USING THE "A" WORD

It is unlikely that a person will approach you in the grocery store and ask, “Does your child have albinism?” Most often, parents are asked if their child is an albino. For many people, the word “albino is considered a slur, and evokes feelings of anger and prejudice. However, while some people do use this term as an insult, most are just unfamiliar with the more acceptable phrase “person with albinism.” 

Use of this term have been widely discussed in the NOAH community for years, and opinions vary about which is preferable. The term “person with albinism” emerged after the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) passed in 1990 and the country began to move toward person-centered terms. “People with disabilities” replaced disabled. The rationale behind this person-centered language is to put the individual ahead of the condition. 

While most people prefer the term “person with albinism,” your child will certainly be called an albino – mostly out of benign ignorance, but occasionally as an insult. As parents, we must frame the issue so our children feel no shame when they hear the word albino. Most people who use the word albino are not trying to be rude or disrespectful, they simply don’t realize that the word can be hurtful to people with albinism. Pay particular attention to the situation in which the word is used. The context, setting, demeanor, and intonation of the people who use the term to label or describe your child will tell a lot about their motives and whether they are misinformed or rude.

As in many other situations related to albinism, the way you react to someone calling your child albino sets the tone for your child’s reaction too. Very young children are not going to understand what the word albino means, or that it can carry negative connotations. Your child will take her cues from you on how to respond when she hears the word.

Sometimes you may choose to ignore the term albino, or may even use it yourself when explaining albinism to others. If your child hears you use the term casually, she will attach no stigma to it, and will view its use by others as simple ignorance that can be ignored or corrected, as she sees fit. Your reaction will help your child shape hers.