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"I chose my last name across my back because I have pride in my last name and it was the (main) thing I really liked," said Tokay High senior Jay Macanas of the large tattoo on his back. (Courtesy photo)
Tattoos embraced by Tokay students, staff
By Niki DeMartinis
Special to the News-Sentinel
Special to the News-Sentinel
Saturday, June 21, 2008 6:29 AM PDT
"No." That is a mother's usual response to a request from a child for permission to get a tattoo.
"Not till you move out," is dad's usual answer.
The excuse that "everyone has them" leads to the question: "Would you jump off a bridge if everyone else did?"
Obviously not, but getting a tattoo is certainly not as drastic as jumping off a bridge.
Saying that everyone has a tattoo is an exaggeration, but tattoos are becoming increasingly popular on Tokay High School campus. The school graduated its senior class June 12, but before the end of the school year many students talked about their body art. Many said that as they approached their 18th birthday, they saw tattoos as a rite of passage.
Shortly after she turned 18, senior Casey Helwig got her first tattoo.
"I could not wait to go, and I always knew I would get one as soon as I could," Helwig said.
Her tattoo is the word "love" in cursive, with the letters "L" and "E" forming a heart around the word. Different shades of purple fade through the tattoo.
Color tattoos can be slightly more costly, and Helwig's boyfriend spent about $170 on her tattoo as a birthday present.
Students like Helwig break the stereotype that only "biker dudes" and "rebels" get tattoos. Tattoos that are displayed around campus can be seen on guys, girls and even a few teachers.
The variety of tattoos on campus is astounding, and students can be seen sporting their "tats" behind their ears, on their arms, across their backs and even down the lengths of their torsos.
Senior Stephen Mindt has the outline of California stretching down the right side of his torso with the words "Cali" etched in the middle.
Remembering the tattoo experience brings winces to Mindt's facial expression.
"My first tattoo was after my father died and it says 'Father in Heaven' in Hawaiian. ... [When] my son left for Iraq [I got some] for rituals such as a mermaid for protection. One was when my nephew died and, of course, my 723 for Tokay." — Mary Ward, Tokay High English teacher
"It hurt pretty bad, especially when he was going over my ribs," Mindt said. "I didn't bleed too much, but it definitely hurt more than I though it would," he said.
The $180 cost doesn't seem as expensive considering the size of the tattoo. He also noted that he chose a good place to get his tattoo because it can't be seen while wearing a shirt so it won't affect his career plans.
Senior Jill Rohde has no fear about a tattoo preventing employment.
"I have my tattoo behind my ear, so it's pretty easy to hide with my hair," Rohde said. "I was kind of worried of how some people would react to a tattoo."
Rohde's tattoo is a small, green shamrock, and she said that she is glad she chose a tattoo that represents her Irish heritage.
Senior Charles Geraldizo has a tattoo that represents success and his aspirations of future fortune. As he walks away, Benjamin Franklin can be seen swinging on his arm.
"I wanted Benjamin Franklin because he is the face on the $100 bill," Geraldizo said. He claimed the tattoo experience tickled more than it hurt, and that any of the pain and $400 price tag was worth it.
"I'm getting Ulysses Grant on my other arm since he is on the $50," Geraldizo said.
All tattoos have special meanings to people, but some other students have chosen to get tattoos for much more sentimental reasons.
Senior Aaron Wentland's aspiration has always been to become a firefighter and to help people.
"I have always wanted a fire fighting-related tattoo," Wentland said. "I've always known I'm going to be a firefighter."
His shoulder tattoo commemorates his life-long goal as well as the many firefighters' efforts during the tragic events of Sept. 11. The $300 tattoo depicts the Twin Towers with flames climbing into the message "Always Remember."
"I will never forget the events that happened on Sept. 11, 2001, and I think my tattoo is a very appropriate way to honor the memory," Wentland said.
Senior Kristen Ortega lost her little brother, Cameron, two years ago.
"I will always love and remember Cameron, but I wanted to get a tattoo to show that even more," Ortega said.
