Comparing FB with VK

I had a task to compare Facebook albino page with the Russian social networking website, which is called "VK". Even though, VK does not have a lot of subscribers, it could be clearly seen that those two pages are very similar. The representation of albinos in Russia is indeed positive. 

However, I have to say, that seeing a person with albinism would be a huge surprise, as there are almost none in Russia. Therefore, the view on albinism is just forming in Russia. Similarly, Facebook has already formed audiences' opinion as it have much more followers than VK.

Each culture has its own norms and values. However, they could be represented in different ways. For some, the idea of albinism is completely normal, while for others, it is something undiscovered, something that they may explore during their lives. I guess, FB and VK pages about people with albinism, have one thing in common. The willingness to gain the knowledge and understanding about how people with albinism are integrated in our society. Are they happy, because those people are unique, and the topic to talk about, which way make them famous (in Sir Maejor's case) or are they feeling bad because of they suffer that genetic issue? I guess everyone has to make their own judgement.

Another important issue I wanted to raise, is that some social networking websites may not be moderated. For instance, Facebook is a public limited company, which sells their shares to people. Such a big company as Facebook, must have a team of moderators, who's job is to look for and cut the discriminatory containing messages. Similarly, VK is a more floating around social networking website. It is more likely, for VK messages to contain swear words or even discriminatory messages. When I was looking to albinos page at VK, I found a few highly negative views and opinions about albinos, while Facebook's page does not contain such messages.

Furthermore, the comments which people leave under the posts in Facebook are almost all positive, in comparison with VK, where a few comments may be discriminatory. I would repeat myself here, and say that every culture has its own norms and values. That is why some people who leave their messages in Facebook and VK may hold their own believes.

LINK TO FACEBOOK

LINK TO VK

Albino Facebook page

The representation of albinos throughout the media and press mainly shows the positive image of albinos. The Facebook page about albinism was not an exception. Throughout the whole page,  there are a hundreds of posts, which mention the albinos' career as a very successful actor or a glamour model in a popular firm.

As an example, Thando Hopa, was chosen to represent a famous firm "Vichy". Furthermore, she is now a face of "Vichy Sun-care Creams". 

As it is clearly seen, albino models are effectively hired by big companies, such as "Vichy" to 

advertise goods. In case of, Thando Hopa, it is very unusual but highly efficient and effective way of marketing a suncare cream, as there is clear "link" between an albino girl and a suncare cream. 

The optimistic representation of albinos in media, especially on posters (such as above),  describes a positive opinions and views of society. In other words, people started to accept albinos into society, and not treat them differently. Furthermore, people are very interested in the topic of albinos and that is what makes albinos unique and special. Facebook albino page, for example, has a lot of subscribers, which shows people actually care or even like albinos. Here is one comment, I found on Facebook page:

Hannah Howell Adkison: Im not offended by questions or comments. People are naturally curious and it makes my child feel special that so many people are interested in her. Like anything in life... it is what you make of it! Her eye Dr. is also albino and he explained it this way... " I had to overcome bad vision problems that other kids didn't but most other kids were not as smart as me so they had to overcome that" 

Already mentioned in my previous posts, Sir Maejor, an albino model, appeared in the episode of "Constantine". This suggests, that albinos are essential in movie-making businesses or even series. As people live and contribute in the society, Sir Maejor is going to be seen as a very good actor by others. In other words, he formed a very affirmative representation of all albinos. 

The albino Facebook page is a good example of already formed positive representation of albinos. I encourage everyone to look at it and form their own opinion about albinos.