Stigma & Stereotypes

There is a common misconception out there that people with tattoos/body modification are criminals. Whilst it is true that criminals often sport gang affiliation tattoos, it is a very small percentage of the tattoo community that is often misrepresented through media and Hollywood. The vast majority of us are law abiding citizens that often rise above and beyond the call of fellow man because we are easily noticed and remembered.

A criminal doesn't really want to stand out in a crowd for the most part. It would be like wearing flashing lights and a siren whilst trying to rob a bank, it is counterproductive. Criminals are often trusted, respected and in positions of power and authority. So you can thank Hollywood and mob mentality for this stereotype, Just think of Shows like Breaking bad for example. Not all criminals are tattooed jailbirds, In fact the worst criminals are probably clean skin well groomed people teaching your children at school or church, Perhaps a Medical surgeon that has a prescription drug dependency, Lets not forget about crimes committed by Politicians and people in positions of power.

The fact of the matter is anyone can commit crime or have a drug addiction, Just like anyone can wear a pinstripe suit or get tattoos. So lets all try and delete this stigma from our minds, For the most part in my own personal experience, the talented artists, intelligent philosophers and people with a true insight into the human condition are all heavily modified people. The people I find hard to relate to are clean shaven men wearing suits talking about the price of Chinese eggs in South Korea and how it affects us abroad.

The Reality - Left to Right - Bianca, Holesy, Aneta, Jol, Atom, Josh - All modified happy people

If you are a clean skin "normal" person and you see Modified people in the light I have described, remember this- We are looking at you with a stigma attached too, You look like "sheep" to us. Not that you are sheep but there is nothing to differentiate you from the masses. Everyone has the right to look however they want, my point is when you cast judgement on those that look different to yourself, have you really inquired into where this feeling comes from? Racism, Sexism & Stereotypes all stem from the same place - Fear of the unknown... So do yourself a favor and get to know people that are different to yourself. Rise above the generic programming given to you by a television screen.