Tattoos are totally acceptable in our day
Date published: 7/2/2007
This is in response to Di Thompson's recent op-ed ["Body art may have delayed consequences," June 22].
I would question a person's "character and intelligence" if they shared the same ideology as Ms. Thompson. Maybe back in the '50s tattoos did hold the stigma of teenage rebellion or "lack of respect for authority and the law," but today tattoos are accepted, embraced, and downright common.
I thought we as a society had risen above discrimination against others based on their appearances. Respect is something you earn; it's not given to you because of the way you look. This is something that is taught to even the youngest of children.
Alcohol equals tattoos? Any qualified tattoo artist will tell you that getting a tattoo while under the influence is not permitted. Alcohol causes your blood to thin, so when you get a tattoo you will bleed more, which becomes a hazard to both the tattoo artist and the one who is receiving the tattoo.
It's "a test of bravery"? Whatever happened to saying "no" to peer pressure? If you're dumb enough to let someone else tell you what to do with your own body, you deserve a cookie-cutter flower tattoo on your lower back.
Hepatitis from tattoos? Nobody said that getting a tattoo is without risk, but if you're smart you will do your homework and learn the steps to prevent contracting a disease.
People get tattoos for all sorts of reasons--some in memory of a family member who has passed, others have their children's names. Tattoos can depict mythological animals or patriotic flags. The point is that a tattoo is an expression of oneself. To judge someone based on their tattoos is no worse than judging somebody based on their religious affiliation. It all comes down to accepting others no matter how different they are or look.
Seneca Switala
Spotsylvania
Date published: 7/2/2007
Most recent reader comments:
Think as you wish......
(posted by
gtogal
, Sep. 25, 2007 2:41 pm)  
If you really think less of those people that really doesn't say a whole lot for you. You should never judge a book by it's cover.
Reality
(posted by
BigTuna
, Sep. 25, 2007 2:41 pm)  
Perception is reality....Do you really think that I am going to hire someone with a house fly tattooed on the back of his neck or tiger stripes tattooed on his face? Everyone has the right to get tattoos but I also have the right to think less of those people.
mostly cover on FUG
(posted by
uncjohnny
, Sep. 25, 2007 2:41 pm)  
most of these issues were viamently debated on FUG last week. the 1% of the "inked" population that wear "satanic" or "hateful" tats, do so knowingly, with a purpose of "shock" or "Hate" and to attract "like" thinkers. They are usually 100% successful.
I disagree with there being being a "class" issue. If you want more you can go on FUG under "letters to the editor" boards.
There are differences
(posted by
BGILBERT
, Sep. 25, 2007 2:41 pm)  
I think there is a big difference between some of the types of tatoos people choose to exhibit. When I see satanic references, sexually explicit messages or Nazi swasticas, then I find that disgusting. And as the letter writter states " they are expressions of ones self" If you would proudly display a swastica on your body, then you should expect to be scrutinized. If you choose to express your opinion on your skin, it better be thick.
Despite myself
(posted by
homegrown
, Sep. 25, 2007 2:41 pm)  
I admit to liking tatoos on career enlisted military. The warrior CLASS (yes, CLASS) has marked itself thru history as symbol of pride and ferocity at some deeply human level. I know I'm going to get grief on this - unc is right: let it come!
|