Issa Rae made fans laugh when she compared her TV show, Insecure, to The Golden Girls. Insecure is about young black women and is as raunchy as it is hilarious. The Golden Girls is about the hijinks of four older white women.
But Rae has a point. The Golden Girls was one of the first TV shows about female friendship; Insecure is one of the first shows to focus on a strong friendship between black women, or as Rae put it, black women who aren't just throwing shade at each other. This new and important perspective on television gives viewers plenty to talk about.
Insecure Event
Do you enjoy talking about Insecure? Hear a lively panel of speakers at Insecure: A Kitchen Table Conversation on July 19 at Blackstone Branch. This event is put on by CPL's African American Services Committee.
Reading Recommendations
Pick up these titles for a similar perspective to the show.
Bitch Is the New Black: Helena Andrews' hilarious and empowering memoir follows her life as a successful, single and sassy woman as she confronts stereotypes, strives for success and looks for love in Washington, D.C.
Bitch Is the New Black is available in multiple formats.
In the Not Quite Dark: This collection of stories details how big issues—such as race, class and love—define our relationships.
Sisters of the Yam: Researcher and feminist bell hooks discusses how sexism and racism have impacted the emotional health of black women. She encourages black women to work together to achieve common goals while keeping their individuality.
Season One Reading Lists
Check out these booklists for episode-specific reading suggestions:
- Episode 1: Themes include relationships, singleness, career, education and self-worth
- Episode 2: Themes include black women at work, passive behavior, communication and love language
- Episode 3: Themes include microaggressions, black women at work, codeswitch and intersectionality
- Episode 4: Themes include feeling trapped and dreams vs. reality
- Episode 5: Themes include cheating, interracial dating and ex-lovers
- Episode 6: Themes include black men, love, regrets and LGBTQ
- Episode 7: Themes include black pain, mental health, recovery, sexual fluidity, gender and sexuality
- Episode 8: Themes include breakups, relationships and friendships
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