For her 18th birthday, Ortega had a heart followed by Cameron's name tattooed on her stomach. She considered the $100 to be well-spent since her tattoo will last forever.
"I would have never thought that a tattoo could mean so much to me," Ortega said.
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dogbark wrote on Jul 3, 2008 1:28 PM:
Wait a minute? What the ...
Cripes!
It isn't Che, afterall.
How the heck did I get the Zig-zag man tattooed next to my Mexican Cutie?? "
Ivan Dixon wrote on Jul 1, 2008 6:04 PM:
Ooo La La! "
Giovanina wrote on Jul 1, 2008 5:04 PM:
" Ivan Dixon: Do you think Giovanina has a toothbrush moustache as well? LOL "
LOL, you really amaze me with your sense of wit. Maybe you and Ivan should date? "
Giovanina wrote on Jul 1, 2008 4:59 PM:
" People don't realize that Ilsa: She Wolf of the SS was really a bio pic.
I think Giovanina is still getting royalties off that one. "
Once again, you make my point. Total hypocrisy from the left. At least make some kind of counterpoint on the argument. "
Lodian wrote on Jun 29, 2008 11:38 PM:
Ivan Dixon wrote on Jun 29, 2008 5:15 PM:
I think Giovanina is still getting royalties off that one. "
Lodian wrote on Jun 29, 2008 2:57 PM:
dogbark wrote on Jun 29, 2008 12:35 PM:
kids should be taught how to spell tattoo and school.
LOL
Look to your own letter there, edu-m and get spell-check installed! "
Ivan Dixon wrote on Jun 29, 2008 10:58 AM:
You can continue your left wing talking points and Nazi tactics of trying to stifle the main points that you can not seem to counter.
You have hit the nail on the head yet again! Those Nazi's were the worst libs of all time. That's why they hated the commies so much!!!
As always Giovanininini, I'm behind you 548% I bet you look right cute in those jack boots. "
Lodian wrote on Jun 28, 2008 3:43 PM:
" Lodian wrote on Jun 27, 2008 12:06 PM:
" Giovanina: The title of this article is "Tattoos embraced by Tokay students, staff". Please stay on topic
DOGBARK wrote on Jun 27, 2008 8:41 PM:
" Giovanina, if I tattooed "Max Weber" on my a**
(ok Abs)
should I spell it with a V so the young folks would know who I was honoring? "
Thanks for making my point. You can continue your left wing talking points and Nazi tactics of trying to stifle the main points that you can not seem to counter. Better luck next time. "
Giovanina: Surely, you are not addressing me. "
girard74 wrote on Jun 28, 2008 1:53 PM:
While you are correct that there are other more important matters facing our planet, this particular blog is about tattoos. Should we now discuss global warming in response to a LTE that has nothing to do with that subject?
Regardless, even if we were talking about these subjects, there is little (if anything) that would be accomplished on the LNS blogs. Talking about tattoos could very well be a welcome diversion from those more serious matters. In response to your "wake up!" admonition, I would ask you to "lighten up!" "
Giovanina wrote on Jun 28, 2008 12:21 PM:
" Giovanina: The title of this article is "Tattoos embraced by Tokay students, staff". Please stay on topic
DOGBARK wrote on Jun 27, 2008 8:41 PM:
" Giovanina, if I tattooed "Max Weber" on my a**
(ok Abs)
should I spell it with a V so the young folks would know who I was honoring? "
Thanks for making my point. You can continue your left wing talking points and Nazi tactics of trying to stifle the main points that you can not seem to counter. Better luck next time. "
girard74 wrote on Jun 28, 2008 11:28 AM:
While you are correct that there are other more important matters facing our planet, this particular blog is about tattoos. Should we now discuss global warming in response to a LTE that has nothing to do with that subject?
