“Hunger Games” actress Amandla Stenberg attacked social media darling Kylie Jenner for “cultural appropriation” because Jenner took a photo with her hair in cornrows.
In a post on Instagram, Jenner debuted her hair in cornrows. In response, Stenberg allegedly commented,
“@novemberskyys when u appropriate black features and culture but fail to use ur position of power to help black Americans by directing attention towards ur wigs instead of police brutality or racism #whitegirlsdoitbetter.”
Stenberg criticized Jenner for “appropriating black features” instead of talking about police brutality and racism on the social media application dedicated to sharing photos.
Stenberg’s comment has led to a lengthy exchange in the comments section of the photo, with many people similarly decrying Jenner for engaging in cultural appropriation.
Cultural appropriation refers to an instance in which an individual does something that “belongs” to a different culture. This can include wearing a clothing item, participating in an event, or even putting your hair in a certain style.
Since cornrows are allegedly part of black culture, Jenner was committing an act of “cultural appropriation” for putting her hair in cornrows.
Stenberg previously produced a video about cultural appropriation, titled “Don’t Cash Crop My Cornrows.” In the video, Stenberg gave a “crash discourse on black culture”:
Ironically, in the video talking about how white people should not style their hair in a “black” style like cornrows, Stenberg is seen sporting straightened hair.
Jenner reportedly responded to Stenberg with “@amandlastenberg Mad if I don’t, Mad if I do…. Go hang w Jaden or something.”