So, today’s my wedding anniversary. Hubby and I are celebrating four years of marital bliss, we had Crystal the Boogie sitter scheduled, reservations… the whole nine. But around 2pm today, after washing and twisting my hair, I received an email from an HLN producer requesting an interview about the Gabby Douglas hair controversy. While Hubby has been keeping me updated on the Olympics, I must confess, I don’t like sports and most Olympic sports are kinda boring. But of course I’ve seen the beautiful young Black woman beaming with her Gold medals and felt a welling up of pride with the rest of America. But yeah, the alleged controversy? Missed all of that. So when the email came from HLN, I had to do my research.
Fastforward. I was all fired up and couldn’t believe that this would even be a topic for discussion. I was prepared to give a tongue lashing to CNN, HLN, hell, I was gonna call FOX and MSNBC and let them know too, when I got the call from the producer. She assured me that Isha was on the same page and that she too wanted to support Gabby and refocus the discussion on her accomplishments… i.e. shut down the haters.
So I prepared a few new comments that took the media out of my radar and
focused squarely on those haters… I was fired up like I was about to
address my own haters.
Fastforward. The interview is over. And I take a look at Facebook and was shocked to see several negative comments that occurred BEFORE I even went on air. Comments ranged from I ‘shouldn’t address this issue’ to I’m ‘a part of a larger white media conspiracy against Black women’.
I agree that the media isn’t always friendly to Black people. But when faced with an opportunity like this you have one of two options: (1) step up and put Black women in the best light possible, or (2) let the producers run away with the message. I chose and will continue to choose the former. We need to define ourselves as women.
As always, I hope you are proud of the way that I represented our community in the public eye. I felt like if they’re going to air our dirty laundry, it is important that someone remind people that this is only a minority of folks, just like the people that wanted to convict me before hearing me speak are a minority.
If you didn’t get a chance to see it, find a summary of my points below-
- Gabby Douglas should be celebrated for her achievements not targeted. She’s representing the entire country right now, doing an amazing job and any commentary that doesn’t focus on what she has achieved is clearly out of place. It’s silly and ridic.
- Generally, the online hair community has been a force for good for Black women especially those that are looking to go natural. For instance, the Surgeon General has noted that the obesity problem among Black women is a function of a general unwillingness to adopt workout routines partly out of fear that they will ruin their hair. So, the natural hair movement is helping women achieve versatility and an overall healthier lifestyle, including exercise routines. Ideally the community would be able to eliminate all forms of judgement but that’s not always the case, such is life. For myself and many of the Curlynikki community members this is not an anti-relaxer movement or an anti-straight hair movement, but one that educates and empowers textured women to achieve healthier hair, versatility and practicality.
- By the bye, this judgement/negativity/criticism isn’t unique to Black women… this is women in general. People. It’s human nature.
- I deal with issues of self-esteem and body image in my practice as a psychotherapist and the hair issue is really no different. While it might seem like an insignificant detail, a woman’s hair impacts greatly on her overall aesthetic, we all know that a ‘bad hair day’ can destroy your mood. Usually a ‘bad hair day’ is something you experience in your own mind, but imagine having that reinforced or even implanted by your peers or society at large in a very public way. I mean, imagine if everyone was talking about you while you were on the job. It’s a distraction that no one wants.
- As I’m sure Gabby already knows, there is no way to keep negativity off the internet or out of society at large. All we can do is to combat that negativity with positive forums such as CurlyNikki.com, BlackGirlLongHair, Afrobella, NaturalChica, Hairscapades, etc.
- As for our children, we should give hair positive attention but it shouldn’t be the focus. Compliment your daughter’s hair but build up and focus on her interests and talents. In my opinion this conversation shouldn’t even be happening, we should be celebrating Gabby not debating her hair choices.
p.s. Tomorrow is the last day for your Book Scholarship entries!
p.p.s Our Boogie-Sitter snapped a couple of pics of Gia watching the segment… baby girl was hugging the TV!-
I wish I could have seen you on there but I know that you defended Gabby well. You are very intelligent and made valid points. It's sad that people can target a young 16 year old girl. I remember my self-esteem at 16 years old and words hurt a lot. I pray that Gabby can look past the comments and not let them get to her head.
whatever the race of the people who made those comments they are all horrible trolls, even tho people make think the media targeted just gabby because of her hair , here in england they also posted an article about how the russian girls were wearing their hair wrong in a scrunchy so its not just gabby the targeted. However Gabby done an historic thing and any young girl from all over the world can be inspired by her.
