I Hear Tattoos are Addictive

December 25th, 2009 by Marcus Ware • Posted in General

So are tattoos really addictive?  Look around the NBA (Kenyon Martin), music industry (Soulja Boy) or even your apartment building (Random kid who idolizes Lil’ Wayne) and I am sure you will see some ridiculous tattoos on people.  Let me think of the evolution of tattoos.  It was once cool to have one on your bicep, i.e. a cross or a maybe a rose (for the ladies).  Then there was the craze to have either barbed wire going around your upper arm or some type of Chinese writing somewhere.  Nowadays you have to have at the minimum 3 tattoos, maybe a sleeve and one on the side of your neck of something spiritual.

Tattoos are a form of personal expression and I am all for it.  The thing to remember is that when you have them in the professional world keep them covered.  From interviews, to doing work at your cubicle, to company banquets, keep them under wraps.  Even though your boss may be cool and lets you take an extra five minutes for lunch, uphold your professional image. Now in the heat of the summer for your company picnic, I am sure there is no other choice but to throw on a tank top and let the office see that you are somewhat of a rebel.

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  • I'm still amazed at the close-minded views that many people still hold towards people with tattoos. Not everyone gets a tattoo because they're drunk/stupid/rebellious/a criminal/a follower etc. Whatever someone's reason for getting a tattoo (or several) is their own business. People should be able to feel free to adorn themselves with whatever type of body art they desire without fear of repercussions in the workplace or from society at large. I completely disagree w/ the whole "you must keep them covered at work" mentality. That's completely unrealistic for most people in today's predominantly business casual environment. Not to mention, I've never seen a case in which a person's body art had a negative impact on their work product/productivity. That being said, I'll admit that I will give the *sideeye* to someone with a tattoo on their neck or face, but hey, that's my issue, not theirs.
  • ron
    tattoos are tacky
  • pstoler
    The problem with tattoos is that they're a lifelong commitment masquerading as a trend. What's cool when you're 20 is not necessarily cool when you're 60—and what's cool when you're wasted is not necessarily cool when you're sober. I know some grown men with elaborate tattoos who look great; it makes sense for who they are, what they do, how they live. But, most of the young rebels who get inked are just sporting indelible visa stamps from their brief trip to the wild side, and lots of people would prefer that their lawyers and accountants weren't so visibly marked by questionable judgment.

    In short, if you're not working in the arts or on the docks, get your tattoos where nobody can see them during business hours. And I would advise the same for piercings.
  • MrWho
    I have only one tattoo, and I had it done when I was 15. But yes they can definately be addictive. And just on a side note, people ought to let go of their traditionalist sociocultural views and be okay with the idea of corporate lawyers with tattoos.
  • yegster
    tattoos, from what i have noticed, are addictive. Everyone i know never stops at just one.

    As for when they are shown in the workplace, i think it depends on what and where it is, as well as what line of work you are in. If you are a tattoo artist, by all means, i want to see ink on you and on every inch of your body. If you are a corporate lawyer, i dont want to see a single tattoo while you are at work.

    Many people i know have tattoos for specific reasons. Others have no reason other than they liked the way it looked. If your tattoo has a true meaning, memorial of a friend, a child's name, or similar ilk, by all means, do not be afraid to show it.
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