Dear MEL Topic Readers,
China bans its national football players from getting tattoos
Now, tattoos are officially considered unhealthy content in China. The sports administration body announced that tattoos should not be shown by the footballers of the national team. Historically, tattoos were used to identify criminals visually in China. Also, they are linked to criminal groups in east Asia. The star footballers who already have tattoos are now advised to remove them. Tattoos can be removed fully or partially with laser treatments though the expense and pain are typically greater than those of applying them. But that is not it. The National Youth Campus Football League announced that athletes at all stages shall not have tattoos, dye their hair, wear weird hairstyles, or wear any accessories to take part in the competition. Indeed, star athletes are as influential as online influencers or game characters to young people. They are watched, followed, and even mimicked by young players and children. So, if the government intends to restrict or promote certain practices, top athletes are the ones that showcase good examples, and certainly not bad ones. The question may be who decides and on what grounds. Religious codes, cultural practices, legal guidelines, or public sentiment? Think of the dress codes in some of the Islamic nations. Aren’t they too strict? Can New Zealand’s All Blacks play rugby in China? There seem to be broader aspects to look at what is appropriate and what is not.
Enjoy reading the article and think about what tattoo could mean or present to young people.
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