Words I never thought I’d utter, ever LOL. But Amandala Stenberg is kind of fabulous. I knew it when I saw her bad ass little self in the movie Columbiana, but now I see she’s just as impressive in real life. Amandla commented on Kylie Jenner’s recent photo of herself with cornrows, and my first thought was cultural appropriation? That’s a bit of a stretch since the Kardashians/Jenners have made black boyfriends and husbands a way of life. But then I thought about it some more. 
Welcoming black men into your bed doesn’t mean you welcome or appreciate the culture that goes along with them. Not to say that they don’t, but while these celebs have no problem defending lip plumpers, their right to have big asses and be a part of interracial couples – none of which is in any way bad; I’ve done or am doing at least two of those myself – they’re often conspicuously mum when racial issues are part of the larger, societal conversation – as are many white celebs who adopt snippets of black culture.
I remember one episode of the Kardashians where Kim appeared at some big deal event in Austria. It was a mess. Someone appeared in black face, and the hosts laughingly used the word nigger while interviewing her. She didn’t say anything. She just looked at them with one of those Mona Lisa – you’re really stupid, but I’m too fabulous to care – faces that she does so well. She said nothing…silence from a woman with a black baby and a black husband. Actually, later I think she said something about being uncomfortable, but I was underwhelmed.
Please don’t think I’m bashing the Kardashians. That’s not what this is. I actually think Kim is an utter gangster when it comes to business/making money. I’m talking about the perfectly valid question Amandla references in this video: what if America loved black people as much as black culture?
Am I a total fangirl right now for having shivers because of Amandla’s savvy and her fabulous way of dropping knowledge on the masses? If so, I so don’t care. I welcome any brain activity/ sharing of this caliber. I say, good on you, young woman. Good on you.
A Life Not Grey 