Tattoo's have become a very popular way for people to express themselves. Some people choose small tattoos with a meaning that can be easily covered. Others, like myself, choose tattoos that may or may not have a meaning that can be seen, and prominently so.

I am addicted to ink. I'm not ashamed to admit that. I think the sound of the tattoo machine is soothing and the feel of fresh ink is painful, but so exciting. I currently have five tattoos, and of these five, my most recent has caused the most controversy.

In today's world, tattoos are still looked at as taboo, especially in the workplace. If someone has a visible tattoo that can't be easily covered by clothing, often they will be refused a job.

My most recent tattoo is on my hand. It is a stitched heart with a needle and string. The needle runs up my ring finger so that someday, when there is a ring on that finger, the needle will be threading it and adding it to the many stitches of my heart. Cheesy, I know. When I showed it to my friends and posted it on social media (as I was very proud that I sat through getting a needle jabbed into my hand thousands of times), I was not met with the same level of support I was met with for my other four tattoos.

My other four tattoos are easily covered by clothing. This one, however, is prominent and available for anybody to see at anytime without having to pull up a shirt sleeve or a pant leg. The very first comment I received, even before posting to social media, was from a friend who I showed it to. His exact words to me were, "Way to get a career-ending tattoo."

Now, I could understand this comment if I had gotten something offensive (or even possibly offensive) tattooed on my hand. It's not like I got a curse word inked on each finger for the world to read anytime I walk by. So why, if the tattoo isn't offensive and is on my body, is this considered so bad?

It's time to end the stigma on tattoos in the workplace and in general. Having a piece of art on my body does not effect my ability to perform in a workplace. There are places of employment, like Carowinds, where there is a very specific dress code that employees must meet. My tattoos, piercings, and hair cut all are against this dress code. But how do my tattoos effect my ability to run a roller coaster or sell a hot dog?

My tattoos are for me. I get them put on my body so that I can decorate myself and make myself feel more beautiful. They are reminders of times in my life that have made me who I am. Sure, other people can see them, but they don't change who I am as a person.

My tattoos only decorate my body more. They are no different than getting a second ear piercing in your lobe or putting on makeup. Sure, a piercing and makeup can be removed and a tattoo cannot, but the principle is the same. We all have the freedom to decorate ourselves the way we want to.

Tattoos aren't bad. Tattoos don't change a person. They enhance a person. Let's end the taboo on tattoos.