Regardless, even if we were talking about these subjects, there is little (if anything) that would be accomplished on the LNS blogs. Talking about tattoos could very well be a welcome diversion from those more serious matters. In response to your "wake up!" admonition, I would ask you to "lighten up!" "
DOGBARK wrote on Jun 27, 2008 8:41 PM:
(ok Abs)
should I spell it with a V so the young folks would know who I was honoring? "
Lodian wrote on Jun 27, 2008 12:06 PM:
Giovanina wrote on Jun 27, 2008 8:10 AM:
So far, none of you dealt with my points, but you came right back about tats in society. That was not what I discussed. Please read my comments again, and at least try to make counterpoints. I don't need another discussion about what's wrong with tats in general. Please stay on task, and I know it is hard.
Leonard, wow, you never did take a college level political course. I am amazed. Socialism sets up a political Marxist state government which redistributes wealth, republicanism does not. So it is NOT just an economic system.
Example below
Max Weber was a critic of socialism who warned that putting the economy under the total bureaucratic control of the state, that would be a political system, Leonard, would not result in liberation but an 'iron cage of future bondage.' Criticisms of socialism range from claims that socialist economic and political models are inefficient or incompatible with civil liberties. "
Audi 5000 wrote on Jun 27, 2008 7:51 AM:
Flash away teacher, it's a great example, a bad one. It speaks volumes. "
educated reader wrote on Jun 27, 2008 12:22 AM:
Lodian wrote on Jun 27, 2008 12:08 AM:
Lodian wrote on Jun 27, 2008 12:07 AM:
Leonard wrote on Jun 26, 2008 6:46 PM:
Actually, what is laughable is the fact that there is an ideological war between republicanism and socialism, going on right now, and our young kids are the pawns.
What is really laughable is the fact that you don't even have a clue what you are talking about.
Republicanism is a political system.
Socialism is an economic system.
It is as if you are suggesting that the apples are at war with the oranges. "
amberjoyh wrote on Jun 26, 2008 3:00 PM:
amberjoyh wrote on Jun 26, 2008 2:57 PM:
You're choice in literature criticism is almost as dicouraging as your spelling skills... TATTOO. "
c.lee.h. wrote on Jun 26, 2008 2:48 PM:
p.s. mary is one of the most wonderful people i had a chance to meet while attending tokay. shame on you all for being so quick to say negative things about her! "
dogbark wrote on Jun 26, 2008 1:32 PM:
And how much ink needed to do Shorty's Sonoco Service Station, Chattanooga Tennessee?
Sweet, Dude. "
Contrapasso wrote on Jun 26, 2008 10:14 AM:
Gio-What exactly is WRONG with having a tattoo? Is it immoral? Is it illegal?
Also, Gio, what books exactly do you think are appropriate? I'm just curious. "
Giovanina wrote on Jun 26, 2008 10:06 AM:
papercut wrote on Jun 26, 2008 9:58 AM:
Giovanina wrote on Jun 26, 2008 9:54 AM:
" Cogito wrote on Jun 23, 2008 4:35 PM:
" Leonard, I think you may be wrong. A lot kids today know WHO Che is, because he's the guy on the t-shirt. They just don't know WHAT he stood for. I have a Che shirt myself, mine has his picture, and "commies aren't cool" emblazoned on the bottom.
Either way, Gvits contention that kids are somehow ideologically aligned with Che is still laughable. "
Actually, what is laughable is the fact that there is an ideological war between republicanism and socialism, going on right now, and our young kids are the pawns. But for some reason, this war eludes you. Did you not take a college level poiltical science course? Do you not recognize how the media defends, and promotes, socialist ideas? For someone who to defends the 2nd amendment, you seem to not recognize that taking that right away is part of making a socialist/communist state. We don't need a state employee, a teacher of a public school, discussing tatoos with students. I don't care what education level that teacher may have. "
Contrapasso wrote on Jun 26, 2008 9:53 AM:
Gio-The article was originally for the school newspaper. The advisor did not "censor" it. Freedom of expresson is one of the most important of our American ideals. Tattoos are not immoral in any way. There is no reason why students should not discuss them. Tattoos are an ancient practice and are acceptable in a wide variety of cultures. They are, in fact, included in the California Department of Education's Recommended Literature List: The Illustrated Man, by Ray Bradbury. "
Giovanina wrote on Jun 26, 2008 9:42 AM:
" Giovanina wrote on Jun 23, 2008 12:30 PM:
Most of these people are Che foloowers not patriots.
