I don’t watch his roles because I find the portrayals of Somalis in Hollywood to be cringe but you guys should know Brakhad is a genuinely nice human being. If any of you ever met him, you wouldn’t be making such mean comments. If you dislike the role then also dislike the political and social problems that put people in the situations where they become pirates or desperately going down that tahriib path.
Do I like these roles or that he’s doing them? No but I don’t personally have any malice twords the man as a human being. He’s trying to make a life for himself as an actor in a cruel world, do you think if he denies these roles he could be cast in the same roles as Timothée Chalamet or Denzel Washington? Most likely never. I agree that acting or Hollywood fame is not really a goal most should have for themselves as western media is a propaganda tool, even Black Panther had an agenda subversive to black people.
I think a better idea might be indie films produced, written and directed by our own people, for those who take liberal interpretations of Islam that would allow such a thing. Regardless, even if you are completely against acting or entertainment, the outcome of Somalis doing this in a more polished way will have a better impact on society then giving others the license to tell our story.
Of course traditional Somali cinema/theatre has its own history & context in the Somali language. When I was growing up it existed on DVDs & now it’s on YouTube (also at social gatherings in person). If we are talking about producing films that are more palatable to diaspora/non-Somalis in the English language with western cinematic themes/styles, then why don’t all these educated & successful Somalis start their own production companies (if they haven’t already)? Instead of writing endless spoken word pieces about Dhagdeer & Araweelo maalinwalba. Do what Spike Lee does, he makes is own movies for an audience of his own people & hires them as the actors.
In real life Barkhad is a gentleman, always has a smile on his face, a really nice guy who is kind to others & doesn’t deserve all the vitriol he gets over his looks. He like everyone else is trying to make his way in the world the best way he knows how & I certainly don’t begrudge him for not wanting to be a limousine driver for the rest of his life. He just wants to help his family and those around him get a better life through his acting career. I wouldn’t have made the same choice but that doesn’t mean he deserves to be bashed constantly for his appearance.