For many albinos — born with a partial or total lack of pigment in their skin, hair and eyes — life is difficult, and that is particularly true in Tanzania, where they are attacked for their flesh, the result of superstitious beliefs.

This is not a typical look at the cultural roots of prejudice and discrimination.  It isn’t racism per se (since albinism isn’t a racial category strictly speaking), but it does show prejudice that is linked to physical appearance.  There are deeply rooted folk traditions that endanger the lives of African albinos as explained in this podcast.  This photo gallery shows some of Tanzania’s albinos letting their light shine.

 

Tags: culture, racism, folk culture, Tanzania, Africa.

See on www.npr.org

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