I Am More Than The Ink In My Skin
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

I Am More Than The Ink In My Skin

It's time to stop diminishing me to my tattoos.

13
I Am More Than The Ink In My Skin
Pexels

The art of tattooing has been around for centuries. Mummies and Icemen over 5,000 years old have evidence of permanent tattoos on their body. Tattooing has been used in history from markings spies and criminals to marking a woman’s social status. When the practice of tattooing was first introduced in America, only soldiers got tattooed, and they only had eagles and flags. Heavily tattooed individuals were a part of the freak show in circuses during the 1920’s, and tattooing picked up again in the 70’s with biker gangs.

Tattooing in today’s society is totally different from its history. Multitudes of people in all shapes, sizes, and colors have tattoos. With tattoo shops all over the country and many accepting walk-ins, it has become easier than ever to get the tattoo of your dreams. However, many closed-minded people have this backward idea that tattooed people are bad people. And trust me, they are not afraid to speak their opinion.

The sad thing is that anyone with a tattoo has at least one story of how someone made him or her feel terrible for having a tattoo. After barely a year of having a tattoo, I have already received backlash. My own family referred to me as a “hoodrat” the moment I stepped foot off the table as if I was a completely different person because of the artwork now permanently placed into my skin. While standing in line at a grocery store, women have commented about how I have ruined my body and how terribly sad it was to see such a young girl turn down such a dark path. Do you think we cannot hear you? Do you think we don’t hear the judgmental remarks you make while standing in line with a carton of milk? Your comments, no matter how hurtful, show your own character more than my own. Just because you personally do not like tattoos, does not mean that you have to spread your hateful language towards me.

I fell in love with a piece of art to such an extent that I wanted to see that, every day, for the rest of my life. I do not regret my tattoos. My tattoos represent me. Stop making me cover them up. Self-expression in the form of tattoos does not give anyone the right to badmouth me. No matter what anyone else says about me, I got my tattoo for myself. I didn’t get it for my family’s approval, or for the girl in Target who felt the need to belittle me for my tattoos.

My tattoos do not represent a bad person. My tattoos represent the good in me. My tattoos are a constant reminder for what I believe in, what makes me happy, and the things I care about. My tattoos do not show that I am a bad worker, or a criminal, or just a bad person in general. My tattoos are not for you. My tattoos are for myself, and no one else.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

54139
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

34848
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957208
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

182522
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments