For this collaboration with CST, we interviewed a few members to see how tattoos are perceived in Asian culture, how it compares or contrasts with their own views, and more! Check out the interview below for their scoop!

Evan Hsieh

Who are you? (Name, Preferred Pronouns, Hometown, Major, Other Info)

What’s good! My name is Evan Hsieh and my pronouns are he, him, and his. I was born in Taiwan and raised in Seattle, Washington. I major in accounting and have a certificate in art. I enjoy ballin and hip hop music.

What tattoos do you have today?

I have roman numerals, realistic animals, and Chinese characters.

If you were to get a real tattoo, which one would you get and why? If you already have a real tattoo, tell us the meaning behind it.

The X17 is an attribution to my high school graduating class. X is the abbreviation of the Chinese character 辛, which is the label of my class. 17 is kinda simple, I graduated 2017 so yeah… The one on the back of my neck was designed by one of my best friends in Taiwan. It is a Chinese character 昱 that both of us share in our name. If you flip the design upside down, it is actually a combination of E and A which stands for Evan and Alvin, hella dope!!

What are your personal feelings about tattoos? Why do you think there is still a stigma against tattoos (especially in Asian cultures)?

For me, tattoos represent one’s personality and meaningful experiences. Haters stay hating on tattoos in Asia because, traditionally, it is taboo to have ink on your body.

How does being a part of CST influence your identity?

Chi Sigma Tau introduced me to various Asian American identities through the incredible diversity we have in our brotherhood. Not only by interacting with my brothers, but by promoting so many different Asian cultures on campus gave me the opportunity to learn about new cultures and lessen the ignorance toward our cultures.

How does your identity influence what you wear/your fashion?

Taiwanese culture is a mix of American, Chinese, and Japanese aspects, therefore, there is not an exact style for us. In other words, we freestyle a lot. This has impacted me greatly for my everyday wear - I love trying new outfits and colors to stand out in my community. Sometimes I consider myself boujee, haha.

How do feel your identity influences your experience on campus?

Because there aren’t that many Taiwanese people in Madison, I kinda got this sense of uniqueness compared to other Asians. I don’t think this hinders me from connecting with others; it really allows me to be more proud of my identity and present my Taiwanese culture.

Is there anything else you want to say?

Face tats are beautiful!

Harold Tran

Who are you? (Name, Preferred Pronouns, Hometown, Major, Other Info)

Harold Tran / He,Him,His / Oak Creek / HDFS / I love my mom

What tattoos do you have today?

I have a sleeve that showcases car suspensions

If you were to get a real tattoo, which one would you get and why? If you already have a real tattoo, tell us the meaning behind it.

I would get tattoo on my left forearm with the quote, “cá không ăn muối cá ươn, con cãi cha mẹ trăm đường con hư”. The English translation is, “when the fish does not eat salt, it will go bad, when the child does not listen to their parents, the child will be on the road to being bad”. This quote has so much meaning in my life because my parents are the reason I am able to live this incredible life. They are the reason I can get an education and make something out of myself. That is why I must listen to them and do the best I can to make them proud.

What are your personal feelings about tattoos? Why do you think there is still a stigma against tattoos (especially in Asian cultures)?

Personally, I feel that tattoos are a way to express yourself and be unique. Everyone has a unique story to tell, and one way of doing that is through tattoos. I think there is a stigma attached to tattoos because of the generalization people make. For example, people may see gang members with tattoos and make a generalization that people that have tattoos are automatically gang members. In Asian culture, I feel that they try to stay pure with their body and don’t want to alter anything. Therefore, tattoos become something that is not acceptable.

How does being a part of CST influence your identity?

Being a member of Chi Sigma Tau National Fraternity Inc. has brought confidence and professionalism to my life. It has influenced me to challenge myself and others to better the community and stand up for the Asian community on campus. Moreover, it has created a home away from home for me. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the constant support of my brothers and the skills that they have taught me.

How does your identity influence what you wear/your fashion?

In the past, I would be very picky with what I wore, especially in public. I think when I got to college, I became open to new styles of clothing and became more comfortable dressing up. Now I have more clothes than I need and a bunch of ideas on how to style them.

