Exploring the Asian American Experience in Tattooing | Intersectional Ink

[@pandarouge91]

Much respect towards Inked for taking advantage of their platform to have firsthand conversations about this long running problem that continues and the effects it has on those coming from the other side. I am Vietnamese and born in Vietnam but was adopted out when I was two years old and have been in the US since. Honestly, I still struggle with accepting being Asian. I honestly hate it most days and still will be stereotyped; often times it alarms people when I don’t line up to what they assume especially because I am so Americanized. Educating is the only thing that will slowly lower the numbers of hate crimes and discriminatory behavior. It requires A LOT of patience and even understanding why this is the behavior they are displaying. It honestly will have to be those who are the recipients need to lead by example instead of relying and hoping others will do it for us.

[@inked]

Please don't ever hate who you are. Thank you for the kind words, we do our best to try to confront difficult issues.

[@JinxyKat]

I know exactly how you feel. I’m not Asian, I’m actually from Mexico and I was adopted at 5 months old, though I do get asked if I’m Asian quite a lot, which I find odd. People are always confused when I tell them that I’m from Mexico and wonder why I don’t fit the stereotype. I grew up in the south so I have a bit of a southern accent and it really throws people off. I have a hard time saying that I’m from Mexico, because there’s such a huge disconnect; I don’t know how to speak Spanish, I don’t know much about the culture. I feel like I’m not even a true Mexican, I’m so Americanized. It’s just hard, shit sucks to say the least.

[@marischal3]

I'd love to see a video that highlights traditional and contemporary Indigenous tattoo artists. I feel like there's been a really joyful resurgence of tattooing and skin stitching in Inuit and Inupiat communities in the last decade, and that should be celebrated.

[@blaze14ZX]

Oh god that would be so cool. I absolutely want to see that.

[@abby4115]

Yes!!!

[@jakeammon8280]

I'm choctaw living in Tucson myself and an artist

[@nateoconnor97]

The fact that anybody can blame a group of people for something they're not connected to/have no control over is astounding.

[@zertsu]

i swear

[@ghostofvalor4349]

This is one of the most thoughtful Inked videos. More please.

[@inked]

Thank you. We're working on some more good stuff like this, don't you worry.

[@jayqueline5686]

as an asian high-schooler who aspires to be a tattoo artist, this is so eye opening just listening to experiences others have faced and what to expect

[@MoonstonePlains]

I think your experience will vastly vary depending on the location of where you plan to be an artist. I personally love LA tattoo culture.

[@slenderbenderer]

I just want to be tattooed by all of them

[@janitorman33]

I've had bad experiences with tattoo artist in my life so far. Sum worse than the other. So I stick with what I know and who I know. I've got one tattoo artist that I stick with and I like his finishing touches. He outlines the tattoo with a bluish green outline when he's done. And he does awesome work. Overall to each thier own.

[@batmama739]

I like how they spoke about how their parents feel. I feel like a lot of parents regardless of ethnicity don’t want their kids to be tattoo artists 🤣 hopefully we grow out of that with this new generation

[@kassg.8292]

Yeeesss, keep the convo going and stay safe guys!✨👍💗

[@KoJeTuLood]

Nice message, spread it! Stop the hate of any kind! STOP HATE CRIME!!!

[@tiffanynaing6710]

STOP HATE CRIME. STOP. - quote of the year

[@xavierdewolfmusic7866]

Now do a “The Black Experience in Tattooing” As a black man and a tattoo artist myself, I’ve got my own stories I can tell.

[@inked]

Working on it already, my friend.

[@MoonstonePlains]

@@kyletrump8025 I'm so confused, because a man also wants to share his perspective on his experience he's claiming to be better? See how twisted that sounds? Just let freedom of expression be, Karen. Yes I don't care if you're a male. You're the definition of a Trumpetering Karen. #byeKaren #gotrollunderabridgeKaren👋

[@Moranah]

@@kyletrump8025 Oooh, seeing this reaction, maybe they can address white fragility in an inked video. I mean, if they go there, why not go all the way? 😂

[@cwaka]

@@kyletrump8025 When did he say his stories were better? Better yet, tell me where he even implied that. He said two sentences and not one of them even hinted at him thinking he was better than anyone else.

