I am a teacher in training, starting my second year at university in September. I am not your stereotypical student: I don't drink an awful lot, I prefer to have a night in with my friends, and I am definitely the opposite of a slag (for want of a better word). I am, I hope, approachable to children and the lessons I have taught so far on my placements have been observed as on target or above for this point in my training.
Oh yeah, and I have a tattoo.
Shockhorrorohmygod!! She must be a disgusting excuse for a woman, awful at what she does and every child she's ever met must have been horribly influenced by that tiny little star on her inner arm!!!
First, children and teenagers are not influenced by seeing piercings and tattoos on adults. Children from the age of four to fourteen have asked me about my tattoo, and every single reaction has been the same: they point and say "you've got a star/tattoo on your arm", I nod, and the child carries on with whatever they were doing. No negative influence involved.
Second, a tattoo is only skin-deep. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't believe it either improves or deminishes anybody's ability to do the job they are trained or being trained to do.
And third, a woman in the 21st century can and should be able to do as she pleases without being looked down upon just because she has a tattoo. It doesn't make her any less of a 'lady'. In fact, in my opinion the modern woman is just as much a lady if she does have the courage to express herself in such a permanent way.
The popularity of tattoos between both men and women is probably higher than any of us realise. I know many adults with ink who are great at their jobs, brilliant parents and respectful citizens. Nobody should be criticised for expressing themselves; if it's not affecting you or anyone else, then you don't have the right to tell others what they can and cannot do with their own bodies.
Finally, as a trainee teacher, I believe that it is better for children to grow up seeing adults with non-offensive tattoos and piercings. If we keep hiding it from them, then they will see it as unusual and even wrong. These negative issues with people losing jobs over tattoos will stop if we bring up the next generation with the attitude that we can be individuals and have freedom of expression. Surely that's a more positive outlook for us to have?
Rant over. :)
