Sunday, November 2, 2014

Are tattoos taboo?

Getting a tattoo is a very permanent and very personal choice, but it seems like lately this topic has become more popular when it comes to pop culture. When celebrities get tattoos, it's all over the tabloids, and it seems like this happens for all the wrong reasons. Its almost become taboo in our society to get this permanent piece of art engraved into our skin. But why?
Tattoos have been around for thousands of years, beginning with the Egyptian societies. So why do we still see getting a tattoo to be stereotypical of "bad" boys and muscle men? Especially when its a practice that has gone through so much history. I think it has a lot to do with what the media puts out, and the way we are raised.
Personally, I've gone back and forth on this topic. When I was growing up, my parents always beat it into my head that I was never to do a thing to my body like get a tattoo. I grew up always assuming it was the worst possible thing a person could do to themselves. Now that I'm older, have more exposure to the realities of life, and am confident when it comes to making my own decisions about my body and what I do to it, I've realized that getting a tattoo has really gotten a bad rap. It's a way to express yourself, and like many other things in life, it really just comes down to personal preference, and ignorance. If you don't like tattoos, don't get one. You don't have to convince someone that is a good or bad idea, just because their opinion may differ from your own. 
I know a lot of people who can't wait until they are 18 years old so they can march into the tattoo parlor and get their first tat. They've planned out what they want, where they want it. And if you think about it, when you have that much time to make a decision, chances are you will have less regrets later in life.
I think the key is to find a place to put it that can be easily concealed and not go too crazy with the ink. 
Getting a tattoo is a great way to make yourself unique from other people in society, but should be done with caution and maturity. 

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