Black Media Breakdown #4: How Issa Rae writes black men : Video Essay

Quick announcement update... i am very sorry for saying the show was centered in the Bay area. My bad yall. Please feel free to drag me as needed for my mistake. But i am aware of the mistake lol.
Issa Rae’s Insecure sets a new standard for black dramedy. I’ve tuned in every night on HBO to see what her and Yvonne Orji (aka the character Molly) get into. But at the same time I’ve also found myself captivated and motivated by the way Issa writes black men. Issa’s come a long way from Awkward Black Girl to visions of black love in The Photograph or good ol fashioned comedy hijinks with a fellow future icon (Marsai Martin) in Little and with Kumail Nanjiani in Lovebirds, or just standing around being extra fly and Black in Jay Z's Moonlight. But it’s her creation of characters like Baby Voice Darius, Thug Yoda, Jared and of course Lawrence that puts her in rarified air for the way she represents black men on the big and small screen.
So in this episode of Black Media Breakdown Fiq plants his flag as a member of the Lawrence fanbase and reacts to the ways in which Issa gets and represents men on screen better than anyone else in the game!
#Issarae, #lawrencehive, #teamlawrence, #insecure, #insecurehbo, #hbo, #blackmen, #blackmasculinity, #reaction, #videoessay, #blackmedia, #blackmovies, #blackmeninmovies, #blackmeninmedia, #blackwomenwriters, #blackwomancreators,
No copyright intended. All media is used under fair use.

[@Bloooooooooooppp]

She writes black people with love and honesty. Insecure is one of the most relatable shows, it’s one of the few times where I’ve felt represented in a show.

[@OReily08080]

Honestly

[@jasmine9579]

same.

[@TheDerrickLipschitz]

because it's authentic

[@superduperjoi6800]

Fax

[@happylindsay4475]

Big Facts!

[@calid771]

Yes, Let's give Issa her flowers while she's still here.

[@ArtaxerxesVI]

'Still' lol

[@gato0082]

✨🌼🌼

[@LBoogie49]

💐💐💐💐💐💐

[@astoldbynickgerr]

🌹🌸🌺🌷🌻🌼💐🌹🌸🌺🌷🌻🌼💐🌹🌸🌺🌷🌻🌼💐🌹🌸🌺🌷🌻🌼💐🌹🌸🌺🌷🌻🌼💐🌹🌸🌺🌷🌻🌼💐💐🌹🌸🌺🌷🌻🌻🌼💐💐🌸💐🌺🌷🌻🌹🌼🌷

[@israeliana]

Right she is so perfect. And she's living her Black Love story too.

[@daily_rhetoric]

I’m glad she didn’t write Lawrence off the show because it shows his evolution and in real life people just don’t go away like that.

[@Social_Pugatory]

Yea I like that it was true to life as well Ex’s don’t just disappear out your life instantly; especially if they still live in the area, have same friend group and frequent the same restaurants and circles you have since college. You’re gonna run into your Ex every once in a while it’s inevitable.

[@romeheux]

great point. normally we see the same ppl constantly and eventually may see the growth that they encounter.

[@summerrobinson9847]

*daniel has entered the chat*

[@codishaa]

YES!!!!

[@lepetitmort1150]

yes they do.

[@camieatspandas]

a latina here who loves insecure& has been a fan since ABG , i wanna add how i LOVE how she wrote latino & asians as actual people and not the same basic caricatures like they do in other shows

[@ajahnay297]

White shows do that… same for us they make token black roles 😫

[@nana8135]

❤❤

[@welisanerich5376]

The fact that they wanted to give the lead role to Lauren London. When issa wrote, produced, directed everything was wild.

[@FDSignifire]

Damn I did not know that bit of lore

[@smilealwaysnatasha3423]

The show wouldn’t have been the same. No shade to Lauren because she is awesome

[@gato0082]

Some blk ppl just love "the image" of L. L..... & 🙊🙊

[@DiamondEubanks]

Wowww. I had no idea!

[@cephusakeem7141]

THAT PART!

[@cdot.8492]

Issa pulled off relatable characters without being stereotypical. Great analysis.

[@eagleswings4142]

Agreed she is honoring our lives vs. exploiting them which is pretty typical of non-black writers.

[@joshuamcdowell9745]

Unlike Tyler Perry. That is why people can't get into his movies and TV shows. He relies on Black stereotypes too much when creating his characters.

[@kokolatte825]

@@joshuamcdowell9745 yes, like I want to root for Tyler because his story is actually powerful but he leans TOO HEAVILY on our stereotypes. His shows feel pointless filled with too many clichés. I wish he would just hire writers.

[@bhillboy37]

@@kokolatte825 I agree. There are a ton of writers waiting tables in LA that would do well to write from their experience with somebody who is willing to give them the room to get started and grow in the industry...from Atlanta, which might be a better fit for most Af- Am's.

[@loucypherdamorningstar]

The blood dude was always hilarious “My daughter is in the play singing bhristmas barols with some other bhildren from her blass” 😭😭😭

[@naheemquattlebaum2267]

What I love about the men on this show is that they're not caricatures. They're just people.

