Around the beginning of the semester we had to read a story in Beyond Words called “The Body Piercing Project.” I don’t know if most of you read it, but I actually found it a little interesting. After reading the story it got me thinking about the way society views piercings and tattoos.
Older generations tend to think very strongly about tattoos and piercings. They think that they are disgusting and not acceptable. Most believe that it is just a ‘rebellious thing’ that young people do. Some religious folk say that getting a tattoo is a sin.
Most of our generation either currently has a tattoo or is planning on getting one. And piercings are accepted and encouraged. It is now believed that doing things to your body gives you ‘self empowerment’ and helps you get a sense of who you really are. We all know that tattoos are permanent and to some people it is something no one can ever take away from them. I personally believe that tattoos and some piercings are okay and shouldn’t be so frowned upon. I currently have a tattoo and plan on getting others as I get older. But I don’t plan on going crazy and covering my body.
I think that the only time your piercings or tattoos should matte to someone other than yourself r is when you are applying for a job. No one wants to hire someone with a tattoo covering their face, it’s as simple as that. And when you have a nose piercing that makes you look like a bull you shouldn’t expect to get a job anywhere else but maybe at starbucks. I know it sounds bad but unfortunately that is just how it is.
Do any of you guys have the same feelings about tattoos that older generations are? If so, why? And what do you think about the way tattoos and piercings are viewed?
I think that tattoos are ok as long as they actually mean something to the person getting them and aren't just some random, spur of the moment thing that somebody thought looked cool. A lot of my friends have tattoos and are continuing to get them. I have thought about getting a tattoo before because I've had ideas for one that I really like, but I just don't have the money to blow on something like that. I think that the older generations are starting to except tattos more and more. I know several older guys that are in my church that have gotten them. In fact one of those guys is a pastor.
ReplyDeleteWhether or not an individual decides to get a tattoo or piercing, or multiple for that matter, should be entirely their own decision. I have many ear piercings and a tattoo. I agree with the laws that you must be 18 or have parental consent to get piercings and tattoos. These rules are beneficial, not only because of the legal reasons, but because it gives kids time to really think about their decisions and not make a rash choice they will regret. People should take into consideration while getting piercings and tattoos that others might view them differently. This is something that probably will not change over the course of our lifetime, but I think if you can be smart with your choices... go for it!
ReplyDeleteI think if you are going to get a tattoo you should have some meaning or reason behind it. Too many people cover their bodies with meaningless pictures now a days. I also feel that they are viewed as a disadvantage to getting a job unless well hidden. They are viewed differently by different people. Even though having a tattoo or piercing never really helped get anyone anywhere they bring intrinsic joy to the bearer. Each and every tattoo is different and it can tell you a lot about the person.
ReplyDeleteToday, on my way back to my apartment, I was thinking about this topic. In my opinion, tattoos are not attractive. At one time, I wanted a tattoo, but I could never decide what to get. I would make so many different excuses as to why I wouldn't want something.
ReplyDeleteTo me, tattoos should be very meaningful and have a deep story connection between the person and the subject of the art. However, I cannot determine why people would want something that is unattractive (no offense, this is just my opinion) on their body. I know that it is beautiful to them, is a way to express oneself, and to other people around them love it, but I don't understand why people would want to put something on their body for the rest of their lives. I'm not saying it is wrong to do, but I am not saying that it is right to do either.
Seeing people around me that have tattoos and piercings makes me think about how it is permanent. My friend's mother is in the process of removing tattoos and she says that it is a very painful and a costly endeavor.
My point is, it is permanent and, in my opinion, not very attractive; although there are a few pretty ones that I have seen. For myself, I would not get one, but it is solely up to the person who wants one about what they want to do with their body.
