Issa Rae says DEI is a ‘bad word’ in Hollywood

Issa Rae recently shared it The cover that “Hollywood is currently in an identity crisis” and is experiencing a decline in representation both behind and in front of the camera.

“I started ‘Awkward Black Girl’ because there was a lack of representation in the industry, and I felt like this was my opportunity to put an archetype into the space that didn’t exist at the time,” Rae said. “And now, even after so much progress, we are back to limited representation and having to reclaim our stories. In a sense, we are back where we started, only wiser.”

Rae added that some officials of color have told her they “can’t co-sign you.” She thinks this is a symptom of the industry “tiptoeing around” to elevate diverse storytellers in light of recent restrictions on DEI policies.

“I can see it already. Just shameless. People aren’t investing like they used to,” Rae claimed. “[DEI] has taken on a different meaning and has become a bad word.”

While Rae insisted her goal of increasing inclusivity in Hollywood will “never” change, she said she has to become more creative in the way she pitches her projects.

“You have to be smarter in the way you package and market [projects]Rae explained. “Just tell them, ‘It’s not a show about a black woman, it’s a show about class.’ As icky as that may feel, it sells the show.

Rae recalled being approached about a television adaptation of the YouTube series “Awkward Black Girl.” However, it was pitched as a complete overhaul with an entirely new cast.

Rae joked, “They were talking about recasting everyone, including myself, with celebrities, so that was an easy no thanks.”