Many people think that tattoos are for hardcore punk hooligans, which they are, but they’re not limited to them. Anyone can get a tattoo and no one should be judged for it.
Tattooing is a type of body modification that has a distinct stigma surrounding it. Piercings, which are also considered a type of body modification, are more embrace. Both of these forms have similar traits and are visibly identifiable. However, stereotypically, many people see piercings as more acceptable and fashionable and look down on tattoos as low class. Tattoos should get more credit and praise than piercings because, although they have recently come under fire, are an art form.
Currently, religion is involved and people are sighting scripture as a reason to demean other people with tattoos. Specifically, Leviticus 9:28, which condemns “tattooed marks” on the body. We won’t even get into why that argument is not only out of context, but also outdated; let’s just say it’s in the old testament for a reason. For all we know, God may see piercings as a sin, so any Christian with a piercing should consider repentance.
No one should have to authority to dictate what another person does with their body. If a person is considering getting a tattoo, one argument against it is that they’ll look bad when your older and it won’t be appropriate. But go ahead and pierce your nose, you’ll definitely still be rocking it at 80.
It’s hypocritical to think that one form of body modification is above another. Even some people with piercings look down on those with tattoos; I’ve seen it happen first-hand. A recent study in Time magazine looks at how people with tattoo’s feel pressure from others, especially when it comes to their reason behind it.
Sure, tattoos cost more, have more of a risk and pain factor and are permanent, but they are also much more significant. A tattoo tells a story and has meaning portrayed through color, design and technique. Not all wearers of tattoos embody the significance, but whoever designed and tattooed it has it permanently displayed on a living and breathing canvass.
Piercings are just holes that hold the work of others in the form of jewelry. It would seem that their only importance is for the sake of vanity. Tattoos have a uniqueness to them that can never be definitely replicated, while walking down the street people’s piercing placement will be just like everyone else’s. A few in ear, on in the nose, maybe their belly button, it’s all real original.
Parents even get their baby’s ears pierced without a second thought, but a tattoo would be outrageous and is against the law in many states if the participant is under 18. This is because they acknowledge that tattoos shouldn’t be administered to children, but still think sticking holes in their ears is perfectly acceptable.
Tattoos are a type of art that people have dedicated their lives to. There are so many aspects and traditions regarding and surrounding it. It takes years to become proficient enough to do a good tattoo, while anyone who works at Claire’s is a professional in piercings. Tattooing is a platform for expression and skill and supersedes vanity yet is seen as second-class.
When it comes to getting a job, tattoos can even be your enemy. Many people look down on people with tattoos, seeing them as uneducated and unprofessional. However, what’s on your skin shouldn’t define what’s in your head. Some companies even go so far as demanding that employees cover them with clothing or make-up, while people with ear, nose or other face piercings can leave them in. A teacher in the UK was even recently fired for her tattoos, and her story has lead to much controversy. That should not be deemed fair but is because people see tattoos as lesser. For example, if you were at the doctors you might opt out of having the doctor with sleeves and face tattoos or at least be apprehensive if they were to be treating you. Why? Because it brings their judgment of the social norm into question.
If, when meeting someone for the first time, they have their ears or nose pierced, you might not think twice about it. However, if they have a simple visible tattoo, you might question their choices and think they are impulsive, especially if it is of something you don’t like.
Tattoos shouldn’t be taboo. This stigma should be recognized and the stereotype should be changed or a whole community of people will continue to be ostracized.
