Even though tattooing has a long and diverse history that predates Christianity, it remains a widespread means of self-expression in contemporary times. Nevertheless, despite being well-regarded by many younger people, tattoos are frequently regarded as unprofessional and linked to criminal activity or even seen as demonic. Unfortunately, society still confronts significant challenges regarding biased assessments based on individual appearance.
Tattoos are commonly applied by individuals with some significant meaning attached to them, and they can be viewed in different perspectives based on personal outlooks and historical contexts. Historical evidence from archaeologists confirms that the practice dates back to ancient times, even before Christ, and were used not only for religious reasons but also as a status symbol in society.
Centuries ago, the Romans utilized tattoos as a means of identifying slaves and delinque
...nts (Gennaro, 2007). Nowadays, people also associate tattoos with criminality. If someone has multiple tattoos, it may result in a misjudgment of their personality. Society views those with tattoos as aggressive and potentially demonic.
It should be noted that tattoos may serve as a means of expressing individuality or seeking approval, but differentiating between these purposes can prove challenging. Regrettably, people tend to make swift judgments about one another, making it difficult to deduce whether an individual with multiple tattoos is a worthwhile person from an upstanding family. My opinion on this issue rests upon the level of acceptance for tattoos as an art form; those who do not view them in such a light will undoubtedly assess and draw conclusions regarding one's character based solely on their ink.
For centuries, discrimination has been a pervasive issue in our country, affecting individuals with multipl
tattoos as well. Despite the negative perception of tattoos, many professionals prefer to keep their body art concealed. Some companies impose dress code policies that require employees to cover up any visible tattoos to maintain a professional image. Their belief is that enforcing these policies would enhance their business's professional appeal, which is often met with approval.
Many Fortune 500 companies implement these policies to improve their businesses despite the increase in discrimination lawsuits about what is considered a professional appearance. In a specific instance, a Ku Klux Klan member was instructed to conceal his offensive tattoos, which he believed was his right under religious law.
According to Gallagher, Callahan, and Gartrell PC (2007), the U.S. District court found that the company violated its racial harassment policy and caused distress among other employees. Therefore, I support the ruling made by the U.S. in this case.
It was deemed appropriate by the District court to acknowledge the entitlement of people's tattoos, provided they are not offensive. Tattoos can hold great personal significance for those who opt for them as they serve as a reminder of important events or individuals and even facilitate in recovery. Sharing these images with others can provide solace and intimacy, especially for those who have encountered difficulties or bereavement.
Tattoos can serve as a symbol of the suffering that an individual has faced. One example is within the Jewish community, where tattoos were forcibly given by Nazis for identification purposes. Holocaust survivors carried this mark as a constant reminder of their painful experiences during the war. This act may provide comfort in recognizing their resilience through such traumatic times or could be a sorrowful
tribute to those who did not survive.
Choosing a tattoo can have negative consequences if the individual does not want to be associated with the tattoo's meaning in the future. In the film American History X, Edward Norton played a member of a Neo-Nazi gang and later decided to change his beliefs when he realized they were immoral. Throughout the movie, Norton's tattoos represented his role as a white supremacist leader. At the end of the film, he covered up the tattoos he was once proud of, symbolizing his change in perspective. This highlights the moral dilemma of offensive tattoos and how they may not represent one's beliefs later in life. As such, selecting a tattoo involves ethical considerations.
In our society, individuality holds great significance. I support the freedom of individuals who opt for body art as a means of expressing themselves, without facing character assassination. However, displaying tattoos to assert power or signify association with a group can be offensive to some and lead to discrimination against those with such tattoos. If someone chooses to bear an offensive tattoo, then they are themselves initiating discrimination against others. Bearing discriminatory symbols invites discrimination upon oneself.
In my opinion, tattoos are an art that deserves admiration but must be tastefully done like any other artistic expression. It is important to recognize that what one person considers tasteful may differ from another. Therefore, we should avoid making judgments based solely on appearances and instead adopt an open-minded approach as a community. This will help us achieve better balance in our lives and minimize discrimination in society.
The interpretation of art can vary based on personal perspective and
the artwork's qualities, potentially resulting in either positive or negative reception. Society faces difficulty in determining what is ideal or acceptable due to individual judgment playing a significant role. This tendency towards superficial assessment can hinder people from making valuable connections or career choices and understanding others. Overcoming pre-judgment remains a pressing societal challenge.
Crash, a movie which suggests that discrimination and prejudice can be based purely on appearance, has opened many people’s eyes to how we perceive one another. Negatively perceiving others can hurt feelings and discrimination can lead to dangerous negativity. Personal opinion determines how tattoos are perceived. Discrimination based on individual choices of body art is not acceptable. Moreover, sporting body art can be therapeutic as a lasting reminder.
As a society, we must overcome our natural tendency for pre-judgment and avoid judging a book by its cover. It is vital to comprehend that life can be challenging, and behaviors or choices such as having multiple tattoos can make acceptance more difficult in various aspects of life, including socializing or career advancement. Although it is not an ideal situation, it is how society functions. If an individual chooses to bear several tattoos, they must hold their head up high, knowing that the person underneath the ink has a unique story that others may not perceive accurately.
The following sources provide information about tattoos in religious and employment contexts: Jason Gennaro's Religious Tattoos article from October 31, 2007 found on www.religioustattoos.net and Gallagher, Callahan, and Gartrell PC's advice on avoiding employment discrimination claims regarding tattoos and body piercing from October 31, 2007 on www.gcglaw.com.
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