Tattoos. More sociably acceptable, or still frowned upon?
Tattoos are on the rise as of late, quite highly in fact. More and more people seem to be delving into the world of tattooing and expressing themselves with body art. With everything from dotwork mandalas to neo traditional panthers, you would think that society has finally accepted non plain skin. Well, I believe otherwise.
Many times I have felt discriminated against due to being tattooed. Most notably when attending a job interview and being told that "it wasn't the best idea to turn up with my tattoos showing". They were, in fact, showing slightly at my wrists due to my shirt sleeves being pushed up a little. Along with this, though, I have received many of awkward glances from strangers when on the train. Just last week I had an elderly couple look me up and down and fixate their eyes onto mine in disgust, for a good 5/10 minutes. Now, I don't mind at all, I don't let it affect me, but others may not have the same outlook.
So, why are people made to feel like they have done wrong? Why should they second guess their choices in getting tattooed? How does a person's artwork on their skin, deem them different to the 'norm' of society? Having tattoos does not affect your suitability for a job. They do not make you look thuggish. It is art. Art that has been around for generations and will continue to do so.
Are we in an era that just simply doesn't understand tattooing? Is it basically one generation that looks on in disgust or is it a mixture of different ages and will it be a lot more 'normal' to be covered in etchings once time passes on? Obviously people are entitled to different views and opinions, but then we cannot class certain things as wrong simply because we do not like them/it. That person you are judging could be the nicest you have ever met in your life.
Let us just agree that everybody is different. Do not look down on other people's passions or enjoyments. At the end of the day, a tattoo, a piercing, a modification, does not define a person, it adds to their personality.
What do you think? Have you ever been discriminated against for your body art? Do you agree that it is still frowned upon to an extent? Feel free to let me know or find me on Twitter below to discuss.
Thanks for reading.
Kevin Bailey.