Aawww…. you made me ink!
Big Island Weekly recently engage in an online discussion with readers about tattoos and their acceptance in the workplace. There are websites and blogs dedicated to this topic alone and we were curious how the Big Island feels. Are tattoos frowned upon? Do they project an image that causes people to draw inaccurate conclusions? How are you treated when it is not the color of your skin that matters but the color on your skin? It was an overwhelming response that tattoo, assuming it is tasteful, should be accepted and even celebrated, even in the workplace. However, some readers feel that higher-level positions should keep their tats to themselves. It is an age-old discussion, but a fun one to address.
I know we have discussed this topic in the past, but it came back around because I finally just finished a back piece tattoo that was six years in the making. I noticed a big change in how I was perceived by others as soon as the once-small ladybug tattoo on my shoulder turned into lotus blossoms floating down the curves of my back on a blue stream of water. I had not changed at all, but having noticeably large tattoos caused people to stare and whisper more than usual.
To me, I am an art collector. There are symbols, words and images on my body that represent the people in my life, the tragedies and hardships I have overcome and of things yet to come. Each piece of ink is personal and precious to me, but I know it can make some people uncomfortable. I find I have to work a little harder to get people to look beyond the skin and get to know me. Even though it seems easier for men to be accepted with tattoos, I am not going to make this about feminism in anyway. It is the sacred art and ritual of tattooing that deserves the attention.
Another instance of “lucky we live Hawaii” comes into play because tattooing is an ancient custom that holds strong meaning to the Polynesian culture. Ancient forms of tattoos were found mostly among the wealthy and were tapped in by hand using a variety of materials. The designs usually represented a person’s rank, heritage and family history or a representation of one’s `aumakua. The word tattoo originated from the Polynesian tatau. Hawaiians used tattooing as a part of strict religious ceremonies and the designs had hidden meanings. Even today, you will see a great pride in the customary tat of the island chain or a meaningful outline of the Big Island.
Tattoos have a long-standing tradition and international appeal, as the art form has remained for generation upon generation. I have passed the tradition on to my son who has a tattoo on his wrist of a pink cancer ribbon with the word “love” in honor of his mommy.
Someone once asked me why I have so many tattoos and I said that being able to choose the art that covers my body makes me feel better about the scars I didn’t choose to have from cancer. Although that is true, I carry this art on my skin as the story of my life; a reflection of my passion, devotion and inspiration.
Work, play, grocery store, or wherever you go, be proud of your ink. Let that tat flag fly! (Mahalo to Francine Pearson for these words of wisdom.)
Yisa Var
Editor
Big Island Weekly
For comments or questions, e-mail the editor at yvar@bigislandweekly.com
Loading...
Loading ...
Ka `ikena
Tuesday, January 31st, 2012Aawww…. you made me ink!
Big Island Weekly recently engage in an online discussion with readers about tattoos and their acceptance in the workplace. There are websites and blogs dedicated to this topic alone and we were curious how the Big Island feels. Are tattoos frowned upon? Do they project an image that causes people to draw inaccurate conclusions? How are you treated when it is not the color of your skin that matters but the color on your skin? It was an overwhelming response that tattoo, assuming it is tasteful, should be accepted and even celebrated, even in the workplace. However, some readers feel that higher-level positions should keep their tats to themselves. It is an age-old discussion, but a fun one to address.
I know we have discussed this topic in the past, but it came back around because I finally just finished a back piece tattoo that was six years in the making. I noticed a big change in how I was perceived by others as soon as the once-small ladybug tattoo on my shoulder turned into lotus blossoms floating down the curves of my back on a blue stream of water. I had not changed at all, but having noticeably large tattoos caused people to stare and whisper more than usual.
To me, I am an art collector. There are symbols, words and images on my body that represent the people in my life, the tragedies and hardships I have overcome and of things yet to come. Each piece of ink is personal and precious to me, but I know it can make some people uncomfortable. I find I have to work a little harder to get people to look beyond the skin and get to know me. Even though it seems easier for men to be accepted with tattoos, I am not going to make this about feminism in anyway. It is the sacred art and ritual of tattooing that deserves the attention.
Another instance of “lucky we live Hawaii” comes into play because tattooing is an ancient custom that holds strong meaning to the Polynesian culture. Ancient forms of tattoos were found mostly among the wealthy and were tapped in by hand using a variety of materials. The designs usually represented a person’s rank, heritage and family history or a representation of one’s `aumakua. The word tattoo originated from the Polynesian tatau. Hawaiians used tattooing as a part of strict religious ceremonies and the designs had hidden meanings. Even today, you will see a great pride in the customary tat of the island chain or a meaningful outline of the Big Island.
Tattoos have a long-standing tradition and international appeal, as the art form has remained for generation upon generation. I have passed the tradition on to my son who has a tattoo on his wrist of a pink cancer ribbon with the word “love” in honor of his mommy.
Someone once asked me why I have so many tattoos and I said that being able to choose the art that covers my body makes me feel better about the scars I didn’t choose to have from cancer. Although that is true, I carry this art on my skin as the story of my life; a reflection of my passion, devotion and inspiration.
Work, play, grocery store, or wherever you go, be proud of your ink. Let that tat flag fly! (Mahalo to Francine Pearson for these words of wisdom.)
Yisa Var
Editor
Big Island Weekly
For comments or questions, e-mail the editor at yvar@bigislandweekly.com