Thursday, September 12, 2013

Albinos in Africa

Albinism is a disorder that causes a lack of pigment in skin, eyes, and hair.  It is inherited and albinos are affected with vision problems and are more susceptible to sunburn and skin cancers.  Imagine how difficult it must be for African albinos since Africa is typically characterized by high temperatures and deserts.  People of African origin typically also do not wear sunscreen or believe that they will not experience sunburn.  I am guessing that this belief also extends to the African continent and other places where people have dark skin which means that albinos do not always have access to much needed sun protection.  There is an exception to this, of course.  Women who are concerned with preserving the youth of their skin or who want to stay fair have caught on to the benefits of wearing sunscreen, especially on the face.  Beautification and sunscreen aside, people of all ethnicities are affected by Albinism but, the disorder is most prevalent in Sub Saharan Africans.  In general people of Sub Saharan descent are known to have dark skin, eyes, and hair hence the terms "black" and "Negro."  One can imagination the feeling of being different or ostracized when you look entirely different from most of the people in your society.  For instance think how a black person may feel if they were in a homogenous Asian society.  Unfortunately, this is not the only problem that albinos in Africa face.  In some East African countries there are witchcraft related killings of albinos who are believed by some to have magical powers.  The body parts of many albinos, including children are sold for thousands of dollars in some instances.  Some sick men even believe that sex with an albino woman can cure HIV or AIDS.  Horrific crimes are taking place and innocent people are losing their lives because of ignorance.  Countries need to put in place laws to help protect their citizens and criminals should be given harsher punishments.  These people have no way of really blending into society.  Some may dye their hair dark but they can not get a spray tan or color contacts to completely change their look.  Think of how women in some societies long to look as white skinned and blonde as possible.  Would they trade places with an albino woman?

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