4. Do you think that there's a double standard between tattooed men and tattooed women? Do you notice that men or even women treat you differently because you're tattooed?
Shannon: I used to work at a doctor's office and all of my co-workers were older women. When they saw my tattoos for the first time, they all had the same reaction, which was, "What were you thinking? Women can't have tattoos! How will you ever get a husband?" If I had been a man, I don't think that they would have said anything.
Shannon: Men usually do one of two things with my tattoos: use them to hit on me, or demand that I explain the meaning behind them. This bothers me sometimes. Why do I have to explain my choices to anyone, especially a stranger?
Brandi: Again, my tattoo is usually covered by clothing. I think tattoos on both men and women are seen as sexy by others who like tattoos. But there's also an assumption about how tattooed people behave by those who look down on them, involving both general attitude and sexual activity. I would say, however, that these assumptions are stronger for women, and that it's more taboo for women than men.
Sarah: I do feel there is a big double standard. When guys get tattoos, it makes them more manly, macho. If a girl gets a tattoo, for some reason people think you are more slutty or even trashy. One of the guys I work with always tells me times are so different from when he was young. (He's probably in his late 40s.) He says in his day, only the biker chics had tattoos and they were scary ladies.
5. Is there anything you regret?
Shannon: Nope!
Brandi: No, but I think that's because I waited a really long time to get my tattoo; I waited for the right one. I don't think anybody should get a tattoo just to get one.
Sarah: No, not yet. I doubt I will. I really think about what I want for a while before I get it. That way if I grow bored with just the idea of it, I know not to put it on my body. 'Cause once it's on, it's not going anywhere.
4. Do you think that there's a double standard between tattooed men and tattooed women? Do you notice that men or even women treat you differently because you're tattooed?
Sarah: I do feel there is a big double standard. When guys get tattoos, it makes them more manly, macho. If a girl gets a tattoo, for some reason people think you are more slutty or even trashy. One of the guys I work with always tells me times are so different from when he was young. (He's probably in his late 40s.) He says in his day, only the biker chics had tattoos and they were scary ladies.
