Racism and Vulnerability with Aki Omoshaybi, Filmmaker and Actor

“The minute I got attention, attention came with racism. I often make myself small to fit in.”

Filmmaker and actor Aki Omoshaybi speaks to the Be Well Collective about his childhood, how growing up as a foster child, in an area which significantly lacked diversity meant that he altered himself and how he acted to try and fit in. Aki describes that because of the racism which came with his success, he would cater to other peoples needs, to be the “people pleaser”, to dampen his talents in an attempt make himself smaller and less threatening.

“Racism is quite often about fear, because they are scared or feel threatened. Because of your personality, your talent, your being.”

Showing vulnerability and opening up about our emotions is challenging, for Aki he admits that speaking about his feelings and asking for help is something that he struggles with, even today. He encourages for everyone to not only check in with their friends but to also have the courage to check in with themselves, to acknowledge our emotions and know when it is time to ask for help. We are all deserving of our successes and happiness.