Enough with the Black Hair Obsession; Focus on What Matters: GABBY WON!

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by Dr. Michelle Johnson | on August 3rd, 2012 | 17 comments

I learned of Gabby Douglas’s win on Facebook. But just a few posts down, I also learned about the derogatory comments about her hair. Yes, her hair! What a shame. The first African American female to win Olympic gold in the all-round gymnastics competition gets attacked online for her hairstyle.

Really?

Maybe you have read the negative comments online or maybe you haven’t. Needless to say, some people have nothing better to do than to demean others on social media.

I consider Gabby Douglas to be a role-model for young girls everywhere. Not only is she a gold medalist, but she’s also a young woman of faith. I’m sure I was just one of millions of people who heard her say she meditates on scripture to calm her nerves. If that’s not enough, she’s articulate, poised, and gracious ““always giving her teammates props and deflecting the spotlight off of herself. I can’t wait to see her biography in the children’s section of the bookstore one day. Gabby Douglass will be on the cover, and I will purchase it for my daughter.

I know we don’t know her personal life, but the positive image she has portrayed on television for an entire week, should be enough for us to stop obsessing over her hair and to start celebrating her accomplishments. It’s time for us to focus on what really matters.

What matters is that we see what commitment and discipline will get you in life.

What matters is that other black girls can see someone who looks like them on prime time television , namely someone who isn’t cursing, shaking her rear-end, or fighting in the streets.

What matters is that Gabby Douglass broke the color barrier in world class sport.

Those things matter, not hair.

Sadly, people complain about disgraceful reality television shows that perpetuate stereotypes and promote negativity. But, when the true reality of a beautiful and successful young black woman graces our television screens, instead of celebrating her, we judge her.

A part of me hopes that Gabby doesn’t read the comments. But even if she does, I don’t think they would phase her. She’s already proven that in the face of opposition (and competition), she’s secure in her faith and confident in her ability to beat the odds.

Congratulations Gabby. We are proud of you!!!

BMWK, let’s show our love for Gabby in the comment section.

About the author

Dr. Michelle Johnson is the founder of Alabaster Woman Ministries, an online
international women’s ministry. She is a wife, mother, writer, speaker,
teacher. Through her daily blog, online radio show, and video Bible studies, Dr. Michelle encourages women and married couples to make God the center of their lives.

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Comments (17)

Tiffany Friday - 03 / 08 / 2012 Reply

Perfectly said.
Yanna Friday - 03 / 08 / 2012 Reply

Thank you! Im so proud of her. Her hair was just as it should have been for someone working and sweating. What were they expecting? What relaxer have they found that would stand up to all she does? Im loc'd and a former athlete. Natural hair does not slick back like relaxed and it wont hold up to sweat. We focus on petty things. I'll tell my daughter about her when she is old enough and let her know that doing what you love, hard work, being beautiful inside is all that matters because hater will hate anyway.
Lakesha Friday - 03 / 08 / 2012 Reply

Could not have said it better
Kim Friday - 03 / 08 / 2012 Reply

She is AWESOME!!! Love seeing a African American athlete being a positive role model for the young people coming up. My boys are USA swimmers and I hope that by the time they reach the Olympics, there will be more African Americans there. LOVE, LOVE it!!! GO GABBY!!
M. Renee Friday - 03 / 08 / 2012 Reply

I agree with all the above comments!!!! She is awesome, talented and very articulate. She came to do a job and OMG!!! did she ever get the job done. I am so very proud of her, gave me chills. We need to stop tearing down and start helping to build up. I'm sure all the comments came from materialistic people. "SHE IS NOT HER HAIR" - her hair is only a part of what makes her who she is.... a beautiful African American teenager
Regina Friday - 03 / 08 / 2012 Reply

you all are very small if you donot see the big photo are 1st. black all around gold medalist. that the blessing
Yana Friday - 03 / 08 / 2012 Reply

I couldn't agree with you more! I don't do twitter or FB, so the first I heard of the ignorance was on Yahoo news. Why would anyone expect her hair to be done while she is flipping and sweating???
- stephanieb Friday - 03 / 08 / 2012 Reply
  
  I agree Yana. Hence one of the reasons why I don't do FB or twitter much either, because it's obvious that some people have too much time on their hands to post dumb comments about other people's hair. RIDICULOUS!!!!
Karen Friday - 03 / 08 / 2012 Reply

