Otherness and Stigma: The Case of Albinism in Meg Vandermerwe’s Zebra Crossing (2013)

Authors

  • María del Carmen Arjona Alcalá University of Córdoba

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64858/gaudeamus.v5.64

Keywords:

Meg Vandermerwe, Zebra Crossing, albinism, otherness, discrimination

Abstract

This research note explores the representation of the albino main character in the novel Zebra Crossing (2013) written by Meg Vandermerwe. The article analyzes the characterization of the albino figure within her community, focusing on how she is perceived and treated due to her visibly different physical appearance. Through this exploration, the study examines sociological aspects surrounding people with albinism, as well as the concept of otherness, highlighting how the protagonist is othered on multiple levels throughout the narrative.

Author Biography

María del Carmen Arjona Alcalá, University of Córdoba

María del Carmen Arjona Alcalá is a PhD student at the University of Córdoba. She holds a degree on English Studies and a Master in Advanced English Studies (Cognitive Linguistics / Literature) and Bilingual Education, both at the University of Córdoba. Her research area focuses on gender studies, social inequality, vulnerability and migration. She is a member of the research Group HUM676 Studies in Literature, Criticism and Culture. She has been awarded with a publication of her Master Dissertation in “Simone de Beauvoir” Collection.

References

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Vandermerwe, Meg. 2018. “Imagining the ‘Forbidden’ Racial Other: Attitudes and Approaches in the Works of Antjie Krog, Marlene Van Niekerk, Meg Vandermerwe and Zukiswa Wanner.” English in Africa, 45.2: 83-106.

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Published

2025-11-28

How to Cite

Arjona Alcalá, M. del C. (2025). Otherness and Stigma: The Case of Albinism in Meg Vandermerwe’s Zebra Crossing (2013). GAUDEAMUS, 5, e64. https://doi.org/10.64858/gaudeamus.v5.64

Issue

Vol. 5 (2025): GAUDEAMUS

Section

Notes

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Copyright (c) 2025 María del Carmen Arjona Alcalá

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