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BACKGROUND INFO :
Although we may hope that most people in modern society aren't reverting back to the sexism-laced days of yore, many would probably be surprised that some people are doing just that. And what is even more surprising is when these views are being promoted by none other than a female herself. But here's the double-whammy that makes this particular topic interesting to dedicate a blog post to: this woman also believes that women should not tarnish their bodies with tattoos.
So, this is a post about a female writer who believes that women shouldn't get tattoos, but should fit into the impossibly-shaped boxes of perfection that society has created.
(Oh boy, here we go...)
WHY THIS CROSSES THE LINE :
I think most people who are pro-tattoos or who have no opinion either way can understand why some would believe that tattoos can be viewed as "bad". Everyone has a right to have an opinion about permanent ink body art. I think what most don't like is that one can get just about anything, inappropriate or not, permanently tattooed on their body. That's why it's one of the many things listed under the genre "taboo" in our culture, although I would hope that such self-chosen means of expression would be nobody's business; however, like most things, there will always be some who will adamantly oppose stuff, regardless. But this particular article crosses the line because the author not only condemns those who get tattoos, she only condemns her own for doing so and also manages to personally ignore what feminists have so long fought for.
She seems to flip-flop on whether or not she hates her own gender for choosing to get tattoos. She says that women are naturally beautiful creatures. But then she boldly says that if a woman is not happy with how she looks, she goes to the gym. She says that women's bodies are beautiful temples (or something weird like that). But then she condemns these "beautiful temples" for choosing to get something meaningful permanently "engraved" into their skins. With this, she also insinuates that even though someone may have a meaningful tattoo, they're probably not really happy at the end of the day and they're only trying to be cool since they're a woman in the 21st century. To be edgy. Yes, that's what tattoos are ALL about. Being a cool, edgy woman in the 21st century.
But here's a direct quote that I don't think I really have to explain. This is what she claims women should invest their time, money and effort into instead of getting a tattoo:
"Invest your time, money, and effort into a gym membership, or yoga classes, or new clothes, or experimenting with different hairstyles if you’re craving something new with your body, not a tattoo.
I promise, it will be a much more rewarding experience, and you won’t find yourself in a rut when your future grandkids ask you what’s up with the angel wings on your upper back as you’re in the middle of giving them a life lesson on the importance of values and morals" (Lisa Khoury).
Well it's good to see that Ms. Khoury doesn't condone tattoos but, instead, condones stereotypical gender roles, consumerism and product production based upon society's stupid perfection-rubrics for women, and the messed-up impractical messages of "what a woman should be, look like, sound like, smell like, etc." being plastered and preached in the media.
Yeah, don't get that tattoo of the angel wings on your upper back that symbolize the day your mother died of lung cancer, but you knew that she would go to heaven because she was just that amazing of a human being. Don't get that tattoo of baby's feet over your heart for the child you recently lost in a miscarriage, whose feet, though never managed to walk upon this earth, managed to leave an everlasting footprint upon your broken heart. Don't get that tattoo of your favorite uplifting quote on the top of your foot which will help remind you why you choose to get out of bed everyday, stand upon your own two feet, and march fearlessly into the hellish maze we call life. Don't get that tattoo of the shooting star behind your ear that represents that even though we women live in a day and age where we are still not entirely treated as equals, that you will never listen to that degrading sexist nonsense and do your damn best to reach the stars and watch your dreams come true.
JESSICA SAYS :
One of my friends asked me to write an entry about this particular article because she felt very deeply about the unfairness of its contents and thought that I would also be interested in it. Obviously, I was.
I personally have nothing against tattoos or those who get them, male or female. I feel as though it's truly none of my business how someone wants to express himself or herself. To put it into perspective, if someone is wearing the color orange, should I judge how he or she chose to express himself or herself because orange is not my favorite color? I could care less. Tattooing is permanent body art, but it's still a way some choose to express themselves. Why should anyone stop them? And if you follow the link I will provide that shows the original article, look at the picture of the writer. She is wearing a black shirt, gold necklace, and black-framed glasses. I wonder how she would feel if someone judged her by the way she chose to express herself in that picture? Why not wear a brown shirt, silver necklace, and silver-framed glasses?
Link to original article: click here.
TO THE READERS :
Although we may hope that most people in modern society aren't reverting back to the sexism-laced days of yore, many would probably be surprised that some people are doing just that. And what is even more surprising is when these views are being promoted by none other than a female herself. But here's the double-whammy that makes this particular topic interesting to dedicate a blog post to: this woman also believes that women should not tarnish their bodies with tattoos.
So, this is a post about a female writer who believes that women shouldn't get tattoos, but should fit into the impossibly-shaped boxes of perfection that society has created.
(Oh boy, here we go...)
 |
| Image Source |
I think most people who are pro-tattoos or who have no opinion either way can understand why some would believe that tattoos can be viewed as "bad". Everyone has a right to have an opinion about permanent ink body art. I think what most don't like is that one can get just about anything, inappropriate or not, permanently tattooed on their body. That's why it's one of the many things listed under the genre "taboo" in our culture, although I would hope that such self-chosen means of expression would be nobody's business; however, like most things, there will always be some who will adamantly oppose stuff, regardless. But this particular article crosses the line because the author not only condemns those who get tattoos, she only condemns her own for doing so and also manages to personally ignore what feminists have so long fought for.
