Finally, we are being heard
On Friday October 2nd ABC’s 20/20 aired a program about albinism. I first thought it was going to be a sensationalized account of the life of the poor thing albino. I was very pleased to find that in my opinion this was (for the most part) not the case.
There were some profiles of children and the trouble they had in school. There were some profiles of successful adults.
The most powerful part for me was the segment about how albinos are being killed in Africa. Poverty has created a violent and bloody outbreak of murders. Children are being hacked apart in front of their families. And sometimes the families are the culprits. I told LIB about this a year ago. Some did not want to believe I was telling the truth. Here is proof. Someone has heard.
Someone has heard and answered the call. There is an organization called Under the Same Sun that was formed to help what I consider my people: my family. They also help provide sunscreen, sunglasses and hats. The sun is poisonous to our skin, and we are extremely sensitive to light.
On Sunday, October 18 two more shows were aired. One was on The Learning Channel and was called Albino Island. It also spoke of the violence going on the Congo. It spoke about how albino children are being protected by housing them in camps. Adults are also being treated as if they (we) were an endangered species.
The other show was on animal planet and was a bit less flattering. I only mention this show because most people don’t now anything about albinism. I am as fascinated by albino animals as anyone else. This show featured a white dolphin, a nest of white alligators, and several other beautiful creatures.
What both TLC and 20/20 failed to say was that there is another myth going around about albinos. If you have sex with an albino she will remove your AIDS. Albino girls are being gang raped at a high rate.
For more information on the 20/20 show and to see some videos go to this website:
For information on TLC’s Albino Island go to this great post
To find out what you can do to help go to Under the Same Sun
Also go to Albinism Aid
Virginia
The Golden Child
