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'In the late 1960s, when I was about eight, I announced to my aunt that I wanted to be white. If I were white, I explained, I would see myself everywhere – on television, on posters, in magazines, in books.' (Introduction)
'Somewhere, deep inside the convolutions of my consciousness, I am convinced that I am invisible. It must be a vestige of the childish belief that if your eyes are covered, no-one can see you. Even now, if an acquaintance recognises me in a public space, I feel a slight shock – contrary to my default assumption, I can be seen.' (Introduction)