Sunday’s Hot Topic: The Misogynistic Criticism of Simone Biles – A Closer Look at Society’s Unfair Judgement of Women of Color
The Olympics have been everywhere (at least for me). In my TV, my social media, my socks. Okay, not the latter, but look, it has been everywhere, and the algorithm has figured that I love Simone Biles, so every time I open my feed, I am greeted with Biles News, which I love. But there’s something connected to Biles News that I do NOT love and that is the unwarranted criticism of this world-class athlete, who is one of the greatest athletes of our time. From her decision to prioritize her mental health at the Tokyo Olympics to the petty comments about her hair at the Paris Olympics, Simone has been subjected to a level of scrutiny that highlights a deeper issue in our society: misogyny, particularly as it affects Black Women and Women of Color.
misogynoir /məˌsäjəˈnwär/: dislike of, contempt for, or ingrained prejudice against Black women.”misogynoir shows how sexism and racism manifest in Black women’s lives to create intersecting forms of oppression” – Google
Simone Biles: A Champion Beyond Medals
Simone Biles is a name that has become synonymous with excellence in gymnastics. Her achievements are nothing short of extraordinary, with multiple Olympic and World Championship medals to her name. However, her decision to withdraw from several events at the Tokyo Olympics due to mental health concerns sparked a wave of criticism. Many were quick to judge her actions without understanding the immense pressure and stress she was under. This criticism wasn’t just about her performance; it was a reflection of society’s harsh judgment of women, particularly Black Women.
This kind of criticism tells me that someone feels comfortable enough to tell someone else to swallow whatever mental instability they are feeling for the sake of entertainment or for others, which I have a hard time believing that those who feel that way will be okay doing that same exact thing themselves. This kind of comment perpetuates the idea that women must be self-sacrificial, suck-it-up-and-drive-on for others. It enforces a toxic standard where women, particularly Black Women and Women of Color, are expected to prioritize everyone else’s needs over their own well-being, leading to unhealthy perfectionism and immense stress. This societal expectation doesn’t just diminish their achievements; it strips them of their humanity, demanding they endure relentless pressure without the grace of vulnerability or the right to self-care.
The Paris Olympics: A New Stage, Same Old Criticism
Fast-forward to the Paris Olympics, and the conversation shifted from Simone’s mental health to her hair. Yes, her hair. In a world where this incredible athlete should be celebrated for her skills and dedication, she was instead subjected to petty and misogynoiristic comments about her appearance. This kind of scrutiny is not only unfair but also incredibly damaging.
The Double Standard: A Closer Look at Misogyny
The criticism faced by Simone Biles is a glaring example of the double standards that women, especially Women of Color, endure. While male athletes are often celebrated for their achievements and rarely face such personal attacks, women are judged on everything from their appearance to their behavior. This double standard is a manifestation of deep-rooted misogyny that seeks to undermine women’s accomplishments by focusing on irrelevant aspects of their lives.
The Impact on Black Women & Women of Color
For Black women and Women of Color, this scrutiny is intensified. They are not only battling the pressures of their careers but also the societal expectations and stereotypes that seek to diminish their worth. This relentless judgment pushes many women into unhealthy perfectionism, striving to meet impossible standards just to be taken seriously. This behavioral pattern is harmful, leading to burnout, mental health issues, and a constant feeling of inadequacy.
The Need for Change
It’s time for a societal shift. We need to move away from this harmful behavior and start recognizing and celebrating women for their achievements, irrespective of their appearance or personal choices. Criticizing Simone Biles for prioritizing her mental health or for how she chooses to wear her hair is not only disrespectful but also perpetuates a cycle of negativity that affects all women.
Empowering Black Women & Women of Color
Empowering Black Women and Women of Color means standing up against these unfair criticisms and supporting their right to be their authentic selves. It means celebrating their achievements, acknowledging their struggles, and understanding the unique challenges they face. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment where all women can thrive.
A Call to Action
Let’s use our voices to support Simone Biles and all women who face similar challenges. Let’s challenge the misogynistic/ misogynoiristic narratives and double standards that seek to undermine their worth. By standing together, we can make a difference and create a world where women are celebrated for their strengths, not judged for their choices.
#BlackWomen #HaveACupOfJohanny #MentalHealthAwareness #misogynoir #MisogynyInSports #SimoneBiles #WomenOfColor
Johanny Ortega