Amazing article!
On a side note you have the same wedding anniversary of my parents, too cute.
All comment posted are very good. I
feel the issue here is larger than educating and representing the natural
community. Why do we feel it necessary to justify, explain, or educate anyone
about how we wear our hair regardless of its state? If it affects them , they
will seek out the info as its not hidden. If a woman shaved her head, loc’d
wore braids, weaved or decides not to process it’s her business. For her when she made the decision, her hair is 'done'. We make our choices first
and foremost because it looks good to us on us. I don’t think anyone intentionally
wears what they consider an ‘ugly’ hair style that does nothing for them and
makes it their standard look. Even on a
bad day we try to have a back-up (hat, wig, scarf).
We should be challenging those who feel
so confident as to approach us about our hair and force them to explain themselves.
If someone asked you how much you had in the bank, you’re not going to explain
to them why you have money and how much. You’re going to tell them off first and
then demand to know why they’re asking and how much do they have.
Another woman decides to perm her hair
(and i don' mean relax), goes into public and then later go back to her natural
state I am positive doesn't feel obligated to explain her decision. Rather than
being so quick to help people become comfortable with our decisions we make
about our hair be it natural or processed, we should being reflecting the issue
back to the person/s forcing them to explain why it is an issue for them.
You would never allow a friend/stranger/enemy
to feel so comfortable to think they can approach you and say your child is ugly
and not acceptable for public viewing. Same position here; never let someone
else feel that comfortable to tell you what is good, bad, pretty, ugly about your
natural self and give you cause to change to appease them.
You have to not just like you but love
you. What I have is all that I have. Regardless of what my hair looks like when
it grows from my scalp, it’s mine and will never change (short of a medical
condition). You may not like it, but I
love it because it’s mine made by me. How can I let anyone tell me that what I
make isn’t good, or good enough for them?
Kinky, curly, wavy springy, wiry, the
feel of our hair is sensual. Thick, luscious, rich, proud, a crowning glory
befitting us all. If you want to relax it or put a hot comb to
it, go ahead it’s yours. Do it or not doit because you like the way it looks, not because
you feel it and you are better because of it. You can alter your features, lose weight and
possibly lighten your skin all for the sake of acceptance. But if the hair,
doesn’t grow that way naturally, there is no one time permanent process to
alter it forever. You will forever be forced to retouch. We minimize ourselves
thinking one state over another is better. Trust me there will always be someone
who loves your hair when they see it whether or not they tell you, so including you that will be at least two.
My mother would say there is no such
thing as good hair; if you got hair its good. Mine is good every day of the year that I wake
up and it’s still with me.
I get it now lol and I do agree because not only did they shift focus away from gabby and her amazing achievement but it also made black people as a whole appear petty and trivial.
I AGREE THAT WRONG IS WRONG BUT YOU DONT GET IT. MY POINT IS THAT THE MEDIA IS OUR BIGGEST ISSUE. THEY LOVE POSTING THIS NEGATIVE STUFF ABOUT GABBY. WHY DIDN'T THEY JUST IGNORE IT INSTEAD OF TRYING TO MAKE THE ENTIRE AFRICAN AMERICAN RACE RESPONSIBLE. THERE ARE PLENTY OF WHITES WHO TALK BAD ABOUT MICHAEL PHELPS BUT THE MEDIA CHOSE NOT TO POST THAT. THEY ONLY WANT US TO ARGUE.
Nikki, you did an awesome job of representing the natural hair community in the interview. And as Shelli said giving the negative people attention on this topic is not cool but at some point must be addressed as you so eloquently did. It's unfortunate that people can focus on what is not the real issue and that is this an amazing young woman who sacrificed her life and left her family to train for these moments (I watched her Proctor & Gamble YouTube video with her mom). She probably didn't have time to get her hair done for that gold moment because she was excited about qualifying for the Olympics and going abroad to represent for Team USA. Anyone who works out on a consistent basis knows that it is hard to maintain your hair, especially if your sweat in your scalp. So as Shelli's sister said "trolls of life. I can't be bothered with them."
On another note, the twitters who posted all the hate about Gabby… LMAO cuz their name, faces and comments are on blast for the whole world to see all their negativity. SMH. I bet they didn't think CNN would copy and paste it and do a whole segment. Folks are reaping what the sew right now.
