Recently, I’ve read quite a few articles - mainly in national publications - tentatively approaching the subject of tattooed women. I was surprised to find an unfavourable pattern among many of them. We live in a modern society, right? I mean nothing is really shocking anymore, everyone is pretty open-minded about most things, and tattoos on females aren’t THAT big a deal…are they? Well, actually it would appear that they still are.
Take a recent lunchtime for example. I sat down with a bagel and a stack of magazines when I came across an article exploring the image of tattooed women, and the signals they give off. The writer explained that it has become more acceptable for men to be tattooed, but women? Not so much. As I read on, it was proposed that women with tattoos are seen as projecting an image of being ‘loose’ (EH?) ‘unhappy’ (WHAT?) or ‘irresponsible’ (OH, PLEASE). I naturally checked the cover of said mag to make sure I hadn’t somehow picked up a women’s magazine from the 1950’s. I hadn’t. The article concluded that as much as we would like it to be different, women with tattoos are still not seen as ‘normal’ (shudder) by the general public.
In another feature (same pile, different magazine) in a best-selling publication, I found an interesting argument that looked at the pain associated with tattoos as an explanation for why women decide to go under the needle. The idea was that women who have gone through horrendous experiences get tattooed as a sort of cathartic remedy. Women that have been abused, or perhaps suffered through stages of depression are turning to tattoos to help ‘let the pain out’. Again, I couldn’t quite believe what I was reading. I believe that people, male or female, decide to get tattooed for personal reasons, and this could include the memory of overcoming a challenge. It certainly applies to some, but not to everyone. Since then, I have read further pieces in magazines, newspapers and websites regarding tattooed females. However, in all of the articles I read there was no other side of the coin - nothing that portrayed women with tattoos as positive, fun or empowered. I was, in short, pretty disappointed.
I started to think about that flip-side, and on what being a tattooed girl means to me. Regular readers might remember when I posted last year looking back at my first tattoo. Being tattooed forms a significant part of my look and personality. My tattoos are bright, colourful, cheerful and a reflection of the things that I love.
Crushing the Myths
I think that it’s important to crush a few of the assumptions put out by such articles, because I (and many tattooed babes that I know) certainly don’t fall into the stereotypes being depicted!
“I am tattooed because I am upset” - No! Absolutely not. I am not looking to put myself through the pain of getting a tattoo as a form of expressing inner anguish! And neither do a lot of women! I’m also pretty much the most happy-go-lucky gal you will ever meet!
“I am tattooed because I am unreliable” - Are you kidding? I know so many successful women that are heavily tattooed as well as being the smartest, most frighteningly organised people I know. Real role models.
“I am tattooed because I seek attention” - This is a big bugbear for me. I often forget that they are even there because NO-ONE bats an eyelid (unless it’s to make the odd sweet compliment). I have my tattoos for me, not for other people.
“I am tattooed because I have a drug / drink / sex addiction” - I know that people say that tattoos are addictive or a by-product of an addictive personality and for some that could be true. I can say hand on heart that it does NOT necessarily mean there are darker issues at hand.
I suppose I felt such a reaction to the articles that I read recently because I genuinely thought negative connotations associated with tattooed women were a thing of the past; something we have learned from and moved well away from! I know that in many ways society has progressed but it is interesting to see that some out-dated opinions still remain. To me, my own tattoos are fun, feminine and bring me a lot of joy. They are not cathartic or a result of a personal struggle. I consider tattoos in the same way I consider haircuts or insanely beautiful shoes - a form of personal expression that should not be judged!
What do you think of the recent media coverage of tattooed women? Are you a tattooed babe that feels blissfully happy in your own skin?
I’m all pins and needles,
Miss West End Girl x
I feel the same angst when I read yet another article about how women’s tattoo experiences are somehow magically different to men’s … or explaining that women get tattooed for reason X or reason Y. So thank you for such a positive rebuttal (and some cute, happy, photos that prove your point!)
