Random acts of typing

This was so fitting, I had to steal it….

I find it very interesting how judgemental people are, including myself.  We look at someone and have our own perception of who that individual is and base all communications on that perception.  Sometimes we can override the first impression and get to know someone beyond that, but it is so incredibly common for us to ride with it and treat that individual based on their outward appearance.

Case in point:  A coworker of mine, who happens to be an avid follower of American Idol, as many of us are, was doing her weekly critique of the show last week.  (This has been brewing for a few days, so bear with me.)  She is an older woman who lives on her emotions.  She’s very genuine and speaks her mind, which I ordinarily appreciate.  So many of us don’t.  This particular day, I don’t believe she realized how offensive her remarks could have been taken.  She was discussing the show, AI, for the slower readers in the house.  She loved the music, thought the voice was pretty, but couldn’t understand the song choice of the “pretty blonde girl with those horrendous tattoos”.  This then sparked a conversation between her and a couple of 40-somethings in the office about tattoos in general. 

Now, I’m sitting over in my little corner of the world, working presumably, but absorbing this stream of consciousness from my coworkers.  They have NO CLUE that I have 8 tattoos over various parts of my body and have every intention of getting more. It is this act of prejudice that keeps me covered up while engaged in work functions.  My tats are perfectly presentable.  I actually think they are pretty and artsy and represent some things very close to my heart.  They are a part of me.  Yet, people feel free to trash-talk them all the time.  My own step-mother is a contributor.  Yet, my father has them on his arms….LOL…  It is so interesting to me.

I happen to think the girl in question’s tattoos are tastefully done.  She has a colorful sleeve on her arm, as you can see above.  They can’t handle that, and refuse to acknowledge any “artful” contribution it could make.

YES, I’ll admit that many tattoos are not great.  Many are misspelled, sloppy, have horrible lines, bleed out, or just have bad placement.  I get it.  Get over it.  It’s not your body.  We can express ourselves however we like and deal with the consequences.  It’s just sad that these people have a problem accepting that.  Maybe they should get out more…