On 25/6, a 68-year-old man visited a tattoo removal clinic in Chongqing, hoping to erase the tattoos covering his face.
Mr. Zhang, a former construction worker from Hubei, was passionate about tattoos. After his wife died in a traffic accident in 2013, he began to make impulsive decisions.
His first tattoo, a large eagle on his chest, was done in 2014. Over the next 9 years, he progressively added more, eventually covering his entire face in colorful designs by 2023.
Now, only the palm of his right hand remains untattooed.
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68-year-old Mr. Zhang faces prejudice and difficulties due to his extensive tattoos. Photo: 163 |
68-year-old Mr. Zhang faces prejudice and difficulties due to his extensive tattoos. Photo: 163
Mr. Zhang’s tattoos have created numerous problems. He is frequently stopped at subway security checkpoints and subjected to special screenings on airplanes. Even bus drivers hesitate to let him on board, fearing his appearance might scare off other passengers.
His relatives' reactions are even more negative. They compare him to an "old monster," avoid speaking to him during holidays, and gossip about him behind his back.
Due to these difficulties, Mr. Zhang decided to have the tattoos on his face removed. However, removal specialists say his type of full-face, multicolored tattoo is rare and extremely difficult to treat.
"Black or gray tattoos are typically easier to remove. Complex colors like Mr. Zhang's require multiple sessions over at least two years," a clinic representative explained. "Even then, complete removal isn't guaranteed."
According to the clinic, over 90% of their clients seek tattoo removal.
Given his age and the long journey from Hubei to Chongqing, Mr. Zhang isn't sure he can commit to two years of treatments. He admits he simply wanted to stand out, never anticipating the obstacles his tattoos would create.
"If I had listened to advice earlier, I wouldn't be facing these problems now," he said.
While tattoos don't equate to criminality, the prejudice against them remains deeply ingrained in many cultures. "In China, tattoos still carry a negative stigma, especially for older people. They're often associated with unsavory characters and dangerous elements," a sociologist commented.
Bao Nhien (Source: 163)
