Issa Rae Doesn’t feel any Different

Issa Rae’s fame and upcoming series, Insecure, don’t define her

It may be hard to believe right now, but there will be other show’s on HBO besides Westworld. New shows, even. Insecure, created and helmed by Issa Rae, kicks off next Sunday. It will be HBO’s first show by a black woman, believe it or not. That may feel like it would put an inordinate amount of pressure on Insecure, but you wouldn’t know that talking to Rae.

In a new interview with New York Magazine, Issa Rae opens up about life with HBO. The newfound fame doesn’t make her feel any different, which is both surprising and humbling.

"“When I first saw my face on a billboard I pulled over and took pictures and did dances…I’m 31 now so I kind of know myself and have a group of friends that I love that are outside of the industry, and I just feel like this is still a job at the end of the day. It doesn’t define me.”"

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Issa Rae’s goal with Insecure is to normalize the black experience, something which unfortunately needs to be done. She lists shows that she has loved, such as The Office and Curb Your Enthusiasm, and rightly wonders where the black people are. Behind Divorce, Insecure is the most anticipated new comedy coming to a premium network. It’s as if this is the perfect time for Rae to really make her mark.

The interview is more than just a promotional piece for Insecure, it also tracks Rae’s upbringing and past work. Rae also doesn’t take too kindly to the white-washing that occurred at the Emmy awards and the how difficult it is for a black woman to get a meaningful role:

"“You’ve got these old executives that need to die off, or be replaced. And little by little that’s happening.”"

Next: Preview what's coming next on Westworld

Insecure could signal a further change in a positive directions and that’s definitely what Rae is going for. She also lists her current nervous about her upcoming premiere as a 7 out of 10, in case you’re curious. The full piece is worth checking out even if you don’t necessarily plan on checking out Insecure this Sunday.