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Amanda Seales Talks Racism, Mental Health, Politics, Black Culture & More | The Jason Lee Show

REVOLT・135 minutes read

Amanda Seales reflects on her journey of self-discovery, Black identity, and challenges in the entertainment industry, emphasizing authenticity and self-acceptance while navigating public scrutiny and personal growth. She discusses the importance of Black representation, mental health awareness, and advocating for fair reporting, promoting her projects and encouraging dedication to dreams with authenticity and hard work.

Insights

  • Amanda Seales reflects on her Black identity, attributing her strong sense of self to her upbringing and Grenadian heritage, emphasizing the importance of community and cultural pride.
  • The speaker shares personal experiences of facing racism and colorism, highlighting the challenges of being a Black public figure who challenges societal norms and defends their Blackness.
  • Amanda Seales discusses the creation of Smart Funny in Black as a safe space to combat negative portrayals of Black culture, prioritizing authenticity over profit in sustaining the show.
  • The speaker navigates mental health struggles, advocating for deeper understanding of depression and suicidal ideation, emphasizing the importance of self-love and building confidence based on personal values.

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Recent questions

  • What are Amanda Seales' views on Black culture?

    Amanda Seales reflects on her upbringing in Inglewood, emphasizing the importance of identity and community in Black culture. She shares her journey of self-discovery and connection to her Blackness, rooted in her upbringing in a Black household and Grenadian heritage. Seales discusses the pride and sensibility of Black culture in Grenada and the Caribbean islands, attributing her strong sense of self and inner peace to feeling like her soul has been here before, leading to a deep connection to her identity. She highlights the discomfort she feels when her community doesn't recognize her, despite her unwavering connection to her Blackness. Seales credits her mother for exposing her to Black music and culture, shaping her understanding of her identity in America. She emphasizes the importance of education and community in shaping her awareness and appreciation of her Black heritage.

  • How does Amanda Seales navigate challenges in the entertainment industry?

    Amanda Seales discusses the challenges she faces as a public figure who challenges societal norms, acknowledging the constant need to defend and validate her Blackness. She emphasizes the importance of owning her brand and identity, highlighting the journey to accepting and committing to being a brand and the freedom it brings. Seales prioritizes authenticity and realness in her work, aiming to balance her direct communication style with compassion and softness. Personal growth and self-awareness are crucial for Seales, who acknowledges her struggles with codependency and the importance of understanding her intentions in communication. She reflects on her journey in the entertainment industry, highlighting the importance of self-care, self-reflection, and finding happiness beyond external achievements. Seales invests in her YouTube channel as a platform for creative expression and direct communication with her audience, alongside her work in traditional Hollywood spaces.

  • What is the purpose of Smart Funny in Black?

    Smart Funny in Black is a safe cultural space for Black individuals, providing an opportunity to experience and celebrate Black culture through humor and shared experiences. The show aims to combat negative portrayals of Black people in media and society by creating a space for joy and celebration. Despite financial considerations, the primary goal of Smart Funny in Black is not profit but rather sustaining the show and compensating its participants. Amanda Seales, the creator of Smart Funny in Black, faced challenges in negotiating fair compensation and creative control with networks interested in the show. The show emphasizes the need for Black creatives to maintain authenticity and celebrate realness, even if it may challenge societal norms or expectations.

  • How does Amanda Seales handle negative interactions online?

    Amanda Seales turned off comments on her page for a year due to negative interactions, allowing only people she followed to comment during that time. She noticed a positive change in energy when comments were reopened, finding a more supportive base after reopening comments. Seales emphasized the importance of addressing negativity online and highlighted the impact of joining TikTok on her social media presence. She discussed the need for independent creatives to manage their time effectively and mentioned using Patreon to engage with dedicated supporters. Seales also talked about the importance of associating with supportive individuals and the challenges of maintaining authenticity in the entertainment industry.

  • What personal growth insights does Amanda Seales share?

    Amanda Seales reflects on her personal growth journey, emphasizing the importance of self-love and building confidence based on personal values rather than external validation. She discusses the impact of life-changing experiences on individuals and explores the expectations and challenges faced by Vice President Kamala Harris as a Black woman in office. Seales delves into the complexities of relationships and personal growth over time, highlighting the need for self-care and self-reflection. She addresses misconceptions and judgment surrounding suicide, advocating for a deeper understanding of individual struggles and the importance of authenticity in navigating societal expectations.