ROTFLMAO!!!
I'm guessing you could count the number of students at Tokay High who could identify either Che or Pinochet on one hand. "
Once again, Leonard, you are in regression. Instead of making a counterpoint to the the meat of my comments, you design a personal attack comment. It does not take a genius to figure out that many students, today, are looking at Che as a hero. You can go to many department stores and see Che T-shirts for sell, and many young kids wear those shirts. Obviously, the ideological war that is taking place still eludes you. Socalism is a bad thing, and we want students to hold allegiance to our republic, and not to a Socialist state. Now please stick to the main points. "
Giovanina wrote on Jun 26, 2008 9:33 AM:
The Blimp wrote on Jun 26, 2008 8:00 AM:
Can the LNS run an update article 25 years from now to see how the tats are looking? Faded ink, sagging skin, coool! "
WY wrote on Jun 26, 2008 7:45 AM:
Contrapasso wrote on Jun 25, 2008 10:33 PM:
My hair is not auburn. You should read the articles. If you did, you would know that I am an English teacher.
You sound bitter. I am sorry for you. "
SportsGuru wrote on Jun 25, 2008 10:25 PM:
Let me guess:
Mary teaches Human Sexuality, or "Health" class at Tokay.
Am I right? "
SportsGuru wrote on Jun 25, 2008 10:22 PM:
It goes like this:
Little "Janie" comes home from school one day to find mommy looking in the mirror at her brand new "tribal band" tatoo on her lower back.
She doesn't know such tatoo's are referred to by men as "tramp stamps".
Little "Janie" grows up wanting a tramp stamp just like her mommy, because afterall, mommy doesn't seem to have a problem attracting a new man every week. "
dogs4you wrote on Jun 25, 2008 6:53 PM:
sam wrote on Jun 25, 2008 5:11 PM:
Lodian wrote on Jun 25, 2008 12:03 PM:
sam wrote on Jun 25, 2008 9:59 AM:
Contrapasso wrote on Jun 25, 2008 9:36 AM:
Cogito-Sorry you didn't like what you had to read. Those books are all on the reading lists for colleges and universities. Many of my kids did like them. Some didn't. My job teaching college prepatory English is to prepare students for college level texts.
By the way...you were in AP English and you don't know the difference between there, their and they're? "
Contrapasso wrote on Jun 25, 2008 9:26 AM:
I have never influenced a student to get a tattoo. If asked, I tell them to wait until they are at least 30 years old because a tattoo is a lifetime commitment.
By the way, I have a genius IQ, graduated Magna, and I love literature. This year, in addition to completing the senior project, my seniors read The Epic of Gilgamesh, Beowulf, Dante's Inferno, Macbeth, The Metamorphosis, No Exit, and Oedipus Rex, among other works. I encourage critical thought and civilized intellectual debate in my classroom.
So go ahead and make assumptions about my character and ability....you don't know me. I love my tattoos and have the absolute right to have them, regardless of my career. "
Contrapasso wrote on Jun 25, 2008 9:23 AM:
I have never influenced a student to get a tattoo. If asked, I tell them to wait until they are at least 30 years old because a tattoo is a lifetime commitment.
By the way, I have a genius IQ, graduated Magna, and I love literature. This year, in addition to completing the senior project, my seniors read The Epic of Gilgamesh, Beowulf, Dante's Inferno, Macbeth, The Metamorphosis, No Exit, and Oedipus Rex, among other works. I encourage critical thought and civilized intellectual debate in my classroom.
