Issa Rae is not just entertaining us she is making us think. This multi-talented actress writer and producer is diving deep into important topics and she's got a lot to say. From a powerful new documentary series to her take on diversity in Hollywood and even joining forces with Michelle Obama Issa Rae is definitely someone to watch right now. Let's break down what she has been up to.
Issa Rae Unpacks Black TV History in New Docuseries: 'Seen & Heard' and Why It's a Must-Watch
Issa Rae is dropping a docuseries on HBO called Seen & Heard and it is going to be a conversation starter. This show is all about the history of Black television. It is not just a celebration it is a critical look at how Black audiences and creators have been treated in the industry.
According to Rae studios in the past often "used Black audiences" to build up networks then "abandoned them" when it was convenient. Sounds harsh right? But Rae says the documentary provides undeniable evidence from creators showrunners and writers themselves to back this up. She wants to show how networks built their success "on our backs" but Black creators often didn't get lasting benefits or ownership as a result. It is a "tragic" cycle that history keeps repeating she claims.
Seen & Heard features some major names in television like Oprah Winfrey Tyler Perry Shonda Rhimes Ava DuVernay and Norman Lear. While we know their success stories Rae says they share unheard aspects of their journeys and visions in the docuseries. Rae was inspired and motivated hearing their stories and hopes it will inspire viewers to "do more and get my stuff together" too.
Diversity Needs a Better Publicist? Issa Rae's Take on DEI in Hollywood
Issa Rae has been speaking out about Hollywood's struggles with diversity for a while now and she is not seeing much improvement. She thinks "diversity needs a better publicist". With many DEI efforts in Hollywood being scaled back Rae feels the situation has actually gotten worse recently .
She jokes that maybe her own publicist is too busy to take on diversity as a client. But there is a serious point behind the humor. Rae believes the backlash against DEI comes from a "big misunderstanding and a fear". She thinks people misunderstand what diversity efforts are really about and are afraid of change.
Despite her frustrations Rae does see some hope. She acknowledges that some "executives that are coming up are fighting to get new voices in despite resistance". She admires those who keep pushing for diverse stories even when it is difficult or puts their jobs at risk. Rae feels sometimes the pressure is too much on celebrities to speak out. She suggests instead of focusing on themselves famous figures should "shut up and just support the people who are doing the work... and do that silently". Supporting grassroots efforts she believes is the best way to create lasting change.
Joining Michelle Obama for 'IMO' Podcast: Candid Conversations and Honest Opinions
In a cool move Issa Rae is joining forces with Michelle Obama. Rae will be a guest on Obama's new podcast IMO with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson. The podcast is a weekly series where Michelle and her brother Craig Robinson will share their opinions and perspectives on everyday life questions.
The podcast promises "candid perspectives" and "thoughtful conversations". Issa Rae's episode will focus on "the challenges of mismatched expectations in adult friendships". That sounds super relatable right? Other guests throughout the season include big names from entertainment sports health and business. Keke Palmer Tyler Perry Tracee Ellis Ross and many more are set to appear.
Michelle Obama says the podcast aims to create "a space for people to come as they are ask honest questions give their opinions and have thoughtful conversations about life". With everything going on in the world she feels people are "looking for answers and people to turn to". It will be interesting to hear Issa Rae's insights on friendship and other topics alongside Michelle Obama and her brother.
Reality TV to Trailblazing Creator: Issa Rae's Unexpected Journey
It is interesting to know what motivated Issa Rae to get into TV in the first place. Surprisingly she says reality television played a big part although maybe not in a way you would expect. She calls reality TV her "villain origin story".
Initially Rae was inspired by Black sitcoms from the 90s like Moesha Girlfriends and Martin. But in the early 2000s she noticed a lack of Black scripted shows on TV. At the same time Reality TV was becoming huge particularly shows that portrayed Black women in ways she found upsetting. She describes it as "hate-watching". She felt like reality TV became the only representation available and it was often negative or stereotypical.
Rae specifically remembers a scene from Flavor of Love that really struck her. A contestant nicknamed "Something" was denied a bathroom break by producers during a ceremony and ended up "shitting on the floor. On TV. And they still aired it." Rae was shocked and felt like "This is humiliating and this is all Black women have on television right now". That moment fueled her frustration and pushed her to start her film blog "talking a bunch of stuff". Someone challenged her to "make something" instead of just complaining and that is how her journey began eventually leading to Insecure and all her success.
Key Highlights of Issa Rae's Recent News:
- HBO Docuseries 'Seen & Heard': Explores the history of Black television and exploitation within the industry.
- DEI Criticism: Believes diversity efforts in Hollywood are stalled and need better promotion.
- Michelle Obama's Podcast 'IMO' Guest: Appears on the new podcast to discuss adult friendships and other topics.
- Reality TV Inspiration: Frustration with reality TV's portrayal of Black women motivated her to create her own content.
- Championing Diverse Voices: Continues to advocate for more diverse stories and creators in Hollywood.
Issa Rae: A Voice That Demands to Be Heard and Is Shaping Hollywood
Issa Rae is using her platform to spark important conversations. Seen & Heard is set to make viewers rethink Black television history. Her comments on DEI are pushing Hollywood to do better. And joining Michelle Obama's podcast shows her reach and influence are growing even bigger. Issa Rae is not just a talented entertainer she is a force for change and her voice is definitely one we need to listen to.