I disagree slightly with your final point though. Yes, tattoos are self-expression just like clothes, hairstyles, and so on … but because of that you *must* expect people to judge them.
You (and I, and everyone else) choose your clothes etc deliberately to construct and project a ‘version’ of yourself. You brand yourself. Other people will interpret that brand, that identity of yours, in their own way. It is how culture works – an audience’s own prejudices and preferences influence their interpretation of art, or messages, or of your look. And tattoos are a part of that. A very literal way of branding ourselves.
When you wear a T-shirt with a slogan or picture on it, you choose to project that image. You choose to be judged on it. Tattoos work the same way, but in a stronger way (they are permanent) or in a more private way (if they are covered most of the time).
So yes – I look at your photos and I judge you on your tattoos (and your dress, and your hair … etc). I judge that you look happy. That’s my interpretation.
Hi there and thank you for this thought provoking post. I guess, rightly or wrongly, things never change. We choose our tribes and brand ourselves accordingly. Those of us who want to stand out will not always be everybody’s cup of tea and sadly, rightly or wrongly, first impressions and stereotypes do count. I would be lying if i said that I hadnt formed initial judgements (both good and bad) on individuals on the basis of tattoos in the past. I think if you are happy (assumption being that you are) and proud of your tatts, you shouldn’t let subjective articles in mass publications bother you. You shouldnt feel that you have to explain or justfy your motivations to anyone about anything as we are all different. You don’t mention which publications but if the target demographic is say the Guccis or Chloe’s of this world or even the TOWIEs, the chances are that unless Lady Gaga or Pink have popped in to the office for a latte the outlook in these fickle magazines won’t change any time soon. Mind you, I have seen certain other publications go through Eton/made in chelsea types like a dose of salts, so there you go. Historically, this type of hating and misundertanding has happened to the (sweeping generalisation) punks, goths, mods, rockers, hippies and even sections of the gay community to name but a few. History relates that it is often fear and jealousy that causes this vitriol and personally, I think that you have to have guts, self assurance and a pride in yourself to really go for it whatever your style. Perhaps the haters have none of these attributes. You keep on rocking in the free world girl xx
Just got to say… loose, unhappy, irresponsible, attention seeking, etc etc are words I would l be LEAST likely to ever associate with you 🙂
I really enjoyed reading this from your perspective against this old-fashioned claptrap.
Those articles are ridiculous! Great post chick from another happy confident tattooed lady 😉
Unbelievable. Like you say to hear such tripe in this day and age is unthinkable… Loose women wear tattoos? Come on!
I have tattoos because I like the idea of body modification/ transformation as a means of expression. A more permanent one than a haircut or something but still part of a reflection of my inner life.
Tattooed people are unreliable? How about the fact that you kind commit for life when you get a tattoo?
Well said hen! I live under the philosophy that everyone makes their own choices in life. What you want to do with your body, your life, is your decision. People who have judgements only allow themselves to be faced with day to day negativity which i just dont have time for. Life is for the living so do it your way!
You look absulutely ADORABLE in your photos pet, and as you know - YOUR TATS ARE AWSOME!
Sorry I couldnt make last night, but much love and hope to see you soon!
Betty xxx
I honestly can’t believe people still make an issue out of tattoos. It seems so silly. If people don’t like tattoos then they don’t have to get them! This is such a great post, Lynsay.
Sidenote, you’re a babe and that flower crown is incredible.
I am an elderly male (tattooed and still getting more) and I have been dismayed but the negative press which tattooed ladies have attracted, particularly articles suggesting that they should not be allowed at events such as Ascot, Henley & the Derby.
Frankly, I think tattoos look far more attractive on female skin than on men.
Although a number of unflattering attributes for tattooed girls have been published it seems that no mention is ever made of the one thing you all have in common - namely bravery. It takes courage to undergo the pain of getting a tattoo and even more courage to do this knowing that the result will almost certainly attract attention wherever you go not all of which will be favourable.
I can only speak for myself but I think tattoos usually enhance a ladies natural beauty and I hope you will continue to add to your collection.
John