#4 Results

This project was a tough one, and not tough as in academically challenging, but tough as in a real struggle for me to put myself in a position where others will definitely judge me. I had quite a few results from all the locations I placed myself in, some of which proved my hypothesis and some of which did not.
I was shocked, however, by the reactions of those I told about this project when I would be out with them. For example, my friends and family were a lot more hesitant to run errands with me, stand next to me or speak with me in public when I was a walking piece of art. I actually feel like it affected those who knew about it more than strangers I interacted with. All in all, I am glad I chose this topic, despite the stares and head shakes I received along the way.

#3 Revised Summary/Plan/Update

I have decided to place myself in situations where my fake tattoos would be both (seemingly) welcomed or frowned upon. I think it is important that I do not limit myself to certain environments that may be biased, but I would like to cover all bases. I still feel this is the most effective way to observe if others are proving my hypothesis, because I get to see everyone's candid reactions. I'm in the last few phases of this experiment and will hopefully be able to come up with some final results shortly.

#2 Strategy/Plan For Research

After deciding to conduct a naturalistic observation, I had to decide whether or not to actually video tape the experience or to just record notes on paper/my computer/phone. After thinking, I decided it would be best to write everything down and leave the camera at home. I think it would be the more effective way to really understand the thoughts going on in my head as it is all happening, and it would be the less obvious way to conduct research. I will place myself in all different types of settings that way I am exposed to the young, the old, and those in my own generation. I predict that I will encounter some difficulties; it will not be easy for me to willingly subject myself to be judged by strangers, and it will be even harder to pretend like I do not notice or care. I also predict I will get asked some questions and receive many dirty looks, but I suppose that is the way the cookie crumbles. 

#1 Suggested Research Method/Why

For my fourth quarter project, I want to experience the discrimination from the other side by conducting a naturalistic observation in which I subject myself to these "criticisms." I have always been one to stand up to those who put down the way in which others express themselves, but I have never really been on the side where the finger is pointed. To do this experiment, I will cover as much of my arms/body as I can with fake/henna tattoos and place myself in different settings. I will go to grocery stores, the mall, restaurants, anywhere I can, and record the results (how long did it take for me to be served/helped? was I given any strange looks? did people stare or point or whisper? etc.) I would really like to experience this first hand in order to help others tackle the problem themselves.

#8 - Summary of Research

When I started this blog, I knew some of what was to be expected with my topic. People will point, stare, laugh, judge, and stereotype - but it is important to be ahead of them. For those who are discriminated because of an "offbeat" hairstyle, noticeable tattoo, or crazy piercings that are everywhere but your ears, they are not in the wrong. It is time that society moves past the stigma that tattoos are for criminals and piercings are for punks; if the thoughts and ideas of others are stuck in the past, progress in any way, shape or form cannot be made! Progress includes but is not limited to being humane. Treating others who appear to look different in a negative way does not say something about them, it says something about YOU. All in all, it is important that the prejudice, derogatory and primitive thoughts of the past be left there; what others choose to do to express themselves is their business, not yours. Stop discrimination today.

#7 Tattoo Discrimination Documentary Video

In this student-made video, various students are interviewed about their opinions on different forms of body art, particularly tattoos, and the discrimination against them in the workplace. On the other side of the spectrum, however, the narrator discusses the positive aspects of being tattooed - it just might make you famous. At the end of the day, people will do as they please, that goes for both the discriminators and the discriminated.

#6 Discriminate At Your Own Risk

In an article by Joseph Farah in 2006, he acknowledges the fact that employers "with appearance codes face lawsuits from 'body modification' activists." 

Of course, 2006 was eight years ago -- when body modification was most likely just becoming a "craze" among teens; a craze popular enough to send employers running for the hills when faced with applicants who were not afraid to ask questions when told to remove any piercings or visible tattoos. I assume this is truly when people's minds began to change, and rules began being challenged, and David Barron said “employers are getting involved in expensive legal battles as they attempt to adapt to the ever-changing workforce,” but is the fact that the workforce is changing really that scary of an idea? 

Farah also writes that laws prohibiting discrimination based on appearance and behavior of this sort already have been passed in several cities in California, and restrictions against tattoos and piercings are breaking down all over the country as the trend becomes a craze among young people. 

Another highlight from the article is how baffled the public is by tattoo tolerance books hitting the shelves soon after anti-homophobia books are published - tolerance is tolerance. Farah writes "There are even children’s books like “Mommy Has a Tattoo” and the “Tattoo Coloring Book.” The topic of tattoos and body piercing is one of the hottest for campus speakers. Major corporations are working the 'hip' new trend into their TV commercials and ad campaigns. And as tattoos and piercings become more common, some zealots are moving to extremes once unthinkable.

Just as 'Heather Has Two Mommies' is now required reading for kindergartners in some school districts, how long will it be before the tolerance police mandate Phil Padwe’s new books. He’s the author and illustrator of the two new children’s books on tattoos.

In 'Mommy Has a Tattoo,' a little boy, James, is afraid of a heavily tattooed neighbor – until he realizes his mother has one, too.

'I wanted to keep it simple,' says Padwe, who is not even sure how many tattoos he has but figures it’s somewhere between 25 and 30. 'I didn’t want to get into really heavy questions or pass judgments. It’s about teaching tattoo tolerance.'"

He also discusses the dangers of body modification like tattoos and piercings, especially when done yourself. What is really important, and the argument all anti-modification "folk" are trying to make is this - know the risks. Know that unfortunately, it may hinder your chances of finding employment and that until more people change their minds, it will stay that way. Know that there are health risks to it, too; possible infections could find their way into your body and put you in serious danger. 

But also know that your appearance does not change who you are.