I think tattoos and piercing really depend on the person, what they are and where they are. Some people get tattoos on their backs or wrist, etc. for their deceased lover, spouse, child, etc. These I find perfectly acceptable as long as they are not huge or in a very obvious and imposing place. But some people get really dumb tattoos because it’s “funny” or they were just too drunk to know what was going on. I was watching some show called LA Ink and this guy came in and wanted a tattoo of a potato. Yes, a potato, like the vegetable. Why, you ask? Because he thought it’d be funny. This seems really stupid to me, but to him it was hilarious. As for piercing, I have to say that I’m very old school and I really don’t like piercings on guys and I think girls should really only have them on their ears. But, this is just my opinion, and I really hate to say this but me (and I’m sure almost everyone in the world) judges people by what they see before the person even speaks. And I have to say that anyone covered in tattoos and piercings will leave a negative impression on me. They may be really nice and caring, but I don’t feel like a lot of people are going to let them prove their real nature because they’ll be so freaked out by their appearance. Now, I understand this people are entitled to express themselves in this way if they wish. I’m just speaking from my own personal thoughts; I really don’t like tattoos or excessive piercing.
ReplyDeleteI really want a tattoo in my dream world. But I am so afraid that I would never get a job because of it. Also, if i ever did, my dad would kill me. I do not think all tattoos are bad, just the really big, trashy ones. Goes the same for peircings for me. Having one ear piercing can be classy but if you have them all over your face, it is a little repulsive.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was about 15, I really wanted tattoos of my favorite band and my favorite baseball team. Now, even though I would still get both of those tattoos, I don't want them as much. Unfortunately, tattoos are the subject of judgement in the corporate world and that's pretty much why I don't plan on getting any. I understand why employers frown upon tattoos and piercings, they give off a negative image of the company. If I was a professional musician or athlete I would undoubtedly cover my whole body in tattoos, because that type of scene finds them acceptable and does not affect opportunities.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, if I got a tattoo, it would have to mean the world to me. Unfortunately, there very little that does matter to me so it's kind of hard to find an applicable tattoo. For example, I love money. Why would I get a tatto if that prevents me from getting a job and ultimately getting money? Plus my parents would never allow me to get one.
ReplyDeleteBUT mostly I won't get one because everyone is getting them for the wrong reasons. You mention you want one for self empowerment and to help you get a sense of who you really are. Before you even think about a tattoo, you should already know that question. A tattoo is supposed to represent who you are and what you believe. People get tattoos way, way too young. Most people in college are completely different people then who they will be years from now. So for that reason, I'll wait until I'm 30. If I still want one then, I'm sure I'll have more than enough money to buy one.
I want to get a Tattoo one night spontaneously. But the Marine Corps now highly forbids anyone who is in it from getting one. So I suppose I will get one once I get out. My opinion on tattoos are that they are easily regretted. You have to be able to live the rest of your life with what you do to your body. You only get one body. A lot of young people do not grasp the concept of how long the rest of your life is. That is what I think gives body artists a bad wrap.
ReplyDeleteI personally will never get a tattoo, I figure I have only been given one body and I want to treat it with respect. Tattoos are permanent and I don't want to get something on my skin that I will later regret or that could harm the way others view me. I don't necassarily look down on people who get them, that is their body and their choice. I think piercings should be kept classy. I like for girls to have one set of earrings and studs are sometimes cute. However, I think that excessive tattoos and piercings distract me from the way people really look. I don't feel like I can talk to them or look at them without wondering why they chose the symbol or why they put a million holes in their skin. It takes away my ability to know that person for who they really are, all I see is what they are trying to tell other people about who they think they are.
ReplyDeleteI do not look down on anyone who has a tattoo but i personally would never get one. I dont really think it is a form of expression by having something permanently painted onto your body. I know people who have had very meaningful passages tattooed onto them or symbols that mean something to them, but i personally do not see the point. If it makes the person happy and it inspires them or makes them happy about themselves, then who am i to stop them? if it makes you happy then go for it, and if it doesnt then dont do it but dont look down on people who have tattoos or piercings.
