Issa Rae recently told The Wrap that “Hollywood is going through an identity crisis right now,” and is experiencing a decline in representation both in front of and behind the camera.
“I started Awkward Black Girl because there was a lack of representation in the industry, and I felt this was an opportunity to put the archetype in a space that didn’t exist at the time,” Ray said. “And now, even though we’ve made so much progress, in some ways we’re back to limited expressiveness and having to insist on our own stories. In some ways, we’re back to where we started, but we’re smarter.”
Wray added that some executives of color told her, “We can’t co-sign with you.” She believes this is a sign that the industry is “sneaky” in promoting diverse storytellers in light of the recent crackdown on DEI policies.
“I’m seeing it, blatantly. People aren’t investing like they used to,” Ray asserted. “(DEI) has changed its meaning and become a bad word.”
While Ray insisted his goal of increasing inclusivity in Hollywood will “never” change, he said he needs to be more creative in how he markets his projects.
“We have to get smarter about how we package and market[projects],” Ray explained. “You tell them, ‘This isn’t a show about black women, this is a show about class.’ That may be offensive, but that’s what sells the show.”
Ray recalled being approached about adapting the YouTube series “Awkward Black Girl” to television. However, it was pitched as a complete overhaul with an all-new cast.
Ray quipped, “They were talking about recasting everyone, including me, as celebrities, so it was an easy no-thank you.”
