In a recent moment that resonated with many, Simone Biles, one of the most celebrated gymnasts in American history, addressed the age-old expectation for women to smile more. With an impressive collection of 19 medals from the Olympics and World Championships, Biles is currently showcasing her talents on “Dancing with the Stars.” Yet, despite her accolades, she faced a familiar societal pressure: the insistence to smile on cue.
During a feedback session following her Paso Doble performance, judge Carrie Ann Inaba shared a mix of praise and critique, suggesting Biles shouldn’t dance “like a metronome.” Host Tom Bergeron, focusing more on the positive aspects, remarked, “I was waiting for you to smile at some of the compliments — you didn’t.” Without missing a beat, Biles confidently responded, “Smiling doesn’t win you gold medals.”
The internet’s reaction was overwhelmingly supportive, with many applauding her for challenging this societal expectation. Women everywhere can relate to the countless times they’ve been told to smile, whether by family, colleagues, or strangers. Biles’ straightforward retort struck a chord, leading to a wave of encouragement from fans.
In a follow-up conversation, she expressed her feelings to a reporter, saying, “I feel like I am trying, I am being honest, but if they don’t see that, I don’t know what more I can do.” Bergeron later acknowledged his comments on social media, perhaps learning that there are more thoughtful questions to ask than “why didn’t you smile?”
Biles’ experience serves as a reminder to challenge outdated notions and focus on what truly matters. For more insights about navigating the complexities of pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource on the IVF process. If you’re interested in learning more about home insemination tools, visit Make a Mom for their top-rated products.
In summary, Simone Biles reminds us all that performance and authenticity matter far more than a forced smile, encouraging a broader conversation about societal expectations for women.