By Samm Sharp Posted May 9, 2018
Tattoos and piercings have become more and more popular throughout the years. A lot of people have one or two, and some of them have been covered head to toe. Why do people see these modifications as degrading, rather than just a different way to express art?
Tattoos and piercings have been a part of human culture for thousands of years. According to smithsonian.com, many ancient Egyptians (4000-1300 BC) had tattoos. There is also a mummified head of a woman located in the Azapa Museum in Arica, Chile, with a facial tattoo. In 1991, a mummified body found in an Austrian glacier had ears stretched to 7-11 mm in diameter.
Even though these modifications have been around for literally thousands of years, they are still unfortunately seen as unprofessional and are negatively stereotyped (by most people) in our culture. If you have tattoos or piercings, you’re less likely to get a job. According to careers.workopolis.com, 77% of employers will/might be less likely to hire you if you have tattoos.
Tattoos and piercings have become more and more popular, but there is still a social stigma. A lot of people are more concerned with what other people do with their bodies rather than their own. Basically, what other people do with their bodies isn’t your business, and you don’t have the right to degrade them for the choices they make.
As a girl with nine piercings herself, I understand what the ‘trend’ is about. I love my piercings and if you told me that in 20 years I’d regret it, I wouldn’t believe you. As we grow older, skin that has been tattooed may wrinkle and not look so good. But if that tattoo really means something to you or has affected you in some way, does it even matter?
