Opinions About Simone Biles’ Hair? The Gold Medalist Claps Back “Just Don’t”
Simone Biles just became the most decorated American gymnast at the Olympics. And you know what people feel the need to comment on? Simone Biles’ hair. The fact that there are ANY comments on her hair at all, is proof that there is still work to be done when it comes to attitudes about Black women’s hair. And before you get defensive, think about why people have something to say about Simone Biles’ hair, but the same style on white women is a whole aesthetic that people call a “messy bun.” Incidents like this just prove how much the Crown Act is needed.
What Is The Crown Act?
First let me say that the fact that The Crown Act isn’t law in every single state in the country is unacceptable. So what is it? “The CROWN Act, which stands for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair,” is a law that prohibits race-based hair discrimination, which is the denial of employment and educational opportunities because of hair texture or protective hairstyles including braids, locs, twists or bantu knots.” (TheCrownAct.com)
Currently, The Crown Act is law in 25 states, including Massachusetts when Gov. Charlie Baker signed it into law on July 26, 2022. The law came to be in part thanks to two sisters, Mya and Deanna Cook, who advocated for the law after being punished for the way they wore their hair, by their Malden charter school.
Comments About Simone Biles’ Hair And The Clap Back
Instead of just allowing Simone to be her glorious self, there just had to be some people who had to move the focus from her greatness as an athlete, to her hair. Some of the comments: “I’m just trying to figure out why Simone Biles hair never done?” or “Simone Biles hair never being done properly be pissing me off.” and then there’s “Simone Biles’s hair stylist should be fired.” I was happy to see so many people defending her. Here’s one of my favorites.
Simone addressed the issue on Instagram saying, “don’t come for me about my hair. IT WAS DONE but bus has NO AC & it’s like 9,0000 degrees. oh & a 45 min ride” She followed that up with, “gonna hold your hand when I say this 💋 next time you wanna comment on a black girls hair. JUST DON’T”
And commenting on Simone Biles’ hair isn’t something new, as seen in this tweet from 2017.
It’s Not Just Simone Biles’ Hair
If you asked any Black woman if they’ve ever experienced something similar, I’m sure just about every one of them has multiple stories. When I was younger in school and wearing a natural afro, I would have other students throw things into my hair to see if it would stick in there. I also had a friend have a man AT WORK tell her that he liked when she wore her hair straight, as opposed to natural and curly. SIR, who asked for your opinion on MY hair?
If you don’t see anything wrong with that, I encourage you to do some research at The Crown Act so you can see how this is much deeper than “just your opinion” about someone’s hair, including Simone Biles’ hair.
And finally, Simone Biles is ONE OF ONE! Let that woman live!
