an achievement of a lifetime and yet we make it seem as if she just can’t win. As much as I am into fashion and style, I understand that some people just aren’t. This is too shallow of a controversy, even for us Americans.
August 3, 2012 12:13 am
It’s really sad how America has just witness history in a making but the Black community is focusing on her hair. And what’s more sad is the fact that these bloggers/ black people/ the one who writes the blogs probably haven’t accomplished NOTHING their entire lives (except probably eat in front of the tv all day and watch lame shows ex. the basketball wives and love and hip hop) and have the audacity to comment about something as pity as her hair. i am personally ashamed to be black right now because that’s just sad. When these bloggers have actually won a gold medal for gymnastics at the age of 16 and have their name set in stone for history, then that’s when your opinion counts. As for now, shut up and find a hobby. Thank you.
And congratulations Gabby Douglas you are an inspiration not just for the black community but for America.
August 3, 2012 12:36 am
Love this girl, she is not thinking about her hair when she is chasing that Gold. To the haters can you fly? Moving On!
August 3, 2012 12:39 am
I’m more ah-mazed by her skills and ability to fly. Go Gabby most Americans are talking about your accomplishments not your hair. If you wanna see great hair go to a hair show.
August 3, 2012 12:40 am
oh and its sad that she is gonna have to read some of this bulls*** about her hair rather than people saying Congrats.
August 3, 2012 1:32 am
It’s sad that instead of cheering a fellow black woman we are more focused on her hair.Sometimes black women are their own worst enemies.
August 3, 2012 5:44 am
Ignorance is a sin
August 3, 2012 5:48 am
Go Gabby don’t listen to haters
August 3, 2012 12:29 pm
FashionBomb readers don’t even work out! How can you FAT girls criticize this amazing athlete! Permed hair with a gut? Ain’t nobody got time for that!
August 4, 2012 8:41 am
Agree with the others that the media is giving the comments of a few ignorant coons too much attention. While I am often disheartened by the ignorance of “folks,” it is important to acknowledge that there are rotten apples in every bunch. There are some ignorant blacks just like there are some ignorant whites and every other group. I’ve read many articles and blogs on Gabby (and unfortunately, her hair) and 99.9% of the comments are positive. That said, I do think we need to be honest about how much self-hate exists in the black community. Our community’s obsession with weave is a manifestation of this, whether or not we want to admit it!
August 4, 2012 11:51 am
Wow Tyrone did you even read the post or comments. And btw your the type of person this post was talking about.
August 4, 2012 1:25 pm
I am SO PROUD of Gabby Douglass and am disappointed that fashionbombdaily chose to highlight ignorance instead of excellence. Focus on the positive!!! You gave the haters a platform and a stage. UGH….DISGUSTED.
August 4, 2012 9:39 pm
WE AS BLACK PEOPLE DO NOT OWE ANYONE AN APOLOGY. A FEW IGNORANT BLACKS MADE NEGATIVE COMMENTS ABOUT HER HAIR. IT IS NOT A REFLECTION ON OUR ENTIRE RACE. PLEASE STOP! I AM SURE THAT THERE ARE SOME CAUCASIONS WHO MADE NEGATIVE COMMENTS AS WELL. SO DONT LET THE MEDIA RIP US APART AS A RACE. IT IS NOT OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO RESPOND TO THOSE FEW NEGATIVE BLACKS. ALSO, THE MEDIA IS WRONG FOR EVEN BRINGING ATTENTION TO THAT. WHEN DON IMUS MADE THOSE NEGATIVE COMMENTS ABOUT THOSE BLACK WOMEN ON THE BASKETBALL TEAM, NOT ONE CAUCASION FELT OBLIGATED TO DEFEND THEIR RACE. NEITHER SHOULD WE. I LOVE GABBY AND SHE IS A BEAUTIFUL YOUNG LADY. DONE!
August 4, 2012 9:42 pm
STOP SAYING THAT BLACK WOMEN ARE THEIR WORST ENEMY. THAT IS AN IGNORANT STEREOTYPICAL STATEMENT. BLACK WOMEN ARE INDIVIDUALS. WE ARE JUST FINE. JUST BECAUSE A FEW IGNORANT BLACKS MADE COMMENTS (WHICH WE DONT EVEN KNOW IS TRUE, COULD HAVE BEEN WHITES AS WELL), DOES NOT MEAN THAT WE ALL MADE THOSE COMMENTS. STOP DEFENDING THE MEDIA AND TEARING DOWN YOUR RACE.
August 7, 2012 7:18 pm
I think people are overreacting by saying that comments about Gabby’s hair is a reflection of African- American self-hatred, or disregard for her success. The fact of the matter is this.. and this is true for Gabby, as well as some of her white teammates… they just did not at all look neat.. period.They ALL should have been expected to look neat and to project a positive image on behalf of the U.S. It is sad that Gabby is getting the flack for the apparent lack appearance standards by the U.S. Olympic gymnastics team, but if you chose to be in the public eye, you must know that your appearance is subject to be examined by the world, not just other black people. I cheered and danced for years (I’m black and natural) and the expectation had always been that, no matter your hair type, your hair and makeup be neat and uniform with your teammates. I though there were similar standard with gymnasts, but this year’s events have proved this no longer true.
August 22, 2012 10:33 am
It just had to be BLACK people.