History is being made everyday on every scale. Today is no different.
Sure, this may not be as significant as the landing on the moon or the repealing of an unethical law. But it means a lot more than what it may seem on the outside.
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On Tuesday, December 6, 2016, Spike TV’s Ink Master crowned their first female winner, Ryan Ashley.
Why is this such a big deal?
Well first, there have been eight seasons of this show. And there has never been a female winner. Until now.
Also, not one, but two female artists made it to the finale. This is another first in the series of the competition.
But this victory is so much more than winning a televised tattoo TV show. This victory is one for all women. All female artists. All women working in male-dominated industries. All women that face sexism in a patriarchal society. This article supports that the tattooing industry is difficult for women to thrive in because it is controlled by men. Almost comically, though, this article that talks about sexism in the industry uses a title that stereotypes women as over-emotional (but I won’t get too off track here).
The tattoo industry, like many other industries across many different practices, is male dominated. Even the most highly regarded female tattoo artists face sexism despite being masters of their craft. Kelly Doty, who finished second runner up in this season of Ink Master, said that people refused to get tattooed by her because she was a “bitch” (bitch referring directly to her being a female as opposed to a comment on her character).
Nikki Simpson, who finished in fifth place on this season, faced blatant sexism in an episode where a male contestant rudely insulted her by asking “Why do you look 50 and you’re 24?”
Other male contestants continuously throughout the season insulted the female contestants by telling them to “stop using the vagina card” whenever they talked about how important it would be to have a female Ink Master.
Instead of stooping to the level of their competitors, the women of this season joined together to form an alliance to support one another. While many other male competitors thought this was petty and pointless, the women realized what was really at stake in this competition. It wasn’t about the prize money or the fame. It was about breaking barriers and inspiring women everywhere.
So why does this mean so much to me? I can’t draw worth anything. I don’t even have any tattoos.
Having a female rise above in a male dominated industry proves that women are capable of anything. If a woman can win a tattoo competition when the odds are against her, what’s preventing another woman from becoming the CEO of a company? Or the director of a major motion picture?
As a woman, I am constantly being assigned valued solely based on my looks. I’m treated differently because of my sex and gender identities.
I’m an aspiring writer in an industry dominated by men. And even though this terrifies me, I know that we as a society are moving in the right direction. This female victory is a step in the right direction. A woman has finally been recognized for her amazing artistry and talent in an industry where females are pushed to the background.
So even if you don’t watch the show or if you couldn’t care less about tattoos, know that this victory is still a huge deal and a great push in the right direction for women.
Everyday is full of small victories.
This is just one of them.
