Good~Hurt

THE Interviews: As a curious 'Observational Writer,' I am simply interested in having a glimmer of understanding, and not at all attempting to be judgmental, as to the reasons for Gen Z's often overwhelming displays of this art form slathered all over their bodies.

-You can't Know Everything ~ But you can Know Nothing-

I've spoken to several about this issue. One woman showed me a pic of some kind of extinct bird all over her back. I joked with her as to how long it took her to sleep on her back again after this (9) hour needle poking session? She laughed and said, "Several Days." Ah, 'Good-Hurt!' What had been said was almost unanimous. "This is what we do to identify the independence of our generation: Long sideburns - Beatle haircuts and other 'Fads' were prevalent within other generations." Yes, but those could be easily 'buzzed' off..!

— Tatting & Piercing —

I 'Politely' asked a beautiful young woman dressed in a sleeveless shirt about her colorful flower arm sleeves covering every inch of her. She said they are very 'Personal' and didn't wish to engage: Sorry to back "Petal" here but 'Flowers' too Personal?

Another said, "I got them because I wanted to be a little different as my very own brand: Perhaps we are merely people with the need for a little added zest and extra color. We are the Nonalarmist Generation such as when a family member leans over a 1st single-digit birthday cake candle to light a Cigarette."

Yet, another had large bright red lips tattooed on her neck: I refrained from saying anything, but in our day that was called a "Hickey." Many of you will disagree with me. I've touched on this issue within some of my 'Shorts' and received comments from Authors, who write in the 'Art' Category, saying that "I just don't appreciate this Art form."

I certainly understand and respect their rights of self- expression and the messages that they may convey. With the exception of a working environment whereby the 1st encounter with clients is brought on by this display is to unavoidably discuss his billboard and distract from ours. It shouldn't be about him but the business interests first and foremost.

I put this issue into the category of 'Just Prudent Business Practices' that may take away from our reasons for being there. We have the 'right' to hire who we wish to for whatever reasons, as they have their rights to make it harder to be hired; shouldn't it work both ways?

True Story: Recently we had a young man fill out an application for employment who was degreed and excessively qualified for his job category; we did not accept his application.

After he was asked to leave he began loudly ranting to our HR department about discrimination. Not to make a scene, we invited him into our conference room to discuss the matter. He had a blatant display of neck tattoos and nose/ear piercings that could not be hidden under clothing. Standard 'Check-the-Box' hiring practices simply limit the chances to get that j.o.b. these days. I suppose it's just me regarding first impressions: Such as showing up without even bothering to iron clothing wrinkles out before applying for a job.

— It’s not a Sin to be a ‘Schlub’ but it is to Appear as one —

He threatened to sue or have us settle so as not to destroy our reputation. Subsequently, we learned that this person of interest tried the same ploy with other deep-pocket firms to no avail in gaining a settlement rather than damaging their reputations as well on their banners within very competitive businesses. He couldn't even get an 'Ambulance Chasing' law firm to represent him with this civil-suit in any fashion. It truly saddens me how we may have become a vastly 'something for nothing' society within many professions and occupations.

I certainly understand Tattoos go way back to Biblical times as an honor or remembrance, especially with those within Royal Families, as evidenced even with mummified remains: Many religions are more or less on the fence regarding this issue from generation to generation, in my opinion. Having spent many years in the Navy, it seems that it's tradition to have Tats made famous by Popeye the Sailor man, "I Yam what I Yam ~ I Iz what I Iz..!" But, I passed on the "Good Hurt"...couldn't get past the needle poke..!

Jay Kantor, Chatsworth, California

'Senior' Vocal Author - Vocal Village Community -