|
Irked by ink? A social stigma
|
|
 |
Tattoos continue to carry a stigma of criminality, despite their expanding artistic appeal.
Varsity resident Paul Mason said that some people with tattoos certainly gave an impression of possible dishonesty.
“Especially those people with their arms and legs covered,” he said. “It’s not my fault for judging them – they choose it.”
However, owner of Varsity's True Tattoos Jason Black suggested that there were no generalisations relating to people who get tattoos.
“We get a really broad spectrum in here,” he said. “We have customers come in from all walks of life, all different ages and nationalities.”
According to Mr Black, other shop owners considered True Tattoos a “novelty” in the Market Square district, and do not believe the shop to be out of step with the area.
“The only real negativity came from this religious man who wasn’t too happy when we opened up,” he said.
“He walked past and said ‘The devil has come to Varsity'.”
A recent media report linked tattoos with antisocial behaviour, although Mr Black considers this view “ignorant” of their artistic merit.
Despite Varsity’s clean-cut, professional aesthetic, 19-year-old Jack Monro believes that tattoos are inoffensive to the public.
“They do make you stand out from the crowd, but really they’re just a bit of fun,” he said.
|
|
|