Mixed messages about tattoos

There's a big mixed message in popular culture about tattoos. Tattoos are seen as a way to express your true self, images you find to be beautiful, quotes that are meaningful, or showing an interest or hobby. But at the same time society tells you that you should express yourself, you should also be covering it up. Employers can fire you for having a tattoo that may effect their business. When going to get a tattoo, many consider the placement of the tattoo- will it be able to be covered? just as much as considering what the actual tattoo itself will be. The author of Secret Ink also proves this point by pointing out that if someone has a problem/ commits a crime, etc. they'll point out their tattoos like "Who's surprised, look at the tattoos that person has."

Also, people are already feeling pressured to explain the meaning of their tattoo and why they got it before even getting the tattoo, because there's this sort of stigma around it. It's sort of this big deal because it's going to be on your body forever and what if you regret it when you're older blah blah blah- which these statements are true. But why do we care? Unless it's your child, who you should always be thinking about their future and caring for them....why do we care? I'm so guilty of judging people for getting meaningless tattoos...why? IF they do regret it when they're older and IF it lacks some super deep meaning, how does it effect us? It doesn't. If someone likes it and they do it and you don't agree with it then just... don't do it. 

However, the whole job thing kind of comes into play a lot when it comes to the placement of the tattoo. It having to be covered for work related purposes makes sense.... almost. Like having the letters F-*-C-K tattooed across your fingers when applying to be an elementary school teacher may not be the best idea but having a bird tattooed on your wrist should't really be able to effect most jobs in my opinion... but there are definitely more important things happening in society to be upset about.