How do feel your identity influences your experience on campus?

Being a minority on campus has its difficulties, such as limiting the resources that you have access to, feelings of exclusiveness, and vulnerability to prejudice. I do think my identity has shown people that there is a place for everyone on campus and that we do have a voice. It has made me more proud of who I am and really motivates me to protect my values.

Donald Zheng

Who are you? (Name, Preferred Pronouns, Hometown, Major, Other Info)

My name is Donald Zheng, and I was born in New York City. As of now, I attend UW-Madison and major in Life Science Communication.

What tattoos do you have today?

The tattoo I have today is on my arm/forearm.

If you were to get a real tattoo, which one would you get and why? (if you already have a real tattoo, tell us the meaning behind it)

If I were to get a real tattoo, I would get a tattoo on my forearm. It would be something family related with a Chinese influence. This Chinese influence will demonstrate my Chinese background and how we should never forget where we come from.

What are your personal feelings about tattoos? Why do you think there is still a stigma against tattoos? (especially in Asian cultures)

I personally love tattoos! I believe tattoos express who we are. There is a stigma against tattoos because of social media. Social media has always demonstrated a stereotype that tattoos are bad and people will never get a job because of them. For Asian cultures, it is due to Asian parents. Often our parents say that tattoos are bad and are affiliated with gang members.

How does being a part of CST influence your identity?

CST plays a huge part in my identity. It allows me to express who I truly am and love. CST has also allowed me to experience different cultures from all over the world. Not only has it affected my identity, but it has allowed me to incorporate and appreciate different cultures in my everyday life.

How does your identity influence what you wear/your fashion?

My fashion is very street influenced and always changes as trends change in social media. Even though it’s very street influenced, I always wear a jade necklace on my neck to remind me of who I am and where I come from.

How do feel your identity influences your experience on campus?

Due to the fact I am Asian, I sometimes feel like an outcast. People always tend to go back to stereotypes to view who we are. Deep down they are always judging us for being “Asian.” Overall, how our identity influences our experience on campus is up to us.

Andy Moy

Who are you? (Name, Preferred Pronouns, Hometown, Major, Other Info)

Andy “Cloak” Moy / He, HIm, His / Menomonee Falls, WI / Life Science Communications

What tattoos do you have today?

Sleeve tattoos and neck tattoos

If you were to get a real tattoo, which one would you get and why? (if you already have a real tattoo, tell us the meaning behind it)

Something significant that happened to me throughout my life. Important enough to me to permanently put on my body. For example, if a loved one passed away, I might consider getting their birth date or a quote.

What are your personal feelings about tattoos? Why do you think there is still a stigma against tattoos? (especially in Asian cultures)

I think they are dope; they’re a great form of self expression. But I’m not interested in getting one at this part of my life. Just like any stigma, it just takes time for society to understand something totally different, since for generations and generations they have felt a certain way.

How does being a part of CST influence your identity?

Before joining CST I never really embraced my identity. I knew I was the minority so it kinda stuck in my mind that we are the outcasts. But after joining CST I’ve learned to embrace my identity and not be shy of who I am. Just because we are known as the minority doesn't make us any less than those of the majority. CST always promotes Asian awareness, and being surrounded by those who are proud of their cultural backgrounds has really changed me.

How does your identity influence what you wear/your fashion?

I wear what I want. But in some cases my identity influenced me to not get tattoos because my parents don’t approve of it. So that is something my identity is holding me back on.

How do feel your identity influences your experience on campus?

I am able to help represent the small percentage of multicultural students here on campus. I am able to help bring a voice for those who are too shy to speak up. I want to help those who were in my shoes, and assure them that they will find a place on campus where they can be themselves and not conform to the norm.

 Billy Lor

Who are you? (Name, Preferred Pronouns, Hometown, Major, Other Info)

Billy Lor / Wausau, WI / Psychology Major.

What tattoos do you have today?

Tiger Tattoos, and If I were to get a real tattoo, I would make it something meaningful about my brothers and family… because they mean everything to me. My personal feelings toward tattoos is that they express something that you are really passionate about.

How does being a part of CST influence your identity?

CST has influenced my identity because it has allowed me to become closer to many different cultures.