A tattoo and prejudice, they seem inextricably linked. I hear it regularly around me. What an ass dude! You gotta see what that one looks like, all those tattoos everywhere, doesn't look right? And then that bald head, you don't want to meet him in a dark alley at night. And yes of course, we all have to deal with prejudices from time to time, I also paint a picture based on the first impression. But to call someone with tattoos antisocial by definition, I don't agree.
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Few people in my business circle know that I have tattoos. Which also ensures that people sometimes speak negatively about it in my presence. At my work I have to deal with people from the office, but also with diehard physically hard workers on the 'work floor'.
I myself am a secretary, and let's face it, there are also prejudices about that. Because don't they often wear a white blouse, black pencil skirt and pumps? Preferably with a bun and glasses. And doesn't she often have an affair with the person she works for? Well, put that aside!
I dare say that I look presentable at work and cover my larger tattoo with a nice shirt and jacket. Not because I'm afraid of what will be said about me, but because I just think it looks nice myself.
In doing so, I take into account the prejudices that exist and the wishes of my director, who, when he got wind that I was in possession of such a decoration, indicated that it was desirable that I should not go there openly. walked around with. I don't do that either, I also find it neater to cover it up on occasions. In doing so, I do take into account the prejudices that exist, because I personally think we should think a little more lightly.
In the summer months, however, my colleagues are confronted with the tattoo a bit more. Then I don't always wear long sleeves in the office. However, I do make sure that I always have a jacket with me in case an unexpected visitor comes by.
Many people have the impression that tattoos belong to a certain category of people, whether or not associated with the 'aso neighbourhoods', sailors, rockers et cetera. As a result, the link with antisocial and criminal is unjustifiably quickly established.
The way I look at it, I'm not antisocial. I'm not a sailor and rocking isn't really my thing either. I have a tattoo because I think this is beautiful, but really really beautiful! An ornament, an addition, something that reminds me of the strength I've had in certain life events, something that strengthens me. And even if there's no meaning behind it, isn't that still fine? Tastes differ.
I also don't like everything that other people attract, but does that immediately mean that you belong to a certain target group? Not for me. You're just you, and that's fine. I don't know you, so my judgment about you will not be ready immediately.
In my work I remain professional, you can still take me seriously when you know I wear a tattoo. And my way of working doesn't change anything with such a decoration. In addition, I think that if you speak to me without knowing it, you can paint a positive image of me. If you see my picture afterwards, am I a different person to you?
On the internet I read an article by a gentleman who thought that people with tattoos mark it as antisocial. Something like:I am me, I shit on anyone who doesn't accept me as I am. Dear Sir, I do not agree with you. I think it says more about you than about me. You should know that I don't give a damn about what others think of me. On the contrary, I am quite sensitive to that. But I really like my tattoo. I don't flaunt it, it's mine, it suits me, it's who I am. Maybe I don't like your jacket either, but it does suit you 😉 .
Anyway, prejudices.
I was recently at a party, with people in tight suits. There were plenty of drinks, it was getting later and the music was getting louder. Jackets came off and sleeves were rolled up. That handsome-faced guy, which I really didn't expect, had a piece of sleeve coming out from under his shirt. Well, then you can sweep me up. For then my prejudice will arise; neat on the outside, naughty on the inside 😉 .
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