This essay discusses a social issue related to treatment of people with albinism in Tanzania and the United States of America (USA). It compares and contrasts the discrimination and violence experienced by people with albinism in the two countries. Violent attacks, killings, and discrimination of people with albinism are much more common in Tanzania compared to the USA because of evidence from numerous reports describing killings and amputations from this country and none from the USA.
According to the Voice of America(VOA), "Albinism is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the complete or partial absence of pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes." This condition is much more prevalent in Tanzania, where 1 in every 1400 individuals have albinism, than in the USA, where 1 in every 20000 individuals have albinism. Those with the condition often get killed for their body parts, which some people believe can transmit magical powers. Such beliefs are widespread in countries such as Tanzania. ( VOA, 2020). Many people with albinism have been attacked or killed in Tanzania for their body parts used for rituals in rural areas.
In addition, people with albinism suffer discrimination due to their skin color in Tanzania and the USA. The VOA reported that "women with albinism themselves, and those whose children have the condition, suffer undue discrimination and stigmatization," a conclusion by the U.N. Human Rights Council report’ (2020).
According to the United Nations, “seventy-five people with albinism were killed in Tanzania between 2000-2015"( Reuter 2019 ). This figure was just a fraction of the total as most are secret rituals in rural areas. In addition, Under the Same Sun’, a charity of people with albinism, says that “since 2006, more than a hundred and seventy attacks conducted against this group"( Reuter 2019 ).
While people with albinism suffer from these violent attacks, it appears they are safe and suffer less violence in the United States of America. Reuters reported that people with albinism "feel safer when they visit the United States of America to receive medical attention." Visits free them from fear at least briefly", said Global medical relief fund founder Elissa Montanti, who shuttles them to doctors’ visits trip to pizza and outdoor adventure”(Reuter 2019).
In 2017, Reuters posted a picture entitled, "Araka Lusambo, 7, Pendo Noni 16, Emmanuel Rutema, 15, and Mwigulu Magesaa 14, Tanzanians with albinism who had body parts chopped off in witchcraft-driven attacks, relax at home in the Staten Island borough of New York City”( VOA, 2020), A clear contrast on how communities in the two countries treat people with albinism.
Reports and testimonies from people with albinism who have been victims of various forms of discrimination and violence in Tanzania highlight their plight in this country and how safe and secure they have been in the USA. Many have been victims of violent attacks that resulted in amputations or death. Traditional rituals and beliefs propagate these attacks in Tanzania, and which are not present in the USA. In contrast, those that have survived the violent attacks in Tanzania seem to feel safe being in the USA, where they have been welcomed, supported, and provided with medical care for their violent-attack-related disabilities. (Word Count: 529)
Sources:
Reuters, 2020: Long persecuted, Tanzanian albinos find acceptance growing slowly | Reuters. Accessed 16 Sep, 2021.
Voice of America VOC, 2020. Women, Mothers of Children with Albinism Suffer Worst Discrimination, Report Finds (voanews.com). Accessed 16 Sep 2021.
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