[@inajai6422]

Yesss! When a show is centered around women, they tend to write men so damn one dimensional. Same goes for shows centered around men, then the women are one dimensional.

[@dantepereirea3992]

I remember having a blow out argument with my two female roommates about the way that molly treated Jared for exploring his sexuality. The way that black women view black masculinity is hypocritical and I’m so glad Issa decided to put that in front of us to start the conversation.

[@Taylordessalines]

fax

[@ijechuks4300]

Yeah unfortunately a lot of ppl view bisexuality in men as a gay person in transit. It’s also a shame that black men aren’t afforded the same type of grace in exploring their fluidity that women can have

[@jessicaevans2564]

I was so upset, you have this dude who sees you for who you are and still is into you and you can’t just live in happiness? Ah well, got the discussion going.

[@ashleyharper6408]

Yea but I personally don’t want a bisexual man … not everybody wants that but she could’ve handled it Better

[@ashleyharper6408]

But then again …. He said it was only once he just tried it and never said that he was bisexual .so I think she did too much . Because if A girl said she “tried” a girl even once it was be okay and praised

[@Sthuthukile]

One great thing about the "awkward black girl" archetype is that it was created BY black women FOR black women.

[@TeKeyaKrystal]

Amen

[@mahi9684]

I am she

[@susanrichardson631]

As one I concur.

[@denisexx6337]

Same..

[@olubukonla7352]

That is why it's so good

[@isabellepantelll5004]

Love insecure so much😭. Especially how Nathan’s character is playing out. Like he’s just a regular guy trying to make it in this world, and he has bipolar disorder. You’re right, people don’t get to see someone with mental health issues written with so much depth, we’re usually just given cartoon/stereotypical depictions. If you’ve never met someone with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, etc and all you’re consuming are these harmful images, you could wind up mistreating or even harming that person. The way she writes her characters and especially her men is refreshing. Thanks for making this video I really enjoyed it👍

[@catherinecampbell1215]

Gata on The show Dave has bipolar disorder in real life and on the show and it is portrayed in such an accurate manner. The same goes for Ian on Shameless.

[@b00tsyallday]

Yes, very refreshing!!

[@omarispowell2949]

What you’re saying is so true and really hits home for me because me and my friends recently found out by accident that a family friend of ours that I literary knew since I was born had depression and I knew her my whole life and never would have guessed it. She was a little emotional or wouldn’t talk sometimes but she wasn’t that talkative to begin with so I just thought she was acting a little weird when she was actually struggling by herself with it because her family didn’t want people to know because of how much scrutiny the black community gives people with mental illnesses. And now my friend group is really reflecting how they treated her for the last 16 years because now we know she wasn’t being dramatic or weird but was going through a lot and I feel like me and my friend group missed an opportunity to really help and understand her now that we’re all parting ways to continue our lives. And I know it’s the 21st century so we could always call each other but it isn’t the same as when we were young and saw each other everyday and when helping her could have really made an impact in her life for the better, even though her life is good and she’s doing well, we could have supported her more and probably could have had an even stronger bond than the one we have now.

[@MythmasterFunky]

@@omarispowell2949 men will never get that, I'm just told to man up lol

[@qqfuwu1]

As a person with bipolar, that is exactly why I love this show so much. It’s honest, open, and a great discussion on the values and insights into bipolar disorder! And the fact he’s a man, it’s perfect! So many people assume only women have it, oddly

[@dramaqueen465]

Every time I see Insecure I remember how I got my Hungarian roommate who doesn't know much about black culture, super into Insecure. I had to explain a couple references but she was cracking up. Anyone can watch a show with an all black cast. POCs have been watching all white/predominantly white shows forever and relating to the characters. Why not the other way around? Edit: Just wanted to add that it definitely helps that Issa Rae (and all the other cast and crew) is incredibly talented. Her ability to write dynamic characters is on another level.

[@a.h.2667]

I like that Insecure shows the bad behaviors of the "good guy." I've experienced the most hurt from those guys, and usually there's an ex they couldn't get over or unresolved mommy issues.

[@Zam919]

Just remember that we’re all flawed. You as well as him.

[@nessmarie6044]

@@Zam919 being flawed does not mean you're exempt from taking responsibility for your actions. in fact, recognizing toxic habits picked up from one's past and healing from them would bring more peace to mind than continuing the cycle of heartbreak

[@geraldking6120]

please give some examples @@nessmarie6044

[@oliverfrench2847]

@@Zam919wrong idea dude. not the point 😊

[@olubukonla7352]

sOOOO TRUE. I was a attracted to a white guy, whom I KNEW liked WOC. He was a raging alcoholic though (strike one), then come to find out, the man was MARRIED, to some mail-order bride type Asian chic. He too had deep insecurities and trauma from a relationship wherein a Black woman broke his heart. Hence, the alcoholism.

[@TheLeah2344]

I’m 25 and I was consuming KZbin since 2011. I first discovered Issa on KZbin through Awkward Black Girl. This was the first time I saw a dark skin black woman like me with natural hair who was awkward and not a “angry black woman” or “baby mama stereotype”.

