Ink...
Tattoos have long been the domain of sailors and bikers, however in recent years the number of people with tattoos has increased dramatically. It seems as if in the near future it will be seen weird to not have a tattoo. However, after a rather fraught and tense conversation on the subject matter with my mother it seems as if the common perception of those with tattoos from those without them does not seem to have changed along with the trend.
The basic discussion began with the fact that I commented on my wish to get a pin up girl tattoo on my arm to go with my corsetting, my silly little heart with wings and my little bow (Which will be done when my loan comes through). However, this conversation soon led to my mum informing me that I would look very butch and unpretty and expressing the opinion that tattoos are not pleasant, which she is more than entitled to hold. However, I obviously am not of the same opinion, I think tatts are things which can help a person express themselves, stand out, or just make themselves feel better. I believe the first time I said I wanted a tat was when I was 7 and I finally managed to pluck up the courage to go through with it when I was 19 and I definatly dont regret it. However, does the increase in the number of people with tattoos mean that the values people place upon those with them has changed too?
Obviously the easiest place to view the lack of change of opinion on this subject matter is the work place. Due to the fact that most places of employment demand a certain level of appearance for their employees tattoos are not considered acceptable. However, this then begs the question of how exactly does a tattoo affect a persons ability to perform a certain job? As far as I am aware me having a tattoo down my left hand side does not stop me from being able to pull a pint at the pub I work in, or stop me from inputting data ino a computer, or even teaching a child. However, this could be due to the fact that my tattoos are very easy to hide, (a reason my mother has little objection to them)but does having a visible tattoo create any more of an issue when working than having an 'invisible' one?
Of course the answer to this musing is no of course it doesnt, so why does society still seem to discriminate against those who have tattoos even when they are becomming more and more popular and within mainstream culture? I believe that there should be some sort of employment law implemented, just like the laws against sexism or ageism withn the workplace, where employers are not allowed to refuse to employ someone based soley upon their appearance, whether this be hair, piercings or tattoos...whether or not this will ever occur seems to me to hang on whether or not tattoos really do make it within the mainstream.
Part of me hopes they do, but a bigger part hopes they dont...either way tattoos are definatly for me...bring on the needles!
The basic discussion began with the fact that I commented on my wish to get a pin up girl tattoo on my arm to go with my corsetting, my silly little heart with wings and my little bow (Which will be done when my loan comes through). However, this conversation soon led to my mum informing me that I would look very butch and unpretty and expressing the opinion that tattoos are not pleasant, which she is more than entitled to hold. However, I obviously am not of the same opinion, I think tatts are things which can help a person express themselves, stand out, or just make themselves feel better. I believe the first time I said I wanted a tat was when I was 7 and I finally managed to pluck up the courage to go through with it when I was 19 and I definatly dont regret it. However, does the increase in the number of people with tattoos mean that the values people place upon those with them has changed too?
Obviously the easiest place to view the lack of change of opinion on this subject matter is the work place. Due to the fact that most places of employment demand a certain level of appearance for their employees tattoos are not considered acceptable. However, this then begs the question of how exactly does a tattoo affect a persons ability to perform a certain job? As far as I am aware me having a tattoo down my left hand side does not stop me from being able to pull a pint at the pub I work in, or stop me from inputting data ino a computer, or even teaching a child. However, this could be due to the fact that my tattoos are very easy to hide, (a reason my mother has little objection to them)but does having a visible tattoo create any more of an issue when working than having an 'invisible' one?
Of course the answer to this musing is no of course it doesnt, so why does society still seem to discriminate against those who have tattoos even when they are becomming more and more popular and within mainstream culture? I believe that there should be some sort of employment law implemented, just like the laws against sexism or ageism withn the workplace, where employers are not allowed to refuse to employ someone based soley upon their appearance, whether this be hair, piercings or tattoos...whether or not this will ever occur seems to me to hang on whether or not tattoos really do make it within the mainstream.
Part of me hopes they do, but a bigger part hopes they dont...either way tattoos are definatly for me...bring on the needles!