Is the Word Albino Derogatory?
“Albino” Evokes Revulsion, Reverence from Global Albinism Community
Jan 21, 2009
For many with albinism, the genetic inability to synthesize the dark pigment, melanin, the word “albino" is a slur. Others accept the word, its use anchored in medicine as well as Melville; some wear it with pride.
Yet, in an age of political correctness in which fusing a physical condition with one's humanity is taboo, the word "albino" remains. Is "albino" derogatory?
Regardless of opinion, the word evokes strong reactions from members of the National Organization of Albinism and Hypopigmentation (NOAH) and other advocacy groups.
“Albino” Makes Many Cringe
“The word “albino” was hurled across playgrounds and whispered out of earshot of with such malice that it will always have a 10/10 cringe factor for me,” says Annette Ferguson of Dubbo, Australia.
Christie Carlstrom (New York City) wrote her undergraduate thesis on albinism’s many myths. “Albino,” I feel, is degrading and a very hurtful word,” says Carlstrom, pursuing a Master’s in social work. “Whenever I hear it, I feel sadness and disgust.”
Some Wear “Albino” With Pride
“I tell everyone, I am Albino - and very proud of it,” says Brian Evans of Altrincham, England, whose albinism went undiagnosed for decades. “I visited eye doctors who all knew what I had, but were too embarrassed to say. I wish the “A” word” was used with me years ago.”
“I do not feel offended at all, as it enables me to educate and inform people about this condition,” says Graciela Jimenez Reyes, of Miami, whose Facebook group “People with albinism” has 80 members.
For Many, it’s Not the Word, but its Connotation
“Hollywood’s use of “albino” has given albinism a bad name,” says Kendra Peters, Kettering, Ohio. “When I tell people my son has albinism, it’s as if I’ve said he has a third leg.”
The image the word invokes goes beyond Hollywood, however. “Recently, a doctor said, “You don’t look like an albino; you’re beautiful,” says Barbara Fischlowitz-Leong of Honolulu.
To infuse positive associations, Mashawna Thompson of Edwardsville, Kansas, made “Perception is Not Reality,” a video that corrects misconceptions using words, music, and images of her daughter Lyra and about 30 other children with albinism. “My daughter is an albino, but we never use the word in reference to her.” Thompson says.
“Albino” Conjures Humor and Horror
“My daughter, Stephanie called home from camp and asked, “What's an albino? Is that like being Italian?” says Teri Ackermann-Ferrigno of Richmond, Virginia. “After laughing, I explained the term.”
Once, however, at Busch Gardens, they saw a poster on a mock freak show tent that read, “Come See the Albino!” “It took hours, but we made sure they took it down,” Teri says. “Ever since, Stephanie corrects people; if one asks, “Are you albino?” she says, “No, I’m Stephanie and I have a condition called albinism.”
For many, the word is a fact of life but doesn’t define them.
“Albino” has never bothered me per se,” says Lee Laughlin of Loudon, New Hampshire. “To me, it’s an obvious statement: I am an albino, but I am a wife, a mother, a New Englander and a Country Music fan, too.”
Growing up in Colombia, Danilo Rodriguez’ family sometimes asked him to “act as a foreigner” to get better restaurant service. “It was quite funny,” says Rodriguez, who lives in Bogotá.
Rodriguez says he felt “different and embarrassed” growing up, but doesn’t blame the word; he accepts it. “Fighting against the flux is not the way I've learned to live.”
“In our own home, we try to be more playful about the term,” says Cassandra Hartley, Ann Arbor, Michigan. “We hope to teach our children that they can reject the word if they want, or make it their own.”
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