Tattoos and Piercings

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Just Another Way to Express Yourself

By Laura Pallen
Published Friday, June 12, 2009

I find it shocking that so many people are so close-minded about tattoos and piercings. I see them as forms of self expression more than anything. Just because a person has tattoos or piercings doesn’t make them a criminal or a ‘bad person’, however a lot of people seem to think that. Our mothers always told us not to judge a book by its cover. Why are we throwing these morals out the window when it comes to accepting new trends and styles?

In modern society it seems like it is almost mandatory for girls to get their ears pierced. Why are any other piercings seen as bad things? I’d have to go ahead and say that in most media these forms of self-expression are not popular. In most shows, for example, you’ll always find the trouble maker with piercings and tattoos -- what a great subliminal message! I know a lot of people with more than the traditional number of piercings and it doesn’t change their personalities at all. Not to mention, I think it looks pretty wicked! My sister for example has six piercings in her ears all together, and she’s not a horrible violent person.

Tattoos are awesome in my opinion too. Cavemen used to draw on walls to convey thoughts, feelings, and important events in their lives. I see tattoos as a modern way of communication. It’s actually a really interesting art form too. Tattoo artists have to have a lot of skill. I mean, have you seen some of those tattoos? Some of them are absolutely mind-boggling! If I weren’t deathly afraid of needles I’d totally want a tattoo. I don’t know why these forms of self expression aren’t widely accepted by people.

As another example, The Disney Store will not hire you if you have more than two piercings. Would this be because they are trying to keep young children ‘innocent’ by their definition of the word? I hardly think that High School Musical and Hannah Montana are promoting innocence. As the years pass I see more and more young kids dressing up as these people and using horrible vocabulary and, quite frankly, it’s horrifying. I’m going a bit off topic here but, do you understand my point? It’s kind of hypocritical if you ask me. If piercings were more accepted then people wouldn’t be tempted to get them for the ‘shock factor’ or without parental consent.

When it comes down to it, self expression is self expression whether it be poetry, art, dance, writing, or any other way you feel you can convey your thoughts and feelings. Tattoos and piercings are just another outlet through which one can express themselves. As Bob Dylan said, “The Time’s Are A Changin’”, and I think we should try to change with them.