The Chronicle of Higher Education has run a couple stories recently (here) about professors who have incorporated their scholarly disciplines into their tattoos in one way or another. (A chemist named Esther getting the chemical formula for an ester linkage. An anthropologist with an early hominid skull. A linguist with a symbol from the international phonetic alphabet. Etc.) All beautiful, in my view.
I’ve been trying desperately to think of what it might look like for a dispute resolution scholar to do so, and I’m coming up with nothing. Perhaps a reader has a suggestion?
And perhaps the same reader would have a suggestion of how I might persuade my spouse of the attractiveness of the idea?
Michael Moffitt
I attended the Ignoble Awards ceremony several years ago and was amazed at the number of science related tatoos adorning the bodies of others in the audience. Those accepting awards were not displaying any, however, I have no doubt they were under cover. Michael, when you’re ready, I’d be happy to design something for you!
OK, now seriously, folks. I am not going get an ADR-themed tattoo. It was just a thought exercise. But I promise, if I ever decide to get one, I’ll consult the blogosphere first…
Michael, you could always do the PON cube, but personally, I say if you’re going to add some more ink to your body, find some artwork one of your kids did and take it to the parlor. You’re whole family will love it!
I think Emily’s w i n – w i n tattoo idea is wonderful. For other options, you can always go esoteric.
Like an open window (m.p. follett),
the word BATNA in some fancy script,
a line graph depicting bargaining zones,
“EXPAND THE PIE” or “What I hear you saying is…” but in latin! ,
a Picture of Obi Wan Kenobi (cause General Grevious called him “Negotiator” in Episode III [this may be too nerdy {i have a Obi Wan lego watch for this reason though}])
a Picture of Len Riskin (with Grid!)
something with a frame around it. Framing is important after all
That Ben Franklin Quote, you know, the one where the worst outcome is when mutually beneficial agreement could be reach but isnt cause people get greedy… you know the one…
“I Generate Options” across your back
a handshake!
no wait
seriously, choose 3 of the umpteen maxim’s and/or principles and make a triangle. Corporations will love it.
And before you do anything, please consult:
http://www.cracked.com/funny-298-tattoos/
For the record:
1. I already have a tattoo. Have had it for years, and had no marital difficulties in securing permission. But it’s not really a DR image.
2. I already hate the idea of a handshake. When we were first founding this blog, the question of a graphic arose. When a handshake was suggested, I responded by writing:
“On principle, I think our field has adopted a public image that is too wussy. So I’d rather see some large hand just holding up a middle finger. Or perhaps I need to take a nap.”
Michael, I’m going to join Art in begging you not to get a handshake. And please, no negotiating tables either. Yipes. Promise me you’ll stay away from hackneyed cliches.
I confess that I’m a tattooed mediator (all strategically located to be concealed from clients of course). Mine depict flowers and plants, symbolic of the potential for growth and renewal.
Your wife should talk to my husband – he got one himself on his 50th birthday.
What an interesting thought. There is no obvious image (or word) that sums up what we do. At first, I thought about suggesting two hands shaking in agreement, but decided that wouldn’t be the coolest tattoo. Then I thought about something more basic like a smily face or a peace sign, but rejected them as too generic. Finally, I settled on a shotgun with a red circle with a line through it.
Please, please don’t get a handshake tatoo.
How about tattooed ears framing your mouth? A hand tattooed onto your palm so that you extend an extra hand with every handshake? “W I N – W I N” on your knuckles?
What wife wouldn’t want that??