I’m glad that Gabby’s mother spoke up and defended her daughter after a popular fashion website berated the gold-medal trailblazer because of her hairstyle. In the words of Gabby’s mom [to paraphrase] “What does her hair have to do with anything? She’s broken several records and she’s worked tirelessly to represent her country and has done well?!” Her mom went on to say that the child has been training and living in Iowa and that there are no black stylists (or stylists that can work with ‘our’ hair) in that area.
However, I do have a different perspective to offer. I have some personal insight into the life of a gymnast because I was one for about 8 years and for much of my gymnastics career I sported a Jheri Curl! YES and YUCK!!!! A greasy, stinky when sweaty Jheri Curl. However, during competitions my mom would slick that sucker back with that brown gel, put it in a pony tail and top it off with a scrunchie that usually matched my leotard. My mom was always there making sure I look polished before meets and even during some meets was there to keep me looking my best. In Gabby’s case, her mom is not allowed in the Olympic Village and can’t be ‘hands-on’ but quite possibly, as a mom, she could have taken steps to make sure Gabby looked her best before departing for London.
With regard to how the media has attacked Gabby as well as other athletes, I think it stinks. Truthfully, those representing us at the 30th Olympic Games have some of the same problems that you and I face…foreclosures, bankruptcies and yes, bad weaves. But once every four years, athletes young and old put everything they have on the line to represent this country in the greatest international sporting event. I have been glued to the television since the opening ceremonies and I’ve cheered for Team USA and I’ve even cheered for others because what they all are doing is amazing. It’s disheartening to know that the U.S. media can’t find enough great stories in London and feel the need to dig up the financial records of our winning athlete’s parents or talk about a kid’s not so smooth hair.
Lastly, as a black woman I have struggled with hair issues all my life. I can imagine what Gabby feels every time she sees a Tweet, FB post or web article about her hair. Even though she seems to be keeping her chin up it still has to hurt because it’s coming from people that look like her! In the black community, hair is a source of strength, criticism, brings out our insecurities and it allows us to be creative. I’m guessing the coiff debate will go on forever, but in the meantime for all the Gabby’s out there and for all the other athletes that aren’t perfect in the media’s eyes, keep doing what you’re doing and being an example for us all!
