Hi! It’s been so long since I’ve last posted here.
I’m a female uni student with visible tattoos (leg sleeve + half arm sleeve, I also have some on my back, but those aren’t visible), and I’ve noticed I tend to get more negative reactions compared to men with tattoos.
I was aware of the general stereotypes around tattoos, but I didn’t expect such a noticeable difference in how women are perceived. There are plenty of girls with tattoos nowadays, so it doesn’t feel that uncommon. I also have piercings and used to have dyed hair, so I’m aware I fit into certain stereotypes like “typical xmm” or “ah lian.”
What I find frustrating is that people often assume things about me based on my appearance, like smoking/clubbing/drinking, which isn’t true. I have never smoked. I have never step foot into a club before. Drinking? I’ve tried, yes. Do I drink though? No. But beyond assumptions, it’s the way people react that gets to me.
For context, I’d say I’m quite disciplined. I attend all my classes, have received academic awards, and generally keep to myself. I focus on my studies and my own routine.
Despite that, I still get a lot of negative reactions, especially from older people. I’ve noticed people nudging others to look at me, turning around to stare, or making comments about how many tattoos I have, which honestly isn’t even that many. Of course, they don’t know anything about me since we’re strangers, but the reactions still feel unnecessary.
I don’t mind people staring if I’m showing my tattoos, that comes with it, and I expected it.
What bothers me is when people make their disapproval very obvious: eye-rolling, disgusted expressions, whispering loudly enough to hear, or openly pointing me out to others.
At the same time, I’ve also had strangers, both younger and older, come up to compliment my tattoos, which I really appreciate. Those moments genuinely make my day, so the reactions feel very mixed overall.
I guess what I find uncomfortable is that some people seem to feel entitled to openly judge or react negatively, even though I’m just a stranger to them. I understand that not everyone likes tattoos, and that’s completely fine, but I don’t think it’s necessary to make that disapproval so visible or directed at someone else.
Everyone has things they personally dislike, but we don’t go around pointing them out or staring at others because of it.
I’m just curious, is there still a stronger stigma against women with tattoos compared to men? If so, why do you think that is?