[@kyletrump8025]

@@cwaka because him saying he was black, implies that because he's black he has some special right to tell some stupid story how he surpassed racism in America to become a tattoo artist. Just say you have a story to tell, nobody cares that your black.

[@rose.t.j]

Thank you about it. It's very interesting to see their perspective and learn about their feelings

[@mreasterdutch9951]

As a Dutch tattoo artist In China I strangely can relate to this, where people would keep Making the same jokes, due the virus the people have been scared and incredibly ignorant towards me severely affecting my business and mental health

[@dothethingscared]

Hey man, I hope that all that negative experience doesn't kill your magic! Remember that people's loud opinions doesn't necessarily mean there's value to it. Keep on keeping on! What's your ig? I'd love to check your work out!

[@anonADAM]

China is one of the most racist countries in the world. Get the hell out of there. No india either, they are way up there as well.

[@jameslin3458]

What Alisha says don't blame any one for pandemic. It's been around and has happened in history many times. Also side note these hater probably has like 90% of their stuff made from Asian countries. Why hate a race? Just be happy and treat everyone like u want to be treated. Love and Peace!!! Have a great day everyone!

[@Kellystella97]

not to mention food and drink imported or even their drugs imported one simply doesnt research before act and blind sheep who follow can also follow towards the end of the cliff

[@joek7031]

The west like to shift blame on their incompetence and mishandling oof the pandemic and escape goat on others. Since china first detected the blame is on them. Just like how the "spanish flu" was really from Kansas. H1n1 was originally blamed on Mexico in 2010 but later found to be from the US etc..

[@benjavanlille]

Thank you for making this video. I honestly thought discrimination against race would improve in the 21st century, but it doesn't seem like it is. I would not be able to handle this on a daily basis.

[@gwenmph]

Love this!! Addressing these issues is super important. Also I just love hearing about people’s experiences and lives, especially in an intersectional context. How people’s different identities shape their perceptions and reactions to situations.

[@yadiarci]

Got tattooed by Sol she’s amazing!!

[@mikecolon6943]

As an Asian American Tattooer, I fux with this fam.

[@steinway325]

thanks for diving into this! i appreciate it so much! i've heard of asian-americans saying that they wished they weren't asian, that they didn't have the eyes or the nose or weird food or whatever. i can understand where they come from, it never feels good to be targeted. this one korean girl i knew always told people she was from hawaii... i'm not sure why, but i never regretting being asian. i never wished i was something else. i loved my korean roots and i was always proud to be korean. but that also came with a deep resentment towards non-asians. so i don't know what's worse. self-hate/shame or proud bitterness.

[@heyitsnasira]

Ooohh love hearing from my AA and PI peeps. Love this video concept. More like this please! Oh pride is coming 🏳️‍🌈

[@TheSuperNats]

I don’t know what possesses a person to just start talking and making jokes about people’s ethnicity. Especially someone tattooing you! I’m black and get shit like this a lot and really value people who see me as a human. The bar is low lol this was a great video!

[@TIHealthandFitness]

I was the first to be born in the US. I can relate with everyone here. Also, I played sports and got into the Fitness and now the Medical Exercise industry were there are very few Asians. Definitely had to climb harder to break and destroy stereotypes with shear effort and work. And yes, parental support wasn't that strong due to the traditional ways. Parents wanted me to be an engineer. But now, they realize success can come from anything as long as you are doing what you believe in you are meant to do. Glad to see this video and all who have overcome and still overcoming the barriers and obstacles to continue their journey/path. As for how things are right now, stay strong and stand up for yourself when you need to and reach out if you need support. Last, got my first 2 tattoos this year and very glad I did it. Take care all.

[@heatherkelly5914]

“Hate is not the answer.” You are so right ❤️❤️

[@ericweaver1386]

I'm excited to watch the rest of this series soon!

