Author and University of Winchester PhD research student Martin White has received backing from a United Nations expert for his thesis on albinism.
‘The Evil Albino Trope: The Depiction of Albinism in Modern and Contemporary Fiction’, Martin’s PhD focusing on an often-demonised section of society has already been welcomed by a number of major charities and it now has the backing of the UN.
Muluka-Anne Miti-Drummond, the UN’s Independent Expert on the enjoyment of rights by persons with albinism described Martin’s work as “timely and highly relevant”.
Writing to express her support for Martin’s doctoral research, Ms Miti-Drummond, stated: “This research has the potential to illuminate the relationship between cultural narratives and lived experiences of discrimination. Such scholarship can help inform educators, writers, publishers, policymakers, and human rights practitioners seeking to promote more accurate, respectful, and inclusive representations.”
Albinism is an inherited condition that affects the production of melanin, the pigment that colours the skin, hair and eyes. People with albinism can have very pale skin, almost white hair and eyelashes, and very light-coloured eyes – as a result they have been the subject of discrimination and violence down the ages.
This suspicion and distrust persist in parts of Africa and it was on a visit to Kenya in his teens that Martin first came across the condition.
Albinism is more prevalent in Africa than other parts of the world and Ms Miti-Drummmond stated: “I have consistently observed that harmful stereotypes and misconceptions about albinism contribute significantly to prejudice, exclusion, and discrimination against persons with albinism. In fact, the depiction of persons with albinism in popular culture in the African context has served to perpetuate myths that have led to their death.”
In Tanzania babies with albinism are often killed at birth and in Ghana it is thought that sleeping with a woman with albinism can cure AIDS and as a result many women are infected with the virus.
People with albinism are often depicted as villains in fiction and film so as part of his thesis, and in a bid to redress the balance, Martin is working on a Gothic Western detective story with a hero who has albinism.
"I am delighted to have received this endorsement. It lends credence and value to my research, which will have a positive impact on persons living with albinism," said Martin, who studied Creative Writing at Winchester before embarking on his doctorate.
Martin (who writes as MJ White) was at Winchester bookshop PG Wells recently for the launch of his latest book – a collection of short stories - Past, Present, Future and The Weird.
Readers of the new book will encounter a mad sister haunting the corridors of a Gothic nightmare, descend into the shadows of the Polish underground, uncover a priest’s dangerous secret and witness a daring plot to break Oscar Wilde out of prison.
Find out more about Martin’s thesis here: Media Articles - University of Winchester.
Pictured: Martin White and Muluka-Anne Miti-Drummond, the UN’s Independent Expert on the enjoyment of rights by persons with albinism.
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