Latino parents share all their feelings about everything we do. There is no holding back of the tongue about who we date, what we wear, or who we hang out with. How about getting a tattoo? Whether getting a full sleeve or just a tiny star, parents’ reactions to tattoos have no bounds. My reaction: ” how are you supposed to get a good job now?! You had to put that where someone could see it? (that was close to 10 years ago )What did your parents say when they first saw your tattoo or what did you say when you saw your child’s first tattoo? I know it’s more socially acceptable now but what do you think when you now see how this art has been accepted? Let’s talk about it.. #letstalkaboutit
Veronica Mendoza: “My mother and I get along great and have mother daughter disagreements, with that being said, I got my only tattoo when I was 38 and my mom didn’t talk to me for a month because I marked my body. I told her she marked my body at six months old when she pierced my ears. It really threw me off because I have a brother with multiple tattoos and she didn’t seem bothered by it at all.”
Noel Tello: “Living in Mississippi, I can tell you it’s not just Latin people / parents. Parents I know generally would prefer that their kids not have them. And I can also tell you that they’re not shy about communicating that. Being in the Bible Belt, the reasons are usually based on treating our body as a gift from God. But of course, most of us are fat. So there goes that argument. When my son got his, I did explain to him that it is still seen as “not professional,” as my son was working on his undergrad toward pre-med. I have to admit, I’ve always wanted one. But I also have to admit, when I see sleeves or tattoos on someone’s face, it tells me their life choices are not what I would make and thus I tend to seek other professionals.”
Joann Laque: “My 3 girls have tattoos and my son has none. I told them if you get any make sure it’s a place where you can cover them with clothes. So far so good.”
Yvette Elizabeth: “I have 5. My first one was in my early 20s – my parents are not a big fan of tattoos. I did get it in an area that no one could see it. The next ones are open and they can be seen. I call my tattoos “girly.” I’ve not had any issues at work. My parents still don’t approve, they have adjusted, lol-. Now, my son is 19. I tell him to wait till he’s older.”
Roy Cruz: “Your reaction: ” how are you supposed to get a good job now?! You had to put that where someone could see it?”… was probably right.. but nowadays, everything’s so weird or I’m just old. Maybe they would think twice if they had a plan.. Maybe?”
Lynda Lynn: “Simply stated…Times have changed and I choose to respect each individual’s personal choice. I didn’t care for them but eventually in college considered getting one. I didn’t and still don’t have any because my Dad never wanted any of us to have them (I think because of biblical reasons but y’all know my siblings and I are no Saints lol) and neither of my parents have tattoos (lol…they aren’t Saints either). My parents aren’t strict or even controlling so I guess that’s why I didn’t go against their wishes on that subject. On the other hand all three of my kids have tattoos and I don’t have an issue with it. I actually respect their uniqueness and see that regardless of their personal choices they have good and respectable employment, they have completed their college degrees (well Gian, my baby is scheduled to graduate this May) and I admire their ability to feel comfortable and free to choose what they want to do with their bodies. Tattoos in my opinion are a form of artistic expression and a sign of the changes in our times, but in actuality tribal markings on the human body have been part of cultures for centuries.”
Rebecca Perez: “I didn’t get any tattoos until my kids were grown. Now, I have 10 and was very specific on what I had tattooed on my body. Each tattoo has some type of meaning to me. My four sons all got tattooed at the age of 18. I told them not to put any on their face or neck. Oh and please don’t put a female’s name or lips on your body. But I just left it there because it’s their body so their choice. My daughter in law has some. Again, her body, her choice.”
Diana Laque Irias: “I said whatever you do, don’t put any on your neck so far none… lol.”
Arelio Gush Gonzales: “Tattoos are the new trend. If you don’t have tattoos, you’re weird!”
Veronica Amaro: “Mine liked tattoos and my brothers and I all have them. I guess we didn’t have typical traditional Latino parents. We’re all professionals and it hasn’t affected our careers or businesses. I guess it depends on your upbringing and what you consider distasteful.”
Todd Forbes: “What mamma don’t know – Momma can’t complain about.”
Chris Castillo: “ Omg! I hid my first tattoo for weeks; and I was in my 20’s. I respected my parents. They finally saw it one day and just said, “aye mija.” That was it.. lol.”
Beverly Brooks: “I have 2 opinions on this: One, I think the artistry of tattooing has come a very long way and when I hear stories behind some of the work that’s been done, it makes it all that much more beautiful on the person. With that said, and I know I may be in the minority on this– but it’s my (2nd) opinion that there’s no greater beauty than an untattooed female body. Does it make for a great canvas to work on- sure. But in my eyes, a woman’s natural markings and curves and imperfections are the most wondrous things ever. A woman wearing that and her confidence alone, is the most elegant and sexy she’ll ever be. Again, just my opinion(s)… I think there is a greater deal of acceptance until you see someone covered in tattoos. For some people or some work places, that’s still carrying a stigma to it. That’s definitely something that I think a lot of industries, especially professional industries, need to get past. I find that to be unfortunate, but I do think society is getting better at it.”
Kristina Zavala: “I was so scared to see my dad’s reaction to all my tattoos. But once he saw them, he knew exactly what they meant. I put my mom’s nickname on me, that only he would call her, and I put “Daddy’s girl” because I am. I have a lil bee that he used to always draw on my Valentine’s cards when I was little. He gave my mom a ring with engravings that meant something to them, and I have them as part of my design. Hummingbird for my mom, peacock for my dad.”
Robert Vasquez: “There’s this cool saying said by this super cool man. I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. Martin Luther King, Jr. Fits right up there with someone having a tattoo or tattoos.”
Eric Tello: “Here, there was a lady that had tats on her arm as well as her hand and she was a hygienist. I guess it’s not being stigmatized as much as before.”
Lilly Potts: “My reaction when my oldest Tiffany Garza showed me her first tattoo then she got another one and another one and another one. I can’t tell you how many tattoos she has now. I think I said something like, “When you’re old and wrinkly you regret all those tattoos.”
