Despite centuries of being counseled to do otherwise, it is unfortunately true that human beings still continue to judge each other based upon appearance. As a race we seem never to have incorporated that whole "don't judge a book by it's cover" thing. Unless you happen to be a hermit living in seclusion, the assumptions and prejudices of society are something you have to consider when getting a visible piercing, implant, tattoo, or other non-mainstream modification. There are many bad ramifications, but there are good ones, too!
At A Glance Author Undead Molly Contact Undead [email protected] When N/A Artist Bald Bill Henshaw Studio Yankee Tattoo Location Burlington, Vermont Bad Consequences
As we all know, there are many who cling to the old stereotypes of the modified population as being drug addicted, alcoholic, prone to criminal acts, belligerent, uneducated, and tending toward violence. When many people see mods they immediately project onto the individual a set of character attributes are generally those of a one dimensional, socially deviant, "bad citizen".
One way in which I, personally, have experienced this particular form of prejudice is as a hospital patient. I have a chronic illness and am unfortunately a frequent flier in our local ER. I've found that the care I receive when my tattoos are showing differs from that which I receive when I'm covered up with a long sleeved shirt. Dismayingly, my observations are backed up by statistical evidence and surveys of ERs collected around the United States.
If the tats are out I am suspected of being a drug seeker (even though I have never in my life asked for narcotics), possibly on drugs at the time of my admittance (I've had to give urine samples for no clinically justifiable reason), it is assumed that whatever is wrong must somehow be my fault, I am assumed to be at higher risk to be a carrier of STDs, and I am given gratuitous lectures about the dangers of drugs (I don't do any), unprotected sex (I've been in a monogamous relationship with the same person for six years), and other high-risk behaviors (I don't even smoke cigarettes!).
Other places you might face discrimination are related to being part of the work force: when applying for jobs, complying with work dress codes, and any position which requires you interact with the public such as retail. People have tried to sue employers who discriminate against modified folks, but as far as I know these lawsuits have been unsuccessful.
Other possible arenas for dischord might include dating, family, and interacting with law enforcement, and school officials. If you are Jewish, you may want to speak with your family before getting a modification. Some more orthodox Jews are still vehemently opposed to the practise on religious grounds.
Another portion of the people you may have unpleasant run-ins with are pious Christians. They will tell you that the Bible forbids tattooing, but they are frankly dead wrong and have taken quotes out of context to suit their agenda, with no actual understanding of their historical meaning. That will have to be addressed at another time as it is a whole essay in and of itself. In the mean time here are some lovely Bible verses you might wish to point out to anyone harassing you from a Biblical platform (New International Version):
Romans 2:1 "You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.
Matthew 7:1-5 "1"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5Hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."
Luke 6:37 "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."
James 4:12 "There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you�who are you to judge your neighbor?"
John 7:24 "Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment."
While you think about the stereotypes others might project onto you, please take a moment to consider what prejudices you might be harboring. You wish to be treated fairly, and be valued according your character rather than condemned by the myths associated with your appearance. Always make sure you are treating others with that same non-judgmental respect and objectivity.
Good Consequences
There are some wonderfully positive social ramifications to getting modified as well! First of all, when you take this step you are automatically joining a community � whether you like it or not. When you run into another modified person on the street, you know you have more in common with them than basic biology You are iconoclasts, social pioneers, masters of your own bodies, and not afraid to tread the road less traveled. At least once every day I am approached by a friendly face asking about my tattoos and sharing their own. Of course, it similar to any other community such as a national club or organization, you will run into people who are members but have no interest in chatting with you about it. Always be respectful of their space and privacy.
There is also the stereotype of a tattooed or pierced person being a "bad ass". This is not always a good thing obviously as it can lead to timid people avoiding you because they think you're going to kick their butt for no reason. However, I know I've been in some sketchy situations where I was being targeted by bully-types because I'm small and quiet, but they backed off when they saw my tattoos. Despite generations of tattoos becoming more and more mainstream, there is still a toughness and "don't mess with me" element about a person covered with ink, no matter how cute and cuddly they are on the inside. This can be a bad thing when the tattooed individual feel socially isolated or persecuted, but it can also be an important defensive display.
To me the most important positive effect I've observed from being a tattooed person in society is that it has opened up innumerable lines of communication between myself and perfect strangers. I don't know how many hundreds of people have stopped me in the grocery store, outside the movies, or just walking down the sidewalk or wherever to ask me about my tattoos and tattooing in general. As a modified person you are on display as a representative of our community. Use it wisely and be prepared to answer the same set of questions 1,000 times! Every day you have the opportunity to smash stereotypes or reinforce them. The choice is yours...