Misconceptions About Albinism

Knowing the myth and truth about people with Albinism

Lies about albinism are many. For instance, it is believed that the child's albinism is always the fault of the mother. -  that the mother had sex with an European ghost or white man. Also, they are believed to never die, that body parts of the people with albinism taken while the person is alive or dead have magical powers, capable of making other people rich or powerful, they are ghosts and not human being. In addition, it is believed that constantly exposing a child with albinism to the sun will help him/her develop existence to sun burn and darken the skin in an attempt to prevent skin cancer.

The truth about their skin exposure is that PWA should avoid unprotected sun exposure at all times, by using sunglasses, hats, long sleeves shirts and by applying sunscreen. Doing these things will dramatically reduce the likelihood of skin cancer and a premature death.

Furthermore, it is believed that albinism is a curse and contagious. It is believed in some countries that they don't die, they can see in the dark, and that physical contact with PWA will result in becoming cursed, contaminated or diseased. While in some part of Africa, it is believed that having sex with a woman with albinism will cure an infected man with AIDS. All these beliefs are false, there are no evidences that they are true.

KNOW THE TRUTH ABOUT PEOPLE WITH ALBINISM

Myth: Albinism is a curse from the gods or from dead ancestors. As a result, bein in contact with a person with albinism will bring bad luck, sickness or even death.

Truth: Albinism is nothing more or less than a genetic condition of human body. As such, there is nothing magical or supernatural about it. You cannot "catch" albinism- it is not a disease and it is not contagious.

Myth: People with albinism never die. They are not human- they are ghosts.

Truth: They are not ghosts. Their pale skin and hair result from having very little of the pigment called MELANIN.

Myth: It's the mother's "fault" if a child has albinism.

Truth: NO! Both the mother and father must carry the albinism gene in order for their child to have albinism.

Myth: Having sex with a woman with albinism will cure AIDS.

Truth: No one has ever been cured of AIDS by having sex with a woman with albinism. All this does is spread the AIDS virus.

Myth: People with albinism have normal vision.

Truth: All people with albinism are visually impaired and have extreme sensitivity to light due to lack of melanin. When outdoor, they need to wear sunglasses to protect their eyes from the sun. They usually require special glasses or magnifiers in order to read.

Myth: A charm or potion made from the body parts of a person with albinism, has magical powers- bringng its owner wealth, success and good luck.

Truth: No one has ever become rich, successful or lucky from using albino body parts.

Myth: Albinos come from and live only in Nigeria.

Truth: Albinism occurs in people of every race and nationality on planet Earth. For example; India, Canada, Puerto Rica, United Kingdom, Malaysia, China, Russia, USA, Japan, Fiji, New Zealand, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Mali, among others. They are also found among plants and animals.  Such as;  Lion, Crocodile, Snake, Query, Monkey, Owl, Giraffe, Falcon, Horse, Kangaroos, Zebra, Cheetah, Dog and Squirrel.