Newscaster Mikee Reyes recently shared that he had to decline a hosting job as the organizers requested him to cover up his tattoos, stating that he may set a bad example for children. 

You might say that in 2023, we have progressed to become a more open and accepting society. If you walked past someone with their arms filled with tattoos, you wouldn’t think twice because it’s normal, isn’t it?

But there is still a stigma surrounding tattoos, especially in more conservative countries like the Philippines. 

People used to associate them with criminal gangs, or those who are rebelling against society. Many even claim that it is still impossible to get a decent job if you have visible tattoos on your body. 

One of the reasons why tattoos aren’t allowed in most workforces is because they make the person look like they do not take their job seriously as they promote an overly casual atmosphere. 

Tattoos are still portrayed as immoral and dangerous, and unfortunately, a lot of people still place malice on a mark on your body that does not directly affect them. In many Catholic schools, they even teach young children that tattoos are considered indecent and wrong, claiming that it is a form of cutting your flesh and destroying your body. 

However, tattoos are also intrinsic to our culture, with their presence in local tribes. Yet because of the stigma that Western beauty standards placed on tattoos, these women started to feel ashamed of the art traditions on their skin.  

Filipino society needs to allow a safe space for self-expression, with no judgment. A person’s character is seen far  beyond just their physical appearance. 

With input from Marco Sumayao.