I agree with you. Just because a couple snotty nosed kids decide to target Gabby's hair it doesn't need to be a story on CNN. Because like Nikki said, now we are airing out a whole bag of dirty laundry that isn't worth airing. It's just negativity. What was the purpose? At the same token, I think Curlynikki should've addressed it since she was asked, and she did a great job. SInce the media gave the haters a platform, Gabby needed a platform consisting of an articulate black woman to defend her. And just to piggy back off of some cleaver twitter on #teamgabby: Since a hater wants to criticize Gabby's hair, don't be mad if she wants to criticize your muscle tone.
that's not what she meant. what she was referring to was Davida questioning whether or not black people started the whole controversy. the point she was trying to get across was that we as black people can be racist against our own selves and not think twice about it. Now where is BET etc to call racism. when Don said it it was racist. when Nikki minaj says it we laugh. Now Gabby. come on people it's either its offensive or not we don't get to pick and choose when we take offense.
I hardly watch the news, but to your poing:
She’s representing the entire country right now, doing an amazing job and any commentary that doesn’t focus on what she has achieved is clearly out of place. It's silly and ridic. – The end, nuff said.
AND DO YOU THINK THAT PEOPLE MIGHT PUT PICS OF SOMEONE THATDOES NOT LOOK LIKE THEM FOR A REASON. WHITES POST PICS UP OF BLACKS AND SPANISH PEOPLE JUST TO GET THEIR POINT ACROSS.
I'm here in London watching the games and feeeeeling the buzz. I watched Gabby on the beam and during the team events. I cannot BELIEVE the nerve of people. Really…? like reallly? Commenting on her hair? honestly can't even shake my head right now. Why can't women just support each other? I'm not even from the USA but I've been soooo cheering all the winners (big up to the Williams Sisters! and Micheal 'Epic' Phelps). Celebrate success… don't find reasons to bring it down.
Way to go Nikki and I hope you'll continue to speak for the natural hair community and the black community. You're fab!!! x
Just awful! I didn't find anything you said that would have warranted that. Well, I'm not on Twitter, Facebook, or any other social media forum and truly am disappointed how people use them to bully others. So glad to see you're above that Nik.
Gabby's mom HAS to be the proudest parent in the world right about now! Some of these people making those horrible comments should think about how they would feel if someone said such things about THEIR child, especially after achieving something so great and receiving recognition around the world…..
I thougth it was interesting how Gabby didn't get much media attention prior to her performances as the 'underdog' but then she dazzled the judges and audience and then outshined her own teammates! Now what did her hair have to do with that? How did Gabby's hair contribute to her success people?
AGREED=trolls of life
First, I agree with all points made by Nikki. Reading and hearing about the comments people are saying about Gabby's hair are disappointting to no end! Why do people do this? Tear people down, especially when they are achieving something as spectacular is this young lady. She has MADE HISTORY and all some people can focus on is her hair. I'LL ADMIT I TOLD MY HUSBAND GABBY SHOULD CONSIDER WEARING HER HAIR NATURAL IN A SHORT 'FRO OR PINNED UP TWISTS OR BRAIDS BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE EASIER TO CARE FOR WHILE TRAINING AND COMPETING.
Thanks Gabby for accomplishing extraordinary things and representing our country in the Olympics with grace, charm and class!
Well, if their profile pictures are match their looks then all the negative comments that I've read regarding Gabby's hair have been of black people, usually women.
I refuse to get on the twitter bandwagon… I recently disabled my facebook account. I realized that I don't want EVERYONES opinion on EVERYTHING.
I cannot believe this was even an issue.
Let me not get mad on the internet…
but shame on us.
JESSICA, I WILL TRY TO BE AS NICE AS POSSIBLE. PLEASE DONT ACT LIKE THIS IS A BLACK THING. WE ARE INDIVIDUALS. YOUR WHITE FRIENDS DIDN'T FEEL OBLIGATED TO SAY SORRY FOR WHAT DON IMUS SAID. DO YOU KNOW WHY? THE SAME REASON WE SHOULD'NT FEEL OBLIGATED TO SPEAK FOR THE VERY FEW IGNORANT BLACK COMMENTERS ABOUT GABBY. TRUST ME, THERE WERE MANY WHITES, LATINO'S ETC… MAKING NEGATIVE COMMENTS ABOUT GABBY AS WELL. WRONG IS WRONG AND OUR ENTIRE RACE IS NOT TO BLAME.
