Current:Home > Contact-usIssa Rae talks 'American Fiction' reflecting Hollywood, taking steps to be 'independent'-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
Issa Rae talks 'American Fiction' reflecting Hollywood, taking steps to be 'independent'
View Date:2024-12-23 18:42:43
Issa Rae is calling out Hollywood and closed-minded viewers when it comes to Black-led shows.
Rae, in a Porter profile published Monday, discussed her role in the Oscar-nominated film "American Fiction," which skewers Black storytelling tropes and touches on race, pop culture, celebrity and identity. The "Insecure" creator and star noted an alarming trend in Hollywood reminiscent of the film.
"You're seeing so many Black shows get canceled, you're seeing so many executives — especially on the DEI side — get canned," Rae, 39, said. "You're seeing very clearly now that our stories are less of a priority."
HBO recently announced after two seasons it was canceling "Rap Sh!t," the latest series created and executive produced by Rae, which followed two childhood friends making their way into the music industry.
The actress and writer said she wasn't hopeful about working with Hollywood studios and shared that she's aiming toward becoming an "independent" creator.
"I am pessimistic, because there's no one holding anybody accountable — and I can, sure, but also at what cost? I can't force you to make my stuff," she said. "It's made me take more steps to try to be independent down the line if I have to."
That pessimism hasn't soured her feelings about creating, however, despite an industry in flux post-strikes and cancellations.
"I'm writing a couple of different projects — one for myself and one to produce and create with others — and I've been feeling so inspired and excited to get back at it,” she continued. "I'm embracing that challenge. The industry is in flux, so it's really inspired me to focus and hone in on what stories I want to tell. I've been laser-focused on getting these projects up and running."
Like her "American Fiction" character Sintara Golden, Rae agreed that "ire should be directed towards the white audiences that put very specific work about Black people on this pedestal, as opposed to more diverse representations of Blackness."
She continued: "I don't think it's a secret that many white audiences and critics tend to reward traumatizing depictions, or their own biased perceptions of what Blackness is. It's frustrating."
Contributing: Brian Truitt
Why 'American Fiction'ends with an 'important' scene of Black representation. Spoilers!
veryGood! (36824)
Related
- What to know about Mississippi Valley State football player Ryan Quinney, who died Friday
- How do I restart my stalled career? How to get out of a rut in the workplace. Ask HR
- Joann files for bankruptcy amid consumer pullback, but plans to keep stores open
- Who is the highest-paid MLB player in 2024? These are the top 25 baseball salaries
- Should Georgia bench Carson Beck with CFP at stake against Tennessee? That's not happening
- Toddler hit, killed by Uber driver in Texas after being dropped off at apartment: Police
- Princess Kate sightings fail to quell speculation about her health after photo editing scandal
- Drew Lachey Weighs In On Brother Nick Lachey's Love Is Blind Hosting Gig
- Whoopi Goldberg Shares Very Relatable Reason She's Remained on The View
- How Sister Wives' Christine Brown Is Honoring Garrison Brown 2 Weeks After His Death
Ranking
- Martin Scorsese on faith in filmmaking, ‘The Saints’ and what his next movie might be
- Fabric and crafts retailer Joann files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection: What to know
- Gov. Sanders deploys Arkansas National Guard to support southern border control efforts
- Jon Rahm to serve up Spanish flavor at Masters Club dinner for champions
- Love Actually Secrets That Will Be Perfect to You
- New eclipse-themed treat is coming soon: What to know about Sonic's Blackout Slush Float
- Hope for Israel-Hamas war truce tempered by growing rift between Netanyahu and his U.S. and European allies
- US men will shoot for 5th straight gold as 2024 Paris Olympics basketball draw announced
Recommendation
-
1 million migrants in the US rely on temporary protections that Trump could target
-
FTC to send nearly $100 million in refunds to customers of Benefytt's fake health plans
-
Why 10 Things I Hate About You Actor Andrew Keegan Finally Addressed Cult Leader Claims
-
Krispy Kreme celebrates the arrival of spring by introducing 4 new mini doughnut flavors
-
Britney Spears reunites with son Jayden, 18, after kids moved in with dad Kevin Federline
-
Pete Guelli hired as chief operating officer of the NFL’s Buffalo Bills and NHL’s Sabres
-
Brother of Michigan Rep. Dan Kildee killed by family member, sheriff says
-
Princess Kate sightings fail to quell speculation about her health after photo editing scandal