TATTOOS-Becoming more socially acceptable

**Bren** · 5th October 2008, 12:34

We all know this is a fact nowadays, along with body modifications, but this article about visible tattoos in the workplace backs it up.

WHO in the world gets a neck tattoo? A couple of years back you could have narrowed the answer to gang members, prison inmates, members of the Russian mob and the rapper Lil Wayne. Then something occurred.

In a mysterious and inexorable process that seems to transform all that is low culture into something high, permanent ink markings began creeping toward the traditional no-go zones for all kinds of people, past collar and cuffs, those twin lines of clothed demarcation that even now some tattoo artists are reluctant to cross.

Defining what the courts in the Cloutier case called a “neat, clean and professional” workplace image becomes more challenging when you consider that in 2006, a Pew Research Center survey found that 36 percent of people age 18 to 25, and 40 percent of those age 26 to 40, have at least one tattoo.

Full Story Here

I have considered previously getting tattoos that extend up to my neck, but the stigma involved has always held me back. Personally I don't think I ever will, but I don't see anything wrong with people who get tattoos in visible places (in that I mean after the overalls or business suit have gone on).

I guess it is just a sign of the times, mainstream is not as well defined as it was 20 years ago. No longer are things in black and white, but in subtle shades of grey.

A question goes out to those tattooed. Are your tatts visible after your work clothes are on?

**nudemetalz** · 5th October 2008, 12:40

I'm organising getting my first tattoo next week. My wife already has one and we are "socially acceptable" people we think (well maybe not according to the Wellington Bucket Racing people...).

Mine will be on my arm so not visible unless I make it.

**Bren** · 5th October 2008, 12:46

It is addicting getting tattoos...I have four currently...largest one is a dragon that goes from my shoulder to my elbow (yet to be finished)...I can guarantee you wont stop at one....getting ink'd really sets off the endorphins and such...it's like a natural high....even hearing the buzz of the gun after you are ink'd sets it off again....

**nudemetalz** · 5th October 2008, 12:58

Mine is going to be of an eagle,.....
Guess what type ? (I'll give you a clue,..Mandello....)

**avgas** · 5th October 2008, 13:06

it really depends what it is of.
as general if you can hide it its probably better.
I mean i wouldn't hire a person if i could see a tatt of the Waikato Waiter on them.........why get your skin cut for something so laim.
Likewise i don't understand why skinheads get "skinhead" tattoo'ed visibly on themselves.....such an oxymoron really.

**Headbanger** · 5th October 2008, 13:19

Originally Posted by avgas

it really depends what it is of.
.

No it doesn't.

All it depends on is if the owner wants to display it to people or not, and if so under what conditions. Someone who gets a tatt you don't like ain't going to give a fuck if you don't like it.

**Curious_AJ** · 5th October 2008, 14:24

one (big one) of mine is visible after i put my scrub top or work t-shirt on. this is providing that i dont have a long sleeved top on underneath of course (the tat is on my upper right arm).

My boss and the other nurse just asked me interested questions about it when they first saw it, they didnt mind in the slightest. I also get asked questions about it by the clients and they dont mind either (I'm a vet nurse btw). I dunno if it's just the job or what, but yeah, people dont seem to mind it very much.

My other tat, the first one i got, is on my left shoulder blade and is quite small, i did it that way just as a cautious first move really. you can only really see it when i wear singlets (which is 90% of the time in summer) or if i'm in my bikini etc etc. I also get questions about that one when it can be seen...

I find most people are more socially accepting these days definately.

(however, my mom cried when she saw the one on my arm.... heh.. oops)

**Curious_AJ** · 5th October 2008, 14:26

Originally Posted by The Redneck

It is addicting getting tattoos...I have four currently...largest one is a dragon that goes from my shoulder to my elbow (yet to be finished)...I can guarantee you wont stop at one....getting ink'd really sets off the endorphins and such...it's like a natural high....even hearing the buzz of the gun after you are ink'd sets it off again....

and YES!!!! I definately agree with you here... I've always really wanted 3 tattoos.. btu who knows what will happen...

I'm not sure when or where the next one will be, but i'm almost certain that there will be a next one.

**Rollestonchick** · 5th October 2008, 14:34

Tatts are addictive, i have 3 (and already planning my fourth). No they arent visible after i get ready for work. I choose to wear polo shirts to work(am a caregiver) They are all on my shoulder blades, so unless i want people to see them,ie wearing a singlet top, outside work hours, They dont even know that i have tattoos.

I think there is still stigma with visable tattoos, especially neck and facial. My son has just got his first tattoo, on his lower left arm. We discussed the pros and cons, of where and what. Before he went ahead. Unfortunately some in society still take people from first impressions. It wasnt long ago, my friend didnt get a job in a shoe retail store, because she had a tattoo on her ankle

**Trumpess** · 5th October 2008, 14:49

Mine are on my back aswell. They are there specifically so I can cover up easily. I got mine when I was 21-22.
I will certianly get more when my fledglings have flown the nest. My little money drainers

They are not a cheap excersise but I do plan on my back being covered.
I can just imagine the courisoty of my grandkiddies when they come about.

I find some of the older generation are the ones with the problem and create the stigma attached to tatts.
I think it is becoming more socially acceptable as we go on through the years, as there are more and more people adorning them.
Alot being the younger generation.

I love tatts, I think they are awesome!

**fire eyes** · 5th October 2008, 15:12

I have a tat behind my ear on my neck ....love it, can be hidden by my hair but I don't hide any of my tats in the hope that someone elses irrelevent opinion might consider, me a better person, Im already a bloody awesome person! lol .. I chose certain places for my tats based on my personal preferences! I think tats/taa moko are just soooo sexy ..

**avgas** · 5th October 2008, 15:17

Originally Posted by Headbanger

No it doesn't.

All it depends on is if the owner wants to display it to people or not, and if so under what conditions. Someone who gets a tatt you don't like ain't going to give a fuck if you don't like it.

whoa calm down fella....
i never said tatts are bad - all im saying is pick your battles man.
Sad fact of the matter is we all judge people on their looks.
So if you want to look like a cross between a celtic dragon and the daily news then YES that is a personality choice - just like the one the employer will do when he choses not to hire the tattoo'ee due to apperance.
Would you elect a prime minister that had "Fuck your family" accross their forehead? While it doesn't matter a fuck about what others think about you - it does matter to how the world operates around you.
Shame really as its the age old saying "Book not the cover".
Had a friend once get his tatt removed as he kept failing interviews - naked women on the back of the hand doesn't do so well in the consulting industry.
Thankfully that was all as he has some of the most awesome art on his back and shoulders. And he is now hired by one of the largest consultancy's in the world.

**Headbanger** · 5th October 2008, 15:36

Ah, It wasn't meant to come across as confrontational, Just a statement.

People who get tatts in obvious places can expect to be judged on them, They have made a decision to present themselves in that way, Its not about what the actual image is, as the choice of image is again a decision made by the owner of the skin.

If they have no concept of what a certain tattoo on their hand will do for them then the judgement made by others is quite correct.....They are an idiot.

**KiwiRat** · 5th October 2008, 15:49

I have full sleeves with my hands professionally done, a full back job, my chest, and my upper thighs. Oh yeah, also the back of my neck. All finished before I turned 21. Some years ago.

I work in a corporate environment, without the hassle of a suit, and tattoos haven't hurt my career any. I wear short sleeves all year round. ( I love air con ) My employers know I'm capable of doing the job, and that's all that really matters to them.