Josh Downes, a tattooed barber was shocked to receive hate mail after a local interview. Anonymous writers drew over his face and mocked his tattoos by writing on the paper.
advertisement
One might think that in 2021, as tattoos become more and more common, the stigma around them would have disappeared.
Josh Downes, 26 unfortunately bore the brunt of that prejudice in the form of hate mail slipped through the door of his barbershop.
Josh’s shop, ‘The Lost Boys’ was featured in a Wales Online story where he spoke of his barbershop and how they were supporting local youths with regard to their mental health.
The barber and tattoo shop provided young men with access to counseling.
After Josh spoke of his mental health and barbershop in an interview, he was shocked to see a local copy of the newspaper featuring his story slipped in through the door of his shop.
Someone had taken the time not only to write down abuse onto the paper but also to make sure he received it.
Most of the abuse targeted his tattoos.
advertisement
Most of the abuse targeted his tattoos.
One of the comments called him ‘gruesome; while another said his tattoos look like ‘skin disease’.
Another comment said, “I'd have to wear dark glasses so I can't see you in the mirror. Tattoos look like skin disease. Neck tattoos look gruesome. They would scare people especially kids. Big mistake. Stupid"
"All I can say is it's madness as you see so many people with tattoos now,” said Josh. "It's crazy really as it was the first time anything like this had happened to me. I get looks when I go shopping to Tesco, but that's because people look closer."
advertisement
While Josh knew these sentiments exist he was shocked at the blatant abuse he received. He also mentioned how tattoos may have sentimental value.
"I have tattoos for myself," he said. "My face tattoo - that's actually my son's date of birth. A lot of them are meaningful and a lot of them are just because I like them and I like tattoos."
advertisement
Josh also clarified that refusing jobs to people with tattoos would ultimately backfire on employers.
"People may not have as many as me, but I think they would struggle to get staff if they want to have people without them. When I was younger I was working for a drainage firm and I had a hand tattoo and somebody said someone passed comment in the office about it. At the time I just laughed because I think everybody had a tattoo. How can you discriminate?"
advertisement
An investigation is now underway to track down the perpetrators.
"I do find it hard to believe that somebody hates them that much. I couldn't really believe that somebody would do that. I don't think it would bother most people. It's just one of those things.
"If you really didn't like a tattoo - it's 2021 - you could get rid of a tattoo if you wanted to."
