Visible Ink Tattoos come out from under, and show up for work

Boston Globe ^ | | March 16, 2006 | By Christopher Muther, Globe Staff

[MRMEAN]

There was no hesitation when preschool teacher Alex Campbell began the process of filling her lower leg with a bright orange koi swimming in a blue pond of labyrinthine waves. The intricate tattoo is not hidden under schoolmarm tights or practical slacks; instead it has become part of the lesson plan in her class at Corner Co-op Nursery School in Brookline.

Campbell's students followed the process of their teacher getting a tattoo firsthand -- or as close as a 4-year-old can get to firsthand without stepping into a tattoo parlor. They talked about sketching, needles, and, most importantly, not touching Campbell's leg the day after she was tattooed.

Campbell, who seldom wore skirts before getting her calf tattooed, has switched over to a wardrobe that is far more skirt-friendly to display her pricey body art. Her next step is getting a full arm tattoo (those in the know refer to a full arm tattoo as a sleeve).

''I asked a few parents about how they'd feel about a teacher with tattoos on her arm, and they were fine with it," the 37-year-old Brookline resident says.

As tattooing reaches a mainstream crest thanks to shows such as ''Miami Ink," ''Inked," and even ''Meet the Barkers" and ''Prison Break," professionals such as Campbell are bringing more elaborate -- and more visible -- body art into the workplace. For Campbell, the tattoos were a non-issue at school, and even became a teaching tool that resonated with the tykes in her class. In the current tattoo-friendly climate, a number of white collar professionals are finding that body art is a helpful tool at the office -- a way to give a subtle nod and a wink to co-workers or clients that they run with a crowd that owns the new Arctic Monkeys CD ...

[normy]

It doesn't look good thats for sure. I also have judged people for having them (and I have one). Thats not their problem its mine for judging. I can still tell my kid to be smart and stay away from them because he will regret it.

[JCEccles]

Tattoos are called "Trash Marks." Tattoos are a sign of the loser, of the lower classes, of people so desperate for attention and individuality

Tattoos are a sign of ignorance and stupidity, and the greater the acreage covered, the greater the ignorance and stupidity. Tattoos are unlike any other "fashion" statement in that they are for all time. Imagine having a nehru jacket stitched permanently to your body.

Tattoos are no longer a mark of individuality but conformance. The truly rebellious youth will keep his flesh pristine.

[RoseyT]

(sort of a non-gloomy Depeche Mode thing going on).

I can't believe someone else on FR knows who Depeche Mode is. Thought I was the only one. :)
PS They're really not that gloomy.

[Tax Government]

So, what does it mean?

[Louis Foxwell]

I've got a full-body tattoo.

It was done with invisible ink.

I'm thinking about having it removed.

__________________________

May we see??

[ßuddaßudd]

Yep, I'm trashy...

[Louis Foxwell]

I don't know. I think kids that age would think it's neat. I don't think it damages them or anything. I really don't know, though. I'm not a parent yet. Maybe I'll feel differently when I am.

__________________

Do the world a favor. Don't have kids.
Is cutting a scarring your body a "neat" activity to share with little children?

[Cyber Liberty]

It does beg the question: "What's next for Miss Showentell?" Boob job?

[Tijeras_Slim]

Nipple rings.

[DoctorMichael]

Normalization of stupidity.

The Pimpification of America.

[Fintan]

I imagine class attendance will be 100% when she gets her ass tattooed.

[Cyber Liberty]

I hope she talks with a few parents first, like with the mutilation done on the leg.

[Tijeras_Slim]

Don't hold your breath.

[MacDorcha]

So she has one, and it's visible. Fine. But I don't need my four-year-old getting a step-by-step lesson in tattoo "art."

---

I'm going to be serious abour this, please, why not? I mean, sure they are four, but they have eyes still. What if mommy and daddy don't have tattoo's and so don't know the process, but your little one has a legit question when she sees it in the mall?

If they were older, I'd say "give them a history lesson on it." Heck, I might even say they should get it now.

Anyway, back to my original question-

Why do you feel you "don't need (your) four-year-old" learning about tattoos?

[MacDorcha]

They may not be able to understand from the standpoint you refer to, but what about simple little tidbits "This is an example of an art form that has been practiced by most cultures in the world for a very long time, even before they met each other"

The smart ones will start asking questions now.

The slower ones will have that to hold onto as they move from finger-paint to pencil shading.

Either way, it's a perfectly legit art, steeped in numerous cultures and is something they will be seeing fairly frequently in the years to come.

[Pappy Smear]

Nothing says "open for business" like a girl with a tattoo on the small of her back, just above her butt crack. If I were to advise young men looking for a roll in the sack, look for the tat above her crack.

My rhyming wisdom for the day.

[MineralMan]

I think you should definitely get that STFU tat on your forehead. It will readily identify you so people can avoid any conversation with you. Excellent idea.

[Psycho_Bunny]

If only.  

If you live in Seattle long enough the concept of no one ever talking to you again....and by "talking" I mean "complete strangers spittling their leftist vitriol in your face at every inappropriate venue"....starts sounding like a wet dream.

[vikingd00d]

And when this teacher decides to get her nipples or labia pierced? Will she turn THAT into a lesson plan too?

[Katya]

"The truly rebellious youth will keep his flesh pristine."

I have to agree....when everyone was piercing and tatooing...I decided to go against the flow...and dont't even have pierced ears. I tend to express myself through clothes and art that is readily changeable.