COME ON PEOPLE. WHY DO AFRICAN AMERICANS HAVE TO APOLOGIZE OR EVEN RESPOND TO OTHER IGNORANT AFRICAN AMERICANS. AS A MATTER OF FACT. WE DON'T EVEN KNOW IF ALL THOSE NEGATIVE COMMENTS CAME FROM BLACKS, YET THAT IS WHAT THE MEDIA WANTS US TO BELIEVE. I HOPE CURLYNIKKI DOES NOT AIR OUR DIRTY LAUNDRY. WE DON'T OWE AMERICA ANY EXPLANATION ON THE ISSUES WE FACE WITH HAIR AS A RACE. WE ARE INDIVIDUALS. I COMMENTED POSITIVELY ABOUT GABBY JUST LKE SO MANY OTHER AFRICAN AMERICANS. YET WE STILL HAVE TO DEFEND OUR OWN RACE. ITS NOT RIGHT. IF A CAUCASION PERSON WERE TO MAKE NEGATIVE COMMENTS THEN ANOTHER CAUCASION PERSON WOULD NOT FEEL ANY OBLIGATION TO THAT PERSON BASED UPON THEIR RACE. SO WHY SHOULD WE. THE MEDIA WANTS BLACKS TO ARGUE AND COMMENT ABOUT HOW MUCH WE HAVE HAIR ISSUES. I WOULDN'T GIVE THEM THE BENEFIT.
First off, I hope you had a wonderful anniversary! Regarding Gabby, I rather watch her do her thing instead of women throwing wine bottles, sleeping around, and all that tacky ish.
I need that book!! Love the cover photo!
Nik, I didn't hear about this until I was watching Michael Eric Dyson on the Ed Show last night and I was just appalled that the focus was being turned away from her accomplishments. Why do we constantly do this to ourselves? Are we really that shallow? When are we going to learn that the only way we can affect change is by working together and not by tearing each other down. Let's not get hoodwinked! As always, you do a wonderful job of representing African American women. I am proud of you just as I am proud of Gabby!
Happy Anniversary to you and your hubby! May God continue to Bless your union. Gia is as cute as a button. I wish I could have met her at the meetup.
The truly sad part about this stupid Gabby Douglas "hair controversy" is that it all started by a BLACK person. Leave it to black people to bring down their own. A white person would look at Gabby Douglas and applaud her talents and possibly won't even notice her hair, or even if they do notice it won't speak on it. However, a black person would find anything to criticize another black person about. it is heartbreaking that black people, some black women, in general have been brainwashed to believe that they can only be beautiful if their hair is straightened or relaxed like a white, asian or indian person. How ever our hair grows out of our head that's how it was intended to be by God. No one has the right to tell anyone else that they are less beautiful or not beautiful because it seems like they haven't had a perm in a while or because they don't have a perm. And why are some black women so concerned about other black women's hair. It's like they're IGNORANT AND MISERABLE and try to pick at anything to bring down the next black woman. Those black women should be very ashamed of themselves and they apparently need God in their lives if they find the need to criticize another black woman about something as trivial as a woman's hair texture. Some black women are traitors to their own cause. SMH
I don't know if this is 100% correct, but most people who feel the need to criticize other people tend to be heavily critical of themselves and project those insecurities onto someone else in the form of put-downs and insults. Just like the men making fat jokes about that one swimmer and those twitter folk who thought it was a good idea to trash Gabby's hair. All I can say is that Gabby made history, fly hair or not, and that is all that ever mattered in the first place. #teamgabby woo woo!
Im just going to put it like this half of the ppl say stuff online that they wont even say in person… and thats the truth 🙂
Crabs in a barrel…SMH. This foolishness irks me.
