Impact on Life
People with albinism experience a different social and emotional life than those "genetically normal".
Use of the Word "Albino"
- A person who is referred to as an albino can become very offended because of what they believe the term means. By being called an albino, a person can feel different and not human. Instead of being known as an individual person, they are being referred to as a group.
- Some people who refers to a person as an albino sees that person only as an albino, and not a normal human like himself.
Physical Appearance-A person with albinism is probable to have a very contrasting color compared to his family, depending on race. This leads to the troubling ideas an albino faces of: is this my real family or feelings of internal isolation from family.
- The perception of being different can lead an albino to act as "normal" as possible, to cancel out the differences albinism causes, such as visual ability. This can lead to denial having albinism, therefore losing touch with a very important aspect of one's identity.
- Regardless, all people with albinism are distinguished in society. For example, an albino can receive stares and glances from strangers multiple times a day, and be asked about their condition continuously.
Verbal Abuse and Stereotypes- During school years, children with albinism may experience harsh abuse and teasing because they are different in many ways to the other children. The verbal assaulting and name-calling can lead to lack of friends and a large sense of being almost of a different kind/ species.
- There are many misconce ptions about albinism, ranging from the belief that an albino has magical powers to the beliefs that they are retarded or have red eyes.
- In the media, through literature and film, a character with albinism is displayed as supernatural or a villain.
- Some people who refers to a person as an albino sees that person only as an albino, and not a normal human like himself.
Physical Appearance-A person with albinism is probable to have a very contrasting color compared to his family, depending on race. This leads to the troubling ideas an albino faces of: is this my real family or feelings of internal isolation from family.
- The perception of being different can lead an albino to act as "normal" as possible, to cancel out the differences albinism causes, such as visual ability. This can lead to denial having albinism, therefore losing touch with a very important aspect of one's identity.
- Regardless, all people with albinism are distinguished in society. For example, an albino can receive stares and glances from strangers multiple times a day, and be asked about their condition continuously.
Verbal Abuse and Stereotypes- During school years, children with albinism may experience harsh abuse and teasing because they are different in many ways to the other children. The verbal assaulting and name-calling can lead to lack of friends and a large sense of being almost of a different kind/ species.
- There are many misconce ptions about albinism, ranging from the belief that an albino has magical powers to the beliefs that they are retarded or have red eyes.
- In the media, through literature and film, a character with albinism is displayed as supernatural or a villain.
Means of Approaching
People with albinism are very often labeled as a group, leading to depression or stress. Ultimately, all humans have a desire to be accepted and known for who they are.
- People of all ages experiencing discrimination for having albinism should: speak with family and friends, write a journal or letter to release feelings, be involved in physical activities, do something that brings satisfaction for yourself, etc.
- People of all ages experiencing discrimination for having albinism should: speak with family and friends, write a journal or letter to release feelings, be involved in physical activities, do something that brings satisfaction for yourself, etc.