So go ahead and make assumptions about my character and ability....you don't know me. I love my tattoos and have the absolute right to have them, regardless of my career. "
gail1 wrote on Jun 25, 2008 8:58 AM:
gail wrote on Jun 25, 2008 8:57 AM:
Cogito wrote on Jun 24, 2008 10:50 PM:
Cogito wrote on Jun 24, 2008 10:49 PM:
WY wrote on Jun 24, 2008 5:45 PM:
Contrapasso wrote on Jun 24, 2008 3:22 PM:
I have never influenced a student to get a tattoo. If asked, I tell them to wait until they are at least 30 years old because a tattoo is a lifetime commitment.
By the way, I have a genius IQ, graduated Magna, and I love literature. This year, in addition to completing the senior project, my seniors read The Epic of Gilgamesh, Beowulf, Dante's Inferno, Macbeth, The Metamorphosis, No Exit, and Oedipus Rex, among other works. I encourage critical thought and civilized intellectual debate in my classroom.
So go ahead and make assumptions about my character and ability....you don't know me. I love my tattoos and have the absolute right to have them, regardless of my career. "
girard74 wrote on Jun 24, 2008 2:05 PM:
C'mon Leonard, you know better than this. In order for a car dealer to sell a car, he/she must be able to legally register the vehicle to a qualified buyer. Tattoo parlors are under no such restrictions aside from whatever laws are on the books defining what age their customer must be before receiving a tattoo.
However, I further support my contention that Mary here is 'flaunting' her tattoos because of precisely where they are located. As they are on her back she cannot actually 'look' at them as others see them. In the mirror they appear backward to her. Therefore, there is really no other reason for her (or anyone else) to have them placed there aside for her desire that others are able to view them. Therefore by definition, she is 'flaunting.' "
Cogito wrote on Jun 24, 2008 8:56 AM:
Lodi Native wrote on Jun 23, 2008 9:35 PM:
Leonard wrote on Jun 23, 2008 6:16 PM:
" Leonard, I think you may be wrong. A lot kids today know WHO Che is, because he's the guy on the t-shirt. They just don't know WHAT he stood for. I have a Che shirt myself, mine has his picture, and "commies aren't cool" emblazoned on the bottom.
Either way, Gvits contention that kids are somehow ideologically aligned with Che is still laughable. "
Cogito wrote on Jun 23, 2008 4:35 PM:
WY wrote on Jun 23, 2008 2:30 PM:
And, Just Me... you name fits! :o) "
Leonard wrote on Jun 23, 2008 2:13 PM:
Most of these people are Che foloowers not patriots.
ROTFLMAO!!!
I'm guessing you could count the number of students at Tokay High who could identify either Che or Pinochet on one hand. "
MARZO2008 wrote on Jun 23, 2008 12:35 PM:
Giovanina wrote on Jun 23, 2008 12:30 PM:
There will always be exceptions for reasons not being narcisstic, etc. but the reason, today, are a majority of narcisstic kids, i.e., look at my body art. A tat for patriotism is NOT narcissim but I would like you to go count how many there are. Most of these people are Che foloowers not patriots.
Please take into account that a majority of narcisstic, inked people live in the prisons, and that is the main reason for them to be overlooked for jobs. "
Cogito wrote on Jun 23, 2008 9:58 AM:
moradaexpat wrote on Jun 23, 2008 9:28 AM:
nylodian wrote on Jun 23, 2008 7:53 AM:
I am personally thankful there are employers out there who are more concerned with qualifications, competence, and performance when hiring. "
Leonard wrote on Jun 23, 2008 6:43 AM:
While most tattoo parlors are run by responsible adults, some are not
The same thing could be said about car dealers. Should we therefore discourage teachers from driving cars? It could happen, after all, that a student might be killed by faulty brakes on a car purchased from a sleazy used car dealer. "
mike13s wrote on Jun 23, 2008 1:25 AM:
educated reader wrote on Jun 23, 2008 12:05 AM:
sunshine91 wrote on Jun 22, 2008 11:40 PM:
So your papercuts..are they on your wrists? "
papercut wrote on Jun 22, 2008 10:29 PM:
justme wrote on Jun 22, 2008 7:40 PM:
s & W 500 wrote on Jun 22, 2008 7:37 PM:
Un-clean tattoing occurs everyday! What does that spread? Hep A,B,C, HIV! Be responsible "
OTH wrote on Jun 22, 2008 6:41 PM:
girard74 wrote on Jun 22, 2008 4:16 PM:
'Flaunting' is my opinion based upon what I have read and seen. And of course my opinion is judgmental - I stated as such and explained how I arrived at that judgment. As a human I make judgments every day.
