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5e. Concealment & camouflage
Traditional clothing and make-up may be used to conceal a disfigurement.
“Some times he covers his face and head to the public places” (Bengali older
male)
6. Cultural differences
A number of differences between the South Asian and the Western ‘white’ culture were
identified and these differences were also believed to be influenced by generation.
6a. Western values
The belief that western media dictates what is beautiful and does not show images of those
with visible differences unless the context is medical or to sell products was expressed.
“The media puts too much pressure on people to look a certain way. You never
see a disfigured person on TV unless there is an advert specifically about that”
(Pakistani young female)
6b. White community treats people with disfigurements better
A belief that white western families are better educated and more tolerant than Asian families
was evident in the discussions.
“Their community [white] is more aware, exposed and educated about
differences.” (Pakistani young female)
“They are more accepting to the fact.” (Bengali older female)
6c. Back home
Attitudes are perceived to be different in the homeland but the influence of Bollywood was
thought to be growing.
“I think they would be more tolerant. There’s too much poverty (back home) to
care about these things” (Pakistani young female)
“With the influence of Bollywood, girls want to look more glamorous and I don’t
think it matters anymore if they got a good personality or what sort of person you
are “ (Pakistani older female)
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