He’s Got Bigot Written All Over Him

(I am a 20-year-old girl, with several tattoos. Only the clover on my wrist is visible. An older customer comes in at least once a week.)

Older Customer: “What happens when you get older and the tattoo looks bad?”

Me: “That’s part of the experience of having a tattoo; it grows with you. Plus, I’m Irish, so it’s part of my heritage. It’s not like I’m going to regret it.”

Customer: “Yes, you will. When you get old, it will get ugly, and you’ll hate it.”

Me: “Sir, no offense, but it’s my heritage. That is not something I will hate. And even if it does get ugly, the rest of me will be wrinkled too. And really, it isn’t any of your business or concern what I do to my body.”

(A male coworker comes up, who also has a visible tattoo. The customer says nothing to him.)

Me: “What about his tattoo?”

Customer: “Oh, it doesn’t matter; he’s a man. Women just shouldn’t get tattoos. They’ll make them ugly later on.”