As far as 'digging' Mary or not, that is not the issue here. Many children are very easily influenced by their teachers and normally this is a good thing. I have always wanted my kids to learn. But if they have a teacher that in any way influences them to go out and get a tattoo, then I certainly do have a problem. While most tattoo parlors are run by responsible adults, some are not. As long as my remaining child is under 18 years old, I do not want anyone coming at her with an ink-gun (or whatever the implement is called) as a result of encouragement from a teacher. "
Eileen St Yves wrote on Jun 22, 2008 3:59 PM:
Eileen St Yves wrote on Jun 22, 2008 3:57 PM:
never in trouble with the law or the district. He leaves in two months for the US Air Force. He has two very responsible parents and was raised to be a responsible, productive and moral human being. I am extremely proud of him. "
WY wrote on Jun 22, 2008 3:08 PM:
Are you saying it's oK if we can't see them.
I'll be back after the river is done with me "
girard74 wrote on Jun 22, 2008 1:21 PM:
First, I have no reason to doubt that Mary is a 'good' person. That really isn't the issue. This comes down to judgment.
I can only guesstimate that she was not wearing a blouse covering her back before the picture was taken. My opinion is based upon the two sets of straps over her shoulders. One is obviously for her bra, the second is for the top. I also have to take the weather into consideration when forming my conclusions. While I do not know the precise day when the photographer visited Tokay (yes, I assume the picture was taken at the school) but with it being so hot, I would find it surprising that any one would be 'layered' during this time of year. Of course this is just my opinion and I could be wrong.
Therefore, I stand by my opinion regarding her 'flaunting.' "
OTH wrote on Jun 22, 2008 12:17 PM:
girard74 wrote on Jun 22, 2008 10:54 AM:
First, I have no reason to doubt that Mary is a 'good' person. That really isn't the issue. This comes down to judgment.
I can only guesstimate that she was not wearing a blouse covering her back before the picture was taken. My opinion is based upon the two sets of straps over her shoulders. One is obviously for her bra, the second is for the top. I also have to take the weather into consideration when forming my conclusions. While I do not know the precise day when the photographer visited Tokay (yes, I assume the picture was taken at the school) but with it being so hot, I would find it surprising that any one would be 'layered' during this time of year. Of course this is just my opinion and I could be wrong.
Therefore, I stand by my opinion regarding her 'flaunting.' "
WY wrote on Jun 22, 2008 10:31 AM:
WY wrote on Jun 22, 2008 10:30 AM:
WY wrote on Jun 22, 2008 10:21 AM:
I don't know what the numbers mean. "
WY wrote on Jun 22, 2008 10:17 AM:
girard74 wrote on Jun 22, 2008 10:16 AM:
The only problem with your post is that this story is about 'tattoos.' 'Getting over' anything can only happen once one understands the story. You yourself state that you don't know her as a teacher. By permitting her to be photographed for story such as this invites just the type of dialogue that it deserves.
I am still at a loss as to what the number '723 for Tokay' stands for. Any thoughts? "
WY wrote on Jun 22, 2008 10:12 AM:
Where did it say anything about the teacher "FLAUNTING" her tat? Your stupid comment bellows the blog. You didn't "speak" of the teachers having tattos you said' "Flaunting" Did you see this for yourself or just want to trash a good woman because of her body art?
