Saturday, October 3, 2009

Albinism

On Friday, October 2nd, ABC's 20/20 aired a broadcast entitled Albinism: Caught Between Light and Dark. I found this broadcast to be very heartwarming. Whatever ridicule or self-consciousness I experienced as an extremely pale redheaded child is mild in comparison to what a child with albinism may experience. I was also quite shocked to hear about the brutal murders of albinos in Tanzania and other African countries. Apparently, their body parts sell for a premium as ingredients for wealth potions made by witch doctors. It is barbarism at its worst.

I highly encourage all of us redheads to help out our fellow albino brothers and sisters by signing a petition or making a donation at Under the Same Sun.

Also, if you want to find out more about what genetically causes albinism, please see my blog The Red Hair Factory.