Fairer Than Me

In virtually every paper I pick up there is a story about the situation of albinos in Tanzania. Apparently the level of violence against them has escalated in the last year or so. Due to traditional beliefs, there are many albinos that have been killed or disfigured for their body parts. There is the belief that certain body parts bring fortune to the bearer as well as take part in ceremonies for healing. There was recently a march by the albino society in Dar to lobby for tighter protection for them from law enforcement agencies. The situation in the city is a bit different than rural areas. I think there is less fear among them as there is more of a group that can lobby for their protection versus isolated communities where there are usually far smaller numbers.

There is a disproportionately high number of albinos in Tanzania. Considering the average composition of skin tone in East Africa, it is easy to understand why the albinos stick out. From the conversations I’ve had with others here, part of the situation is that albinos marry other albinos. Since it is a genetic condition, when they have children, it is passed on increasing numbers. The condition is currently classified as a disability by the Tanzanian government allowing them additional protection and benefits.

There are a number of albinos present on campus, as to be expected. I happen to be fair enough upon arrival and even now to more than once hear, “Mambo, Albino!” in my direction. After I looked around I realized that I was the person the comment was directed at not someone behind me. I told a few of my friends about the incident and some of them laughed and others were concerned. I chalk the whole thing up to a case of mistaken identity.

With the situation and the violence against the minority albinos, it is a case of discrimination and misunderstanding. There is a simple case of genetics not a form of bewitchment or curse. That simple explanation makes the condition something that is manageable and preventable in a sense. Tanzania has a long way to go to curb the social suspicion and causes of violence against albinos.

I don’t know the best comparison to this kind of discrimination from my own culture though I’m sure cases exist. Obviously we’ve had racial discrimination but I don’t think such a widespread problem with discrimination based on a medical condition. I can say that there has been much legislation enacted to protect people with all kinds of disabilities.

The US has a decent system in place to help people with all kids of disabilities whether through financial support or occupational therapy and job modification to allow them to work. In Tanzania there is very little of this support in place. There are a few NGOs that work with physically handicapped people to give them marketable job skills.

To see a change in the way albinos are treated along with others who are considered disabled, it will take a socio-cultural change. These people are seen as something that is not to be valued and that they have no contribution to make because they are different. To instigate these changes, it is something that will take time and tolerance education. There is a need to lead people to an understanding that disabilities and differences are not always deficits.