[@LovingSoul61]

Same! 25! Watched the show in high school. So grateful for her existence 🙏🏾

[@Tan87ful]

Agreed 👏🏽👏🏽💯💯

[@ETMFpodcast]

I had never seen the video of the guys cheering for Lawrence. It was hilarious and ridiculous at the same time.

[@FDSignifire]

I found that while prepping this video and I was like yeaaa this gotta go in

[@claranguematio6717]

I have never seen this video , most of my male friends got hooked up on Insecure because of this scene

[@k2kfitchannel944]

@@FDSignifire THIS was EXCEPTIONAL....I wasn't a consistent viewer of Insecure. Just too committed to the Awkward Black series...and others like Giant and whole bunch that came out Issas creative friend camps I would love to hear you take on the male representation in the cult classic movie the WIZ..

[@valoruniversity]

I was watching that scene with my girl like, damn Lawrence and smh. On the inside I was like DAUYM Lawrence, giving myself hi fives.

[@FlyGravitas]

As a Black man, this spoke to my heart more than any therapeutic session, philosophical conversation with another male, or deep dive into my own ideas about my masculinity and relationship experiences. Wow man, thank you for this analysis. It's more than just a pop culture essay. It's a needed review of how patriarchy effects black men.

[@lowlowseesee]

Same. top it off with Moonlight and the Last Black Man in San Francisco and its a wrap

[@kenamasunsmith3976]

Brothers, This brother is thinking. It is very attractive on our people. Stay strong, stay righteous, stay Black.:)

[@tely101]

same here

[@Oratile-nl9eo]

​@@lowlowseesee Those movies were so touching and shed light on the softness and affectionate camaderie between men.

[@factsunami5442]

Issa Rae made me feel good to be black. She represented us in a light we don't usually get to see. I've never watched anything and felt "this was made for me". If you get it you get it

[@ToonrificTariq]

This video was so fly. Insecure is one of my favorite shows of all time and you smoked this analysis.

[@FDSignifire]

Yooo! Your How to Black video made me pick up a pen! I appreciate the compliment.

[@ToonrificTariq]

@@FDSignifire Wow, thank you! That’s so dope. I’m glad I did it then, if it influenced you because I have every intention on watching more of your videos. I loved this one a lot.

[@offbeatkiki]

TARIQ. I was about to send you this video until I saw this comment 😭💙

[@shaybrat1905]

@@ToonrificTariq thanks for all your work! I binge your shit(even the Little LuLu and Braceface ones) you are amazing 👏

[@Juk3boxjohnny]

Can you do a breakdown of Lawrence and Candola. That season 5 episode 3 was so relatable

[@yveqeshy]

'There are shades of toxic, which is much more relatable and much more realistic'... This is what makes insecure so good

[@jahvheadgawn]

I felt this breakdown of Lawrence to my core. The woman I really saw myself settling down with and marrying cheated with my close friend at the time and somehow tried to blame it on me. After that, we spent years trying to fix things and it always went back to her not admitting that she cheated off her own interest in someone else. So we often use to get close to getting back together and then always hitting that roadblock. Right now I still think about her when I have my quiet moments but then I think that I am better off moving on with my life.

[@kingaura480]

why would you try to patxh things up after her cheating

[@bharris4517]

Oh man, I’m so sorry you have to go through this. You will find love.

[@valeriew4833]

Yes you deserve better.

[@Msd4-13]

You deserve better. You loved her, she may always have a place in your heart just know she has no place in your life.

[@jameer7565]

I’m sorry but that’s your fault. With your friend? She’s obviously an abuser seek help if you think this is healthy.

[@deborahlynn6354]

This was well done. The breakdown of Dro was particularly well done. I do wish you'd mentioned Rae's being a black feminist is at the core of ALL of her work. Healthy black men is a feminist goal. I hope she spends more and more time writing. There's nobody like her so far.

[@jospinner1183]

This.

[@kharmakelley1607]

"Healthy Black men is a feminist goal." I feel this so much! We need to share this more.

[@briyabrown2243]

THISSSSSSS

[@killg0ldie]

Love this

[@roots4140]

Thank you for this! A word!

[@FabalociousDee]

Peep the colour scheme between Issa and Lawrence. Issa's decked out in red and Lawrence in blue. At the tail end of their conversation, Lawrence steps into the red side of the lightning, and Issa steps into the blue. This doesn't just reflect how the both of them are mirror images of each other now, and how they see the bigger picture, it also reflects how their pasts. The blue doesn't just represent Issa ultimately becoming what she was looking for in others, it reflects where she was in the past, too - she was playing the supportive role she thought she was supposed to as a Black woman during her relationship with Lawrence. The red shows the same thing with Lawrence - when we meet him, he had already tried to be the the go-getter idealised as the Black masculine and he'd failed. Now their experiences are reframed through their conversation, realising that trying to fit ideals were making them incomplete, and not each other. This show is a masterpiece.

[@dsbmitchell]

Beautifully said. I didn't (consciously) realize that about the color scheme. Thank you for sharing that.

