What Essence Got Wrong About the "Gorilla Glue Girl"

(Credit: Tessica Brown TikTok/Gorilla Glue)

This morning while checking my Twitter feed I came across an article on Essence.com written by Candice Benbow about Tessica Brown, infamously known as the "Gorilla Glue girl". The ignominious title was given to Miss Brown after she posted a video showing off her immovable hair caused by using Gorilla Glue instead of her usual styling glue to hold it in place. Gorilla Glue? Yes, Gorilla Glue, that powerful adhesive used for crafts and DIY projects. The product clearly states on the front of the bottle: "Bonds: Wood, Metal, Fabric, Foam, Plastic, Paper, Glass, Leather and More!" and on the back a caution label warns not to ingest the glue or get it in the eyes or on skin or clothing. 

After reading the label it would be clear to a reasonable person the product isn't the type of adhesive one should use in their hair. For this reason many who are familiar with the story have made the whole situation meme worthy making Miss Brown the butt of many jokes. Some insulting her or questioning her level of intelligence, while others result to cracking jokes. Some people surmise that this whole ordeal was orchestrated by her as an elaborate clout chasing scheme and others empathize with her and this is where we shift our focus to the Essence article.

The article titled, "Tessica Brown Isn't The 'Gorilla Glue Girl,' She's A Black Woman Who Deserves Empathy" questions why there is a lack of empathy towards a Black woman who made a mistake? The author further solidifies her point by presenting her own mistake of leaving a relaxer in her hair longer than instructed and receiving chemical burns. She questions why Black women can't make mistakes without being verbally bashed to the point of being dehumanized? I don't think that is the case at all, at least in regards to the case of Tessica and  the Gorilla Glue situation. I liken her situation to when my family wanted to barbecue but realized we didn't have lighter fluid, so my father decided to use a little gasoline. Needless to say that situation didn't turn out well. Anyone I've told that story to laughed and questioned my father's logic. While both are flammable they are NOT the same and definitely aren't for the same uses. Everyone including children understood that upon hearing the story.

My point is I don't perceive the jokes, judgment or insults to be because this happened to a black woman. I think people look at the situation and consider the age of Miss Brown and figure it would be highly unlikely for a mature, reasonable person especially a grown 40 year old woman to make such an error despite race thereby reaching the conclusion she's either mentally lacking or clout chasing. The author questions if the response would be different if Tessica were a White woman? I personally don't think so. Social media is full of White people (young and old, male and female) doing equally foolish things whether intentional or unintentional and they get the same treatment. They're given titles reflective of their foolishness, made fun of and depending on how ridiculous the situation will have countless memes made of them.

I once made a breakfast that ended up ruining a date night when I made pancakes with cayenne pepper instead of cinnamon because I simply didn't read the label and the two spice bottles looked similar. That resulted in a pretty crappy night (pun intended) so believe me when I tell you I'm aware people make mistakes, but as long as others are aware of those mistakes there is a high probability that those people will have something to say whether good or bad, helpful or hurtful and that happens regardless of race or gender.

Castor Oil USDA Organic Cold-Pressed (16oz) 100% Pure Hexane-Free Castor Oil - Conditioning & Healing, For Dry Skin, Hair Growth - For Skin, Hair Care, Eyelashes - Caster Oil By Sky Organics