CH Letter to the editor: Human billboards

Editor:

Ever since the first “human billboard,” Billy Gibby, began tattooing company logos on his face and body, it has become a trend for those low on cash and dignity. There’s even a website, leaseyourbody.com, where one can officially sign up as a candidate to receive logo tattoos. While the tattoos the site hosts are temporary, there are many people who are putting permanent ink endorsements on themselves.

This method of advertising is heavy on the shock factor, but low on the effectiveness scale. We are, by nature, quick to avoid people we label as ‘crazy,’ and heavily tattooed often fits this description. Therefore, we don’t notice the individual brands being advertised, only the fact that the wearer is overdoing it.

While some may insist that the way a body is treated is solely up to the owner of that body, even providing the option to brand ourselves for the gain of companies is morally objectionable. Making this practice known and readily available is tempting financially desperate citizens, sometimes beyond their control.

Acknowledging the human tendency to forfeit identity in favor of payment, companies should stop encouraging individuals to permanently brand their faces and bodies in order to promote brands. It is degrading to sacrifice one’s individuality for the purpose of advertisement, and we as a society should not incentivize the practice.

Nicole Tuhy

Klamath Falls, Ore. resident