Despite it being 2017, the stigma regarding tattoos is still going on; an endless stereotype that one would have thought that would have completely dissipated by now. Tattoos aren't just skin deep as they appear, no, they go much deeper than what is seen upon the surface. In fact, most tattoos come with stories and personal meaning to whomever decided upon this permanent manifestation.

Most often the word "troublemaker" is associated with someone depicting tattoos upon their bodies, especially clearly visible ones. Negative adjectives should not be automatically assumed if one is seen with tattoos. Why? Simple.

Obviously, tattoos are permanent. Therefore, for someone to decide to have a certain image upon their body that will be there forever (unless by laser removal...which is costly...), obviously this shows an aspect of being strongly committed to things. Otherwise, they would not have even considered a tattoo. Commitment is a big deal, especially in today's society. Tattoos should show that...and then some.

Furthermore, as mentioned before, tattoos typically hold a special, personal meaning to whomever was inked. It's difficult for people to speak about their past or darker periods in their lives that they may have overcame or are still in the process of overcoming. While being verbal is difficult, some still want to commemorate said happening in their lives and therefore will get a tattoo to represent this hardship, this event, this overcoming, this loss. A physical depiction is their way of expressing what happened without having to say it, perhaps it's a reminder. Or a conversation starter, because maybe said person might not want to bring it up themselves, but perhaps if someone were to ask the meaning of said tattoo, said person may be more apt to share. Tattoos are a therapy within themselves and that's probably the best thing about them.

Tattoos also show the characteristic of courage. These permanent images etched into the skin take a certain amount of courage to be able to complete, it's not easy sometimes. Depending on the size and placement, they can hurt like a bitch and make one want to quit halfway through and say screw it all. So to be able to sit through hours of pain for a permanent masterpiece to be able to show the world? That's courageous.

On a personal note, my present tattoos all have a special meaning behind each of them; my forearm piece is a reminder and my half sleeve has its own unfolding story with each new addition to it. And my future pieces to come all have meaning to them as well. Visible or not, I find tattoos beautiful and symbols of strength, commitment, and courage. While tattoos aren't everyone's cup of tea, please keep these things in mind before you automatically pass judgment. We aren't troublemakers and we can still get employed and live as good of a life as you can. Tattoos certainly won't stop me from achieving my goal of becoming a veterinarian.

Just because you don't like the tattoos on our bodies doesn't mean you get the right to be judgmental and critical, because we don't get tattoos for you...we get tattoos for us. Like I said in the beginning, tattoos aren't just skin deep as they appear, no, they go much deeper than what is seen upon the surface.