Tattoo Discrimination: How To Destroy The Stereotype and Rise Above

I am working on a more detailed story to share here about an event that recently happened to me where I was discriminated against because of my ink. Not in the usual sense (rolling of the eyes, disapproving air, you know how it goes), but bias in the sense that it actually prevented me from participating in something important, due to visible ink on my hands and neck. The story is still quite upsetting to me and I have worked through a few rough drafts without feeling satisfied as to the outcome. But it will be told, I promise.

In the meantime, after pondering a conversation I had yesterday regarding this topic, I just wanted to share a few conclusions I have recently come to regarding the handling of tattoo prejudice.

It’s an inevitable fact. Not everyone in society approves of or appreciates body art, nor do they have to. Though more and more people become tattoo collectors every day, there are still stigmas attached and inaccurate perceptions about what adding art to your epidermis does to the person beneath that ink.

How each person deals with it and approaches the situation is a personal decision. It’s easy to get frustrated and defensive when books are judged by their covers. But as tattooed people, I think that we almost have an obligation to work a little harder at turning the stereotype upside-down.

Of course, any group in society is going to have people at all different spots on the spectrum and there will be those that "fit" the stereotype, archaic as it may be; but there are also MANY who don't, and if you are one of those MANY, try to shock people not by your appearance or body modifications, but by being a person with admirable character.

There really isn't anything better than crushing an inaccurate stereotype; whatever that stereotype may be. Be yourself and be proud of the decisions you have made in life. It will reflect in the way you carry yourself and those who are fortunate enough to see YOU for YOU will benefit from that truth.
 
I have always felt that watching someone’s initial reaction to tattooed skin is sort of like owning a magical barometer for knowing who I would or wouldn’t want to associate with. After all, someone who judges by outer appearance in a split second might not be my first choice to become friends with anyway; no matter what they were judging for. You can see the difference in character when another person is truly open-minded and accepting of all types of people. That is a person who is worth knowing, talking to, and sharing your time with. Life is too short to waste it on the negative.

No matter how any of us appear, be it tattooed skin or not, make the lasting impression one of kindness, sincerity, and self-respect. What you wear on the inside is the truth to your character. And in the long run, the more that your inner being shines through, the less important the outer appearance matters anyway.

Superficiality will only get you so far. Be true on the inside to make a lasting impression.

As the great Dr. Seuss once said:

Keep these wise words in mind. Be proud of your ink and kind to others. The combination will impress those who are worth impressing and just might change a few minds in the meantime.