Page 16 - Masala Lite Issue 170 February 2025

16 SPILL THE CHAI

Amornrat Sidhu tackles the taboos of tattoos.

attoos, these intentionally inked designs on your started using tattoos as a form of rebellion against what
skin that can be big or little, elaborate or simple, mainstream society expected of their sexuality, as well
all tell a tale. Masala explores what tattoos signify as a way to own their sexuality and identify others who
to members of the Thai-Indian community and the have also adopted agency of their own bodies.
various intangible perspectives and meanings attached
to the very tangible and very permanent tattoo. TRIBUTE
Tattoos are a way to highlight and commemorate certain
A little brief on tattoos and their varying purposes: moments, people, or accomplishments in our lives.
Many actors have received tattoos in order to honour
RANK AND TRIBAL LINEAGE their roles in movies:
Tattoos are an important part of Maori culture and • To honour their roles in Game of Thrones, Sophie
heritage. Tattoos are considered a rite of passage and Turner inked a dire wolf and “The Pack Survives” to
represent lineage, rank within the community, triumphs, her arm, and Emilia Clarke inked three tiny dragons
and ancestral links. Oriini Kaipara is a New Zealand TV to memorialise her character, Daenerys.
presenter who proudly sports a moko kauae (Maori face

tattoo) and is the first to do so on mainstream, prime- • Tom Holland boasts a Spider-Man tattoo on the
time, national television. bottom of his foot.
• The female actors who played the six main characters
STICK IT TO THE MAN in Pretty Little Liars all got the well-known “Shhh”
In the 1950s and 60s in the US, women needed consent tattooed to honour their time together on the show.
from their spouses to get inked as it shattered the
sexualised image of a prim and proper lady. Lesbians, Here’s what the community thinks about getting Inked:
who were already on the outskirts of social society,

NITAYA RATTANARUANGSUP CHALITA PREM
Associate Strategic & SAKCHIRAPHONG
Insight Director at Group M MD Radiologist
What is your viewpoint on tattoos in What is your viewpoint on tattoos in general, and why don’t you have one?
general, and why do you want to get Tattoos are pretty works of art, and there have been times I wanted a tiny one
one?
to symbolise some important events or memories in my life, more so when I was
Tattoos are a powerful form of self- younger compared to now. Yet, every time I think of them, I am reminded of the
expression and storytelling. For me, unfortunate people who got Hepatitis C, most likely from unhygienic tattoo needles.
they’re not just ink on my skin—they’re Consequently, these people developed a form of liver cancer because of that virus.
deeply personal symbols of who I am, This association between tattoos and liver cancer overpowers the need to honour a
what I cherish, and the moments that moment or memory in my life.
define me. I love how tattoos allow me to

carry my passions, values, and memories What would you say if your child or someone you love wants a tattoo?
with me, turning my body into a canvas If my child or someone I love wants one, I would say to do a lot of research and make
of meaningful art. Each tattoo I have tells sure that the place chosen is professional and very clean. If there is a way to make
a story, and getting one is a deliberate sure that they change their ink pots to reduce the chances of infection, please do it!
decision to capture a part of my life
forever.
RIMMY KUKREJA
What do your tattoos represent? Wedding Planner – Divine Events

Each of my 11 tattoos reflects a unique
aspect of who I am. For example: What is your viewpoint on tattoos in
general?
• The triangle I share with my sisters symbolises our unbreakable bond and the Tattoos used to be taboo in the past. If
different shades of our individual personalities. people in the community ventured out

to get a tattoo, they would have had
• My love for the ocean and scuba diving is immortalised in three tattoos, representing to get one discretely and put in places
how diving opened my eyes to the beauty and serenity of the sea.
that weren’t usually visible. As time

• The sunflower on my skin reminds me to always look toward positivity, just like has passed, tattoos have become more

how a sunflower turns toward the sun. accepted by everyone.
• Tattoos for my first two pets, Nemo and Nash, celebrate the unconditional love What does your tattoo represent?

they gave me and how they sparked my deep connection with animals. Tattoos should be meaningful and relate
• Others serve as gentle reminders to live life one day at a time and embrace the to you as a person. It could be a reminder
journey. to you every time you look at it. My tattoo
is “Nirbhau Nirvair” which means “No Fear
What is your advice for someone thinking about getting a tattoo? No Hate”. It is from the Sikh mool mantar.
Take your time to reflect on why you want the tattoo and what it will mean to you—not What is your advice for someone

just today, but for years to come. Think about the story you want it to tell and how it thinking of getting a tattoo?
represents your identity or values. Choose a design and placement that feels authentic

to you. Also, finding a skilled and reputable artist you trust is crucial—they’ll bring your I feel that when you decide to get one, you shouldn’t opt for one on a whim or just
vision to life in the most beautiful way. Most importantly, make it personal—tattoos because you like the way it looks. It’s inked for life and it should be something you
are a lifelong piece of art, and their beauty lies in the meaning they hold for you. should be happy looking at it every day, and the best way for that to happen is if it
is connected to a meaningful event or perspective.
MASAL A LITE ISSUE 1 70 - FEBRUARY 2025