'Insecure' Showrunner Prentice Penny Calls Out Hollywood's Blackface Problem

"Ain't no one along the way think blackface was maybe a bad idea?"

BY Allie GregoryPublished Jul 6, 2020

After expressing concern about the recent takedown of multiple series' blackface episodes, HBO's Insecure showrunner Prentice Penny has penned an op-ed about accountability and the drive for racial equity in the writers' rooms of Hollywood.

As a guest columnist for Deadline, Penny called out the industry's blackface problem, pointing to the many hands a writer's racist gag passes through before it ultimately ends up onscreen:

It starts with a bit. Then, it's approved by the showrunner (I know because I am one). Then, it has to make it through multiple rewrites. Then, a table read. Then, the studio and network sign off. Then, actors and directors have to film it. Then, an editor, studio, and network (again) along with Standards & Practices sign off. Finally, it's aired and sponsors/local affiliate stations have to be okay with it. That's a lot of people with power who approve what the American audience gets to watch. And ain't no one along the way think blackface was maybe a bad idea?

In the op-ed, Penny also slams the practice of blackface scene removals, saying that takedowns "absolve you and all of us from having a long-overdue conversation."

He goes on to argue that these scenes would have never made it past its first stage if only there was better representation in the industry.

"Make 60% of your entire show (writers, directors, producers, DPs, all crew members — production and post) people of color. Period," he suggested. "And I get it. It's hard to get a television show on the air. It's completely natural to want to hire writers, directors, producers, or editors you've worked with before and that you trust. "

He continued: "However, if Black creatives in those departments can't get on those White shows and meet future showrunners who will inevitably hire people they've worked with when they get a show, that's… SYSTEMIC."

You can read his entire column here.

Penny's call out follows multiple takedowns of episodes and gags from The Office, Jimmy Kimmel, 30 Rock, W/ Bob & David, Little Britain, The League of Gentlemen, Jimmy Fallon and more.

Earlier this month, Penny called out the takedown practice in the following tweet:
 

Insecure just wrapped up its fourth season. HBO renewed the show for Season 5 back in May.

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