Recently on British ITV show This Morning there was a discussion on the topic of tattoos. It came as a response to the band One Direction asking for pictures of fans tattoos and wondering it celebrities with tattoos are a bad role mode because of their ink.In one corner was X Factor starlet and singer Katie Waissel speaking in favour of body art. In the other corner was Katie Hopkins who was staunchly opposed to anything of the sort.
Though the discussion was meant to be about celebrities with tattoos, Hopkins drove the conversation towards her personal dislike for them and criticised all people with tattoos. Hopkins argues that those with tattoos will never be high achievers. Automatically I think of the many inked celebrities and the people in my life pursuing big dreams whilst having tattoos. Hopkins states that 'we', as if speaking for all of us, see tattoos as 'graffiti' and that graffiti is something we look down upon. Well of course there are walls where people will spray paint obscenities but there are also walls where you'll find work by Banksy or really beautifully painted wall art. The difference between 'wall art' and 'graffiti' is how the person looking at it chooses to see it.
Hopkins states that she feels tattoos are a form of attention seeking, but again I would argue that it is down to the individual. I know many who have tattoos in discrete places. These tattoos are for them and they got them because they like adding art to their body. What I found particularly distasteful was how Hopkins addressed the tattoo Waissel has on her wedding finger now that her marriage is ending. Holly raised the question about the particular tattoo and Katie asked if they could leave the matter of her marriage out as it is a sensitive subject for her. As soon as Katie Waissel seemed uncomfortable Holly apologetically withdrew with utter sympathy. Katie Hopkins, however, continued to pursue it and asked Waissel if she'd consider a removal. Katie Waissel seems to give the view that she doesn't regret it. The only person placing regret upon that tattoo is Hopkins. Katie Hopkins then later brought it up again despite Waissel stating it was a sore subject by referencing it as a 'tattoo for a husband she doesn't have' as if it connotes failure and regret. It is, I would argue, solely Hopkins perception that she is placing upon the tattoo. When Waissel says how many of her tattoos are in remembrance of her grandfather Hopkins says many people 'have a gravestone and some photographs' but it seems a very modern practice to dedicate emotions and milestones to flesh as if to absorb the things we experience, to paint our joys and sadness on our skin. It expresses feelings in a beautiful, artistic way.
In discussing people expressing themselves through tattoos and their personal meanings for us Hopkins said they are not personal, but public. Yes, they are public in that they can be seen but they are persona to our individual bodies and we should have the right to display ourselves in whatever way we do so choose without having our choices and appearance completely regulated. There are points where Katie Waissel is trying to answer questions posed to her by Holly and Katie Hopkins just pesters her with judgemental question after question rather than letting her just speak freely.
I have been in the position where I was present at interviews and had a hand in hiring several candidates for vacant positions. It was most important to me that I picked candidates who were enthusiastic, well-spoken, polite and pleasant enough to add to the team. Never at any point did their artistic bodily choices enter my mind. Why? Because it's none of my business. What I find to be far more important is their qualifications and suitability for the position at hand. Judging people solely on their tattoos seems superficial. Ok, if they have huge swear words in full show or really gory tattoos that are not safe for work then that is understandable. So long as the images themselves aren't offensive, why shouldn't they be hired? As Waissel stated, in the workplace she could find clothing to cover her tattoos.
Young people may be inspired to get tattoos by their idols, sure. People draw inspiration from everywhere. But tattoos are becoming more and more common and my hope is that people will become more tolerant and understanding about the way people choose to decorate themselves. You may not agree with tattoos, but as long as they aren't offensive you certainly shouldn't vilify or penalise people for having them. I feel that if it is your body you should choose how it appears. By the end of the interview the studio vote from the public said that the majority of the public agreed with Katie Waissel that tattoos were fine. The show hosts even agreed. I think Katie is a brilliant sport with wonderful tattoos and I feel that she handled Hopkins perfectly. I look forward to hearing her upcoming album.
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Link:
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