Amandla Stenberg has proven that she’s a one-of-a-kind teenager and her latest photoshoot, and subsequent interview, for Dazed magazine only continues to demonstrate her rarity.
The 16-year-old Hunger Games actress recently called attention to Kylie Jenner‘s knack for cultural appropriation, but does not want to be quoted on the short-lived debate any longer, as she would prefer to move on after already having made her point.
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Amandla does speak with the magazine about wanting to make an impact on how people look at the world, adults discrediting teenagers, Jaden Smith accompanying her to prom in a skirt, and more. Here are a few interesting excerpts, courtesy of Dazed:
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On teens being wise beyond their years:
“I think people discredit teenagers and how wise they can be,” says Stenberg. “Sometimes I meet teenagers who are much wiser than many adults I’ve met, because they haven’t let any insecurities or doubts about themselves get in the way of their thoughts.”
On balancing school and work:
She’s all smiles, despite recovering from an intense bout of flu. The doctor gave her tiger balm, and told her to reduce any stress in her life. Has she been stressed? “Not exactly,” she says. “I don’t think it’s negative pressure; it’s me being excited about moving forward and things evolving and becoming bigger in my career. But balancing school and work can be really stressful.” She says her mum encourages her to take time for herself, and she recently had a ‘sound bath’, a guided meditation in which glass bowls are played at various frequencies.
On going to prom with Jaden Smith, who wore a long skirt:
“Guys aren’t allowed to express femininity; they have to always appear masculine and that’s bullshit,” she says. “I love it when guys can be feminine and express their emotions and creativity; it shows strength.”
On becoming friends with Willow Smith:
Stenberg met Jaden’s sister, Willow, after they began having dreams about each other. Willow messaged her, saying, “I feel like we are supposed to be friends,” so the two met up and talked about everything they loved for a good hour. “Then we did interpretive dance to Grimes,” says Stenberg, giggling.
Read the entire interview here and check out more striking photos. We like this young woman… a lot.
SOURCE: Dazed | PHOTO CREDIT: Instagram, Getty
