...tattoos
Really. Why do people feel they need to permanently brand themselves in order to feel that they've expressed themselves? Do they not understand that a tattoo is a lifetime commitment meanwhile the content of your character forever transforms? While I was in college I completed a month abroad in Mexico studying the US/Mexico boarder relations and met this girl. She was lovely girl, but had this huuuge eyesore of a tattoo of a palm tree on the small of her back (yes, you read that right, a tramp stamp with a Jimmy Buffet beach theme.) And no, I'm not talking about a unique looking palm tree, this was a simple cartoon palm tree complete with sand at the base. She apparently thought it was cool and explained that she got it because "I really like warm weather and palm trees". Well, okkkk, but who the hell doesn't like warm weather? So, you're telling me you like warm weather and palm trees so much that you decided to forever brand a picture of it on the only place on your body that you can't physically see without peeking over your shoulder at a full-length mirror for. I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying you can't be passionate about the things you love in life. Hell, when I was 14 years old I was obsessed with horseback riding, but that doesn't mean that I am going to sign myself up for a ink spread of white lipizzaners prancing across my ass. What is it with the two dimensional form of self-expression anyways? Tattoos, piercings, clothing, labels.... shouldn't the best form of self expression be told through our own actions? Is that mode of thinking completely dead? The other day I was in Madison, WI visiting my sister and her husband and I brought this subject up on an evening walk. My brother-in-law, Eric joined in the discussion and told me a story of someone he knew who got a tattoo to immoralize a close family member who passed away. The story was very touching and for a moment I reconsidered my attitude towards tattoos. But, then I thought, what's going to happen when the guy with that tattoo dies? My apologies for this sounding insensitive, but this guy decided to get a tattoo to immoralize his recently passed relative, meanwhile consciously knowing that he too, will die someday. Did he not think of that? I'm curious, what are your thoughts on tattoos? Do you have one? Thinking of getting one? Want one, but afraid of needles?
elizabeth + matt | wedding
1 hour ago
I've always been intrigued - but also grossed out on occasion - by tattoos. I've always wanted one - but I can't commit to having something on my body forever. Sure, I love it NOW, but what about when I am 40? 50? 70? Who knows!
ReplyDeleteOn the other side - my aunties always take a yearly trip to Florida together. One year, they all got tattoos together. Aunt Julie - the oldest in the family - got a crown on her ankle. Totally fitting - everyone has said she's the Crown Jules (jewels) for years. Another Aunt got a clover - we are irish. Another got the cliched palm tree with sand.. but they all got something together. They are all 58+ years old - so why the hell not get one at that point! :) I don't feel confident enough in my character, at age 27, to get a tattoo that will carry with me forever. Unless, of course, it was tastefully done upper eyelid eyeliner. I'd love to have that done so I could skip liner on a daily basis for the rest of my life! :)
Once I get enough money... Ink everywhere!! :)
ReplyDelete