And she's not "MY Mary" She's a freind. "
girard74 wrote on Jun 22, 2008 10:11 AM:
Sorry, I've got to disagree. It is perfectly clear that the top Mary is wearing in the picture is designed to reveal the entire area of her back that is nothing but 'tatoo.' My only question is does she wear clothing like this while teaching? "
edumacation wrote on Jun 22, 2008 9:34 AM:
OTH wrote on Jun 22, 2008 9:01 AM:
You can do what you want with your body it's your right. However if I walk into a place of business and am confronted by one of the young people(or old)and there's no one else to wait on me, I'm gone. That's my right. "
justme wrote on Jun 22, 2008 8:44 AM:
I am happy to hear that Mary would relate to my "kid". My children will not go to Tokay because of the all the disgraces we hear of at that school. I did not disgrace your Mary, I spoke in general about the teachers having tattoos. You seem quite sensitive about the whole Tat matter. Bet you are covered in them. Precisely my point of rites of passage, along with T & C. Body "art" as it is described is subject to the beholder. I appreciate art, not inking the body. There are many differences between you and I. I highly doubt hiding behind our posting names that we would ever associate with one another. Freedom of speech, I say my opinion, you say yours. Leave it at that. "
s & W 500 wrote on Jun 22, 2008 7:52 AM:
nylodian wrote on Jun 22, 2008 7:33 AM:
Some of my "inked" friends include a college professor, superintendent of a district larger than LUSD, a school librarian, an OR nurse, and a manager of an insurance company. The majority of these people are well over 40 and don't reflect any of those traits mentioned above. Prejudice and ignorance is far uglier than tattoos. "
WY wrote on Jun 22, 2008 12:26 AM:
WY wrote on Jun 22, 2008 12:23 AM:
HE runs
He drinks
He flaunts
Why, without seeing her antics, Would you say that? "
edumacation wrote on Jun 22, 2008 12:13 AM:
WY wrote on Jun 22, 2008 12:10 AM:
WY wrote on Jun 21, 2008 11:56 PM:
two or three times. "
Whoa Nellie! wrote on Jun 21, 2008 11:25 PM:
Edum 5:37pm- How do you know your employees don't have tats now? ALOT of people have then were you can not see them. And, if you hire the less qualified person for a job because they don't have a tattoo that is why your business will fail. Plus it is discrimination.
Every industry has a different mindset. I wouldnt expect to see my banker with ink, but, sure, a teacher is ok. "
edumacation wrote on Jun 21, 2008 5:38 PM:
edumacation wrote on Jun 21, 2008 5:37 PM:
girard74 wrote on Jun 21, 2008 5:32 PM:
These 'closed minded and judgemental (sic) people' of which you speak are hardly limited to Lodi.
Yet from what I've witnessed too much on these blogs are those who truly believe that differing opinions about almost anything is somehow a bad thing. It isn't - this is what makes our country great and I celebrate this facet of our society daily. Even though we disagree, we still have the right and responsibility to voice those opinions without fear of reprisal. The only thing that embarrasses me is those who stoop to the level of personal attacks or threats in order to further their causes. "
c.lee.h. wrote on Jun 21, 2008 4:54 PM:
edumacation wrote on Jun 21, 2008 4:22 PM:
Back to the point: If you were given the information that you had a rare disease, which physician would you tend to select to try save your life: A physician who thought it was important enough to have her life history tattooed all over her face, OR 2) anyone else with the same medical qualifications. Would you select the physician with the "tramp stamp" or the physician who did not want to inject Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene dye particles under her skin? I would NEVER hire a person with tattoos to represent my company. The question is on my employment application for "security reasons" (no gang associations allowed). "
girard74 wrote on Jun 21, 2008 3:05 PM:
papercut wrote on Jun 21, 2008 2:51 PM:
papercut wrote on Jun 21, 2008 2:43 PM:
T & C wrote on Jun 21, 2008 1:58 PM:
Mrs. S. wrote on Jun 21, 2008 1:54 PM:
I've worked in alt. ed. schools, and I'm used to tats on students and staff. I'm a little surprised tats are now in the mainstream, though. "
T & C wrote on Jun 21, 2008 1:53 PM:
Mrs. S. wrote on Jun 21, 2008 1:52 PM:
When I refer to nitpickers who aren't perfect grammarians themselves, I'm including myself. "
Mrs. S. wrote on Jun 21, 2008 1:51 PM:
Good post, but in fairness, I think "SCHHOL" is a typo, since the word's spelled correctly in another part of the post. In the same manner, I think leaving off the "s" in "students" in the following part of your post was also a typo:
"....before you have any right to trash talk any of our other student."
