There seem to exist a variety of views, opinions and judgements on the issue of tattoos. Although people of all ages get names, signs and symbols inked onto various parts of their body, it is often associated with one’s youth, for either emotional, memory, or exhibitionist reasons. With methods of tattoo removal being developed more and more every day, some may be more keen to modify their image in what was once an extremely permanent way, because of the possibility of being able to have it removed later in life if they come to regret it.
Tattoos can be a way of remembering a loved one, remembering an event or place that you went to once, or just having an image or quote that you love and that means a lot to you become part of you. People get judged left, right and centre for having certain quotes or sayings, or even family member’s names, tattooed on themselves, but it’s ultimately their decision, their skin, and their choice.
I personally think that people may view tattoos on others depending on who that person is. Taking Victoria Beckham as an example: a successful business woman in the world of fashion, who many people idolise. She went from a Spice Girl living her pop star dream, to building and expanding a clothing brand, whilst being a Mum of four and playing the role of David-Beckhams-Wife in front of the media and within the world of football. She, like her husband from whom the same kind of example can be drawn, has many tattoos all over her body, ranging from stars representing her family members names, to the date her and David renewed their vows. Some may class her tattoos as stylish, classy and as fitting in with her image, but is this because she is such a high-profile name and icon in the world of fashion and beauty? Would you view someone who isn’t so famous, rich and iconic with the same tattoos as her in the same way?
Then we turn to the world of work. There is little chance of someone like Victoria or David Beckham being refused some employment opportunity because of their tattoos. But for the rest of us, it is definitely a factor worth thinking about. But is this right? Is a doctor or lawyer with a ‘sleeve’ less able or respectful because of the choices he has made to modify his body so permanently in such a bold manner? This answer should be no, but we as humans will no doubt judge them nonetheless.
The most ‘sensible’ and ‘reasonable’ conclusion that we should perhaps draw, not just for an argument’s sake but also by means of advice is to be realistic. Be aware of your age, situation and future plans, but also be aware that you don’t want to live with regrets. When travelling with friends in some incredible part of the world and you decide to get matching tattoos for memories sake, if you know that you’re to be greeted with a job on your return, only consider that as much as you need to. If you know or predict your future employer will not be happy with a chain of daisies inked around your ankle when you’ll be dealing with clients and customers in pencil skirts and heels, then just consider something more discrete. The benefit of having something tattooed in the region of your torso is that it is unlikely to be revealed when in your workplace, unless you’re a model for swimwear… In which case you no doubt will have endless clauses in your contract as to what you can and cannot do with your body, which is another basis for discussion entirely!
A tattoo is a personal choice that shouldn’t be a write off for subsequent circumstances or opportunities, but the realty is that it might well be. Whether it’s right or not that employers refuse certain opportunities because of choices one has made to ink certain words, symbols or images onto their skin, that might well happen, and is something to take into account when having a you-only-live-once moment with friends!
Photo credits:
www.sofeminine.co.uk/celebrity-features/female-celebrity-tattoos-2011-d20895c275700.html