Tattoos are usually regarded as “unprofessional” and “dirty” as a common stereotype in today’s society passed down by the older generations.
Each tattoo enthusiast and inked person has their own narrative of getting discriminated upon for employment, in the workforce and especially out in public areas.
How did the Filipinos adapt to the idea that having tattoos are disgraceful?
In Teodoro Agoncillo’s book, “Introduction to Philippine History”, men and women in the 1500s decorated their bodies with black ink. Upon the arrival of Spaniards in Panay island, they noticed that native people covered their bodies and faces in tattoos. Tattoos were considered beautiful, respectful, and moreover signified a person’s rank in the community. According to the first Spanish missionaries, they portrayed and called the Visayans “Pintados” and the majority of Visayas was named “Islas de los Pintados”.
Tattoo culture also did not exist solely in the Visayas region. According to “Boxer Codex”, the Cordilleras, especially Kalinga province also have their own traditional tattoo called “Batok” which translates to its hand-tapping technique “to hit”. Tattoos were used by warriors and hunters as a sign of strength and war record rewarded by their Chief in the old times. Kalinga tattoo is a dying art and the 101-year-old Whang-Od is the only surviving “mambabatok” in Kalinga and her granddaughter is the only one studying her techniques.
The meaning and art of tattooing started to decline on the arrival of Christianity in the account of Spanish colonization. Tattoos were described as something dirty and horrible. The older generations such as our grandparents even associate tattoos with prisoners, pugantes and tulisans that came from Spanish words “tulisanes” and “fuga.”
Even if there is no law that prohibits people with tattoos from working, numerous workplaces in the Philippines had set physical standards that included rejections of them from job applications or other work opportunities. These companies would preferably hire and trust non-tattooed civilians than those who are inked.
There are reasons why people get tattoos, a few would commonly say: self-expression, a tribute, art appreciation, for moving on, inspiration and many more.
One thing is certain, tattoos are made to be seen, to be flaunted. It is something that they are too proud of that people want it embedded on their skin forever.
Tattooed people are still people. They can do the same exact work a non-tattooed individual can. Stereotypes exist because we allow it. Education, self-empowerment, history and correcting negative perceptions about tattoos can help raise awareness and lift the stigma.
Each tattoo tells a story and skin should never be a hindrance for one’s achievement in life.
Commentaires