[@ashatashabazz1262]

Keri Washington produced that episode

[@kieranarmstrongproductions4743]

@@ashatashabazz1262 Ava berkovsky is the DP and the mind behind that amazingly shot and blocked sequence. This entire show is just geniuses bouncing their genius off of each other

[@olivemashala258]

Beautiful analysis!

[@NallahBrown]

@@kieranarmstrongproductions4743 WORD

[@DaOneDeeMoney]

Issa Rae deserves way more credit then she’s has gotten furthermore I’m glad that she’s not so one sided like Tyler Perry

[@lowlowseesee]

yea you cant mention Tyler and her in the same convo. Tyler is lowest hanging fruit with his stuff and problematic. Issa is a dream

[@Kajmanie]

I think u meant corny. I think Tyler’s comedy is a very particular style like the Wayans. Issas is more the style you’ll see in movies depicting white folks. But the way black folks would do it. So it feels genuine.

[@johnniesteele9865]

@@lowlowseesee Whatever you think of Tyler Perry, he is a billionaire that is doing well with his niche. Not to mention he supports the black community with his pockets as well as with his access to opportunity.

[@serpentine913serp6]

@@johnniesteele9865 Here we go, another Tyler Perry defender. If he’s a billionaire, then he does not need you to hit up social media threads to defend him. He may be super rich but so is the owner of del Taco. Their products still suck!

[@johnniesteele9865]

@@serpentine913serp6 Dude, What tf is wrong w/you? There is no law or offense against having an opinion. Are you one of these DT supporters that no longer believes n democracy? A Gestapo purveyor? What I posited is factual; normally, I am incurious--but not today. What is your point?

[@linzeeb4]

I'm still mad at Molly for how she treated Jared.

[@user-gk2sc4ky4i]

same molly is really hard to like even though theres stuff to like about her its just her expectations for others even herself is unrealistic a lot of the time and so hard to watch

[@lewisbell6265]

@@user-gk2sc4ky4i Example of great writing. Most people irl are more complicated than just being absolutely evil or ablsolutely good. Tyler Perry for example loves write 1 dimensional characters bad guys are handsome Ish assholes who have no redeemable characteristics. Good guys are handsome poor but working on it. So boring predictable and overused

[@Sam-0827]

Sammmmeee

[@buddigabong]

eh the rate of STDs amongst MSM is enough to justify distrust of women towards those men.

[@Youneedalex]

@@buddigabong that’s not really an excuse, he experimented once and he didn’t like it so he wouldn’t be under MSM

[@21witnokids]

I binged this show in like 4 days, every scenario in each episode is SOO real it’s crazy how realistic the characters reactions are too and I love how up and down all of the friendships and relationships are bc that’s genuinely how it goes. Issa Rae is so talented she is a gift

[@unerevuese]

That episode when Issa and Lawrence get back together was so beautifully done.

[@kaheaisaac1]

Yess i was so happy and full hope during that time

[@wordswarsandsymphonies]

@@kaheaisaac1 and then it all came crashing down 😭😭😭😭

[@jameer7565]

They really shouldn’t have she did him so dirty lmaoo this video is cool but women like Issa are the issue with black relationships

[@sainttheresetaylor2054]

@@jameer7565 what?

[@anyanwuwildseed4023]

Your commentary about fluffy men is perfect! And you’re right, they don’t have a problem getting girls. TSA Bae was very realistic and hilarious.

[@olubukonla7352]

What's NOT to love about a fluffy teddy bear, who envelopes you in a warm, cuddly embrace? 🤷🏾

[@VibeWithVida]

Issa shows her love for her people through her art. It is admirable, undeniable, unapologetically BLACK & BEAUTIFUL! ✌🏽

[@cl8822]

I'm a white dude and relate to Lawrence through and through. I connect to his sensitive nature with a combination of deeply conflicted projected masculinity (usually portrayed by media). Insecure is one of the most honest shows ever and it does this all while staying legit funny? Issa's a genius and as usual @F.D. Signifier made a great video

[@CallMeMrStopmotion]

I loved how Issa Rae's characters made me question my personality when thinking of her actions through the other characters' perspectives.

[@victoriap1649]

That’s so awesome and shows how well written the show and character development are *edit:spelling

[@trescincoysiete]

Same to me. Sometimes, as gay latino man, I think that the show is not written for me but in a way I identify so hard to the characters.

[@NicooRico]

Brrrr-rr-rraa!!! This was dope bro. Enjoyed the full breakdown of each male character. But you forgot my favorite and most significant black male on the show: Issa's brother. Such a breath of fresh air to an otherwise polluted heterosexual heavy industry. Made me truly appreciate her splendor as a producer.

[@LBoogie49]

So true! I absolutely love Ahmal and his banter with Kelli kills me every time!

[@elimo3901]

Omg yes! I love him and Issa's sibling vibe... And yes, banter with Kelli. He needs more screentime!

[@SecundaJoseph]

Love her brother!!!

[@TititoDeBologay]

Yes, the finale season better tell us what happened between Him and Kelli.

