Getting Inked

With swirling colors of blue, green, orange and red curling around both arms and inching mid-way down all ten fingers, Chris Howton, owner of Cynical Tattoos, no doubt possess the power to intimidate.  However, in the midst of the recent reality-television tattoo craze he finds a way to stay true to his passion by remaining a humble member of an often-misunderstood tribe.

As someone with two tattoos of my own, I have to admit that I don’t really understand people’s obsession with thinking negatively of the art form.  Yes, the stereotypes associated with the inked race are sometimes true, but I think just as often, they can be totally shattered.  Take me for example, I didn’t rush into the decision, it wasn’t a drunken spring break tribute, rather, I thought about each of the tattoos I have for years before I ever stepped foot inside a shop.  Likewise I have never been convicted of any crimes, I don’t know how to drive a motorcycle, I grew up going to a private Christian school and still answer questions with the respectful terms of ma’am and sir.  I am a college educated, occasional pearl wearing southern girl through and through, and, I wear my ink with pride.

I realize this is a culture driven by appearance, and to an extent I have to say that I agree with this.  If I owned a large successful company, I cant say that I would want my employees walking around with 56 stars tattooed on their face, but at the same time, must the negative connotation with this medium be so severe as to warrant warning posters on campus bulletin boards?

I took a class in Reese-Phifer last month.  One day, as I was walking to my class, I noticed a list of “What to Do’s” when getting ready for a job interview.  As I read the list, a lot of it seemed to be common sense stuff: Don’t be late, Come prepared etc.  What I was surprised to find was the remark that said be SURE that no tattoos are visible; as if insinuating that a glimpse at the Cherokee word on my wrist would be enough to deter a potential employer from hiring me.  I can understand someone being turned away due to meager credentials and a general unkemptness, but do our educators sincerely think that even the tiniest hint of a tattoo still caries a weight heavy enough to sway the opinions of the working conglomerate?

While I will respectfully disagree with the belief that my tattoos are scandalous enough to keep me out of a profession of my choosing, I recognize, and must admit that, more than likely, someone will always find something wrong with them, even friends and family from time to time.

It is, however, my hope that, with time and the continuing infiltration of inked individuals into the working society, we can eventually reach a point where we admire and accept the artistry and beauty of a portrait done on skin, as much as we admire and appreciate those presented in other formats.

by Jennifer Jeffcoat

~ by themissingink on July 9, 2009.