I have a lot of friends with great tattoos, so I know that having
a tattoo can start meaningful conversations, call to mind treasured parts of our
past, and help us move forward. However, I also have friends who regret their
tattoos, and I have seen how having an epidermis full of bad decisions and bad
memories can have a negative societal impact, both professionally and
personally.
While some employers won’t blink twice at a tattooed job
applicant, employers in many fields gravitate toward a certain “look,” a look
that excludes visible body art. Have you ever heard of a celebrated law firm
hiring employees with knuckle tattoos? Yeah, me neither. The sad truth is, if
you walk into a business interview showing multiple tattoos, you may be judged
as “unprofessional” before you ever open your mouth.
Of course, potential employment setbacks are only one facet
of the societal impact of tattoos. Who wants his or her significant other walking
around with the tattooed name of an ex-spouse or partner? Likewise, who wants a
self-esteem blow every time he or she looks in the mirror and views that one
tattoo nightmare that looks nothing like it was supposed to?
While tattoos can be beautiful, meaningful, and liberating, some
tattoos can clearly have a negative societal impact. This is why I have been
researching laser tattoo removal. The procedure can erase problematic tattoos, thereby
erasing the problematic societal impact.
Until recently, I didn’t know much about laser tattoo
removal, and I learned a lot from the New Look Houston website located at www.newlookhouston.com. I found a nice
FAQ page about laser tattoo removal and an in-depth “Tattoo Removal Guide” (www.newlookhouston.com/TattooRemoval.html).
Refreshingly, the guide is not a sales pitch. It is just helpful reading
material, including information about types of tattoo ink, differences in
lasers, medical components of laser tattoo removal, and tips for getting and
removing tattoos. I enjoyed learning a little more about the tattooing process
and about how a tattoo is removed. I also learned that the scarring seen a
decade ago with laser tattoo removal is no longer common.
Overall, tattoos can be a glorious expression of the past,
present, and future. However, if people feel their tattoos are holding them
back, laser tattoo removal provides the opportunity to return to a clean
slate. If only there were more
opportunities like that in life!
Peace,
Casey Mask
Good thoughts, Casey. I've known people who were looked down upon because of their body art. The negative reaction from others can be unfortunate for a person who had sentimental or emotional connections with the tattoo(s) they chose. I think some consideration by others, including potential employers, should be given to people with tattoos that are obviously not just "to show off" or "go against the grain." I am also glad that there have been advances in removal techniques for those who would prefer to have their tattoos removed for the aforementioned reasons.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment, Jennifer. I agree, it is important for people to be mindful of the potential meaning or symbolism behind the tattoos of others. For people who were trying to "go against the grain" and regret it now, laser tattoo removal can be a great procedure to consider.
DeleteThanks again for reading and commenting,
Casey
Great info, Casey! It's good to know that people have the option to remove tattoos that may be causing a negative impact on their lives or hindering them in some way. I got a tattoo for my ex-husband when we got married and although it's not in a place where employers would see it, the constant reminder of the failed marriage is definitely not something I want to deal with the rest of my life. I'm definitely going to look into the laser removal option now!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your personal insight, Jordan! I appreciate your comment and am glad my blog post was helpful.
DeleteHave a great day,
Casey
As someone who has no tattoo but is married to a man with nearly 20 tattoos, I get to see both sides of the "tattoo conundrum". This was really well worded and while thankfully he doesn't regret any of his tattoos, it's good to know about various options he has if it ever comes to that.
ReplyDeleteHi, Laura! Thanks for bringing your perspective into the discussion. I am glad your husband is happy with his tattoos.
DeleteThanks,
Casey
Great blog! I have seven tattoos and want more. At least three or four of them are tattoos my husband and I got together or they are symbolic of our relationship and daughter. The other three are about me and my life before him. Granted there are times I've thought, "What if this doesn't work out, I would have to remove or cover these things up!" However my final thoughts are that whether it works out or not my ink is a part of story therefore I wouldn't want to erase them. Yes constant tinder however regardless to whether or not the tattoos are here I would still remember the good time and the bad times. Unless someone cleared my memory with one of the Men in Black gadgets! ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment, Shemika. I like your approach to the good times and bad times. I confess, though, I wouldn't mind having some memories erased! Haha.
DeleteThanks for sharing,
Casey
I could not agree more with your ideas, Casey. I probably will never get a tattoo, but I know that for some people (and some professions), tattoos are meaningful and a beautiful mode of expression. I also know, though, that they can limit one's hire-ability in certain cases. As a former classical ballerina, a tattoo would have probably ended my career. It's great to know that there is a less invasive way now to remove a tattoo if you so desire.
ReplyDelete