She is talented, graceful, incredibly poised at 16 years old, and her hair is just fine! Congratulations to Gabby!
you're welcome! She's so cute
lol, trolls of life so trueee. I love this
So, on the real, all I did was read the "cliff notes" that you posted about the interview. And I was so PROUD!!!! I completely admire the way you ALWAYS eloquently and professionally lay out your stance for the naysayers and others who bring negativity about anything. Thank you! You spoke for me and sooooo many others. Is this conversation REALLY happening in 2012? Such comments are the reason why we have a natural hair movement in the first place. Because we REFUSE to assimilate. Because we REFUSE to bow to the cultural (read EUROPEAN) forms of beauty that completely go against the way we were created. MAJOR thanks for highlighting the SG's report that so many of our people forgo a work-out routine of any kind for fear of messing up their 'do- despite the fact that their health is paying a major price for it. And in some instances, even death. At 16, I wasn't an Olympian. But I was teased MERCILESSLY for being natural. My accomplishments didn't matter as much. But my hair did. Gabby is a 16 year old baby doing her thing on the world stage, having conquered all odds to get there, shattering the glass-ceiling, and accomplishing all of these things in the absence of her mom who couldn't be there. Really, my people, can't you find something else to gripe about. Geesh!
OK, now that that it outta the way, happy belated anniversary. And thanks for sharing the photo of your doll baby hugging the television. Obviously, she knew you were doing a knock-out job!!!
~kc
Thank You! I, too am embarrassed over this non issue! Gabby is making history and we have ignorant fools commenting on her hair!! Are you feaking kidding me! Black people are their own worse enemies!
Gia's like " yeah, that's my Mom, and what? " lol
This is some ignant ish!
Gabby's out there making history and black folks mad cause she's rocking a ponytail?? For every 5 steps forward, somebody trying to take us 10 steps back…
Great interview Nikki. As a former athlete I agree with everything you said and wish Gabby nothing but the best as she continues to progress in her career.
Happy 4th Anniversary may your love for one another continue to grow with each passing year.
Happy Anniversary, Nikki! This whole issue is ridiculous. Really. Thanks for representing 🙂
Gabby Inspires me. I am 32 and she's 16 and she makes me proud and inspires me. That is all!!
Well Said!!
You did an excellent job Nikki and you looked gorgeous as usual!
I'm surprised at the negative comments on the facebook page towards you. In fact, after I posted my two cents, I hadn't gone back to read any of them, until now. Its clear weren't aware of the "controversy", and had issues without knowing what you were going to say….typical for our social media driven society these days. All in all, I think you did well. Nothing wrong with standing up for a fellow sister
Nikki, I thought you did a great job on HLN! OMG, I just cannot believe all the criticism behind Gabby's hair. Im so embarrassed that this is being brought up at a time like this, by our people! If it was another race making those comments, we'd be ready to go to war! SMH! But at the end of the day, our girl Gabby is a champion and that's all that matters! Her hard work has paid off and I think we all can learn something from this 16 year old! She's so humble and most of all, spiritual…Yaaas! I was at home cheering for her, nervous for her, on the edge of my seat for her like she was my little sister or something! LOL! I almost cried when I saw how happy her family was, especially her mom! Wooo lord…emotionaaaal!!!!! Sidenote: Happy anniversary to you and the hubby! And that pic of Gia hugging the tv…soooo cute!
As we say in my native Liberia, those haters are 'less busy'. They need to rechannel all that energy they are using to focus on Gabby's hair to something positive such as spending a fraction of the time she spends in the gym, reading an elightening book that helps them learn that women are so much more than our hair and/physical traits, or spending time with their kids so they can be half the lady Gabby is. Our community sucks a lot of time. Gabby drew tears from my eyes last night. So proud of her, her family and support system. Rock on Gabby, rockk on!
Thank you. Like I said b4 I think this whole thing is being blown way out of proportion. Im starting to feel like black people really dont know how to pick thier fights. Yeah there were some comments on twitter (as if twitter is even a credible source) about her hair…but 90% of the comments im seeing now are people going on and on about how "mad" they are about it.Like do yall realize that tweeting about it is keeping it going? & that by getting so mad and dignifying these comments with a response u are adding fire to the flame? Ive seen ppl make mean comments about Jordyn Wiebers nose…I dont see ppl (black ppl) getting mad about that.So what is this really about?
'flips and ish'– haha, and I agree, we need to be celebrating!!!!
couldn't agree more Megan!
Thanks Chelayb!
Thanks Andrea!
YES! TEAM GABBY!!!
right!
Thanks Lisa!
Congrats to you and hubby!!!! And thanks 🙂 Hope you guys enjoyed your night!
Thanks Jennifer!
agreed!
haha, thanks Louella!
yeah, twitter can be harsh. Someone just called me an asshole… seriously, lol. At any rate, it's time to celebrate Gabby!
'but as a community who's seen so much criticism from others, you'd think
we'd want to stick together and support our own in public' <<<<< this.
