Thursday, November 04, 2010

Whats Under Your Clothes?

Nowadays it seems like everyone you meet has a tattoo, your friends, your colleagues, your boyfriend, even your aunt has one. But is this trend here to stay or is it going to fade away, leaving behind painful evidence of past mistakes? Is getting inked something we should think twice about or is it something that we all should lean to embrace and accept? Have we just begun to make dent in the tolerance of self expression or have we reached out limits? Tattoos, get one today or let it be?
Tattoos are a lifelong commitment. It is no doubt that over the years people change and develop different interests. I know that I don’t listen to the same music, dress the same way or even like my hair colour the way it was 4 years ago, or 10 years ago and I’m sure I will change my mind within the next 20 or so. No matter how sure you are of a tattoo when you get it, it’s likely that you’re not going to feel the same way about it forever. Let’s face it, first impressions really do matter and not everyone you’re going to meet is going to be accepting of your body art. Even though, people are more accepting now of tattoos than ever before, they are still likely to influence people’s opinions of you and your reputation in general. Tattoos are not allowed in many different work places and by covering your body in tattoos it is possible that you will be denied job opportunities based on this.
Tattoos can also be risky to your health. There is a possibility that the person tattooing you may have little to no experience and that the shop where you are getting tattooed is not properly cleaning equipment. If a tattoo is executed in an unsanitary way or if you do not follow proper aftercare procedures it is possible that you could risk an infection. Also dark ink can make it harder to detect skin cancer if it is to occur in a person who has tattoos.
While it is not uncommon for tattoo studios to charge 100 dollars an hour tattooing can become a very expensive undertaking. Especially if you’re getting a large piece and may have to come in for 2 or 3 sessions, each being hours long. Before getting a tattoo it is important to make sure you are able to deal with the financial repercussions of this decision.
However, in today’s world as a society in general we are more accepting of tattooing then we have ever been. It is becoming increasingly common for people to be allowed tattoos in the workplace. More people are accepting of tattoos and less likely to make judgements on you based on your body art then any time previously. Having a tattoo can allow people to express themselves in a meaningful way. Tattoos are a way for people to share triumphs and accomplishments with the world around them and provide recipients with a sense of pride. Tattoos can also be a way to provide tribute to people and events that have effected you in a meaningful way and serve as a reminder.
Tattoos also can provide people with a sense of belonging. They provide a common interest and similarity between many diverse people and may help to feel as if they are part of a group of people and leave them with feelings of acceptance.
Many people believe that tattoos are a way of expressing their personal freedom and they should not be denied of this right. In a society where yesterdays taboos- women voting, all races being equal, skirts above the knee, allowing tattoos in the workplace and society seems like a small issue when compared to past events. We are a society who claims that our people are free. If this is the case then why should people be limited as to what they display on their bodies?
Tattooing is also considered to be an artwork by many people. Having a tattoo is similar to have a custom artwork. No two tattoos will ever be exactly the same and it takes a lot of skill and practice to produce a good tattoo.
So before you decide to get inked take some time before making a decision. A tattoo is something that should never be done on impulsive. A successful tattoo experience requires quite a bit of thought and research to find a shop and artist who is going to meet your needs. If you take the right precautions and keep the previous points in mind your likely to end up happy with your results and maybe even back for more. So sit down and get ready to take it all in because for now it looks like tattoos are here to stay.

No comments: