Gabby Douglas celebrated winning the gold medal for the U.S. women’s gymnastics team by standing at attention during the medal ceremony. But the small gesture created a firestorm on social media.
Although the other four members of the women’s gymnastics team put their hands over their hearts, Douglas stood at attention and some viewed the move as anti-American. She was blasted on social media by individuals who didn’t realize that Douglas’ choice was appropriate.
It’s usually expected that most will place their hands over their hearts during the Pledge of Allegiance. It’s not as expected during the national anthem where standing at attention is appropriate.
Here is some of the backlash being aimed at Douglas:
@gabrielledoug, you need to put your hand over your heart during the national anthem! I’m appalled #usagymnastics #Rio2016 #gabbydouglas
— Whitney Fifer (@Lady_Fife) August 9, 2016
Gabby Douglas just standing there and not placing her hand over her heart while our anthem played was UN-olympic. #respect #rio2016
— Dawn Wisdom (@Favreforever) August 9, 2016
How dare Gabby Douglas not put her hand on her heart for the American National Anthem!!!!
— Bryan (@RealBryanIV) August 9, 2016
Below are the tweets of those who defended Douglas:
Why did I wake up to ppl going crazy abt Gabby Douglas not putting her hand on her heart for the anthem? Y’all can’t be serious..Just stop!
— Swin Cash (@SwinCash) August 10, 2016
Imagine what these racists would say if #GabbyDouglas had raised her fist in the air during the National Anthem. No law says hand over heart
— Tracy Bates (@TracysActivism) August 10, 2016
Gabby Douglas not puttin her hand over her heart during the anthem is American. If uniformity is what you desire you should try North Korea.
— OMG, LaJethro (@LaJethroJenkins) August 10, 2016
Douglas took a moment to respond to the backlash:
#GoUSA❗️ #TeamUSA❗️ #FinalFive❗️ ?????????? pic.twitter.com/vzhFZxYOWb
— Gabrielle Douglas (@gabrielledoug) August 10, 2016
