Tats: Are We Treated Differently?

[chrisj]

I have very noticeable tattoos on both of my forearms, with lots of black. I don't have any anywhere else at the moment, but I am thinking about going ahead with at least 1/4 sleeves. But, one thing I have noticed since getting the tattoos early this year is how differently I am treated by some people.

First of all, I notice people looking at them all the time. I can't tell if they are looking at them like I'm some kind of freak or if they are just trying to see what the designs are. But I have noticed different attitudes in stores toward me, and how I honestly feel like I'm kinda being watched. It probably doesn't help that I have my head shaved and wear black either, but still.

I wanted to make sure that any tat I got could be covered up, just in case I was in a sensitive situation (such as when I was in court earlier this year...long sleeves all the way there, baby...), and of course in winter I wear hoodies all the time, so no one even knows I have tattoos.

That's exactly how I know I am treated differently. I can walk into any store with a hoodie on and walk around with no problem, but in short-sleeve weather I get that paranoid feeling again.

Just wondering if anyone else had the feeling that they were treated differently with tattoos.