The Stereotypes versus Reality of People with Tattoos: Essay Sample

Introduction

People with tattoos have been stereotyped a lot in the society today. Tattoos are more popular today than they ever were before. If you go to any college campus, you will see that almost every student that you pass across has a tattoo. These people or students are judged to have questionable character and are labeled more violent than people with no Tattoos. In a study to show the no of college students and the community members with tattoos, tattooed people are viewed to be stronger and more independent than people with no tattoos. These people were rated to be likely to possess negative characteristics than the same group of people with no symbols. The stigmatization around people with tattoos is a phenomenon that is still in existence despite the popularity of tattoos in the modern culture. This essay is a contrast of the realities versus the stereotypes around people with tattoos.

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The media is guilty of exploiting these stereotypes to its maximum. In most movies, the most violent person in the film is often wrapped up in numerous tattoos, muscular arms and leather costumes. Tattoos are labeled to go hand in hand with the characteristics of being rebellious. It is sad that these stereotypes still exist at such a time when times are rapidly changing. The reality is that not everyone who possesses a tattoo is a person not worthy (Barett). Having a symbol is more of conformity than a rebel trademark.

The other stereotype about individuals with tattoos is that they are illiterate and drug dealers. Most people look at individuals with tattoos and think that the tattoo owners must have dropped out of high school. This stereotype is so wrong on many levels. Having a symbol does not interfere with an individual's intellectual capabilities.

People with tattoos are mean people. It is inappropriate to judge people's degree of temperament based on whether they have a symbol or not. Having a tattoo does not affect someone's personality. It is ironical that some of the best people are covered in tattoos while the jerks sit in church. Research by a social psychologist reveals the reality that tattooed adults show higher reactive rebelliousness but not pro-active rebelliousness when compared with adults with no tattoos. (Wells) The higher reactive rebelliousness because many tattooed people respond to disappointing and frustrating moments by acquiring a symbol.

People expect that once an individual acquires a tattoo, they will not be able to get a job. The reality: In the past generations this rumor would have been correct however enterprises are accommodating of tattoos because more people are starting to have them. As long as the symbol isn't extreme finding a job is not an issue. Research shows that employees with tattoos are safe from discrimination cases. The courts ruled that employers have the authority to create an appropriate dress code for daily operations. The symbols are equivalent to shoes, shirts, and jewelry. (The Law Offices of Cohen & Jaffe)A stereotype about people with tattoos is they do not think about the future outcomes. Questions that we are all guilty of asking at times is, do they realize that symbols are permanent? What will they tattoo look like when they get older? The reality, however, is these people do think about the future, but they choose to live in the moment and document every moment of it.

Tattooed women are stereotyped as promiscuous. Research shows if a woman gets inked chances are high she will be labeled promiscuous by men. (Salemme) The reality, however, is tattoos are not a sign of sexual irresponsibility. Everyone tattooed or not, has the right to adhere to sexual consent. Tattoos do not promote unwanted sexual advances.

Conclusion

People with tattoos have been stereotyped a lot in the society today. Ink is more common today than it was before. If you go to any college campus, you will see that almost every student that you pass across has a tattoo. These people or students are judged to have questionable character and are labeled more violent than people with no Tattoos. The reality is that not everyone who possesses a tattoo is a non-passionate person (Barett). People expect that once an individual acquires a symbol, they will not be able to get a job. The reality: In the past generations this rumor would have been correct however enterprises are accommodating of tattoos because more people are starting to have them. Everyone tattooed or not, has the right to adhere to sexual consent. Tattoos do not promote unwanted sexual advances. People today are on the verge of accepting tattoos. They also realize that not all people with one are delinquents. A symbol is a form of art that people can use to express themselves. The only difference between changing your hair and attaining a tattoo is the latter is permanent.

References

Barett, Rebecca. "5 Stereotypes Of People With Tattoos." 21 March 2016. The Oddsey Online. 4 March 2018 <https://www.theodysseyonline.com/5-stereotypes-people-with-tattoos>.

Salemme, Danny. "Do Women With Tattoos Seem Promiscuous To Men?" 19 December 2016. Rebel Circus. 4 March 2018 <http://www.rebelcircus.com/blog/women-tattoos-seem-promiscuous-men/>.

The Law Offices of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP. "NOT ALL TATTOOS ARE CREATED EQUALLY: WORKERS' RIGHTS AND BODY ART." n.d. The Law Offices of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP. 4 3 2018 <https://www.cohenjaffe.com/blog/2016/07/not-tattoos-created-equally-workers-rights-body-art/>.

Wells, Jonathan. "People with tattoos are more likely to be aggressive." 16 October 2015. The Filter. 4 March 2018 <https://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/the-filter/11935523/People-with-tattoos-are-more-likely-to-be-aggressive.html>.