Is there such a thing as having too many tattoos?
Well, I think there is.
I’m sure most of you have seen the likes of Rihanna and Chris Brown lately – Chris Brown has had a number of tattoos recently.
I’ve even forgotten what he looked like before he was all inked-up. The one on his neck looks so disturbing that I can’t help but wonder what he is going to look like when he is 70.
But he is not the only celebrity with a lot of tattoos on his body, even here in Mzansi, we have the likes of DJ Fresh and AKA.
Tattoos are adorable, I can understand this and they are really nice when done in a more discrete manner.
Growing up, I associated tattoos with gangs, jailbirds, bikers and people thought to be operating outside of the social centre.
But my views have changed dramatically since those years and now tattoos are have gained social acceptance, with more and more people getting inked every day.
Even though tattoos have become more accepted over the years, in a conservative South Africa, you cannot simply arrive at a job interview displaying your body art for all to see – not if you are serious about getting that job.
I know the new South Africa has afforded us with many rights, and if you decide to turn your body into a painting board, by all means do so but remember your freedom of expression might not impress your future employer. It could end up standing in the way of you getting that job, especially if you want to work in the corporate environment.
Depending on what and where the tattoo is, there may or may not be an issue for employers.
But when you are having the tattoo done, do you know what kind of future employer you are going to have?
Unless you intend to work in a tattoo parlour, start a rock band or enter into the entertainment industry, please think carefully about where you put that tattoo.
Your tattoo could end up standing in the way of landing your dream job.
Most companies have dress code policies and employers retain some flexibility in creating rules that require employees to present themselves in a way that is consistent with the employer’s image.
However, that doesn’t mean people cannot have tattoos altogether. They should simply be in a place easily hidden by clothing.
For the record, I like tattoos. The only reason I don’t have one is because of my phobia for needles.
I think tattoos are beautiful, and for those who have them, each one has a special meaning. I do, however, think some people take this whole thing too far.
I’m sure you have seen some tattoos that have seen better days.
Some tattoos also inspire the question, “What the hell was this person thinking?”
I know a woman who had a tattoo when she was younger, the tattoo is on her breast. I am sure it was beautiful at the time, but over the years the whole thing has gone south because she is not that young anymore.
If you are going to have a tattoo, at least put it in a place where you will not feel the need to hide it.
Remember, it may look great now, but in 20 years?
