Tattoos: Stigma, Reality, Advice
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Health and Wellness

Tattoos: Stigma, Reality, Advice

Tattoos are scary. You’re literally branding yourself for life; it’s kind of a big deal.

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Tattoos: Stigma, Reality, Advice

According to the Google search I just did, tattoos have been around since the Neolithic times. A following Google search revealed that the Neolithic Era was the period beginning around 10,200 B.C. and ending around 4,000 B.C.

Now, I’m no history genius, but that’s probably like a pretty long time ago.

So, why are they still such a huge controversy?


When I was a freshman in high school, I had the brilliant notion that I was going to enter the medical field after college.



I remember sitting in my first health science class and being lectured about “appropriate workplace attire.” Much to my surprise, tattoos were among the many things deemed inappropriate.

This stuck out to me at the time, and it still resonates with me. Why would it be a socially-accepted idea that something marked on someone’s skin could affect how they do their job? So much so that it was written in a physical textbook and taught in school.

This made, and still makes, no sense to me. Is there a limit, or do all physical “abnormalities” define the type of employee a person will make? Do ear piercings cloud your judgement? Do acne scars make you less fit to administer medicine?

I’ve come to the conclusion that this notion has more to do with the stigma around tattoos than those with them. Historically, especially in the last few generations, tattoos have been associated with “rough” groups of people - bikers, drunks, etc. - or with military personnel. So, I’m assuming the older generations carry that stigma that they wouldn’t want a biker sticking them with a needle in the hospital, not to say that members of our generation are 100% supportive of tattoos and those who choose to get them. However, I would say most of us are much more accepting, having a more, “It’s your body, you can make that choice; however, I’m not interested” point of view over that of immediately stereotyping you because of a choice they may not have made.

I got my first, and only, tattoo right after my 18th birthday in August of 2016 - a semicolon on the inside of my left wrist.


I learned about Project Semicolon years earlier, and knew I wanted one tattooed on my wrist as soon as I got the chance. Project Semicolon is a project dedicated to raising mental health and suicide awareness. A semicolon is used when a writer could have ended a sentence but chose to continue it. The semicolon is used as a reminder that your story is not over and you always have the choice to continue your meaningful life.

Tattoos are scary. You’re literally branding yourself for life, so it’s kind of a big deal. So, my only advice to anyone considering getting one is:

1. Choose something of significance to you.

Okay, yes, that mandala is very, very pretty… but why do you want to carry it around with you your whole life? (Nothing against those with mandala tattoos, just an example.) Don’t choose something because it’s pretty or will look super cute with a crop top. Tattoos aren’t fashion statements, you can’t take it off when it’s no longer in style.


2. Do your research.

Three things: artist, design, and price. Make sure you’re getting who you want to do and what you want done at the right price. Again, it’s kind of a one-shot thing. You can’t erase it if you’re not happy.

3. It’s okay to freak out a little bit.

Trust your artist. The pain is worth it. Yes, you actually like how it turned out.


Unfortunately for the health science curriculum at my high school, my tattoo has yet to stop me from getting a job or pursuing each and every one of my dreams.

Though society may tell you differently, tattoos don’t make you a bad person nor do they make it impossible to be anything you want to be. Tattooing is an expression of *you*, and with every form of expression comes great judgment. Like buying a new dress or car, tattoos are a way to express ourselves. However, they do come with a little more commitment than a dress or a car.

Getting a tattoo is a big step, so make sure you’re prepared and sure it’s something you want to do!

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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