Whether you do or "do not seek approval of others," people make judgements about each other. In the case of tatoos and piercings, I surmise it is done to evoke a certain response from others.
From those of similar tastes, it says: "I want your approval..I am a rebel, like you."
And from those who dislike the body mutilations, it says: "Please disapprove of me..I am a rebel, unlike you. I reject your values, and seek your disapproval."
One thing is certain, because I have discussed it with employers. Many will see it as a sign of questionable judgement, regardless of whether you think it should be so. As such, it limits an individual's career potential in certain professional fields.
Excellent point! Some try to be "enlightened" & claim that it's all value-neutral, just their own decision & shouldn't be given a moral judgement. And in one sense they are correct. But you are also correct: How we display ourselves is a form of communication, and as such is necessarily translated by everyone we meet into their current "language" that they "understand". How can it not be?
I'm still waiting for earrings on men to disappear completely. I never forgave them for stealing one of our major feminine symbols. Weird how earrings on men seem to have some staying power in certain defined subcultures, such as in macho black atheletes. A total inversion of their original meaning, which is very very jarring. (But that's also a generational thang. I date myself by my revulsion.)
I agree completely. It is evidence of a character flaw and should be a red flag to potential employers, husbands/wives, etc.
Bingo. I hate to make three consecutive references to lyrics in a non musical thread, but this one fits: In their single "Every Day is Halloween," the lead singer of seminal techno group Ministry sings:
One thing is certain, because I have discussed it with employers. Many will see it as a sign of questionable judgement, regardless of whether you think it should be so. As such, it limits an individual's career potential in certain professional fields.
well any time, any place, anywhere
that I go all the people seem to stop and stare
they say 'why are you dressed like it's halloween?
you look so absurd, you look so obscene!'o, why can't I live a life for me?
why should I take the abuse that's served?
why can't they see they're just like me
it's the same, it's the same in the whole wide worldwell I let their teeny minds think
that they're dealing with someone who is over the brink
and I dress this way just to keep them at bay
cos halloween is everyday
it's everyday
I have yet to meet a true professional who has his illegitimate son's name on his neck or her deceased gang pal's nickname on her forearm. However, I have lost count of the fast food workers and bike messengers that fit that description.