ABSTRACT
Emilia: . . . always change my mind about how I want to look
depending on what I’m wearing and that sort of thing. I wish I had
three different bodies I could change into. Sometimes it gets you
down. You get depressed about yourself in general it’s just
something you have to live with and everyone’s in the same boat. It’s
not that much of a major problem. (Budgeon 2003: 35)
Sameera: I’m constantly thinking about what people will think of me,
they must think that I’m really typical . . . even when I haven’t got a
scarf on my head but I’m like in Asian clothes I’m so paranoid. Oh
people must think typical . . . you know that I’m from the dark ages
and that . . . I know it sounds bad but that’s how I feel. (Dwyer
1999a: 12)
Michelle: It’s my confidence. I struggle to talk to new people. Most
people take one look at you, and they jus divvn’t wanna know. I
canna be bothered with that. I’d rather just stay round here –
everyone knows me, I get nee bother. (Alexander 2010: 73).
