Olly, I have been asking myself, what is wrong with tattoo's then?
I see you have a few yourself, so we have to tread carefully.
But it does annoy me that people view you differently for having them. But this stigma is changing and thats what i want to put my focus onto.
What do you think of people when you see them tattoo'd?
I am off one one, bare with me please. I think getting tatood and wanting it to be "accepted" could be a bit at odds with eachother. I cant see that stigma changing much. It might not be exactly a class thing but a group thing. Isn't society all about belonging to a certain group and distinguishing yourself from other groups. Whether that is good or bad, it must be embedded in our genes from when we were living in trees. Not surprising then maybe, that people who dinstinguish themselves from the mainstream with obvious tattoo's will be viewed with a bit of reserve by the the rest? It is not like you are wearing odd socks.
So why is it often not very positive vibes? I asked around a bit here at work (all middle aged men)to get a general opinion (and to hide in the crowd a bit) Using Simons useful groupings;
The "rites of pasasage" group.
Maybe with exeption for the drunken sailor with an anchor and his mothers name on his arm, these types of tattoos are usually associated with less adapted groups of people and they appear to be saying "I am different/brave/tough/bad" For them, the stigma you want to get rid of is part of the reason to get tattood.
The fashion group;
Copying the celebs, generally regarded "a bit silly, maybe even sad" And concens, "what will it look like in 10/20/30 years". p.s. I was told Kelly Osbourne is just comming out with regrets and asking her fans not to get tattoos? p.p.s The tattoo programs on TV dont do anything to change my views. I saw an episode with an emotional story about loved ones or lost ones and that is justification to get some big tatto done? That is fine, everyone has their own reasons, but it does give out that "message".
The art group;
When it is small and discrete and of high quality, no negative vibes.
Hope this mini-poll helps.
Good luck with your work, JJW
