A Personal Perspective on Tattoos: Tradition, Perception, and Choice

A Personal Perspective on Tattoos: Tradition, Perception, and Choice

What tattoo do you want and where would you put it?

Letter to the Prompt

Prompt: I beg your pardon and mean no offense, but tattoos have long reminded me of criminals in the yakuza, sailors, and the working class. For this reason, I must politely decline, though I recognize that tattoos have a deep cultural history and that societal perceptions have evolved over time.

There are many reasons why people choose to get a tattoo—self-expression, following fashion trends, paying homage to cultural heritage, or commemorating personal milestones. Some see it as a way to feel part of a subculture, boost self-confidence, or enhance their self-image.

While a tattoo might seem like a good idea in the moment, its permanence must be considered. There is also the potential disadvantage in professional settings later in life. Would my former firm have employed qualified candidates with visible tattoos? Certainly not.

Personally, coming from an older generation, I have a distinctly negative reaction to tattoos. I find them classless and unappealing—especially on women—and I genuinely wonder why someone would choose to mark their own body permanently.

That said, personal choices differ, and everyone is free to make their own. However, a tattoo is simply not for me.

William j j Houtzager, Aka WJJH-20.3.2025

📌Blog Excerpt

While acknowledging diverse motivations for getting tattoos, such as self-expression and cultural significance, their permanence and potential professional can have repercussions.