By: Natasha Archary
Despite the popularity of tattoos, people still judge those with body art.
Tattoos are one of the ways people express their individuality but tattoos have a way of drawing attention to a person. Ink may also be attached to stereotypes and stigmas, a reason many choose to keep their tattoos covered.
This afternoon Kaya Drive with Sizwe Dhlomo broached the topic, “I’m not judgemental but…this is what I think about people with tattoos,” raising the question of why society still frowns upon body art?
Sizwe brought up Duduzane Zuma who started his campaign in politics wearing a T-shirt with his tattoo sleeves exposed.
Watch the clip Sizwe aired here:
The team weighed in on what they thought about people with tattoos and judgemental though Sizwe is, he doesn’t mind tattoos, however in a professional environment he’d have a bit more difficulty with ignoring them.
Listen to the team’s views here:
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Mon 15:13:15 to 15:21:43 Kaya 959 95.9
“I probably wouldn’t go with a banker who has tattoos, in the same vein there are just some professions where tattoos don’t sit well.” – Sizwe
Tyroline spoke about a pastor who has two full sleeves which he got before he took on the path of a church leader and yet is still being judged because of his body art.
Kaya Drive listeners also weighed in:
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Why are people with tattoos still judged? Natasha
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Why are people with tattoos still judged? Natasha
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Why are people with tattoos still judged? Natasha
Research from the University of the Free State (UFS) research has been done to understand the psychology behind tattoos.
The research included 175 students, of which just under 80% didn’t have a tattoo, but half of them were considering getting one.
The aim of the research was to look at perceptions and practices related to tattoos.
The researchers found that 25% of respondents said they got a tattoo for symbolic, personal reason and 12% said that a tattoo was an extension of their personality or an expression of themselves.
Having tattoos can also make job-seeking that much more difficult, with many employers referring to them as ‘job-stoppers’.
In South Africa, most companies do not have policies relating to body modification but recruitment experts warn that there are employers who may not hire a tattooed or pierced candidate. There may not be policies because everyone is quite sensitive about discrimination.
However, experts say that there are two tattoos that are still a no-go at work, these are face and neck tattoos.
Also read: All you need to know if you’re considering getting a tattoo
