11 March 2009
Setting: The Tattoo Parlor
Women and Tattoos
Unsurprisingly, some still do not realize that there are women who are bold enough to cross over their usual boundaries. Until now, people tend to look at women getting a tattoo with contempt. With negative connotations and unnatural boldness ascribed to tattoos, we can understand how getting one would require untapped guts for a woman. I remember being inside the tattoo parlor and constantly feeling awkward with all those scrutinizing eyes aimed at me. Being stared and glared at by many people is just a manifestation of how women and tattoos don’t exactly mesh well.
Unsurprisingly, some still do not realize that there are women who are bold enough to cross over their usual boundaries. Until now, people tend to look at women getting a tattoo with contempt. With negative connotations and unnatural boldness ascribed to tattoos, we can understand how getting one would require untapped guts for a woman. I remember being inside the tattoo parlor and constantly feeling awkward with all those scrutinizing eyes aimed at me. Being stared and glared at by many people is just a manifestation of how women and tattoos don’t exactly mesh well.
"Gendered" Tattoo
We know that tattoos are considered as symbols that can carry meaning. Power and value could also be effectively manifested through these. It was an utter disappointment when the tattoo artist told me that I should not get this particular tattoo because it is "too strong" for me.
It seems that tattoos are also "gendered". Those signifying strength are seen as ‘masculine’ while those cute arty ones are regarded as ‘feminine’. Therefore, taking this into account, we can see how distinctly stratified gender is as it defines things that are ‘masculine’ as more powerful and even holding more value.
Gender Roles
How men respect and show consideration for women in a society shows how gender roles play. At the tattoo parlor, I experienced being treated as a woman. We were offered seats and given priority. Men were very mindful of our actions.
However, it is important to note that men tend to act chivalrous. They may see it as a mere sensitive or thoughtful act but at times, it comes out as insulting and disdainful. Sometimes I even think that men probably act courteous because it makes them feel more ‘manly’ or better about themselves.
Men are naturally competitive, a trait remarkable to the two male customers bragging about their tattoos. They tend to show off their masculinity by expressing how tolerant they are to certain degrees of pain.
Women, on the other hand, are submissive and emotional beings. We are quick to show our feelings to others just like how the girl sitting beside me talked to me without hesitations. Filling in the role of a caring mother is also innate for a woman.
Gender and Social Stratification
As we observe the gender stratification that can be seen in the workplace, male domination is irrefutable nonetheless. Nowadays, the idea of women assisting men is unbridled. In this case, the tattoo artist’s girlfriend has a feeble hold of the shop. Apparently, the male tattoo artists do control the shop. But if we look closely, the female ones possess same skills that male ones have. In other words, the performance gap that emerges naturally comes from the fact that men hinder the opportunities available for women.
As we observe the gender stratification that can be seen in the workplace, male domination is irrefutable nonetheless. Nowadays, the idea of women assisting men is unbridled. In this case, the tattoo artist’s girlfriend has a feeble hold of the shop. Apparently, the male tattoo artists do control the shop. But if we look closely, the female ones possess same skills that male ones have. In other words, the performance gap that emerges naturally comes from the fact that men hinder the opportunities available for women.
This leads to an unfussy question: Is being a tattoo artist a ‘masculine’ job?
Typically, if we go around and check out every tattoo parlor, it is undeniable that male tattoo artists outnumber the female ones. But it also leads to another question: If women are innately artistically-inclined, how come there are fewer female tattoo artists?
In some societies where tattoo is considered a semi-taboo, it is very unnatural for women to be involved in this kind of blemished occupation. For some, being strapped to this job can even suggest that a woman is sexually loose. Or perhaps, it is simply due to the fact that working in a tattoo shop is not really the nature of work women fits into.
Patriarchy and Sexism
Sexism is also unavoidable in this type of heterogeneous setting. The idea that men are innately superior and stronger than women is also visible. We can see how the tattoo artist treated a female customer. He initially questioned her capacity by suggesting not to be tattooed at a certain area because she will not be able to tolerate it when, in fact, I saw most of the guys with excessive tattoos on theirs.
Sexism is also unavoidable in this type of heterogeneous setting. The idea that men are innately superior and stronger than women is also visible. We can see how the tattoo artist treated a female customer. He initially questioned her capacity by suggesting not to be tattooed at a certain area because she will not be able to tolerate it when, in fact, I saw most of the guys with excessive tattoos on theirs.
Publicity and the "Beauty Myth"
Through mass media and even ordinary advertisements, gender stratification is also being materialized. Before, I noticed that tattoo advertisements were directed to men only. But nowadays, it seems that showing off a tattoo, particularly on the lower back, is currently a well-liked fad to women.
Through mass media and even ordinary advertisements, gender stratification is also being materialized. Before, I noticed that tattoo advertisements were directed to men only. But nowadays, it seems that showing off a tattoo, particularly on the lower back, is currently a well-liked fad to women.
However, is having a tattoo considered as a feature or something that essentially surpasses the notions attached to the "beauty myth"? Certainly, we are aware of the basic standards of beauty but can we consider a woman with a tattoo appealing to men? Within the parameters of physical appearance, did it already qualify to what people currently perceive as beautiful or ‘womanly’?
The answer may be linked to the current transformation of our society. In other countries, this form of art is already accepted as an outlet of individuality, creativity, and audacity for women, with female celebrities displaying theirs shamelessly and I am confident to say that we, Filipinos, are getting there.
Looking Ahead
It is but delightful to see how the society has been transforming. The progress may be slow but still we can see how much we have changed. Our fair view on gender and the pursuit of social equality are things that we should be proud of. Towards a better future, people should value one another at the same level. If what it means to be female and male is mostly a creation of society, and the view of superiority are to be defined by both, then we can establish an equal footing for men and women in the future.
It is but delightful to see how the society has been transforming. The progress may be slow but still we can see how much we have changed. Our fair view on gender and the pursuit of social equality are things that we should be proud of. Towards a better future, people should value one another at the same level. If what it means to be female and male is mostly a creation of society, and the view of superiority are to be defined by both, then we can establish an equal footing for men and women in the future.
here I park,
D
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