ReplyDeleteI’m okay with piercings but I think that they should mostly be on your ears. Of course it doesn’t bother me when I see somebody with a nose ring or a belly button ring, but I just don’t think it belongs on me. I’ve also never been a fan of tattoos. Some people think that it’s a way to express yourself and a way to be different but when some of my friends talk about getting tattoos I always think its funny that they think about where they should put it so they can be able to hide it if they want to. Isn’t the purpose of getting a tattoo so people can see it? If you’re embarrassed of it, just don’t get one at all. Job interviews are very important and whether people like it or not the chances that the person interviewing them will judge them is very high. Good or bad they still judge, and it could affect your future. I think if somebody is going to get a tattoo they should have a really good reason for it. One of my friends from high school got a tattoo of a pink ribbon on his back because this mom died of breast cancer. That’s touching and I can understand that. What I don’t like is when I see stupid random tattoo’s like hello kitty or stars.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was 16 my mom, dad, and all four grandparents wrote me letters including advice and their hopes of who I would be as I grew up. I was waiting to read them and I finally decided to read them last week and a piece of advice my grandpa gave me was, “tattoos are permanent, don’t get one”. I giggled and decided I would never get a tattoo because I respect him and I can’t think of anything important enough to have tattooed into me for the rest of my life. I have friends who got tattoos the second they turned 18 and only a few months later they regret their decision that they now have to live with for the rest of their lives. I guess I side more with the older generations and their feelings about tattoos. I would never hire anyone with visible tattoos or facial piercings if I owned a company but I’m not against people getting tattoos. It is a personal choice but be careful when making that choice and remember permanent means it will be there forever. Tattoos and piercings seem to be more accepted in society today but I think they are still looked down upon in the workplace. Jobs are already hard enough to come by, why ruin an employment opportunity?
ReplyDeletePersonally I do not like tattoos or piercings. Of course the traditional piercing of the ears for girls is fine but anything more, I think is a turn-off, the same goes for tattoos. In my opinion, I do not like to think of having a permanent tattoo on my skin that is going to last forever because one day I'll like it, the next day I wouldn't.
ReplyDeleteI love tattoos and piercings.I have two tattoos and quite a few piercings. I think it is a great way to express who you are. However, I do think it is a little ridiculous to have face tattoos. And I don't like how most jobs think tattoos are unacceptable. Yes I can understand if your whole body was covered in tattoos, but if you have a few that accidentally show outside the required uniform, I don't see the big deal. For piercings, my view is a little different. The only piercing that I think is acceptable for the work force is a nose stud/ring.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I love both tattoos and piercings on other people but they just are not for me. I like both of them on others but not too many. They do have the ability to help express who you are. I think many older generation have a negative view of them is because they did not grow up with them. LAos, to them they come off as being unprofessional.
ReplyDeleteI like tattoos and piercings, I think they say a lot about a person. What someone believes is so important that they want it on their body for the rest of their life, can really tell you about who they are. THe older generations do look down upon them, for example, my parents hate that I got my cartilage pierced. Tattoos and piercings are, however, very unprofessional. It is hard to let someone do you r takes if they have thug life tattooed on their forehead, and a huge guages.
ReplyDeleteI personally don't like tattoos that much. if i were to ever get a tattoo it would be very small. large tattoos are just very unattractive, but sometimes the meaning of it can make it okay. it just has to depend on the situation and the person
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ReplyDeleteI have no problems with tattoos or piercings. If people have a purpose and a meaning behind what they are doing I fully support it. It's just another way of expressing who you are and what you like. I do sometimes have a problem with placement. Placing a tattoo or piercing in an unnatural area is what make people look more than once. It is just not tasteful.
ReplyDeleteI don't really like tattoos at all. I have nothing against those who have them, but I think that they can easily become something that a person will regret in the future. I can understand those who get tattoos with meanings behind them, however large meaningless tattoos are unattractive. As for piercings, I would never get one, but I have nothing against those that have them.
ReplyDeleteI think tattoos and piercings are a personal matter. If someone wants to cover their body with ink and studs then they should do it but they do need to understand the consequences. Employers do not hire people with their bodies covered in art. I personally think that the reasons people are using for getting tattoos lately is a little dumb. If what you are getting on your body has significance and you are 100% sure that you want it then get it but if it's something that you think would look cute like a princess or mickey mouse then it's a little dumb because we all change once we leave college. But it's all a personal opinion and decision.
