They have red eyes and magical powers.
These are just two common myths about the albino population.
Amnesty International hosted a short lecture and a 20/20 special documentary in the Student Union Theatre Wednesday, February 24, to give insight on albinos and the atrocities they are facing in Tanzania.
Albinism is a rare genetic condition that affects all races and both genders. There are different categories of albinism where melanin (pigment) is missing in the eyes, hair and skin.
Vision problems can be moderate to severe, even causing blindness.
There is also a higher risk of skin cancer.
Albinos in the U.S. have faced discrimination and ignorance by society.
“People have always asked me what mixture of race am I. I tell them I’m albino. They angrily reply that I should stop being in denial and accept that I am bi-racial!” said student Kevia Dirton, who is an African American albino.
In Africa, myths about albinos are far worse than the ones in the United States. One belief is that AIDS is cured if there is intercourse; this has led to many rapes. Some witch doctors spread the belief that albino’s limbs, blood, and hair bring luck and wealth. They are hunted and massacred at all age levels with machetes for their body parts to be used in potions.
In this black market the limbs are being sold at the starting price of $2,000.
This causes trust issues for the albinos with their neighbors and even family members.
This month alone four albinos have been slaughtered in Tanzania. The youngest victim was a four year old boy who had his legs hacked off while he screamed in agony.
According to underthesamesun.com, since 2007 police reports confirm that at least 53 innocent children and adults have been killed. Babies as young as six months have been dismembered in front of their families who had no success fighting off the murderers.
Tanzanian courts have abandoned prosecutions due to lack of funds. This is a huge fear to the 170,000 albinos in the country.
A “safe haven” school in Tanzania is being provided to some albino children by a Canadian non-profit group. The school is full to capacity and is in need of certain resources to help out the children the best they can educationally and medically.
That is where we come in.
Beginning this Monday there will be a donation box located in the Cross Cultural Center in the San Manuel Student Union for two weeks.
The items needed in Tanzania that are accepted for shipment are wide-brimmed hats, especially children’s and youth sizes. Sunglasses can be used, but they must be clean and in good condition. Sunscreen lotion must have a minimum SPF of 35, the higher the better. All bottles must be new and unopened and placed in a zip-lock bag and sealed to reduce chance of leakage during transport.
Lightweight and long sleeved shirts are needed. Light colors are the best as they reflect the sun. School supplies accepted are pens and pencils only. Small and hand held magnifiers that are not battery operated are very useful as well.
Please help with this cause!
If you are interested in joining the Amnesty International club email President Shalia Matthews at matts302@csusb.edu and add them on Facebook as well.
To learn more about albinism log onto www.albinism.org.
To sign the petition, watch the documentary, and updates visit www.underthesamesun.com.
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