Times Of Swaziland: DISCRIMINATION AGAINST PEOPLE WITH ALBINISM II

DISCRIMINATION AGAINST PEOPLE WITH ALBINISM II
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By Rev J.V Mazibuko on 02/03/2021 08:09:00


Last week we began a conversation about people with albinism and we shared some
few thoughts about the perceptions many have regarding them.
The intention is to dispel some common stereotypes and empower families not to
discriminate against family members with albinism. If the family gets it right,
the community will get it right and eventually the entire nation will have a
better perception of people with albinism. Renowned American Statesman Thomas
Jefferson, during the beginning of the American Revolution in 1776, penned the
words; “All men are created equal.” So true are these words uttered
centuries ago; we are all equal before the eyes of the creator because we each
bear His image.
Tragedy
It is a tragedy that we see each other with varying perceptions; it is not the
perfection or imperfection of the body that should be the measure of our
equality or lack of it. That child born with albinism is a blessing from the
Lord, s/he is to be celebrated and loved like any other child. Do not limit his
or her potential by the way you treat and raise them, they too are the future of
this beautiful nation, they too can bring and be part of the economic, political
and social solutions. Last week we talked about ritual killings of people with
albinism – these killings are deep rooted in the belief that they have
supernatural powers which can help cure evasive illnesses like HIV/AIDS. Such a
belief is dangerous and makes girls with albinism susceptible to being raped
even by those who are supposed to protect them – thus killing them
emotionally. Rape can have far-reaching consequences for the well-being of the
survivor, particularly if it is a repeated occurrence by close relatives. Rape
is a traumatic violation of personhood and this puts rape survivors at high risk
of developing substance abuse disorders, major depression, generalised anxiety
disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and eating disorders, among others.
People with albinism do not have healing or magical powers, just like those
without albinism.
Inhuman
MaSwati, let us stop the inhuman ill-treatment of people with albinism, exposing
them to all sorts of danger for our own selfishness and self-centeredness. The
human body is not for making muti, therefore, by implication; the body of a
person with albinism is also not material for such evil. Parents and guardians,
guard your children and be vigilant – know who is around your children and
listen to your child when she informs you that an adult is forcing
himself/herself on her/him. This is a tragedy, the rape cases are alarming
maSwati, let’s all play our part in protecting the future of our children. You
may not kill them physically, but may be responsible for the demise of your
child’s bright future because you failed to protect him/her from those
instigating harm against them. The truth is, our children need us to create that
safe space for them to flourish and be the best that they can be. Just because
your child is living with albinism, does not mean you have to hide him/her or
restrict them from reaching out for their dreams. Love them equally and do not
be overly protective – know the risky exposures emanating from some of these
stereotypes and do the best to keep them safe. Creating an enabling environment
for children with albinism will set them up for future success in a rather
discriminating world.
People with albinism are subjected to a lot of discrimination; often in schools,
they face both systemic and non-systemic discrimination. Systemic in the sense
that their specific needs are often not taken into consideration, for example,
because of their poor eyesight, a teacher’s writing on the board must be
reasonably visible for them to fully participate.
Subjected
It can be non-systemic in the sense that they are subjected to bullying and
name-calling by fellow pupils because pupils are not engaged on the prevailing
stereotypes and perceptions towards people with albinism. Such discrimination is
common even in some workplaces by the employer, fellow employees and clients
alike – some employees do not want to share a workstation with a colleague
with albinism and some clients do not want to be served by a person with
albinism. Sadly, even in places of worship, people with albinism are
discriminated against – because of their condition, they are rarely chosen to
occupy positions of high influence, instead, they are regarded as inferior. They
struggle to get life partners (marriage) because the potential partners fear
that children born out of that wedlock might be born with albinism. Although a
person with albinism carries the genes for albinism, the potential spouse may
not have that gene and therefore children born out of that union will only be
carriers. Let us treat people with albinism with respect as we are not more
human than they are. Let us have these conversations with our children and
correct the myths surrounding people with albinism. Send comments to
adminsec@mbac.co.sz