Thank you for articulating so well what my daughter and I were discussing last night. When the topic of Gabby's hair surfaced on CNN for discussion between Soledad O'Brien and Dominique Dawes this morning, it is apparent that too many of "us" are focused on superficial things. O'Brien and Dawes chose to focus on Gabby's many positive qualities and dismissed the hair talk as frivilous. BRAVO! Let us celebrate this young woman and her accomplishment won through hard work, sacrifice, and dedication. She is an OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST!
Mike Friday - 03 / 08 / 2012 Reply

She just won the Gold Medal for being the best all around gymnast. Why are people concerned about her hair? Can we really be that small minded, ignorant, and petty? Derogatory comments about Gabby's hair are unnecessary and unwarranted. Gabby' s hard work and dedication paid off in the end. We should all be celebrating with her rather than discussing the negative classless people. We are proud of you Gabby.
- Sharon Middleton Saturday - 04 / 08 / 2012 Reply
  
  I can't believe that someone would focus on her hair. She was working hard and sweating, so what, she is the best. How can someone be so petty and hateful. Go Gabby, you are the best and what a role model for other Black girls to follow their dreams. Continued success to you and your family.
Gregg Friday - 03 / 08 / 2012 Reply

I pray success, health, happiness & then some for Gabby. I want to thank her for allowing me the opportunity to see the hope of the next generation's future. In hands such as hers it will be ok.
some1whocares Friday - 03 / 08 / 2012 Reply

GO GABBY!!!! GO GABBY!!!! GO GABBY!!!! It is AMAZING to me how some ppl can FIND something so TRIVIAL. Gabby Douglass was mature enough to leave home @ 14, live w\a sponsor family, be trained w\by a coach, stay in school, and realize her dream and make her Mama PROUD and guarantee herself a place in American, African American, Olympic, Sport and Female history for LIFE and Somebody is worried about her hair!!!!! Whoever you are, When is YOUR check coming from being the Olympics? I believe Gabby has 1 coming for $25,000!!!!!!!! Can WE get REAL!?!?!
Abi Friday - 03 / 08 / 2012 Reply

Clap! Clap! Clashing the cymbals and tambourines! You betta preach Dr Michelle. I am so sick of this foolishness , it's not even funny. You are right while her haters are busy talking about her hair, she's busy winning Gold for her country and deflecting the Glory to God. She is not shy to tell the whole world about the secret of her success: GOD. By the way, she just got a contract with " Kelloggs cereals" while haters are hiding behind their keyboards issuing shallow commentary on twitter which tells us more about their insecurities than anything else. Gabby, Favor, Peace , Prosperity, Success,Greatness, Excellence and the Joy of the Lord shall forever be your portions in Jesus' Name.
Teresa S. Saturday - 04 / 08 / 2012 Reply

I too agree, (and have not read any of the hair comments), as others have stated that Gabby and her family represent a lot of courage, aspirations, and commitment as they fought for and finally realizing the Dream of Gabby bringing home THE GOLD!!! I admire the willingness of her mother to allow her to move away to live in another state to train. I admire her siblings, who saw her talents and encouraged her to better herself and encourage her into becoming an OLYMPIC CHAMPION!! I truly thank the coaches who looked at her promise, natural athleticism and heart of a champion to provide her the opportunity to embrace her sport and be confident in her abilities. Then there is the "Golden Girl" herself, Gabby, inner strength, composed and resistant of any obstacle be it personal, competetive, or physical...she faces it with determination and grounded faith to OVERCOME!!! Count it all JOY MiSS DOUGLAS and DISMISS any notion or underlying ridicule from pettiness and jealous hearts. If those detractors were half of the woman you aspire to become then they also may see beyond themselves and reach for GREATNESS!!!! WELL DONE & CONTINUE ON THE PATH GOD HAS FOR YOU!!! Continued Peace & Blessings to you and your family.
Jerry M Saturday - 04 / 08 / 2012 Reply

You have to be kidding me !!! Who cares about her hair ? Gabby showed grace, poise, beauty and elegance when she performed. All I can say is how can you not love this girl when you see that smile of hers ! Way to go Gabby ! You are America's new sweetheart !
Lynn Sunday - 05 / 08 / 2012 Reply

Its really sad that we are discussing nappy hair in this this day and age when so many black women including myself are loving being natural. Gabby is laughing all the way to the bank nappy hair and all (You Go Girl)! Thanks for being an inspiration to me and all the black women who have noticed your hard work and dedication and not your hair.