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Inhibit or Exhibit Body Art?
Written by: Carla Takaki
Picture this: after much preparation, you have arrived in your country of choice for a year-long study abroad experience. You're walking down the street, feeling good about finding your way around and thinking that you've done a pretty good job fitting in with the locals. But soon you notice that passersby are staring at you. At first you think it might be your extraordinary good looks, but eventually you suspect that they're actually looking at your multiple tattoos and body piercings - and drawing their own cultural conclusions.
No one enjoys being stereotyped, and living in a foreign country can be a stressful enough experience without having to contend with judgments about your personal style. You may be wondering how your body art will be accepted - or not accepted - in your adopted country. Here's a guide to help you decide whether to cover up or proudly display your embellishments.
First, learn more about the culture. You're obviously interested in life abroad, or else you wouldn't be going away to study. Use this as a learning opportunity to find out how tattoos and piercings are perceived overseas. Ask your study abroad office to put you in contact with an international student from your destination country. Meet for coffee and discuss how your piercings may be perceived in his or her culture. You may also get an added bonus for your efforts by learning other valuable tips and making a built-in friend.
You can also contact others who have expertise on your destination's culture, including professors or even knowledgeable travel agents. Ask for their candid opinions. You may find, for example, that China can be conservative about tattoos and that tattooed people may even be referred to as liumang, or "hooligans." Or that in Japan, certain styles of tattoos are traditionally identified with the yakuza, or mafia. And in Polynesia, tattooing can be a vital part of tribal identity.
Consider the environment in which you will live. If you'll be studying in a city, it's probable that you'll encounter less surprise from residents than if you were living in a village. Ku'ulei Miura, an American living in Germany, believes that a cosmopolitan city might offer a different experience to tattooed or pierced students than a country setting. She says, "I think in the big city it isn't any more different than what I noticed in America. Here in Germany, tattoos and piercings are considered the fringe. I feel fine with my tattoos in Berlin, but I would definitely feel more uncomfortable in rural Germany."
Finally, practice respect toward your host country's culture and traditions, even if you might not agree with them. There's no better way to promote open-mindedness toward your body art than demonstrating that you are not a living stereotype. Just as you wouldn't wear a bikini to the Vatican, consider covering up if you're visiting someplace like a temple that does not support body modification. Make an effort to respect others' beliefs and they are likely to respect yours.
Your study abroad experience will be life changing. Use this time to learn as much as you can, invite new experiences, and most importantly, be yourself.
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