symone sanders straightens out nosy motherf*cker who said her nails are not ‘appropriate’ for tv

Being a public woman in general, but a public black woman, especially, is hard as hell. Due to the cruel standards that we place on women to look, speak, and act a certain way at all times, it’s nearly impossible for black women to present their authentic selves in professional settings. So when a fan thought it was their place to critique CNN commentator Symone Sanders’ nail art claiming that long nails are “not appropriate when you are on CNN TV and discussing […] politics,” Sanders, who served as the press secretary for Bernie Sanders during his 2016 presidential bid, clapped back with absolute clarity that her professional dress isn’t her problem, it’s yours.

THREAD: I’m going to “reply all” to this because I think more than a few folks need to hear my answer. Ok? pic.twitter.com/Iace3yl06f

— Symone D. Sanders (@SymoneDSanders) May 7, 2018

So I’m fully aware that when I show up curvy, with a low cut, a bold lip, an oversized bow, amazing nails & a chilling analysis…people don’t know how to take it. B/c I am not “supposed” to be able to give you solid political commentary with a bedazzled nail right?

— Symone D. Sanders (@SymoneDSanders) May 7, 2018

I stopped looking for validation long ago from folks who didn’t think I belonged in the first place. Don’t let the non-melanated proverbial majority (proverbial b/c people of color are the actual global majority) tell you what’s “acceptable.” You will be left out every time.

— Symone D. Sanders (@SymoneDSanders) May 7, 2018