Gabby Douglas is currently in Rio competing at the 2016 Olympics and while the world should be completely mesmerized by her athletic prowess, the United States gymnast is yet again being criticized for her hair.
If this all sounds familar — it should. Four years ago when Douglas was busy making Olympic history (she is the first American gymnast to win gold in both the individual all-around and team competitions) the internet exploded with hateful comments reffering to her hair as umkempt and unsightly. Fast forward to Sunday night while the 20-year-old was competing for more Olympic glory and the trolls were back out in full force.
And while the internet trolls are a small fraction of the otherwise positive commentary being shared, we’re saddend by the fact that many of these ugly thoughts are coming from the Black community.
But before any of these haters travel further down the road of ignorance, there have been several voices of reason to gather them (aka put them in their place). Here are just a few of the best clapbacks we’ve seen…
While y'all are talking bad about Gabby Douglas hair do y'all EVEN. HAVE. A PASSPORT. TO MAKE IT. TO RIO?!?!! pic.twitter.com/wIWh8NzSXJ
— Tacky Robinson (@Wiz_Khaleesha3) August 8, 2016
Gabby Douglas came to #Rio2016 to get the job done. Not her hair done. #StopHating
— Harvey Jenkins MD (@bodysculptorokc) August 8, 2016
Gabby Douglas is doing amazing things for African American gymnasts and all people are focused on is criticizing her hair. Do better people.
— Aderinsola Solebo (@AdeSolebo) August 8, 2016
My face when black women are talking about Gabby Douglas' hair….like, can you respect her african texture (?) pic.twitter.com/JlzFSirdCE
— A Demigod… (@QueenDenkyembo) August 8, 2016
Gabby Douglas isn't at a hair show, she's at the Olympics for gymnastics. Who cares about her hair? Y'all sick.
— Dawna (@Zeaylis) August 8, 2016
The simple fact that I see I more black women bashing Gabby Douglas hair than any other race is sad. We have to do better!
— jada♡ (@thelowlife_jr) August 8, 2016
Gabby Douglas is an athlete… Meaning that her hair can't obviously be laid for the Gods when she's actively competing.
— Court Kim (@ASAPcourt) August 8, 2016
Don't focus on Gabby Douglas hair while its attached to some1 who has accomplished more this week than you have & EVER will in your life.
— Kill Moves (@SayImSha) August 8, 2016
Don't run away from me. I told y'all not to talk about Gabby Douglas hair #Olympics pic.twitter.com/htNenP6os7
— Baby Bye (@1BabyBye) August 8, 2016
Now that that’s settled, let’s get back to cheering on Gabby and the rest of the USA olympians!
