Albino

There are 2 types of albinism - complete and partial. Albinism occurrence is the same in males and females. The gene is inherited from the mother, on the X chromosome. A female albino will have 2 doses of the recessive gene while an albino male will only have one dose (there is only one X chromosome in a male). The affected body parts are white or the hair is blonde and the eyes are blue to dirty green. The dirty green iris indicates a stage before the iris becomes blue (as in blue-eyed non-albino Caucasians).

A normal non-albino Caucasian baby can have dark brown eyes at birth, which give way to a dirty green iris and eventually becomes crystal blue, and the baby ends up with normal blue eyes.

The pigmentation is missing in albinos. There are 4 types of albinos based on genetic classification of the enzymes involved. More on genetic aspects of albinism

It is not surprising to find albino children in a family where all have dark skin. An albino child can be born to a normal mother with dark skin. Albino children and families are normal people and must be respected as other human beings. They must not be insulted or critised as they have not done anything wrong. Allah SWT made them that way, so we have to appreciate people who are albino.

I was once in a primary school where there was an American Caucasian boy (Eric, like the pic below) who was albino and so was his younger brother (Carl), ... and his sister, .... and father.... the whole family! It was a thrill playing football with Eric in the afternoon after class because Eric couldn't open his eyes wide to see where the ball was! Goal! Goal! Goal! Of course Eric got into a fight with the other boys! Ha ha ha....

The next time you see an albino, say "Hi" and ask for a photo. And remember to thank him/her.

Albinism in an African boy/man Wikipedia - Albinism

Albinistic girl in Papua New Guinea Wikipedia - Albinism

An Indian family of albinos. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/- biggest albino family