"Why would you ever get one?”
“That looks so trashy.”
“What are you going to look like when you’re older?”
We have all heard these statements directed toward someone about the tattoos they have, or if you have tattoos yourself, you may have received these snide comments.
Tattoos of many forms have been around for centuries. They have been used for beauty, to tell stories, to show history, or to commemorate a special event.
Somewhere in time, tattoos became more and more socially and professionally unaccepted. Many people associate tattoos with gangs, rock ‘n’ roll, drugs, and criminals, no matter what type of tattoo it is.
The reality is that so many people have tattoos for different reasons, whether to remember a passed loved one, to express a passion of theirs, or simply because they enjoy wearing art.
Unfortunately, tattoos have prevented well-qualified people from receiving jobs and careers that they deserve. Other people may receive jobs, but have to cover them up during work hours.
Because they are unprofessional.
But who decided they were unprofessional? Where did this stigma come from?
Too many individuals see other people with tattoos as cheap, dumb, and uneducated.
But it’s only an opinion. There is no scientific evidence that proves that tattoos determine a person’s intelligence, substance abuse habits, or social status.
Here are a few reasons why having tattoos should not prevent you from being hired or judged socially in any way, but, perhaps, even increase your credibility:
Tattoos Show Your Appreciation For Art
Art is beauty created to receive an aesthetic response. Some people paint, draw, wear makeup, sing, dance, etc. Others have tattoos to express themselves artistically. Tattoos are one specific way to show your love and appreciation for the creative side of life, which is vital in being a well-rounded person.
They Show That you Have Sentimental Value of People, Symbols, Events, etc.
Numerous people every day decide to get a tattoo that commemorates something important to them, especially a person in their life who they loved and has since passed away. Some may choose to get a tattoo of a religious symbol. Others may want to get a quote to remind them to stay strong through life. All of these simply show that you care about a person or thing enough to have their name or image permanently represented on your body. It is an act of dedication and love.
Tattoos Are No More Than Accessories
What is an accessory you wear every day? Your favorite necklace? Your designer purse? Your trendy sunglasses? What about loving an image so much, you choose that as your permanent accessory? That’s all tattoos are. They are an accessory meant to enhance your overall beauty, just like dying your hair to a different color, getting your ears pierced.
Many Highly Regarded Leaders Have/Had Tattoos
More leaders and well-known pioneers in history had tattoos than you think. Theodore Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Andrew Jackson fall into this category, just to name a few. While opinions of these people do not matter, since all were respected leaders in history. Even though few people knew this, all of these men had tattoos, and they had nothing to do with their ability to govern. What prevents a leader today from having a tattoo and still being successful?
It Does Not Decrease Your Value As A Person, At ALL
No matter what image you put on your body, you will still be you. Tattoos do not make you a criminal. Tattoos do not mean you do drugs. Those are your personal choices as a person, just like getting a tattoo is a personal choice. They don’t change you into something else; they express and accentuate who you already are. So rock that butterfly on your ankle, and show that quote on your forearm proudly, because that is you.
