The internet is divided over the role of Nollywood actor, Uzor Arukwe, in the recently-released movie, titled, Love in Every Word.
In the movie, Arukwe plays the role of a rich Igbo businessman who is uneducated but finds love in a woman with a different social path.
To win the heart of his lover, Arukwe showered her with different expensive gifts and left no stone unturned to proclaim his love for her.
However, his role in the movie has sparked a major controversy on social media with some factions arguing that Igbo men don’t sound or act the way Arukwe portrayed.
Some of the Igbo people in the school of thought slammed the actor, noting that it is movies like ‘Love in Every Word’ that build up stereotypes against Igbo men.
Others, however, argued that Arukwe was merely interpreting the role he was given by the script writer, stressing that the movie captures the reality of some Igbo men in Southeastern Nigeria.
A netizen, Chidozie Nnachor wrote, “The damage this guy is doing to Igbo men in the name of movies cannot be undone in a generation. He’s a useful idiot who will appear in any effort to perpetuate a dangerous stereotype of Igbo men.
“No, Igbo men don’t talk like that – with a long, drooling cringy accent. Igbo men don’t behave like that – obnoxious, crass and borderline stupid money-miss-roads. Mbanu!”
Chika Ugwu also wrote, “The guy is a manifestation of 20 years of misinformation orchestrated by Igbo women.”
“This is not right. It is acting. Acting!!” were the words of Justin Ebuka.
“A fraction of Igbo men behave just exactly as he does.
You do not have the autonomy of knowledge to make this very conclusion, and it is very unkind to begin your statement in that manner as you are indirectly representing what he portrays in the movies,” Chidi Princewill tackled Nnachor.
Sinachi Anthony said, “He didn’t start it. He only took after his predecessors. It’s good we know this too. So instead of picking on one person, let’s call out the major industry industry players.”
Blessing Braibo said, “If you have an issue with the portrayal of Igbo culture or any other aspect of the story, direct your criticism at the scriptwriters, producers, directors, and even the audience consuming the content. The actor is just one part of a much larger creative process.
“Instead of singling him out for trying to earn a decent living in a tough economy, why not take action? If you believe a story should be told differently, pick up a pen, write your own script, produce your own film, and hire him to act in it. I have no doubt he’ll deliver an outstanding performance.”
