Who ever heard of "Albino Wings?"

An interesting conversation came up recently on the NOAH discussion boards.
First, a little background. NOAH is the National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation. It is a national organization dedicated to education and advocacy for persons with albinism.The discussion boards are for members to discuss all manner of topics relating to life with Albinism.
A Common topic on the board is the term ALBINO. The topic comes up a lot as comics use the term within their routines. The topic comes up when anything light, or pale is given the moniker "ALBINO."
Many within the community are not comfortable with this use of the word and are offended by the term. They prefer to be called "people with albinism" rather than "Albino" because they feel the latter is used as a pejorative term much like the "N Word" is use in referring to "People of color." I can see a similar argument being made by Little People being offended by the terms "midget" or "munchkin." Both of which have been used in negative ways throughout history. While I do not always agree with this point of view as it relates to the word Albino, I do understand them and am sensitive to the subject.

Because I suffer from Ocular Albinism (OA) rather than Oculocutaneous Albinism, (OCA) I do not present the same physical traits often associated with what the general public associate with the word "Albino." I have reddish hair and blue eyes. My eyes "dance" (Nystagmus)  and I have poor vision. My skin is pale, but I don't "look Albino" as the general public would understand it. Therefore, my experience with the discrimination and isolation, others deal with, is not directly comparable. I am acutely aware of this and try to be sensitive to that fact.


So anyway... back to the question at hand.


So, a poster read an article from Canada where restaurant chain, EARLS, has "ALBINO" product on the menu. The offer an "Albino ale" and "Albino wings."
That article can be found HERE.
There are two brothers with Albinism that have taken issue with this use of the word "Albino" and asked the chain to change the menu. The chain has refused and now the debate is being played out in the media. We, on the board, were being asked our opinions. Mine is below.



...What's yours?


Okay, here we go again...
I don't understand how the word Albino can be used in the context of Wings or beer anyway. It just makes no sense. But.... I CAN SEE a way to benefit both sides of this camp in a positive way.


Q: Am I offended?


A: No.


Q: Do I agreee with the brothers? 


 A: I support their ideal of not wanting the name (term) Albino used in pop culture in a negative way. I don't like stereotypes being perpetuated.


Q: What do I think? 


A:  I think there is an opportunity to partner with Earles for the benefit of the Charity and help build positive PR for Earls at the same time.

My Idea:


*Ealrs keeps the name Albino wings, ale, frenchfries, whatever.
*They promote the product as support for the Charity. (Under the same sun)
*Portions of the proceeds from the sales of the "Albino" product are donated to the Charity. (And the product is MARKETED that way) Educational information regarding the charity and those it helps are provided along with press releases from both the Charity AND Earls.



Results?:


1. The brothers get to help the charity. (Exposure and donations)
2. A greater portion of the population can learn of the plight of those with albinism in underdeveloped countries. (Education of the public is always good)
3. Earls can lay a "legitimate" claim to naming the things Albino because it is to promote charity, education, and assistance. ... (Not ridicule and bigotry.)
4. Earls may gain some market share as those who support the efforts of the charity, and would never go to Earls BECAUSE they were offended, can now go and support the chain AND their charity at the same time.(Win-Win)
5. PR for both organizations and the positive press that goes with it.
I think in terms of marketing and I like to think that these two opposing parties might be able to work out a solution that benefits both everyone.

...What do you think?