Tattoos Are Not For The Chinese?
Date: Sun, 17 Dec 2000 23:06:25 +0800
Subject: Tattoos and Gentiles
To: [email protected]
Dear Mr Lerner,
Shalom! I just wanted to add a thing or two about tattoos and gentiles. I am
not a Jew. I'm Chinese. And here you might find something interesting,
perhaps.
In the eyes of the Confucian tradition, tattooing is a mark of a criminal (one
grade of branding), therefore a mark of disgrace. Furthermore, in our book
known as the Classic of Filial Piety, we must honour our body, because our
body is not 100% our own. Through the essence of Heaven and Earth, Father
and Mother, are we here on earth. How we emerge in our present state is
goodly and pure. Thus, we do not involve our body in reckless, senseless
activities. Neither are we to mutilate them.
It is sad that modern man thinks that they are free from age old wisdom,
that ancient culture, even secular, does not apply to them anymore.
So, even if the Torah does not prohibit a non-Jew from getting a tattoo, I
can say that as a Chinese with Confucian upbringing (and as a person aware
and learning of the Sheva Mitzvot), I will not "legitimize" or permit or
encourage my own children or the children in my charge (I'm a teacher by
the way) to go for tattooing. So, at least you know that in the midst of other
cultures, there is one that still stands to "old" ideas...and I'm only in my 20s
for that matter!!!
I hope you could more materials to support anti-tattooing not only for Jews,
but for Gentiles who might share similar beliefs, with the lack of divine
sanction...(sob).
I also thank you for those materials to impart to my children.
Be well,
F.
Dear F.,
Thanks for the interesting and informative e-mail!
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