(ThyBlackMan.com) Gabby Douglas is amazing. I have been enthralled with her since I was exposed to her during the London Olympics. I remember people having so much to say about her having Nappy Edges four years ago. Since when did Nappy Edges become a bad thing? Oh, I forgot, When ignorant people told you that your Blackness, your Nappiness was ugly.
Blue Ivy
Michelle Obama
Serena Williams
Gabby Douglas
These are just 4 amazing and beautiful Black women who have no limits. They also have in common that people and the media constantly criticize their apperance because they are not adhereing to the White Anglo Beauty Social standards that make people feel comfortable. Our Beautiful Black First Lady was called a Monkey, Blue Ivy was criticized for her wild curls, Gabby Douglas, she is villified for her edges. Just let that sink in. This Gold Medal Olympian, is trending for her Nappy Edges.
I was trolling the internet when I read a horrible blog post (truthfully it was such bullshit that I could not complete it) from a Blogger that I have met before who ironically writes about beauty for Black Women. The post was “Why Gabby Douglas Edges Matter.” I just knew that it was going to be a positive post about how her beautiful Black edges did NOT need to be laid. But no, it wasnt. It was more of what the internet spent many hours on today, Assaulting Gabby. Assaulting her looks, disrespecting her hair.
It has only been maybe 5 years since I have been wearing my Notty Coils out in public. It took a LOT of courage to unleash my natural locks. I had been loving my post shower Nappy Hair for years. Because I was self conscious about what other people would say about my hair and texture I would put it away because I knew that I didnt have sandy spurs, “good hair” or mixed girl locks. A guy that I dated saw me just out of the shower, wrapped in a towel and he told me how beautiful my hair was to him. That moved me.
I started loving on my hair so much more, wearing it out for ALL of the world to see. I realized that I had been hiding my beautiful hair, like it was something to be ashamed of. Almost daily I receive inbox messages from Sistas who are starting their new journey and telling me that my natural hair has inspired them. This inspires me right back! The media constantly pushes images to us that are the exact opposite of what we (BLACK WOMEN) look like and tell us that this is beauty. We have to encourage OURSELVES! Do Gabby Douglas’ edges matter?….yes they do.
Why Do Gabby Douglas Edges Matter?
When little girls who watch their mothers hide their hair for years under wigs and weaves then slick their own hair down with harmful gel see this beautiful, graceful and accomplished young woman with edges just like theirs…it inspries them. It reassures them that a girl who looks just like them can conquer the world. Hair is the crown that cannot be removed. You can cut it, perm it, press it, love it or hate it….but it is yours. It’s the direct manifestation of who you are. Every bend, curl, buck shot and beautiful nap is yours.
Finish story here;
http://www.classysharelle.com/gabby-douglas-edges-matter/