As for tats, I don't care. I am a writer off and on, and grammatical and spelling errors used to drive me nuts. Grammatical nitpicking by people who also make mistakes is silly, though, so I've relaxed over the years. "
T & C wrote on Jun 21, 2008 1:51 PM:
girard74 wrote on Jun 21, 2008 1:34 PM:
girard74 wrote on Jun 21, 2008 1:26 PM:
The use of the word 'almost' doesn't begin to describe the differences. Hair can be cut and/or allowed to grow out. While there have been advances in the removal of tattoos, more often than not it is very painful and does not result in the total removal of the 'artwork.' My youngest child has repeatedly requested that I permit her to get a tattoo. I told her she can, when she turns 18. I am hopeful that until then she will gain a bit more wisdom to assist her in making a more mature decision.
Also, there is no doubt that appearances make a difference. If it comes down to two equally qualified people applying for a job and one has tattoos, I submit that the other candidate will get hired. Is this fair? Probably not, but that's simply the way that it is. "
girard74 wrote on Jun 21, 2008 1:21 PM:
You did mean less than '<' didn't you? "
girard74 wrote on Jun 21, 2008 1:20 PM:
'flaunt' defined as it pertains to this issue: to exhibit ostentatiously or shamelessly; to parade oneself ostentatiously; show oneself off; to wave grandly. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/flaunt)
Oh, I believe Mary is indeed 'flaunting' her tattoos. "
whoa nellie! wrote on Jun 21, 2008 1:18 PM:
I know of Doctors, other Teachers, and many white collar respectable adults who have tattoos. All from 30-50.
Yes, I will agree that the young kids (>30) who have much, much visable ink have taken it a bit far, but that is their choice. Almost no different than kids growing their hair long in the late 60s/early 70s. "
Giovanina wrote on Jun 21, 2008 12:22 PM:
As the economy gets worse, we will see many inked young kids in the soup lines, and many MORE in the prisons. Oh yes what is the percentage of inked inmates?
It seems to me that in their narcissitic behavior, they are trying to come up with a trend that is just for "their generation". The problem is of the only unused trends left they pick the bad ones. Go figure!
Whoa Nellie: until you narcisstic, uneducated, immoral people got here, this small, traditonal, moral, town had way less crime and a better quality of life. "
girard74 wrote on Jun 21, 2008 12:15 PM:
Whoa Nellie! wrote on Jun 21, 2008 11:54 AM:
It's not the legal tattoos you closed minded out-of-touch small town yokels should be worried about. It is the MANY MORE illegal tattoos done by unlicensed "artists." This is rampant in the Hispanic gang community at the high schools. There are a few middle school kids with ink.
Mary has some wonderful art on her body. She tells the story of her life, her ups & downs. Get over it. Somehow I do not believe she is flaunting it. "
sarcasam wrote on Jun 21, 2008 11:39 AM:
As a LODI UNIFIED SCHOOL TEACHER I'm afraid you'd better perfect your own Spelling Skills before you have any right to trash talk any of our other student.
So, please practice your spelling words a little more at home each night. Start tonight by rewriting the word SCHOOL 25 times and return to me tomorrow. ("SCHHOL")
Thank you and don't worry dear, you'll catch on one of these days.
Ms.Sarcasam 101 "
girard74 wrote on Jun 21, 2008 11:37 AM:
edumacation wrote on Jun 21, 2008 10:41 AM:
justme wrote on Jun 21, 2008 9:51 AM:
nylodian wrote on Jun 21, 2008 7:18 AM:
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