LOL, thanks Shelli! She's such a HAM… drama queen 🙂
AGREED.
Thanks Ashley!
I know right :-/
Thanks Jessica!
Awww! Thanks Davida!
I almost cried when I saw that pic! Thanks Hilary!
Thanks Brooke!
I think you represented very well Nikki. Forget those ignant bishes that judged you before they even heard what you had to say. I don't know if I've ever seen you make us look bad in the media and I appreciate that. It's a shame that so many of us will use this free resource, enter giveaways and apply for the scholarship, read interviews and then as soon as we disagree with something you do…go out of our way to bash you. Those women on fb are guilty of the same black female bashing that they were complaining about. This reminds me of the Denise Richards interview you did, when folks were all in the comments like…you weren't allowed to interview white people. Give me a break, Nikki is a grown woman and can do what she pleases. Until someone sees you act a damn fool in public, people should keep their mouths shut!
Hell yeah, the black community started this. This has been in my facebook feed for 3 days now. Even my white friends were commenting on this. One of them said that this is no different than when Don Imus called the Rutgers basketball team some nappy headed hoes. And you know what, he was right. We may not like it, but a lot of black folks and other folks are just ignant. I think Nikki and Isha did a good job of rising above it and refocusing the discussion on the positive.
To be honest, I don't think there should have been a segment to discuss all this. And I don't think the media should've flipped out, black hair media at that. A few people in the world were hating on her hair. I was like oh…….oooo kaaaay. So let's talk about her flips and ish. Because you will always have your silly people. The reason it was blown outta porportion is because WE (black women) took it there, getting all angry and stuff. I mean why get hype about what they say about her hair?! Now if they said something about her body or athletic ability THEN we would have a problem lol.
Wow get over the hair issue people! it is her hair. She represented our country she is amazing! So is her hair. For the people who said hateful words via Facebook whateva need to stop worry about her hair and worry about your hair that all you should do!!! There are always going to be people who hate us,make fun etc. This is not going to change if we do not change it ourselves instead of attacking people who speak more voices should be heard and voiced so others understand it is it not okay. Gia I see you girl hugging the TV showing momma some support and love.
Leave it to our own people to focus on the negative instead of the positive message/ accomplishment that Gabby through her hard work and dedication has helped us to achieve. Watching that baby should send a surge of pride through us all. She's why blk women rock. Excuse her for not focusing on the negative or minor details such as hair while she was more and rightly so focused on 1. Winning a Gold medal for her herself and her country. 2. Being a positive role model for young black girls and 3. Giving credit where it was do. We could all learn a thing or two from her. So proud of her she just made it possible for my child to do the same. #teamGabby also Nikki thanks for taking her side and focusing on the positive achievement. Luv you for that. You have a supporter in me as well.
She looks like EVERY other gymnist – hair clips all over, ponytail; get it all out of the way. Hair is the last thing on this girl's mind. She just won a gold medal! How close have these haters come to something like that? What, did they expect her to apologize for her hair and show up with an updo or a twistout?? Her hair doesn't even look bad.
I didn't catch the HLN interview, but it sounds like you represented very well, Nikki. Your speaking points were right on target. How ridiculous it is for this beautiful, talented young girl to be criticized for her hair at such a momentous time in her life. Her talent is astounding. I honestly don't know how anyone could watch her perform and be even remotely concerned about her hair. Gabby Douglas is at the top of her game. She has accomplished more in 15 years than most of the haters could ever hope to accomplish in a lifetime. No doubt the haters will keep hating, and Gabby will keep rising to the top.
PS- Happy Anniversary, Nikki!
I didn't catch the CNN episode, didn't know that
"I'm
sooooooo proud of Gabby! The fourth American woman to achieve gold
medal status in the Olympics as well as the first African American. I
knew she had it in the bag from the Olympic Trials. And earlier in the
competition, when she said the bible calms her down and she meditates on
scriptures. #Godsfavor"
Happy Anniversary Nikki, my husband and I are also celebrating our 4 year anniversay today
This whole thing is being blown way out of proportion.
Oh, and Happy Anniversary and that second pic of Honey Badger?!?!? HEE-Larious!!! LMBO!!
