It doesn't matter what my tattoos represent, or the meaning behind them, to you- but, to me, they mean everything. They mean I'm alive, I'm able to make my own choices, and I understand the reality of permanence.
I'm regularly scolded for the ink on my skin, but I've yet to have one second where I feel I need to apologize for the perfectly articulated art I chose to be put on my body. Tattoos are (mostly) beautiful things to be put on someone's skin, per their choice.
My tattoos are a reminder that things ARE permanent- surprising, right? I'm tired of hearing the never ending lecture about the body being a temple- but, never-the-less, they're right. The body is a temple, MY temple- and I love decorating it.
Choosing this form of body modification wasn't that hard for me, after having several piercings, some in unfamiliar places, I'd rather sit through a couple hours of hearing that bittersweet buzzing of a needle. My tattoos are for me, and only for me; I'm not symbolizing anything to please anyone else. My ink is for me and it's truly that simple.
I love my body, I love my skin, I love my life. Why does my tattoo make me a "dumb kid?" Did you pay for it?
Not too long ago, I was told that "any girl who came into the hospital back in the 60's with a tattoo on her was thought to be a slut." Interesting enough, this was the same time where the thought of gay and interracial relationships actually made the larger percentage of American citizens physically ill. The sweet suckling aroma of irony.
*Sips tea.*
It's quite amazing how much has changed in the public eye since the "olden days," and rather than someone minding their own business, they're complaining about what someone else does to their body. We're on the brink of a world war, and you're using your sweet coffee-stained breath to lecture me about my tattoos?
Scoff at me, ridicule me, talk about me, anything you'd like. But, and I speak for the rest of the people proud of their ink, I'm probably much happier than you because I'm only worried about what's on my own body.
My tats weren't free, but keeping your eyes on that episode of "Everybody Loves Raymond" and not on my tattoo(s) is.
When someone chooses the ink to be on their body, (well, most of us), it's not decided overnight. Some, yes, are young and stupid, but kudos to them for expressing themselves however they'd like. It took me much thought for both of my tattoos, the placement, the image, all of it. It wasn't easy, mostly.
I've spent several hours under the needle, and bet your bottom dollar, I'm going to do it again. Simply, and frankly, I love my tattoos- I'm not dumb, and I wish those who judge someone because of their ink could feel passionate enough about something to want to have it on their body for the rest of their life.
On the contrary, face tattoos, please put some thought into those- that can be a little scary.
Unfortunately, the public eye will still scoff at tattoos, piercings and the way someone chooses to demonstrate themselves outside of their own mind, for generations to come. But me, I'm saving up for my next tattoo, so I'll take a penny for your thoughts.
Any questions?