[@weenrfart3000]

i love that you're doing your series and I'm not sure what you have planned for it but at some point id really like it if you guys did an episode on queer tattoo artists :)

[@SloanTheOtaku]

Yo this is a great idea! Looking forward to more episodes

[@lyndsycarson8302]

As someone who was told “you look asian, what are you” I completely get it. Its rude to come up to someone and be like “ what asian are you?” I’m not but because i look it people feel like they can say anything ... i can’t imagine how an actual person of asian heritage would feel.

[@EVO6-]

I wonder what the most accepting country for tattoos is. Possibly New Zealand, if you're Māori. Also eastern Europe generally doesn't have much of a stigma compared to the average.

[@inked]

Maybe today as things have changed, but New Zealand has a long history of intolerance towards Māori culture, including the traditional Tā Moko.

[@EVO6-]

@@inked I understand that but in recent years NZ has done a much better job of native reparations and just general respect for the culture than the likes of Canada, Australia, Norway etc. And unlike a tribal sleeve or a rose and watch it's generally looked at as something that goes deeper than vain decoration, certainly on your face. It's the only type of face tattoo I can imagine having a pass for lawyers etc. I'd certainly treat tā moko differently as an employer to teardrops or spiderwebs on someone's forehead, even a more conservative one.

[@leigh7507]

UK and, Denmark, holland they were very common and judgement is rare

[@charlesthebald3671]

Currently there are 3 elected representatives in Parliament with moko, including the Minister for Foreign Affairs. While over half of adult Maori have tattoos, only 19% of adult New Zealanders do. Sweden is the most tattooed country, 48% of adults, then Italy on 47%, and the US with 46%.

[@franknstein5376]

@@charlesthebald3671 Italy is at second place? It's so interesting, I always thought we would be lower (admit I know a lot of tattoed people, but thought it was an exception)

[@Rachel_Bob]

Now this is the kind of content I like to see from Inked. A great series idea! Looking forward to it.

[@lancecahill5486]

Good tattoo artists can make a very good living. Some of them charge an hourly rate that is comparable to a lawyer or doctor.

[@user-cz4bp5py4j]

Awesome video. This is the type of content I'm here for. Regardless of race/ethnicity everyone needs to be educated.

[@abhinandanbasu]

You guys should look up Anil Gupta from Inkline Tattoo , new York - probably the first Asian born American tattooer - not to mention one of the very best to ever do it.

[@brandyrose9997]

This is just what i needed.

[@baileyc7703]

Yooooo I'm so here for this series!

[@w.m.8126]

I'd love to see more of this and big thank you to each artist in this video !!

[@litua13]

This was an incredible episode!

[@ShadowPumpkin]

My parents, esp my mom, regrets me being born in the us. Born and raised in detroit from a korean parent immigrants. Got alotta trouble in high school, did drugs, got into fight, dropped outta college. I joined the army, went back to college and graduated, now commissioned. Finishing my time, and ready to go to grad school. Even tho i changed, and completely financially independent, my parents r disappointed in me cuz i got hella tats. The korean parents hated me in my city thinks im a gangster. The tat is the first thing they see on me, and give me the look lmao. Now my parents disowned me cuz of my tats lol

[@OGPimpin]

Blood doesnt make someone family dude. Sometimes you gotta cut your loses and do you. They can't respect you regardless of how much you've accomplished, then they are not people you want to keep close to you.

[@Jackthompson01]

8:45 what a guy. Such a good point

[@slickphillips3230]

i love all of you! Thanks for the insight!!!!!!!!!!

[@zoemorel7271]

1:30 she is GORGEOUS

[@SNAQQQ]

this is wonderful, really enjoyed the video! But there are other Asians than just East Asians! Please don't erase the rest of us! I know that you guys have showcased other AA's on your channel that aren't just east Asian, please include them next year in your AA month video.

[@itsoverrecords]

thank you. dont stop. never stop.

[@ghostviddebunker]

A good follow up would be a spotlight on Takashi Mastuba owner of “Behind the Circle” and is one of the only artists that do Tebori style in the US. I’ve watched him work at a con and it’s amazing to see!

[@Shichman]

This is so important. Much respect to all involved. Microaggressions are a form of racism.

[@ricerice9437]

Such a heart warming video ❤️

[@Thelocksa102]

Fuck yes proud to be Asian!!