[@iamjaquanna]

yessss!!! him and Tiffany's husband were freaking hilarious!!! They carried a lot of them scenes

[@sabrinasaidso9699]

Issa & co does a good job of writing “regular” young-ish black people. I’m so proud of Issa and her journey. I remember watching Awkward Black Girl in high school.

[@HOOLIGANSSSSss]

watching insecure is really helping me in my life. it really hits home for me, like it's okay to take your time. its okay to not have it all figured out and that's life. i can go more into it but it made me feel good to be like seen, as a regular black girl going through the motions of life. easily one of my top tv shows.

[@jaybobby77]

spot on...insecure is such a masterpiece.

[@senorhotpants1851]

how? its just whiny women.

[@pizzarolls7719]

@@senorhotpants1851 mad?

[@senorhotpants1851]

@@pizzarolls7719 no just disappointed.

[@ngarner256]

I loved awkward black girl, it was a great show!

[@Kajmanie]

It’s really upsetting me and my home girl that this amazing masterpiece is coming to an end. It’s literally 1 of the most relatable shows I’ve ever watched. And that’s just in general

[@bharris4517]

Girl same. Hopefully she brings it back.

[@GDIEternal]

I'd love to hear your thoughts on Randall from This is Us.

[@gianninal5455]

Oooo, same!

[@samileeable]

Oooooo! Yes

[@julem247]

Me too!

[@ginagary9360]

Oooo Yes. break that one down, Sir!

[@OReily08080]

Oooooo

[@tacrewgirl]

Wow, this a great analysis, and I never thought about the different ways Insecure presents black masculinity, but yeah, it does a great job. Thanks for pointing this out.

[@nazyirgalem9241]

This analysis is fire. It was insightful and challenged me to think about how I, as a Black woman, may have been an agent of patriarchy w/o knowing it in my relationships with Black men. Thank you!

[@wattakesselly6463]

Heavy comment. Thank you for the analysis ❤

[@eagleswings4142]

I agree this will be a classic for generations to come because of relatable stories and dissent from perpetual struggle vs. triumph. "shades of toxic" I love this phrasing I love the way Issa Rae humanizes black men. It's beautiful.

[@nawfsideslim]

'cause Tyler Perry and Lena Waithe be dragging our ass thru the mud!!😂😂

[@kolboy757]

They write black men horribly. Even the black men that supposed to be the lead

[@nawfsideslim]

@@kolboy757 every dude on the Chi besides Douda is a simp... TP plays the colorism game.. Dark skin=villain Light skin = savior

[@prtdiva]

@@nawfsideslim omg I’m so sick of Tyler Perry’s stereotypical characters. 🤢

[@animec-dramaskpop6362]

Tyler Perry do black men and women wrong.

[@serpentine913serp6]

In the cinematic universe, Tyler Perry has set Black people back 25 years. Now here comes all his lovers saying, “But he’s a billionaire.”

[@Commercialnerd74]

"Bouch" 🤣 thank you for this breakdown!! It needed to be done

[@LBoogie49]

Dude is hilarious!

[@grownwomanplans3929]

Cracked me up too! It took me a minute to catch on to the character changing all the “C’s” to “B’s”! Then none of my friends caught it and I couldn’t find the episodes to point it out. So hearing this guy say it, tickled me!

[@Commercialnerd74]

@@grownwomanplans3929 me too!!

[@jemmstone468]

4:46 love this point. not everyone is going to reach self actualization and that does not reduce their worth.

[@alva2bryant]

One of the best shows in decades. The complexities and depth each character is written is so rarely spot on! We can literally swim in these characters.

[@k_drive]

holy shit that montage of old youtubers was confronting, i really forgot about how prevalent they were.

[@heinuchung8680]

It’s crazy , KZbin has really changed .

[@jrainey4002]

I’d love to see an analysis of Molly. I feel like I’m the only one that likes her 😅 she has unlikable qualities but she is such a relatable character!

[@afeleymaduro9765]

I love Molly!

[@jrainey4002]

@@afeleymaduro9765 ayeeee 🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@melissah170]

I love Molly too! 😊

[@roxywyndham]

I love Molly, she’s my favorite.

[@titysardonyx207]

I love Molly

[@HekimaAshe]

She really does try to tell the story through the lense of each character so we can get the full spectrum. And this video broke that down perfectly.

[@lovelylanicee1549]

Man this video was so well out together I didn’t want it to end. She killed every character she wrote . And it made the show so enjoyable to watch. Can’t wait for the final season

[@kilimanjaro5537]

This was a really great breakdown. It’s refreshing to hear a male perspective on how men are portrayed in television especially a black man’s. It made me view Lawrence’s character differently and even just how I view most men in general. Issa is an incredible writer.

[@reimourrpower9357]

Issa most definitely is a skilled & talented writer. But let's not forget she has the foresight to employ a team of writers & filmmakers to help flesh out such a well-balanced series, props to her staff.

