'Awkward Black Girl' Responds to Racist Critics: "I've Never Been Called a Nigger"

Read her open letter

Issa Rae, the creator of the "Awkward Black Girl" show, was racially attacked earlier this week when her series won a Shorty Award for Best Web Show. Many, including some sore losers who had lost in that same category, took to Twitter to express their disapproval of her win.

One called her a "niggerette," while another nominated her for a faux award in "cotton picking."

Rae reacted using the same deadpan humor that's made her show so popular, writing on Twitter, "Losers be triiiiiipppppppiiiiiiiiiiin...Racists haaaaaate me.."

But she has since decided to take a more eloquent (but still funny) approach in her response.

In an article posted on XO Jane, Rae penned "People on the Internet Can be Hella Racist." Read some excerpts below:

[ALSO READ: 'Hunger Games' Star Reacts to Racist Attack]

The crazy thing is, I've actually never been called a “nigger” in real life, you know like to my darkie face. It's actually a shame, because I have so many witty comebacks prepared for when it happens, i.e., “Nigger?! [neck roll and snap] Oh no you didn't, Massa!” ©

After campaigning via Twitter and Facebook for several weeks, our web series, “The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl” beat out 783 other web series to win the 2012 Shorty Award for Best Web Show... So it was with great pride that I announced our accomplishments via Facebook and Twitter, much to the mutual excitement of our awesome supporters. And that's when the Internet-equivalent of the Tea Party appeared.

...To lose to a “black show” that they had “never even heard of?!” The NERVE! The Shorty Awards “are bullshit,” they cried. Completely unfair.

...It reminds me of why I wanted to create ABG in the first place... I wanted to create a character who was racially specific, but who goes through universally uncomfortable social situations, so you're forced to relate to her, no matter what color you are... But, as was demonstrated by some of the Shorty Award tweets, some people can't get past the “black” in the title. The bewilderment that our show not only exists, but that it could actually be good is indicative of how mainstream media thinks.... This mindset is exactly why creative shows of color don't get to exist on television anymore. There's an overbearing sense of entitlement that refuses to allow shows of color to thrive. How dare we even try?

All in all, I just want to thank the sore losers for promoting the hell out our web series and most importantly, for causing it to exist. Because of your ignorance and extremism, you've made it possible for us to succeed. You've actually made people grateful that a show like this exists to combat what you do. You helped us WIN! And thank you so much for continuing to lose, we're really grateful for it.

Touché.

Have you watched 'Awkward Black Girl' yet? Do yourself a favor.

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