Tattoos & Piercings: Self Expression or Flag for Judgment?

Tattoos and piercings have always had a place in the world. In many third world countries and tribal cultures, receiving a tattoo or a body piercing is a right of passage. The presence of these body modifications may be indicative of a person’s social or marital status. In America, tattoos and piercings are generally considered a form of art and self expression. There is another side of this form of body modification in America however and that is how the visibility of tattoos and piercings are often a bright flag waving for people to make a judgment call about the person who has them.

Certain types of tattoos and piercings are quite popular in the United States. Ear piercings are quite common amongst women, especially those of certain ethnic backgrounds. They are also quite popular amongst men and teenage boys. Other popular forms of piercings are nose rings, the Monroe, eyebrow piercings, tongue rings, industrials, and ear plugs. Ear plugs can vary greatly in size. Tattoos are even more popular and it is quite common to see people who have the names of their children, religious symbols, memorials to deceased friends and family, as well as designs such as ladybugs, tribal, barbwire, and butterflies. Each person has their own reason behind getting these body modifications performed whether it be to commemorate an event or memory or simply because they like the idea. Other people however may have many piercings and tattoos, some visible and some not.

People often judge others by the piercings and tattoos that can be seen regardless of the reason behind them. Many businesses prefer not to hire people with visible tattoos or piercings because they feel that they are not professional, from banks to fast food places. Some business owners and individuals feel that these things are an indication of a lack of self respect or addictive behavior. People have even been turned down from renting homes and apartments due to having piercings and tattoos that were not generally offensive in nature. There is no law that considers these practices a form of discrimination.

Careful consideration should be made when deciding to undergo the process.