I you could consider me as the outside appreciator: by that I mean I have spent a large part of my time around people society labels as 'gothic' including you typical 'tattooed/pierced freaks'. I myself do not sport a tattoo nor a piercing but have a great understanding and appreciation of those who do. In my experience hense are society's true beautiful people.
At A Glance Author Spotch Contact [email protected] When It just happened
On an average day everyone crosses someone with an unusual piercing or visible tattoo and it amazes me the looks of disgust that seem to follow. Many people on here have said it's a form of art, not a form of deviance and they'd be right in saying so. If people who like pop culture for example are allowed to identify themselves by wearing tacky provocative supre clothing sporting political statements the wearer often doesn't understand or support. Why is it less socially acceptable for body artists to express it? it seems unfair that among personality traits, my most trusted friends are society's labeled devients, freaks, weirdo's and goths - but among the most genuine and in-touch people I know - and get labeled by people whose blinding ignorance makes judgment without knowing the person.
What amazes me more is people personal desire to shield themselves from it. People look on at tattoos with insightful curiosity, only to tear their eyes away and downplay the curiosity; almost as if scared of catching some kind of disease instead of appreciating the art for the beauty it truly represents.
My current partner sports 8 piercings (two of which are tunnels) and 5 tattoos (only 1 is 'visible'). Many people look on that his tunnels with curiosity and he is host to the standard battery of questions of "did it hurt" or "how was that done" but also too often the down pinning of "that's a waste of money and you're destroying your body". It's interesting since in South American tribes, such tunnels represent social status. When put in a tribal culture context, the average socialite considers it to be beautiful - so why is it less beautiful on a young westernized middle class male?
Tattoos are also in the same boat. All of my love's tattoos come with their own personal story that marks out the topology of his life - many of people who have touched his heart deeply, that it is with pride he bears their symbol on the outside. One of which being a Latin phrase "Memoria Amans" (in loving memory). I don't know if it is because people don't know what it means that contributes to the criticism. People hang photos of their loved ones in their home, or carry them in their wallets, or keep them on the office desk: He chooses to carry his on his skin where no one can take it or destroy it or devalue it. The sign of his love somehow transforms meaning in the eyes of others where he will oft be criticized for displaying it in such a way. Should it not be an honor and in the highest respect realms that he has made such a personal and permanent tribute to those he holds dear?
The piece that breaks my heart is people inability to see past the body art. My boyfriend has a beautiful soul, personality and nature and somehow modern society has condemned him to deviance because of his chosen expression. Out in public together, often he is stopped by authorities and searched at random where as I wont be. I myself am slender with blonde hair, blue eyes and lack the same 'physical deviant signs.' But why should physicality's make people a more or less likely candidate? It demonstrates a certain 'shallowness' in society when as a couple, he's targeted and I am not and its a few holes and some ink that make all the difference.
It is heart wrenching that stigma is attached to this group, when in my experience they're the most innocent and beautiful people in society. I have found that friends who appreciate body art have an understanding of life deeper running than a lot of others. They understand the value of permanence, creativity, honor and respect. They seek it out in their expression and in their relationships. Such small pieces of metal and colored art works mean a world of difference to a point where it distracts from the beauty of the person themselves.
I have read many fantastic postings on this site and I empathize with your stories of how the world lumps you into a category that has no proof beyond a judgment. It appears to me from your postings that a lot of you suffer the same scrutiny in the face of society. Just as my boyfriend is a kitten in a tiger's body, I sense so many beautiful people are subject to immediate judgment because of how you express yourself. If this is you - Do not despair. Beauty inside prevails: true understanding comes from people who can love who you are inside and appreciate how you express yourself on the outside.