One of the biggest downfalls of the internet is that total strangers feel emboldened to comment on women’s appearances. This is especially true for Black women. Anytime a Black woman is feeling good about herself and her life, then decides to drop a beautiful pic on Instagram, the fun police show up to tell her how bad everything is. Her clothes are too tight or too short. Her hair is wrong.
In the case of actresses like Tracee Ellis Ross and Halle Berry, the backlash comes from people who think they’re too old to flaunt their bodies. The latest star to find herself battling trolls is Gabrielle Union. After posting a stunning, tasteful nude photo of herself on Instagram Sunday, she was criticized by users who think a married woman shouldn’t be dropping nudes on the internet.
One person expressed their admiration for Union, while also chiding her choice, writing, “I love you.. but this is so disappointing. you’re grown. I wish young black people had better consistent role models. This is not needed for attention. ESPECIALLY for someone like you.”
Another user seems to think her body belongs to her husband Dwyane Wade: “We understand you being comfortable in your body but being married puts you in a category where only your husband should be seeing these kind of pics. My opinion though.”
Someone else wondered how this would impact her status as a role model, replying, “Just speechless because she someone I admire a lot but seeing this first [slide] has got me scared as a mother what will those kids out there learn from u out there?”
Perhaps it will teach the kids, particularly Black girls, to be proud of their beautiful bodies. Why are these people acting like this one photo, which is not at all offensive, is going to be the downfall of society?
Union is an outspoken, independent woman who isn’t afraid to call out injustice and tomfoolery. This has made her a polarizing figure for the people who think she should stand behind her husband and not take pride in her accomplishments.
Luckily, everyone hasn’t completely lost their minds, as there were also plenty of supporters in the replies to the “Bring It On” star’s post.
One person commented on Union’s gorgeous figure, posting, “We may not all agree with her choice of the 1st photo…..but DANGGGGG! That’s a 51 year old body that’s STILL bodyinggggg!!!”
Meanwhile, someone else noted how free she looked, writing, “Freedom is what I see... no worries no sadness no concern for your concern just Alive... happy and free.. of course life be lifing but she is free to be... and at 43 a woman of color we need to be free.”
If you think this is a problem that only middle aged women are dealing with, rapper GloRilla recently called out fans who think her record company is forcing her to be overly sexual. She reminded them that she’s a confident woman with agency who makes her own decisions.
We know people can’t help themselves when it comes to commenting on others’ lives, but it’s way past time that y’all stop policing Black women’s bodies. These women are just trying to enjoy their body positivity and self-confidence. Your unwanted, outdated opinions are not necessary.