via wikimedia commonsArts+Culture / NewsLaverne Cox has Amandla’s back over Kylie Jenner’s cornrowsThe trans star talks cultural appropriation, bell hooks and Kylie Jenner in a new blog postShareLink copied ✔️July 15, 2015Arts+CultureNewsText Helena Horton Laverne Cox is widely regarded as a key spokesperson for trans issues, but has waded into the Amandla Stenberg versus Kylie Jenner debate. ICYMI: Jenner uploaded an Instagram of herself wearing cornrows, along with the caption "I woke up like disss". Stenberg replied in the comments section: "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" Justin Bieber may have leapt to Kylie Jenner’s defence but Laverne Cox is firmly on Stenberg’s side. Writing on Tumblr she said: “Far too often culture is appropriated without an understanding of the history and hardships from which that culture emerges. How do we lovingly make people aware of that history and the potential affects of cultural appropriation that further marginalize and stigmatize those already the most adversely affected by systems that disadvantage certain experiences, bodies and identities over others? These are points Amandla makes beautifully in her video.” “We live in a multi-cultural society where being influenced by cultures different from ours is inevitable. But when the traditions and practices of marginalized communities are used by those in power and the material conditions of those who are marginalized are not changed individually and systemically this is when cultural appropriation is deeply problematic and even potentially exploitative.” Amandla talks in her video about how white people have appropriated black culture to look "cool" without publicly challenging the hardships that black people face and being ignorant of the history the culture was borne out of. As both Laverne Cox and Stenberg have said: "What would America be like if we loved black people as much as we love black culture?" Escape the algorithm! Get The DropEmail address SIGN UP Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday. Privacy policy Thank you. You have been subscribed Privacy policy Expand your creative community and connect with 15,000 creatives from around the world.TrendingThe rise of the intellectual tattooFrom spiritual flowcharts to psychological models, diagrams are increasingly becoming a tattoo choice – but what exactly do they signify?BeautyLife & CultureWhy so many young people are training to be death doulas Nike FashionNike celebrates the culture of soccer ahead of a summer shaped by the gameFilm & TV7 sex worker-approved films about sex workBeauty10 of the hottest Instagram accounts fusing art, sex and eroticaBeautyThe sexiest flesh-baring Instagram accounts you need to followBeautyDirty Girls: The cult 90s documentary that made being dirty feel radicalBeautyNude awakening: Meet the young people embracing naturismLife & CultureHave you ever been friend-bombed?Escape the algorithm! Get The DropEmail address SIGN UP Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday. Privacy policy Thank you. You have been subscribed Privacy policy