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Summary

00:00

Amanda Seales: Identity, Culture, and Self-Discovery

  • Amanda Seales, an actress, comedian, and talk show host, discusses her career and recent struggles with fatigue, depression, and anxiety.
  • She mentions finding three gray hairs, symbolizing mortality, and her experience with aging.
  • Seales talks about her hypochondria and fear of a painful death but not of death itself.
  • She reflects on her upbringing in Inglewood and the importance of identity and community in Black culture.
  • Seales shares her journey of self-discovery and connection to her Blackness, rooted in her upbringing in a Black household and Grenadian heritage.
  • She discusses the pride and sensibility of Black culture in Grenada and the Caribbean islands.
  • Seales attributes her strong sense of self and inner peace to feeling like her soul has been here before, leading to a deep connection to her identity.
  • She emphasizes the discomfort she feels when her community doesn't recognize her, despite her unwavering connection to her Blackness.
  • Seales credits her mother for exposing her to Black music and culture, shaping her understanding of her identity in America.
  • She highlights the importance of education and community in shaping her awareness and appreciation of her Black heritage.

13:51

"Black Representation, Racism, and Identity"

  • The speaker recalls how their mother ensured they engaged in extracurricular activities with Black children, emphasizing the importance of Black representation.
  • The speaker recounts a childhood incident where their mother confronted a woman in a parking lot for not having a Black doll, highlighting the effort made to provide Black representation.
  • Working at Disney's Christmas Spectacular, the speaker faced racism for being the only Black girl, experiencing comments about being there solely due to their race.
  • The speaker recalls a Secret Santa incident where they received a half-open candy tube with Goofy on top, recognizing the racism behind the gift.
  • A childhood memory is shared where a boy harassed the speaker for being Black, leading to a physical altercation on a school bus.
  • The speaker discusses the concept of colorism, explaining how it operates in one direction, with darker skin being seen as less valuable due to proximity to whiteness.
  • The speaker reflects on the pervasive nature of white supremacy, likening it to a fungus that infiltrates every aspect of society.
  • The speaker discusses the challenges they face as a public figure who challenges societal norms, acknowledging the constant need to defend and validate their Blackness.
  • Transitioning to a discussion about independence and owning one's show, the speaker expresses excitement in building their own platform, the Amanda Seales Show, from the ground up.
  • The speaker emphasizes the importance of owning one's brand and identity, highlighting the journey to accepting and committing to being a brand and the freedom it brings.

27:55

"Smart Funny in Black: Celebrating Black Culture"

  • Smart Funny in Black is a safe cultural space for Black individuals, providing an opportunity to experience and celebrate Black culture through humor and shared experiences.
  • The show aims to combat negative portrayals of Black people in media and society by creating a space for joy and celebration.
  • Despite financial considerations, the primary goal of Smart Funny in Black is not profit but rather sustaining the show and compensating its participants.
  • Amanda Seales, the creator of Smart Funny in Black, faced challenges in negotiating fair compensation and creative control with networks interested in the show.
  • Amanda Seales prioritizes authenticity and realness in her work, aiming to balance her direct communication style with compassion and softness.
  • Personal growth and self-awareness are crucial for Amanda Seales, who acknowledges her struggles with codependency and the importance of understanding her intentions in communication.
  • Amanda Seales emphasizes the need for Black creatives to maintain authenticity and celebrate realness, even if it may challenge societal norms or expectations.
  • Amanda Seales reflects on her journey in the entertainment industry, highlighting the importance of self-care, self-reflection, and finding happiness beyond external achievements.
  • Amanda Seales invests in her YouTube channel as a platform for creative expression and direct communication with her audience, alongside her work in traditional Hollywood spaces.
  • Amanda Seales navigates the complexities of being a young, Black, smart woman in the entertainment industry, striving to balance authenticity with societal expectations and perceptions.

42:22

Navigating Online Interactions and Creativity Challenges

  • The speaker turned off comments on their page for a year due to negative interactions.
  • Only people the speaker followed could comment during that time.
  • The speaker noticed a positive change in energy when comments were reopened.
  • The speaker found a more supportive base after reopening comments.
  • The speaker emphasized the importance of addressing negativity online.
  • The speaker discussed the impact of joining TikTok on their social media presence.
  • The speaker highlighted the need for independent creatives to manage their time effectively.
  • The speaker mentioned using Patreon to engage with dedicated supporters.
  • The speaker talked about the importance of associating with supportive individuals.
  • The speaker discussed the challenges of maintaining authenticity in the entertainment industry.

55:55

Speaker's Reflections on Career and Self-Worth

  • The speaker reflects on a past incident in 2020, discussing soft girl energy and a situation involving Tamar and Lonnie at a barbecue.
  • Lonnie expressed a desire to reconcile with Tamar, leading to a call between the speaker and Tamar, though reconciliation did not occur.
  • The speaker believed the show needed a change, feeling it had become too fluffy, but praised a particular interview for its authenticity.
  • The speaker, an actress, analyzed a confrontational interview moment, noting attempts to undermine her and the racial implications of the narrative.
  • The speaker emphasized the importance of addressing such situations academically and professionally, drawing parallels to her upcoming comedy special topics.
  • Jeannie's comforting gesture during the interview was discussed, with the speaker appreciating the support and understanding the industry dynamics.
  • The speaker shared her decision to leave a show, feeling validated by the opportunity to express her commentary on a larger platform.
  • Leaving the show positively impacted the speaker's self-worth and independence, allowing her to stand firm in her decisions.
  • The speaker discussed her diverse career pursuits, attributing her drive to a need for self-control and artistic exploration.
  • The speaker reflected on her experiences in various fields, including DJing and stand-up comedy, emphasizing the importance of mastering new skills once she finds interest in them.