Shelli
Nik, I couldn't!!! I just couldn't!!! The one sport at the Olympics about which I give a fig is gymnastics. Ever since the 1984 Olympics, I wished that my parents put me in classes. Alas, it was not meant to be. But others are living the dream. Amidst all the shad that was being thrown on Gabby by the commentators and reporters, I was astounded to learn about the hair discussions. Just astounded. But, I was torn about posting anything on it, because it just brings more attention to the negativity. But, I'm happy that you had an opportunity to address this in the way that you did. Keep doing what you do lady!! As you said, it is the few against the many. My sister had this to say about the fact that this was even being discussed given all that this young woman has accomplished and the doubt that she was up against:
"i accept ignorant people exist. trolls of life. i can't be bothered with them."
That's my sister. She's a little more blunt than me, but I can't disagree with her. Anyway, I'll leave you with words that I believe are from Gabby's mouth:
“I have an advantage because I’m the underdog and I’m black and no one thinks I’d ever win,” she said. “Well, I’m going to inspire so many people. Everybody will be talking about, how did she come up so fast? But I’m ready to shine.”
Shine on Gabby. Shine on.
Shelli
I applaud Gabby! She is doing something that most of us cannot! I sure hope all the negativity doesn't bring her down! She's awesome and I hope all young people (especially black) see that and not the negativity that is going around! WAY TO GO GABBY!!!
can you imagine having the world criticize you when your 16 and trying to look the best you can with the info/experience you have, which was barely any when i was 16. either way who has time to worry about nonsense like hair when your busy doing bigger things like winning olympic gold medals..?
awww, love that pic of Boogie hugging 'you.' As for this controversy, I'm gonna have to leave it out for my sanity. The girl's a two time gold medal Olympian, representing our country and doing an amazing job of it, and people (GROWN adults) feel the need to make fun of how her hair looks. Can you imagine how hard it is to train that hard, to perform under so much pressure and in front of such a large audience? Leaving your family to train close to a better gym facility? and at the age of 15? I'd much rather be talking about NBC's really poor coverage of her instead of this non issue.
This is such a shame. She's an athlete for crying out loud. I used to cheerlead and it is such a struggle to maintain your hair for both the white and black girls. The specifics of our issues were different, but when you sweat, workout and what not daily, your hair will not be cover girl ready all the time. Not that any of this should even matter, just pointing that out. Anyway, african americans always pick at some superficial bs even when we're being represented in the most beautiful and respectful manner. People in general are critical as you stated Nikki, but as a community who's seen so much criticism from others, you'd think we'd want to stick together and support our own in public.
The black twittersphere is the worst for negativity; folks just say what they want to say and let the chips fall where they may. Gabby is amazing and I could care less about what her hair looks like she is a athlete who brought her best to win the Gold medal! On my commute home there was even a segment on NPR about this issue. So sad because there are people here in America who didn't want her to win because she is black so to have silly hair comments adding fuel to the fire doesn't help to celebrate this victory one bit.
You sounded as if you handled the fake 'controversy' over 3 tweets from the usual cybertrolls very well, though I didn't see the interview, glad you went in their armed and shut HLN down! These are the same 3-25 bullies who make a name for themselves attacking EVERY celebrity over hair, clothes, sexuality, skin color, blah, blah, blah. It becomes a huge story which the networks and SEO providers love. How is it a controversy when tween 3 tween tweets are being held up as 'the voice of Black women in America' and 'isn't it so sad?', HLN will get viewers to come out en masse, just like Yahoo did earlier to defend the target. It's sad that it's an obvious ploy manufactured by Yahoo and HLN in order to attract viewers to help their p**s poor ratings and simultaneously detract from an athlete's amazing accomplishment.
Go Gabby!
Happy Anniversary Nikki and Husband.
I wonder if the black community exactly started this crap. One of the many problems of twitter and internet is one of anonymity, then lest not forget immaturity of the commenter. Either way, positive re-enforcement must be addressed. Way to go Gabby. Thanks, Nikki for addressing this issue. My hope is that Gabby gets all the positive affirmation she deserves!
Nikki I feel that your comments were valid & that you represented not only women of color but women in general who choose to be seen for their achievements & not the stereotypes that ppl always need to find. It's sad that this type of ignorance is portrayed in the media.
I didn't even see ,it but I know you represented us well… I am so ashamed that this is even an issue. The girl is sweating and swinging, flipping, splitting etc.. was she suppose to have a full out weave and fall? What is wrong with us as a people? We have to do better and build up and support each other… Are we not the mothers of the earth? We have to do better…
So ashamed that this is still even an issue. My people, my people….