Getting a tattoo is painful. It is liberating, it is cultural, it is dangerous, and it is beautiful. But above all, it is a personal choice – a choice that society needs to be accepting of.
Body modification has been controversial for years, even more so now that the tattoo industry is booming. Even in this recession, people are still spending the money to get inked. Why? Because to those people, it’s more than worth it.
Tattoos are purchased for a number of reasons: beauty, art, individuality, family traditions, group affiliations, spirituality, and many more. In fact, tattoo customers most commonly choose to purchase images that are carried by family and friends. Getting a tattoo is solely the choice of the customer, and that’s what our culture doesn’t understand. Parents threaten their children to prevent tattooing; they say they won’t pay for college, the car, etc. if their child gets inked. It might be that these parents don’t understand that the times are changing.
Tattooing has become a lot more normal now than it was years ago. It’s not all about sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll. It’s about self-expression and individuality.
There is always the question of health and safety, but tattoo artists nowadays are a lot more careful and clean than they used to be. With all the contagious diseases out there, they have to make sure they have clean tools and needles – and they do. The practice of tattooing has significantly grown and changed in the last few decades. It is moving away from its historical roots as an underestimated craft and is instead trying to be defined as a fine art form.
Yes, it can be dangerous. Yes, it hurts. Yes, it’s permanent and, depending on the location, can be hard to hide. These are all plausible negative arguments towards the practice of tattooing. However, there is one and only one bottom line when it comes to getting inked: it is a personal choice. The decision to get a tattoo is motivated by how the recipient defines him or herself.
It becomes a part of that person forever. It becomes a symbol of feelings and beliefs.
If the person getting tattooed understands the risks and permanence, there’s no argument. And considering ten to thirteen percent of adolescents of ages 12 to 18 have tattoos and three to eight percent of the general population has tattoos, I think the majority of the population understands the risks and permanence.
Age restrictions are a good idea, and if the person getting the tattoo is above 18, who is society to stop that person from expressing themselves in any way they choose? It’s a free country. America is known for its diversity and individualism and freedom, and body modification is a part of that.
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