This past week there has been something stuck in my mind, it is something that we have been talking about on social media and in our support group for Vitiligans we have here in Mexico. Thania Cázares, a girl with vitiligo posted on facebook about an appointment to get her nails done that got canceled on her because she saw her photo and didn’t know if what she had on her hand was contagious (she was referring to her vitiligo, of course), so she stated she couldn’t see her.
I was amazed with how the girl handled it, instead of pointing at her and making her look bad on social media, she decided to share the text; educating people on what vitiligo is. She shared that vitiligo was not contagious and does not put the person with vitiligo in danger in any way. She decided to be the bigger person and be empathetic with people who do not understand and not know what vitiligo is. The reason I was amazed was because a lot of people told her that she should publish her name or the salon’s, but she decided that doing that wouldn’t make things better. By explaining what vitiligo was and sharing that, would make more of a difference than shaming the person on social media. And explaining as well, that vitiligo is not dangerous nor contagious, she created knowledge for people. So when they encounter another Vitiligan, the fears or taboos would not be there anymore.
I know that it is amazing how there is still so much misinformation about a lot of conditions including ours. I strongly believe that if we want to make a difference in this world, we should be more patient and find a way to be that small difference with way more impact. I remember when I was younger and my family thought me a way to see my vitiligo so natural that it was possible for me to make it seem natural to other kids. Of course, they were curious and would ask questions or stare. But I had to work on not letting that get to me and instead understand that it was something new for them. Of course they would ask questions just like any other kid. But if I would answer the questions they had, they would understand it and move on.
Us people and specially us as adults are the ones who put any weight on things or comments. If we personally work on our emotional intelligence, we could be stronger and take things in a simpler way or we can choose to what we pay attention to and what not. I know it’s a rough path and with a lot of ups and downs. Sometimes we will not be in the mood to hear any comments or handle any stares and that’s ok. But then again, there will be days where somebody will complement you on your uniqueness and awesome skin, and that’s what you want to hold on to. Because believe me, there will be people who will fall in love with that and everything that makes you be you.
And what about you? Share with me as a fellow vitiligan, what has your vitiligo shown or taught you? I want to read all about it!
Andrea Islas Instagram: @mivitiligoyyo
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