She seems to flip-flop on whether or not she hates her own gender for choosing to get tattoos. She says that women are naturally beautiful creatures. But then she boldly says that if a woman is not happy with how she looks, she goes to the gym. She says that women's bodies are beautiful temples (or something weird like that). But then she condemns these "beautiful temples" for choosing to get something meaningful permanently "engraved" into their skins. With this, she also insinuates that even though someone may have a meaningful tattoo, they're probably not really happy at the end of the day and they're only trying to be cool since they're a woman in the 21st century. To be edgy. Yes, that's what tattoos are ALL about. Being a cool, edgy woman in the 21st century.
But here's a direct quote that I don't think I really have to explain. This is what she claims women should invest their time, money and effort into instead of getting a tattoo:
"Invest your time, money, and effort into a gym membership, or yoga classes, or new clothes, or experimenting with different hairstyles if you’re craving something new with your body, not a tattoo.
I promise, it will be a much more rewarding experience, and you won’t find yourself in a rut when your future grandkids ask you what’s up with the angel wings on your upper back as you’re in the middle of giving them a life lesson on the importance of values and morals" (Lisa Khoury).
Well it's good to see that Ms. Khoury doesn't condone tattoos but, instead, condones stereotypical gender roles, consumerism and product production based upon society's stupid perfection-rubrics for women, and the messed-up impractical messages of "what a woman should be, look like, sound like, smell like, etc." being plastered and preached in the media.
Yeah, don't get that tattoo of the angel wings on your upper back that symbolize the day your mother died of lung cancer, but you knew that she would go to heaven because she was just that amazing of a human being. Don't get that tattoo of baby's feet over your heart for the child you recently lost in a miscarriage, whose feet, though never managed to walk upon this earth, managed to leave an everlasting footprint upon your broken heart. Don't get that tattoo of your favorite uplifting quote on the top of your foot which will help remind you why you choose to get out of bed everyday, stand upon your own two feet, and march fearlessly into the hellish maze we call life. Don't get that tattoo of the shooting star behind your ear that represents that even though we women live in a day and age where we are still not entirely treated as equals, that you will never listen to that degrading sexist nonsense and do your damn best to reach the stars and watch your dreams come true.
JESSICA SAYS :
One of my friends asked me to write an entry about this particular article because she felt very deeply about the unfairness of its contents and thought that I would also be interested in it. Obviously, I was.
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Link to original article: click here.
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- Do you think tattoos ruin the "beautiful temple" that is the female body?
- Why do you think this writer is condoning stereotypes, but completely bashes tattooing?
- If you were to get a tattoo, what would it be of and why? How would you feel if some opinionated writer claimed your tat was a waste and classless?
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5 comments:
I don't think tattoos ruin the female body at all. It definitely depends more on what the tattoo represents. I also don't understand why she only has this applying to women. I was recently thinking about getting a tattoo of the above the influence symbol but decided against it because I personally don't like the idea of permanent body art, but that doesn't mean I would go out of my way to tell others not to.
I agree with Gables. Tattoos are a form of art, and art is a form of expression. We, are free to express ourselves any way we'd like. Some people sing, others play an instrument, and some prefer to get a permanent design inked onto their skin.
What does it matter to other people how others choose to express themselves? People either need to keep an open mind, or simply mind their own business.
"Minds are like parachutes... they only function when open."
Gables,
Yeah, I found it interesting that she was only applying this concept on women. I suppose she's insinuating that men don't have naturally beautiful bodies lol. And I understand what you mean, I wouldn't feel right preaching to others that they shouldn't get a tattoo.
Ima B. Leever,
Very good comment, Leever. I have that same mentality.
~xxj
Hey Jessica
Another great post and this one comes close to home with me, actually. As someone with a tattoo (and so many ideas for more) and someone who enjoys body art I feel like I should weigh in.
First off, I can understand the idea that in some people's minds tattoos are still unacceptable. Granted, I think it's old fashioned and bigoted to judge someone soley on the fact that they have ink. That said, I understand where it comes from. I accept it and move on.
As far as ladies with tattoos go, as a guy I can say with certainty that it does NOT in any way ruin the inherant beauty of a woman to get a tattoo. I actually find it refreshing that they don't allow social stigma to hold them down and they walk to the beat fo their own drums. All women are beautiful in their own way, chosing their own road to self expression.
I have to say I HATE where the author of the original article is coming from. Her position is both backward and naive. She tells other women NOT to be themselves in my opinion, instead pushing gender roles and consumerism as acceptable alternatives to indivualism. I think she's doing the bashing based either on how she was raised, or to appear more "acceptable." I mentioned the stigma of tattoos that unfortunatly still exists, she is probably one of the mindless sheep who'd rather conform to the ideas of others rather than her own ideas formed through experience. Yeah, I'm not bitter.
In case anyone was wondering, I do have a tattoo. It is a celtic trinity knot, with dragons coming from the three sections. It represents "eternal strength" and the idea that my own strength can carry me through anything. If someone were to call it classes, It'd politely disagree. I believe I am a great guy with lots of class, just because some opinionated writer decided to bash me, doesn't change who I am. I don't need everyone's approval, I know who I am, unlike this poor close minded girl.
Dan Monteleone,
Thank you and I'm glad that you've chosen to comment on this. I also think it's old fashioned to think it's wrong for people to do whatever they want with their bodies that helps them better express themselves.
"She tells other women NOT to be themselves in my opinion, instead pushing gender roles and consumerism as acceptable alternatives to indivualism."
I like this quote because it shows that you definitely see this writer's flawed mentality. "Go fit into those cookie cutter stereotypical expectations for women but DON'T express yourself with something that is permanent!" haha.
Your tattoo sounds very interesting! And the odd thing about this writer is that from what it sounds like, she must not have any problem with men who have tattoos. It's backwards.
Thanks for your comment!
~xxj
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