Tattoos: Good or Bad?

In this current generation, tattoos have become very popular and have been applied to bodies to represent memories of people, feelings, life beliefs and more, but most importantly it represents the work and the nature of art. Although you would think getting or having a tattoo is a sign of expression, it is deeply frowned upon by those who feel that tattoos are usually associated with gangs and violence. In many cases, you can argue that a great deal of tattoos are on the bodies of those who are criminals involved in gang violence, yet that is not always the case. Plenty of people that you won’t expect to have a tattoo, actually have tattoos and aren’t related to crimes or gangs of any type. Of course everybody is entitled to their own opinions, but relating anybody that has a tattoo as being a “rebel” or being involved in a gang is unfair and unreasonable.

As for myself, I have 9 tattoos and I chose to get mine because I appreciate the artwork of a tattoo and the meaning behind some of them. Before I got my first tattoo, I remember telling my parents and they yelled at me and said that tattoos were only for “bad people.” I was upset at the fact that they know how I am and that if I were to get a tattoo, it would not change how I act as a person, yet they still related a tattoo as being “rebellious” or “bad.” I heard it plenty of times before from other people, but hearing it from my own parents was just different. I suppose they were just trying to protect me from what other people would think, but unfortunately did not take into consideration of what I can do, whether I have tattoos or not.

Other than my parents, there have been times where I would notice people staring at my tattoos and making a face as if they were disgusted. Back in my Senior year at high school, a lot of my peers started to get tattoos and it was hard for them to get part-time jobs due to their excessive amount of tattoos. Although it is considered unprofessional and should be limited or hidden, it does not determine whether or not you can or cannot do your job right. Tattoos do have a big effect on your life and can cause some people to turn their heads. I personally think that nobody should be judged by what is on their body, instead should be interested in the way of how one presents their self, tattoos or not. Tattoos do not and should not determine one’s ability to do something.

There is no foundation to the stereotype because nobody can prove that a person with tattoos are “rebellious” or associated with violence. It is known to better keep your tattoos hidden so that you can look more professional and well-kept. I think a way to repair the stigma is for people with tattoos to show off their talents and show that there is no difference between one another when it comes down to opportunity and ability to do something.