[@sterling8298]

How about a campaign about tattooing and spreading love amongst all tattoo cultures. Because people from every all parts of the world can be great tattooers. When it comes to me getting tattooed, I only judged the tattoo artist skills. And then I go from there.

[@sofiasmith4513]

Wow this was incredible

[@kathleenhanbury8151]

Great video!

[@inked]

Thanks!

[@joshieeats376]

Love this! 🔥

[@curlytalks25]

Awesome video! Can y'all do the same video with Black artists? Thanks!

[@inked]

Stay tuned... it may already be in the works.

[@Stiasteny]

As a Chinese adopted girl into a family in Europe (Belgium) from age 1. Growing up, it just felt like I never belonged. I was too Asian to belong in a Belgian friend group, because I look different. I was too white to belong in an Asian friend group, because I was raised with Belgian values and traditions. I had no friends. From an age of 16+, I felt like I was walking on a tightrope between getting racist remarks or getting REALLY fetishised by guys (of all ages). There were multiple times I got yelled at in my face, on the street by people. Stuff like "Ching chong" or "NI HAOOOO". I wish to have kids in the future and I really hope they can feel safe and happy where I live. Let's work together and make the world a happier place for everyone.

[@MrPokemonisawesome]

Calvin is Asian?? Would never have thought that

[@mkupguruaddict]

Love this!

[@9melissal]

I don't know her name but the woman with the long hair and white silk top is so gorgeous!

[@lindseymoore4460]

I love all different kind of peoples that from all over the world. I'm so blessed and grateful that God made all of us different from each other. I love the Asian peoples. I would love for a Asain Artist to put tattoo on my skin.

[@wolfeblister2503]

Do more of these!!!!

[@devinnelson5292]

I want a tattoo from the thai guy, just cause I'm thai as well

[@JanderVK]

8:20 Yeah, I think it's important to assess the nuances between cultural ignorance and racism. Until you're introduced to a culture, everyone is culturally ignorant by default. Granted being intentionally rude about it is another thing.

[@allye9865]

Thanks for this one

[@shantimattie9916]

It kind of bothers me that when they said ”Everytime I cough or sneeze at the airport”, for a moment I had no idea what they were talking about.

[@samw9003]

ayy Lakeland FL gang rise up

[@namjoonslostairpod9775]

love this but i wish there were more people from the rest of asia too

[@inked]

I agree. We cast a wide net while filming this, but we wanted to keep a tight deadline and get this video out quickly, so we weren't able to include everybody we wanted. Don't worry, we'll be doing stuff like this again.

[@eddybrock7818]

@@inked awesome

[@JenniferKao]

@@inked Can't wait to see more of it. Great content!

[@namjoonslostairpod9775]

@@inked thanks a lot will look forward to it

[@Ari2_cute]

Everyone is so 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@DancingLobster1]

I felt so bad for the guy in the orange hat who kept getting interrupted & talked over, over and over again.

[@gaeldesmontagnesnoires1711]

Approval granted

[@missmarthafawker]

Yes my love all people from another country are asked if they go home to visit often. However it should not ever be said in a way that is racist. I say this as having a best friend from Italy….. who everyone thinks is Russian.

[@shemarlosscott2656]

Alisha Gory is Cool

[@damanbrook5157]

I respect people for who they are and the things they do and who there are as a person colour or race doesn’t even come in to account we’re people at the end of the day if you’re a good person then sweet if not then there’s room for improvement ✌️💚🤘

[@Buggblasta]

I agree. I would love to be tatted by them all.

[@m3l0nn]

Would love to see more Chinese being included in this group, especially those with roots from mainland/communist China.

[@tevisfredericks3822]

Inked should do a Biracial Experience for mixed tattoo artists as myself and also do a freshman tattoo year for upcoming artist as myself as well

[@gBaldaconi]

I miss joice wang

[@hadi_177re]

I have a question please and I hope every one could leave an answer . I'm a a doctor and I'm starting my pediatrics residency soon . My brother passed away 2 weeks ago and I wanna honor him with a tattoo . Do you think it's okay if I put it on my wrist or should I put it somewhere I can hide during work time . Can I find some doctors who have tattoos here so they can help me with all this please ?

