Tattoos and Dreadlocks: my story about the good, the bad and the ugly

This is a story of truism to one’s original self, self-expression, and defiance of societal and cultural conformation. Mine may be in the form of tattoos and dreadlocks, yours may be something else, but if you’re someone like me who enjoys being true to yourself, and loves the art of expressing different forms of who you are, but you care so much about “what will people say?” Then this is for you…come with me
The Birth of the Tattoos: A Mother-Son Tale

Six years ago, I decided to immortalize the two most important people in my life—my mother (who passed on many years ago) and my son(alive and well)—by getting their names inked on my arms. To me, it was a symbol of eternal love and a daily reminder of what truly matters…what I’d lost, what I have, and the potential of what is to come.

Simultaneously, I embarked on a hair journey that reached a magnificent six-year mark – my natural dreadlocks. Little did I know that these strands would add an extra layer to the already sensationalized story that my body was becoming. As my locks grew, so did the whispers of society branding me a ‘wild cat.’

People’s perceptions of me suddenly took a nosedive. I went from being a regular guy to a walking, talking moral dilemma in their eyes. The sight of my tattoos and dreadlocks seemed to trigger a plethora of assumptions – everything from delinquency to demonic possession, from family, friends, and a few work buddies. Not that I didn’t care about their perception or opinion of me, it was just the soulful thing for me to do with myself then and it was more important to me than anybody’s opinion.

The Struggle is Real – And It’s Called Discrimination

Now, let’s talk about the societal spectacle. It’s as if my tattoos and dreadlocks scream, “Bad boy” “Yoruba demon” “menace to the society” There were judging eyes, and there were also those that admired my courage for ‘being real’. Whichever side of the divide anyone chose didn’t matter, my decision wasn’t for societal validation, so I gave zero fucks!

But then, tattoo discrimination is a real thing! and it’s doubly so depending on what you do for work. I’m into fashion and lifestyle, content creation and entertainment, so I got away with the discrimination work-wise, but in more serious environments like the corporate world, religious and family settings(where that overbearing uncle or aunty won’t let you rest), the discrimination or stereotyping was glaring.

It’s funny how a little bit of ink can have such a big impact. Who knew HR departments were so afraid of a few well-placed tattoos? It’s like they’re afraid my tattoos will outshine my qualifications. Note to employers: tattoos don’t affect brain cells.

Is It That Big Of A Deal? Why Do People Think Tattoos Are Taboo?

Now, let’s tackle the million-dollar question: why are people so obsessed with the moral implications of tattoos?

The answer to this is nothing more than societal stereotyping, especially in our climes. So what that means is, if you look modest and pious it’s somehow interpreted that you’re a decent person with a good moral standing and you’re likely to obey rules and conform to their standards and if you have a tattoo or your hair locked or a combination of both, you’re…fill in the blanks, lol.

However, we’re a highly hypocritical society where we rarely practice what we preach and love to kiss ass and conform to get favors. But times have changed and if you’ve been around here long enough, you’d agree with me that people who have these ‘immoral’ forms of expression by societal standards are usually the kindest and nicest set of people when you get to know them. They show you who they are and won’t sucker you to make themselves look good or you feel good.

Besides, the ink on one’s skin, the type of hairstyle, or any other physical form of expression shouldn’t be the yardstick for judging them. Characters and virtues, like competence, loyalty, honour, and courage should be the metrics on which we form our opinion of others.

Navigating the Mental Maze

Sometimes, the judgment gets under my skin – pun intended. The constant stares and prayers for my ‘demon-free’ existence can mess with your mental state. But hey, I’ve developed a thick skin, tattooed and all. The key is to remember that people’s opinions are like outdated fashion trends – they fade away.

Despite the challenges, I refuse to let society’s judgments dim my light. My tattoos and dreadlocks are a part of who I am – a living canvas of my journey and experiences. I wear them unapologetically and with a dash of rebellious charm.

Sure, there are moments when the weight of other people’s opinions bears down on me. But then I remember the strength and resilience that brought me to this point. I am not defined by society’s narrow-mindedness. I am defined by my authenticity, my love, and my unyielding spirit.

Lessons Learned Along the Way:

Through the ups and downs of being a living canvas, I’ve learned a few valuable lessons:

Embrace Your Uniqueness: Your appearance is your canvas—paint it however you like, regardless of what others may think.

Confidence is Key: Rocking a bold look isn’t just about the tattoos and dreadlocks—it’s about owning it with confidence.

Don’t Judge a Book By Its Cover: Society loves to slap labels on people based on appearances, but those labels rarely tell the full story.

To Tattoo or Not to Tattoo:

If you’re teetering on the edge of getting inked, here are a few things to consider:

Think Before You Ink: Tattoos are permanent, so make sure you’re 100% certain before getting inked. You don’t want to end up with tattoo regret.

Meaning Matters: Choose tattoos that hold personal significance to you, so you’ll never regret them—even if others raise an eyebrow.

Consider the Consequences: Sadly, not everyone will embrace your inked masterpiece with open arms. Be prepared to face judgment, discrimination, and the occasional exorcism attempt.

Location, Location, Location: Think carefully about where you want your tattoos. While visible tattoos can be empowering, they can also influence others’ perceptions.

Pain Level: Tattoos Aren’t Spa Treatments: Tattoos hurt. It’s not a spa day – it’s a needle puncturing your skin repeatedly. Brace yourself for the pain, and maybe reconsider that neck tattoo, trust me, that part of the body hurts differently.

The Dreaded Dreadlocks:

Considering dreadlocks? Here’s a quick guide:

Patience is a Virtue: Growing dreadlocks takes time and commitment. Prepare for the awkward stages with hats and headscarves a lot.

Maintenance Matters: Regular maintenance keeps your dreadlocks looking fresh and prevents them from turning into a tangled mess.

It’s More Than Just Hair: Dreadlocks are a symbol of culture, spirituality, and personal expression. Embrace the journey beyond just the hairstyle.

Embrace Your Uniqueness: Your tattoos and dreadlocks reflect your journey and experiences. Wear them proudly, and don’t let anyone dull your shine.

Conclusion

In a world obsessed with conformity, I proudly wear my tattoos and dreadlocks as badges of honor. Sure, the journey hasn’t been easy, but every judgmental stare and lost opportunity only fuels my resolve to stay true to myself.

So here’s to defying stereotypes, embracing self-expression, and living life on your own terms – wild cat persona and all. After all, it’s better to be a lion in a world of sheep than to blend into the herd, right?

So, my guy, what’s your take on tattoos and dreadlocks? Are they a form of self-expression or invitations for judgment? I’m all ears – let’s spark up a conversation and break down those barriers, one ink-stained story at a time.