| Albinism |
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Albinism (from Latin albus, “white”) refers to a group of inherited conditions that cause little or no pigmentation in the eyes, skin or hair (or more rarely the eyes alone). A genetic mutation causes a lack or deficiency in melanin in the body, the photo-protective pigment that protects us from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, resulting in physical characteristics like white or light blond hair, violet to blue eyes, very pale skin that is particularly sensitive to the sun. Without sufficient melanin, the eye is unable to function properly and its nerve connections to the brain are also altered. People with albinism are therefore often characterised by long-sleeved clothing, hats and dark glasses as a measure of protection against the sun. The condition is known to affect mammals (including humans), fish, birds, reptiles and amphibians. While the most common term for an organism affected by albinism is “albino” (noun and adjective), the word is sometimes used in derogatory ways towards people; more neutral terms are “albinistic” (adjective) and “person with albinism” (noun). IN KENYA, people with albinism are often referred to as MZUNGU (pl WAZUNGU), the Swahili term for white person. The word stems from a phrase meaning “one who moves around” and was coined to describe European traders who traveled through East African countries in the 18th century. The word became synonymous with “white person” because of the trader’s complexion. |
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About Albinism
About Albinism