Meghan Markle Picks Apart the "Angry Black Woman" Stereotype in Latest Podcast Episode
She speaks to Issa Rae and Ziwe.


It's Archetypes day once more, and Meghan Markle is back with another blockbusting Spotify podcast episode.
During her latest, the Duchess of Sussex invites TV presenter Ziwe and actress Issa Rae to help her dismantle the concept of the "angry Black woman," a stereotype that is so often leveled at Black women and ultimately invalidates the full breadth of their emotional experience.
Ziwe spoke to the duchess about how she uses stereotypes to her advantage in her work, creating a character for herself who is confident and fearless, and isn't who people expect a woman to be.
For her part, Rae explained how she utilized her hit HBO show Insecure to try to challenge stereotypical representations of Black women, and show them simply as people, without the need for a vaster message.
"One of the things that Prentice, who was our show runner, expressed, just like, I want to be able to have scenes where Black people are just washing their hands," Rae told Markle.
"It's like, white shows just get entire scenes dedicated to people just walking up stairs pensively, and then we don't really get that. There always has to be a message. And so, for us, it was just about, like, living day to day.
"And even if we did have, you know, these moments that were considered microaggressions or racist that we didn't dedicate time to like, 'oh this is a racist moment,' because in real life you don't get those opportunities.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
"It's more about, like, I experienced this microaggression at work.
"Now, how is that going to affect the way that I talk to my partner when I get home?
"How is that going to affect my mindset when I'm having this conversation with my friend?
"How does it dictate the way I move the next day? As opposed to, 'Racism, oh no!' You know, because that's just how we live."
The duchess commented, "Yeah, so that it doesn't feel like an after-school special."
Later on in the episode, the duchess asks Rae if she feels she's "allowed to be angry," to which her guest heartbreakingly responds, "absolutely not."
Anyway, it's another winner, and you can listen to the full episode over here.

Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of British Vogue, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29 and SELF. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
I Tried Kate Middleton's Surprisingly Simple Morning Routine
My results were hit or miss—but the princess is on to something with one step.
By Kristin Contino
-
Meghan Shares Photos of Archie and Lilibet's Vibrant Red Hair
The little royals most definitely take after dad Prince Harry.
By Amy Mackelden
-
Former Royal Nanny Opens Up About George, Charlotte, and Louis
"You see how grounded they really are."
By Amy Mackelden
-
Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet's Vibrant Red Hair Is the Star of Meghan Markle's Latest Instagram Post
The little royals most definitely take after dad Prince Harry.
By Amy Mackelden
-
Princess Lilibet's Cute American Accent Is on Full Display as She Taste-Tests Mom Meghan Markle's Jam
The little royal gave her honest review in a seriously sweet Instagram video.
By Amy Mackelden
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Make Poignant NYC Appearance to Highlight "Heartbreak" No Parent Should Face
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex unveiled a powerful memorial to children lost too soon.
By Kristin Contino
-
Meghan Markle Means Business in a $5,000 Ralph Lauren Linen Suit and Princess Diana's Tennis Bracelet
The Duchess of Sussex delivered spring workwear inspo at the 'TIME'100 Summit.
By Kristin Contino
-
Meghan Markle's Boxed Hair Dye Disaster During the Pandemic Left Her Looking "Elvira-Esque"
"I thought, ‘I'm gonna look just like she does on the box.'"
By Kristin Contino
-
Meghan Markle's White Easter Shirt Dress Is the Ultimate Spring Staple
The Duchess of Sussex wore a breezy button-down style to celebrate the holiday.
By Kristin Contino
-
How Princess Eugenie's Easter Sunday Outfit Takes Style Tips From Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton
From her nude heels to her bodycon dress.
By Amy Mackelden
-
Princess Diana's Close Friend Reveals What She Likely Would Have Thought About Meghan Markle
Richard Kay shared insights on the late royal and what her relationship with Prince Harry's wife could've been like.
By Kristin Contino