[@micro-babe]

I have a few doctor friends that have visible tattoos so I think you'll be fine. Might be more worth it to talk to your colleagues about it though.

[@AlleenLoveHope]

It depends on where you plan on working. Where I live, its becoming increasingly common for medical personnel to have visible tattoos but more so with RNs, etc than doctors. I think you'd be better off asking this question on Reddit tbh

[@VoS_IReapz]

Ooooo I like this format. What other races/ethics y'all plan to do? I really appreciate these people y'all featured too.

[@vickylikesthis]

interesting, thank you for covering this issue. The cast is very Korean-centric / east-Asian centric tho. but, great start!

[@inked]

I just responded to this on a separate comment, but we weren't able to bring in any where near everybody we wanted to for the video, especially given the time constraints (we wanted to get this out quickly) and all the other restrictions that come with a global pandemic. But don't worry, we'll be doing stuff similar to this in the future.

[@vickylikesthis]

@@inked yes, i saw that! I appreciate your replies and efforts on this.

[@ogbunno]

Wooohooo! First like 🧡

[@Alexander-lc7dx]

Jonboy is king. 👑 Thank you Jonboy. Love your work! Also thanks for sharing a very thoughtful perspective with how loosely “racist” is thrown around.

[@tdogaz4114]

Hi my name is Billy I came from Narnia.

[@aprilkurtz1589]

Assigning character traits based on a person's skin colour is racism. Simply asking where someone is from is not racism. I've been tattooed by people of every race, and in the course of conversation when you're sitting with someone for eight or ten hours, the subject of where you're each from comes up casually, no matter the color of the tattooer.

[@라임스카이-j7b]

Yes she spoke right! HATE IS NOT THE ANSWER 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@brandonquijada5119]

🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@goodbyekitty6634]

❤️❤️❤️

[@tevisfredericks3822]

I wanna a little something from all of them

[@nlatekken504]

the one white guy😂😂

[@ClassyGentleman69]

Alisha is bae 😍

[@HkFinn83]

‘Intersectional ink’ lol

[@w.w.w.w.]

💚💚💚

[@Alex-jr1zs]

I lived in Taiwan for 3 years. Been getting tattooed since I was 16. I will only have asians tattoo me because I just love their culture and style. I can totally understand the stigma in their countries, but then again I am happy that I get to share my experience through my art.

[@jcbpstr6]

I think the word jonboy was looking for was “ racially insensitive “

[@AeonZhang]

💫✨🌟❤️🌟✨💫

[@nchiohousze9606]

la jit zsYn weeeeeee 💖 ♩

[@diditiesto5055]

Noiceeeee tattoo

[@youngbluegotti9564]

🥶💯✊🏿

[@NEOSPORIN7777]

I am mostly certain that Americans have uber poor geographical knowledge. Sad that we can't just love all humans. Your culture and ethnicity might be a but different but we're all human. love>HATE/WAR

[@itsoverrecords]

it starts about being different n tats... then to the now. may 21, 2021... "go back to your country"... this is my country. 18.9 million in the US, thats alot of people that are being target for discrimination for being different, for looking different, eating different food, for being responsible for a natural disaster?... 18.9 mil, thats alot of "you fucking suck, ugly chink." ... my observation, and this goes to everyone... everything that you do is a reflection of you. the good, the bad. you get to choose who you are and what you want to be, what you become. good or bad. you are the master of your fate, you are captain of your soul. you get to shape the world that you live in. you are responsible for all the seeds that you plant. INCLUSION vs EXCLUSION. LIGHT over DESTRUCTION.... STOP HATE CRIMES! STOP the worship of EXCLUSION!

[@skincarehub]

💚👌🏻❤️

[@headdragondavidaustinsimmo4025]

Chinese president is Pima king

[@alexodonnal3352]

damn youi ogbunno

[@headdragondavidaustinsimmo4025]

Say fuck no u can't covet my family there saints while I'm away happy to see me walk in faith with God the air keep God's Covenant deny fear pain sickness disease say God heald my family I now hallelujah