COLUMN - by Dirk-Boris Rödel
Tattoos have various functions; they decorate, can stand for individuality or also for belonging, and they are also a means of communication.
This last point in particular, communication, is often not considered by tattoo fans, or not considered enough.
Anyone who gets a tattoo automatically says something about themselves. Anyone who has the Iron Maiden mascot Eddie tattooed is obviously into heavy metal, anyone who has a Totoro on their skin loves Japanese anime films, and some people use tattoos of scissors, hammers or pretzels to show that they are hairdressers, blacksmiths or bakers by trade.
Even clearer, of course, are tattoos with lettering that specifically indicate that "La Familia" or "Respect" is particularly important to the wearer or which life motto accompanies them.
And of course these tattooed messages can be read by anyone who sees these tattoos, no matter who, when or on what occasion.
So far, so good; whether you really need to urgently tell everyone you sit next to on the subway or stand in front of in the queue at the ice cream parlor what music you listen to or what movies you like is up for debate, but it's not usually a problematic or controversial message you're sending out.
However, some people also have more intimate and delicate preferences and inclinations tattooed, which may not always be visible to everyone. Such tattoos can often be found on parts of the body that are covered by clothing in everyday life. After all, whether you are into BDSM or belong to a Satanist sect may not be obvious to everyone next to whom you are waiting for your Whopper at Burger King.
But although such tattoos are usually covered by clothing in everyday life, in quite a few situations they are not. And when choosing 1. the tattoo motif and 2. the body part, it may be advantageous to think about how many situations in which you stand completely or partially unclothed in front of strangers. After all, it is by no means the case that only your partner will see you unclothed.
It starts with a visit to the outdoor pool, because swimming trunks and bikinis do not cover too much skin; is everything that is not intended for other people's eyes still covered? Sauna enthusiasts should also consider whether they are comfortable with certain images being visible to everyone in the sauna.
And is it okay for you to present these pictures, which inevitably reveal a lot about you, to the dermatologist at the skin cancer screening, the doctor's assistant who positions you in front of the X-ray machine or the surgeon who has you on the operating table?
And what if you later have children with whom you sit in the bathtub and then have to explain what the gag ball or the plug you had pierced in your youthful recklessness is all about...?
Don't get me wrong; go ahead and get whatever tattoo you want. But it certainly can't hurt to think through various situations in advance in which you might feel uncomfortable if others see certain motifs and statements you make about yourself!
Text: Dirk-Boris Rödel
Graphic: Jonas Bachmann
EN
DE