01:09:30

Navigating Comedy, Mental Health, and Industry Struggles

  • The speaker discusses transitioning from a small enterprise to a larger platform, including selling a show and becoming an executive producer.
  • They reflect on the importance of stand-up comedy in establishing a clear identity as a comedian.
  • The speaker emphasizes the camaraderie and understanding among comedians, contrasting comedian crazy with actor crazy.
  • The discussion shifts to mental health, particularly in light of recent high-profile suicides, like that of Twitch.
  • The speaker delves into the complexities of depression, highlighting the irrationality and depths of despair it can lead to.
  • They share personal experiences of facing suicidal ideation while maintaining a public persona, emphasizing the performative aspect of coping with mental health struggles.
  • The speaker addresses misconceptions and judgment surrounding suicide, advocating for a deeper understanding of individual struggles.
  • They recount instances of public humiliation and betrayal that severely impacted their confidence and sense of belonging in the entertainment industry.
  • The importance of self-love and building confidence based on personal values rather than external validation is underscored.
  • The conversation concludes with a light-hearted moment involving a gift and a reference to a viral incident involving comments about Halle Bailey.

01:24:24

Public scrutiny over Halle Bailey's relationship choices.

  • Halle Bailey, the first black female mermaid for Disney, faced criticism for her role in an iconic movie.
  • Her rapper boyfriend, DDG, made a controversial comment about racism, leading to public scrutiny.
  • DDG's comment about racism being over after Martin Luther King's death sparked backlash.
  • DDG's alleged actions of messaging other girls after a party caused further controversy.
  • The public called for Halle to break up with DDG due to his behavior.
  • Halle found herself in the middle of a public scandal involving her relationship.
  • The discussion shifted to the challenges of being a public figure and dealing with personal matters publicly.
  • The conversation delved into the complexities of relationships and personal growth over time.
  • The discussion touched on the impact of life-changing experiences on individuals.
  • The conversation also explored the expectations and challenges faced by Vice President Kamala Harris as a black woman in office.

01:38:16

"White Capitol climb reveals racism, policing issues"

  • White people climbing the Capitol to overthrow the government was witnessed.
  • Acknowledgment of the country operating from a space of racism.
  • Kamala Harris being a former D.A. and calling herself the Top Cop.
  • Personal experience of being shot and calling the police for help.
  • Belief in the need for a reimagining of policing and community safety.
  • Importance of pouring resources into communities for self-protection.
  • Discussion on the defunding the police movement and messaging.
  • Critique of the cancel culture and lack of attention post-Trump.
  • Emphasis on the significance of local elections and voting.
  • Concerns about the current political landscape and lack of unified change efforts.

01:52:27

"Controversial issues in media and politics"

  • Lack of collective outrage about "white lives matter" is noted
  • Adidas did not drop support for the cause
  • Candace Owens and Shaun King are criticized
  • Jussie Smollett's case is discussed, with a mention of noble intent
  • Cancel culture and accountability culture are compared
  • Black homophobia is highlighted
  • Lil Nas X's actions are contrasted with others' reactions
  • Discussion on gay black representation in media
  • Critique of Caitlyn Jenner's fashion and political aspirations
  • Interaction with Ted Cruz and Wale's confrontation at a festival

02:07:01

Amanda Seales: Conflict, Media, and Authenticity

  • Amanda Seales recalls an incident where a man got upset and approached her aggressively, leading to potential physical confrontation.
  • The man, affiliated with Ben Franklin, mysteriously appeared on stage and intervened before any altercation occurred.
  • Karen Civil, a mediator, suggested organizing a meeting between Amanda and the man to resolve the conflict.
  • Despite plans for a meeting, the man canceled last minute, leaving the conflict unresolved.
  • Amanda discusses the blurred lines between celebrity privacy and public consumption, highlighting the ethical concerns in media reporting.
  • She emphasizes the importance of fair and balanced reporting, especially in black media, to avoid invasive journalism.
  • Amanda promotes her show, "The Amanda Seales Show," and other projects like the "Small Doses" podcast and live touring show "Smart Funny & Black."
  • She mentions writing monthly articles for Ebony magazine, focusing on important black issues and advocating for authentic self-expression.
  • Amanda encourages pursuing dreams with dedication, patience, and hard work, emphasizing the value of authenticity and self-reliance.
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