[@truetrinitexan37]

I almost dipped when you said Insecure is "essentially 'Girls' but Black" but I'm glad I hung in until the end of the video. Your analysis of the male characters on the show was so thorough. It echoed a lot of what I felt watching the show and highlighted what makes it such a great watch. Great video

[@FDSignifire]

🤣🤣🤣 I only watched the first season of girls so I may be all wrong on that. My main point is that it was the first show explicitly for and by millenials...but black.

[@MelodiousThunk]

@@FDSignifire For reasons that I can't explain, I chose to watch something like four whole seasons of Girls, despite finding two of the main characters unbearably self-centred. Insecure has done a much better job of crafting characters with relatable flaws, who don't come across as deserving several hard slaps across the face.

[@ChristopherKendalls]

@@FDSignifire Girls had abusive relationships. The one time a Black guy was on there was odd. But I found it to be brutally honest about how interracial relationships can go.

[@linzeeb4]

I had to pause at that part to try and figure out if I knew what that show was lol. I was like "Girlfriends? No... Gilmore girls? Probably not..."

[@sigh824]

@@linzeeb4 yeah I would’ve went with sex in the city first

[@worldofmango1409]

I can watch Insecure over and over again like Martin and that says a lot for me lol

[@marthazziwa1273]

I’m normally not able to sit through videos like this but this was really good. I especially love how you vocalized Lawrence’s realization that it’s okay for him to not live up to other peoples expectations. It made me really look at myself and how I’ve been afraid to do the same, but that may be the key to my own freedom.

[@msesocialite]

I’m so late in finding this video, I absolutely loved it. The only correction I would give is that the show is based in LA and not the BayArea. I know someone probably shared that already. I appreciated the introspective commentary and relatable context. I agreed with every point shared. Thank you for this.

[@FDSignifire]

Don't feel bad. I just changed the thumbnail and KZbin is finally giving me some algorithm love. 75% of the views are from the last week🤣

[@LBoogie49]

@@FDSignifire sooooo glad the algorithm has been working for me lately

[@29dreambig]

Great content!!! I too believe Insecure will be hailed as a classic. I’ve always made a point to take time digest Insecure eps. I can watch multiple times and see something new. I didn’t even realize all the various characters through the seasons representing types of black masculinity- you broke the Dro situation all the way DOWN!! IMO Insecure is coming of age and love story for Issa and Lawrence.

[@FDSignifire]

Thanks so much for the love man! Yeah i feel the same way. I do wonder what they have in store. Issa can often subvert expectations, and there's probably a reason they kept Nathan around at the end of last season. We'll see what she cooks up.

[@natrai95]

Such a comprehensive break down and important conversation. 😂I’m just so jealous of your friends who get to have in depth discussions about movie and tv with you. I need more intellectual friends.

[@lordblazer]

yea it's great to have.. Once I turned 25 I got tired of talking to folks about movies and their response was "it ain't that deep" when it actually was cuz all media is that deep. 10 years later, it paid off to make an effort to meet people who enjoyed intellectual discourse on various topics. It runs counter to American culture, and so when I get out of that bubble oh people get mad if you get deep on a movie or tv show.

[@simonthomas1672]

This video is so great, thanks for sharing. As a white English man, I found your analysis of the portrayal of Black American men so illuminating, thank you. I knew Insecure was one of my favourite shows for a reason.

[@ipsilonia]

2:19 they live in la, not the bay... and la is def one of the main characters in the show. they showcase the city so well.

[@PinkPeonies23]

Thank you! I was looking to see if someone else caught this one flaw in an otherwise excellent breakdown of the show.

[@MillieMaa]

Yeah I was like where is he from? The show is so LA… excellent breakdown otherwise….

[@dp2ne1]

That threw me off so hard bc Issa Rae even said the show is like a love letter to LA, her home she grew up in. So many of the spots highlighted in the show are so prominent to her life and what makes this show so special. Smh lol

[@laylah150]

not everyone is from America. I thought the bay was the beach side of LA

[@travisrichardson5409]

I can't fathom how any person based in the US and that has such a grasp of everything else going on this show can have an oversight such as this. Wow!!

[@AsiaFromBrooklyn]

Issa Rae is an amazingly talented writer. I’m gonna miss Insecure 😞 they have given us so much great tv

[@stuffedsammy5830]

She's an amazing writer, give her her flowers

[@annadowling6151]

I was so psyched to watch this analysis after finishing Insecure, and it more than lived up to expectations. The scene with Lawrence and the two white women exemplified such a common trend in the way white women fetishize black bodies in a way that undermines black personhood and agency. Then they are so quick to "other" those same bodies one minute later when they don't perform strictly as expected for their pleasure. I like how this scene included the women starting to shit-talk a friend they see as fat right after the threesome, truly exemplifying the fat-phobia and othering that goes with that sort of dehumanizing fetishization of non-white people.

[@CeeMeeZee]

I just shared this on Facebook. Here's the post: "This was a great analysis from a black male perspective. It made me want to watch Insecure again to reflect on his take!" Good job!!!

[@loscolores1324]

I’ve never seen this show. And his video kinda makes me want to watch it.

[@Lucian_Media]

@@loscolores1324 Watch it!!

