As the tattoo population grows, so does the opinion of others on tattoos. It seems that most elderly people, older adults, and a select few other people, have a very distasteful opinion on the matter and present that opinion very loudly. Yes, of course, there are bad aspects to having a tattoo, but if it is not on your body it is not your choice.

It is not anyone else's right to say that a tattoo someone has is wrong or ugly or distasteful or anything. What is beautiful to one person may not always be seen that way by another person. Just because not every single person wants or has a tattoo, does not mean that they are a bad thing to have on someone's body or something that should not exist.

Every tattoo a person has will tell a story, a piece of them that may not be discovered otherwise. Even though some people say that they got a tattoo just because "they like it", there is still a reason behind that. A tattoo is a part of a road map of that individuals life, their story, and their past.

I got my first tattoo the day I turned eighteen and I still don't regret it. A lot of people will say, "oh you are going to regret that when you are older". Honestly, yes, some of us may regret it, but if a tattoo has a meaning, a story, or a connection to you, it is not something to regret, it is a part of who you are. It shares a piece of you that made you who you are and a reminder to yourself down the road of your memories.

All four tattoos I have so far share a part of me that I don't ever want to get rid of. From a hardship in my life, a couple memories, and something I am and will always be very passionate about. When I see other people's tattoos, I become so curious about why they have them and what drove them to get it.

There will always be those people that shame tattoos and everything they stand for, but that opinion does not need to be voiced to the whole world. Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs and opinions, but it is not okay to make someone feel bad for something that they love and that is a part of them (literally). People are proud of the art they carry around with them everyday and it is not okay to tell them otherwise and shame them for what they love.

If you don't like them and don't want one then simply do not get one. Your body your choice, but shaming someone for loving something that you don't is not okay. Individuals with tattoos don't look at those who don't have them and judge them for that, because that is simply just a personal choice.

Stop shaming individuals for having tattoos. It is a personal statement, a personal choice, and anyone's right to do what they want to do to their own body.

Be proud of the ink you have.