What “Insecure” Can Teach Us About PR

I’ve watched “Insecure” by the multi-talented and ever-so-creative Issa Rae from beginning to end a handful of times and I’ll never get tired of it. It’s something that I can pick up at any part of the series and relive it like the first time I’ve watched it. The jokes are still funny, the drama is entertaining, the soundtrack is timeless and the life lessons are relatable. It is more than a comedy-drama about the trials and tribulations of modern life. It is my comfort show and it should be on every PR specialist watchlist.

Issa Rae co-creator, producer and writer plays the main protagonist Issa Dee as she and her friends navigate the intricacies of their late 20s from friendships, dating, career changes and the quest to find one’s life purpose. All themes that resonate with the world of public relations.

This series explores race, infidelity, stereotypes, mental health, work and relationship dynamics. It also depicts how beautifully flawed the characters are before their promising character development.

Brand Management:

Issa and her best friend Molly navigate their personal and professional lives, often dealing with issues related to identity, representation and branding. Similar to what public relations specialists do to manage and shape the image and reputation of individuals and organizations while ensuring consistency and authenticity in their public persona. For example, Issa’s journey from working at a nonprofit to organizing her block party and eventually creating her own nonprofit showcases the significance of aligning personal values with professional endeavors, a core principle in PR brand management.

Crisis Communication:

Throughout the series, characters face many personal and professional crises that require strategic communication and handling. Public relations professionals specialize in helping clients manage and mitigate the impact of negative events or controversies detrimental to their public image. For example, during the beginning of her new nonprofit, Issa encountered an upset client who commented on her recent post to shame her. Unknowing what to do she disregarded the situation, instead of addressing it.

Maintaining Relationships:

Insecure also explores the dynamics of friendships, romantic relationships and professional connections. In PR maintaining relationships heavily relies on clear communication and mutual trust between clients, media professionals and other stakeholders to achieve specific goals and enhance reputation. Issa’s and Molly’s friendship is tested by consistent misunderstanding. They reach a breaking point due to unresolved conflict, which highlights the realities of people with different priorities. In PR, professionals encounter clients, colleagues and media connections that can be challenging to coordinate with. Nonetheless, cultivating genuine relationships, with a clear understanding of what is to be expected mutually creates a proper foundation.

Diversity and Representation:

Issa is passionate about uplifting her community, given her background in the nonprofit sector the lack of representation in her community has inspired her to plan a block party showcasing their beauty. When she was working at the nonprofit she was committed to diversity and representation by planning a beach day for her students who do not often have the chance to visit. Public relations specialists promote diversity, equity and inclusion within their organizations and clients that reflect the diverse perspectives of audiences and stakeholders.

Social Media and Digital Communication:

The characters in Insecure regularly engage with social media and other digital platforms to express themselves and connect with others. PR professionals similarly leverage social media to amplify messages, engage stakeholders, create audience engagement and manage online reputation. Unfortunately for Issa, she made herself an example of how quickly videos spread on social media when she released her frustration through rapping at a club. Unknowingly she found out someone had recorded her when her students searched her online.

Insecure reminds us that life is a balancing act, full of successes and failures. Ultimately, by embracing the show's themes of friendship, dating, career change and life purpose, PR specialists can gain valuable insight into life's bigger questions. What is my purpose? What legacy do I want to leave behind? These questions put into perspective the journey many PR specialists uncover as they seek to align their values with their professional pursuits.

I find myself revisiting my favorite episodes through different stages of my mental and emotional state. As a 20-something, I’m constantly reflecting on the struggles and uncertainties of my choices. I’m optimistic that things will fall into place and I’ll be certain about life eventually but the struggle is real. Insecure has reminded me that the trials and tribulations are all worth it and character development is never linear.

Emily Rivas is a senior at California State University, Northridge pursuing a degree in Journalism with a focus in Public Relations. She is passionate about community building and creative storytelling. She hopes to uplift marginalized communities through impactful communication and creative campaigns. Combining a love of health and wellness, reading, and binge-watching television, Emily brings a unique perspective to work, drawing inspiration from diverse sources.