[@VinceBass]

Damn you been doing this thing for a minute and this just now popping up in my feed? I love Insecure and your video put into words how the show was making me feel as a black man and how these characters are so relatable. Thank you so much.

[@jayreeves5905]

This is my first time seeing him in my feed. Great content, beautiful job.

[@annagerse6444]

I'm a 65 year old African in America woman!! This show was refreshing and that you really see young African in America youth portrayed in this light! I'm so over the gangsters and drug dealers!! Well done!!

[@nana8135]

❤❤

[@lvaughntaylor3]

BRUH YOU SNAPPED ON THIS BREAKDOWN. I felt so seen and understood and this breakdown is on pointttt. Keep up the fire work.

[@natalie651]

I have no problem black work being put on the pedestal that it deserves. But, sometimes the black work is better than any other work, Asian, Latino and, especially, white. In that case, please recognize that this show should not only be remembered like A Different World or other black shows, but it should be remember like Mad Men or The Sopranos or other ALL-time great shows, regardless of color or gender. Maybe I'm wrong?

[@ez2bcute]

#facts it’s good period! And I know a lot of white folks watching is secretly, confused that Black characters have so much depth. Also, legit wondering about who I am outside of work lol! They asking too many questions now lol!

[@zainabmejja9936]

Damn right!

[@bluegreen9799]

Mad men is an all time great?

[@BlaqueCute29]

100%

[@MadMaxFuryRose]

@@bluegreen9799 yes. Have you watched?

[@jeralinsunflower7300]

I love this show so much! And I also really love Awkward Black Girl, when that web series came out, I was in middle school, the 7th grade. I related to it so much, I finally felt seen as an awkward, dark skinned black girl. I love Issa Rae so much and I appreciate what she’s done for me. ❤️

[@grooviestmaster]

The intro is CHEF'S KISS, I literally explained this in the same way in a couple of conversations. Early 2000s YT was literally the gasoline to fire that was young, comedic talent. Issa deserves all of this recognition 🤎🤎🤎 Honestly, thank you for making this video :)

[@lonely1951]

I’ve never heard of this show (I’m not a big tv gal) but the description of that “Fuckboy” character is such a more honest characterization than I’ve ever seen, I’m gonna start the show immediately.

[@GameFreak4Ever]

This is the type of conversation I bring up when mentioning the likes of Tyler Perry. I take issue with not broadening the perspective of the black male. Issa knocked it out of the park. If you don't give the world something to think about, then this is the only way they see us.

[@spiceboxify]

i am from the caribbean,,,am use to seeing men in leadership that are black....i cant take the constant ghetto imagery of blackhollywood and the prison life of american tv. it hurst to look at its effects as well on our psychi

[@GameFreak4Ever]

@@spiceboxify so true.

[@xamanbro826]

The Black men that Tyler Perry portrays are real Black men. We may not like these men but they are, without a doubt, a reflection of reality.

[@pizzarolls7719]

@@xamanbro826 Yeah, but they don't make up the whole reality. Only a small portion that for some reason is the only representation ever shown.

[@xamanbro826]

@@pizzarolls7719 I wasn’t implying that they make up the whole reality. Each Black person doesn’t have to be represented in every movie. We’re not a monolith. There is truth to every portrayal of Black men in the media.

[@raypatton4670]

Awkward Black Girl was my shit. I’m so proud of Issa and so happy how Insecure turned out. Great video!!!

[@davehan241]

When I watched the HBO show Girls...I wanted to slap every character because they were so supremely annoying. At least Sex in the City was way more funny, even though it's lost a lot with age IMO. Entourage was a bit vapid, but fun. Insecure is the BEST version of any 4-friends sitcom. Funny, insightful, authentic. The music, sets, costume, editing, acting...it's all so damned good!

[@briamonyae1396]

This is an amazing content analysis!!!!!

[@OfficialExcalibur707]

Issa is truly an icon. Can't wait to see what direction she goes into after insecure finished up. Great video

[@MR.FREEDMAN]

"Sleeping on her bouch" good writing on your part. Keep up the good work.

[@aprilpinkelton4385]

I love Issa and it's so refreshing how she writes her characters both men and women.

[@darladeigratia9303]

"the chad daniel" is not something that i was expecting to hear today

[@FDSignifire]

I need to know that some people get my cryptic jokes. Thank you so much

[@erikaluamba6016]

@@FDSignifire I got the Lawrence sleeping on the Bouch 🤭🤭🤭

[@gianninal5455]

Wow this has inspired me to go back and rewatch the whole series!!

[@cadyg2531]

Same and I already rewatched it like late last year lol, but it’s so good

[@LBoogie49]

🙋🏽‍♀️ me too!

[@dancerbabe02]

Watched season one 3 times 🥴🥴🥴

[@Su_en_youtube]

This show felt so so good to me . It made me think about so many situations where I was the toxic person or where I was the “victim”. One of the topics I liked the most was friendship and loyalty among black people. Also the way Issa wrote the conflict and subsequent amendment between Issa Dee and Crenshawn, with tension but in an evolved way. I just feel positively overwhelmed by this show and I look at the mirror now and then and start goofing around like Issa used to do herself hahaha. Issa Rae, girl, thank you so muuuuuch.

