Judgement
People have been tattooing and piercing body parts for thousands of years. These body changes have been linked to cultural, religious, and ritualistic practices. Tattoos were never regarded as fine art even though the process of tattooing is rather complex and beautiful. Over time, however, they became ‘taboo’ with negative associations to gang or cult memberships, criminality, and sacrilege. But that way of thinking is just another way society supports segregation. It is another way upper-class people can distinguish between themselves and others.
Facial and body piercings too are negatively perceived by the public. I remember the reactions I got from a lot of adults when I got my eyebrow pierced as a teen. I felt a little more judged and pressured to prove that I was mature and intelligent. I ended up taking it out before graduating college at the recommendation of my mentors because they recognized it would make getting a job more difficult. Canadian businesses still maintain the right to not hire someone who is tattooed or pierced (if they are not a religious or cultural custom) and can request that people cover up their tattoos and remove their piercings while at work. For more information refer to the Human Rights Act and the Charter of Rights.
Even though many companies have been forced to become more tolerant as more and more people are challenging these social norms, people can still be disrespectful. When I got my nose pierced people that would come into my work would actually say things like “Why would you do that to your face, you looked beautiful before” or “Take that thing out, you look like a bull”. I can’t help but compare these people to the bullies that criticized me as a child. Only, I had to experience this in my workplace from people who were previously kind to me. This made me wonder what it was about tattoos and piercings that made people feel so uncomfortable.
Personality
Everyone has a different, valid idea of beauty, and that is okay. For those who have them, tattoos and piercings are our art collections, our self-expression, our stories, and a part of our identities. Tattoos are maps of our lives, they tell stories and express the things we find important and beautiful. Piercings accessorize our bodies and add shape and texture in ways we believe are right for us.
If you think tattoos are “okay as long as you don’t have too many” or “sometimes look gross” then don’t get them. If you think piercings are painful then don’t get them. But please don’t judge me and project your feelings about them onto me.
Confidence
I was raised to be respectful to everyone and especially my elders. I was also taught to never judge a book by its cover, to not make assumptions, and to never be hurtful with my actions or words. I was bullied when I was young, as I think many kids were. I grew thick skin because of that and I know it is the reason I can so openly and calmly explain to people why they are being rude.
It is not hard to tell how people will judge me when my tattoo goals are complete. What I don’t understand is why anyone cares what I look like or how I express myself. People are always very willing to offer unsolicited opinions, but negative opinions about someone’s body should never be offered unsolicited. When people ask about my piercings or tattoos, I let them know as much as I want them to know. But when people approach me to ask me if they can “hang their keys” on my nose ring (which is just hurtful), I feel like I need to explain. So, here are some things you should know before you comment on my piercings and tattoos:
· I believe in doing things (as long as they don’t negatively affect others) that will make me happy in this short life.
· I don’t take myself too seriously. I like to be silly, have fun, and create a life for myself that makes me happy.
· I don’t care what my skin is going to look like when I am 80. I can accept my wrinkles and imperfections. I am okay with that – are you?
· I decided to get them, I like them, and I am not looking for your approval.· Your opinion of me is not more valid than my freedom of self-expression.
My piercings and tattoos are meaningful expressions of myself that make me happy. That is all that matters.