Note: The opinions in this article are solely those of the author.
Society is greatly influenced by media, especially through visual media such as television, magazines, and advertisements. However, tattoos and body modifications are not often featured in these forms of media and, when they are, the individuals with these tattoos and piercings are viewed in an extremely negative way. Society and media have dubbed these individuals as “trashy”, “juvenile”, and “delinquents”, creating a harmful and negative stereotype.
The Be Yourself Campaign is a Facebook group that focuses on challenging the negative stereotype of tattoos and body modifications, particularly for women. With over 200 members and counting, the campaign’s main purpose is to educate individuals of all ages that tattoos and piercings do not create or represent a criminal, nor do they make individuals any less intelligent or talented.
Although anyone with tattoos and piercings feels the heat and judgment of displaying the artwork on their bodies, women are the recipients of more judgment than men. Women in society are labeled as “delicate”, a label that forces women to act, dress, and work as typical women should, lest they be harshly judged. Women with tattoos or piercings are being viewed as “trashy” and even “slutty”.
There is more meaning behind tattoos and piercings than what society will admit. Whereas tattoos are viewed negatively today, tattoos once were used to indicate class, status, and royalty. Funny how over the course of a few centuries the meaning of tattoos can become so misconstrued.
A tattoo is meant to be viewed as a beautiful piece of art, a permanent memorial, or as a symbol in someone’s life and not as a brand for criminals. For a better understanding of tattoos and body modification discrimination become a member of the Be Yourself Campaign.
You can join the Be Yourself Campaign on Facebook now.
Photo courtesy of Cat Szumigale and the Be Yourself Campaign