Issa Rae on Black stories being “less of a priority” across TV, why she was drawn to ‘American Fiction’
Written by ABC Audio. All rights reserved. on January 30, 2024
Issa Rae is opening up about how Black stories are disappearing across television.
In an interview with Net-a-Porter, the writer and American Fiction actress shared her observations about how fewer Black stories are being greenlit.
“You’re seeing so many Black shows get canceled, you’re seeing so many executives – especially on the DEI [diversity, equity and inclusion] side – get canned,” she said. “You’re seeing very clearly now that our stories are less of a priority.”
Rae said, “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.”
The lack of support has prompted her to “take more steps to try to be independent down the line if I have to.”
Rae says one of the reasons why she was drawn to American Fiction — where she plays Sintara Golden, an author whose bestselling novel seemingly panders to Black stereotypes — was because it spoke to her own experience as a writer and actress in the industry.
“I found [the script] so relatable, so funny, so perfectly satirical,” she said. “Because I’ve been [the main character] Monk, and I remember in the Awkward Black Girl days – and even prior to that – feeling so enraged about what wasn’t being made, and being mad at who was in the spotlight at the time because I was like, ‘I know we’re so much more than what’s being presented here.'”
Rae also says she’s inspired to write more stories she wants told and she’s “been laser-focused on getting these projects up and running.”
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