[@benjii220]

Thank you for articulating my visceral relation to Lawrence. These are some of the best black characters we've gotten in a while, everyone is a nuanced character with interesting contradictions in their character. Everyone's clearly flawed, but are also clearly driven, and motivated people. They're real as fuck. It's great.

[@omniframe8612]

I’ve always championed Issa for showing us in a more layered light

[@ImWillieBeamen]

I know this breakdown was about the brotha's on the show....but this was a breakthrough for me personally 😪😭 lol great content.

[@msatutude17]

Youtuve couldn't have recommended a better video! Thank you for this! This show has helped me to celebrate our people, be more empathetic, self reflective, and above all, see our women and men for the beautiful and chaotic characters we are

[@sorethumbs379]

🙏🏾

[@kitty_visionary_meow]

I know you didn't do so literally, but thank you for taking the time to shade Duckie from "Pretty in Pink" down. I never understood why people tried to pass that man off as a romantic alternative for the main lead. He was entitled and creepy 99% of the time.

[@alishainc]

Lawrence is real, he's made mistakes he eventually levelled up and then he found himself in another hard place

[@kristen4022]

Oof I haven’t watched insecure yet but wow this video made me reflect on how I projected idealized values onto men. Great video!!!

[@3s_muycar0]

I think this will be a comfort show to me as I’m continuing on with life. God willing I’ll be 25 this year and Insecure gives me reassurance that nobody approaching they 30s has their shit together yet. It’s like you still not fully a “grown up” and you still stumble in many aspects but you will eventually get to where you want to be, and I take great comfort in that.

[@racheldesir6612]

My goodness that was the greatest breakdown ever. You verbalized every thingI felt in my soul about the show.

[@syhlmpo]

When KZbin algorithm directs me to content I want to watch 🔥🔥. I enjoyed this breakdown so much of the male characters of the show. Subscribed!!

[@thepaige9508]

Love this video and the way that put everything out so clearly. Yes, Issa is definitely very talented and we are so blessed to have Insecure. Pity it's ending but also looking forward to what Issa has for us in the future

[@laylabey7315]

Absolutely love how you broke this down and worded everything. I really enjoyed watching this.

[@silentj624]

It took me 4 seasons to like Molly. People hate on Dro but he was honest up front. Molly wanted a relationship. Why she pursued him is her owwn fault

[@adriannaford4186]

Thank you for adding that post of Chadwick afterward, I can’t believe it’s almost been a year already 😢

[@calid771]

Great points regarding outside characters that were featured enough for us to see growth. Representation is always important and also to see Black men who are multifaceted .

[@cloutdaze]

Insecure is just one of those shows that is so unbeatable. Character-driven shows are one thing but the way Issa writes her characters feels so real and earnest. Every episode and message can have a underpinning of positivity or hope but Issa is not giving it to you easy. She follows that uncomfortable flow of life and allows her characters to be imperfect. I really appreciate that about her writing and her direction in this show. I really needed something when I found this show and I feel like it helped me work out some problems in my life. Shows like that can be such a damn rarity. God bless Issa Rae and all the talented actors that brought this show to life.

[@user-db9ed7hr8f]

..."Here's Lawrence sleeping on her bouch..."😂😂

[@IntroMind]

This was really great to see👍🏾. Never seen the show but I can definitely relate to Lawrence

[@FDSignifire]

It's a huge compliment to say you enjoyed the video without being familiar with the subject. Thank you!

[@sherrylynn3304]

@@FDSignifire same here. I have not seen the show but now I will. Excellent presentation.

[@LabiBradleyC]

I myself haven't seen a single episode but after this I went looking for season 1. I remember Issa from her KZbin series but wasn't motivated to watch the HBO makeover.

[@shaylan91321]

I really enjoyed your breakdown of these male characters as well, it was so nicely articulated. This is also why I really like the show. I don't know that I agree with how all the women characters are portrayed, but I do like how the male characters are fleshing out. And it's true I've not seen this ever done on TV before EVER. It does feel extremely authentic. Since I come from the Gen X generation, I've been exposed to so many black trope shows that it's been nice to see something else. I like that the show, let's others see that black people are just as complicated as THEY are, also college grads and professionals. And not just dancing around, telling jokes, looking for girls they can have sex with, and calling each other the N word. Although, all of that's in there. It shows that black men aren't a, "one trick pony." But multi dimensional, just as they should be portrayed.

[@keysomay]

Omg thank you...I really loved the perspective given here. It's made me look at the show and life in a whole new light. Wow! Thank you 😊 💓

[@ShayLamere]

Your insight just changed how I absorb the show. Well need!! 🙌🏾👏🏾 Now, I’m gonna binge the seasons! Thank you!

[@DanyelleDD]

Love Isa rae, love insecure i been a fan since diary of an awkward black girl. 👏👏👏

[@OReily08080]

I just love how Issa writes stories for black people. It’s just refreshing I guess