ReplyDeleteI personally can't stand tattoos and they shouldn't be as widely accepted and distributed as they are today. Tattoos are meant to associate someone with a clan or group of some sort much like a brand. They weren't meant for people to "express themselves."
ReplyDeleteI have a similar view of tattoos as older generations but a little more flexible. I feel like if you want a tattoo and you are 18, you should be able to get it, but also remember employers will be judging you and whatever you do to your body. I have a nose piercing, but when I talk to people like employers when I'm applying for a job, I put in a stud or take it out. I'm going to get a job this summer, and I may just let it close up. I think nose piercings (studs mostly) are getting to be pretty mainstream, and its normal for people to have them, but I understand that employers can make personal choices about who they hire because they want their employees to have a certain look. I think its fine to change your appearance with tattoos or body piercings, as long as you are mature enough to deal with whatever people may think of you as a result.
ReplyDeleteOlder generations for the most part don't like tattoos and piercing (other than two in the bottom of a girls ears). Everyone judges every single person they see whether they know it or not, it is just programmed into our brains to be judgmental and make assumptions from a persons appearance. So if you don't think you are going to be judged by getting a Tattoo or piercing you are horribly mistaken. I personally have no problem with meaningful tattoo's, but any other tattoo's i think are really stupid in my opinion. I also am a strong believer in being able to cover up tattoo's if need be. I see no reason to have a tattoo across your knuckles as it... well, makes you look like scum. So just choose where you put your tattoo's wisely if you are going to get one. As for piercing's i don't mind a few ear piercing's on girls, but i don't believe piercing's belong on guys. And ladies leave your faces alone, a piercing is only taking away from your natural beauty.
ReplyDeleteI have no problem with piercings or tattoos. I personally plan on getting one when I'm older. If someone wants to get a tattoo or piercing then it is their decision. No one has the right to tell them they can't, it's not their body. I think that part of the reason older generations tend to frown upon tattoos is because back in their day most of the people up to no good were all "inked" up.
ReplyDeleteI think everyone is entitled to their opinion on tattoos and piercings. But in my opinion, tattoos are ridiculous and would never consider getting one. I find no reason to have to mark your skin permanently the way animals are marked.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, whether or not someone decides to get a tattoo or piercing is his or her own decision. By the time there eighteen, it’s their body; they can choose what they want to do with it. There are some that may seem ridiculous and pointless, but then again, to them it might mean something. I don't see anything wrong with getting a tattoo or piercing; I actually want both. I have always wanted a nose stud, but it doesn't look professional when you want a good job. I could always get it now and then take it off, but I am afraid it will leave a mark. When getting a tattoo, you need to think of the consequences of living with it your entire life. As bad as it may sound, people and the corporate world will judge you for it and sometimes it can do more harm than good in the long run.
ReplyDeleteI have no problem with tattoos and piercings, but I believe they should mean something - one shouldn't modify one's body just because. If you are going to make the decision to change yourself in such an "extreme" way, there should be a reason. No one else has to agree, but it should mean something to you.
ReplyDeleteSuch modifications are viewed negatively due to how unnatural it is. My parents constantly tell me that tattoos and piercings are bad because, when speaking of our faith, the body is the temple of God and we should not change it.
I think that getting tattoos are a matter of one's personal preference. Personally, I think tattoos can be beautiful works of art, unless people get it just for the sole purpose of trying to look like a badass. When that happens, they end up just looking like a dumbass. Honestly, unless one is addicted to getting tattoos, they should have some common sense to at least avoid getting one on their face.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, it is pretty unfortunate how society views tattoos. It can still be beautiful though, and thats the truth; I'm a sucker for Asian girls with tattoos on their side. ;)
I personally don't have any tattoos / piercings, and not planning on getting any. I do not mind if others have them though, because sometimes the tattoos people have are really a symbol or a reminder of someone or something. The thing I am against is people getting tattoos or body piercings for the hell of it. It just doesn't make sense to get something that is permanent that doesn't mean anything besides looking 'cool'.
ReplyDeleteI don't have any piercings or tattoos and I'm not sure if I'm going to get any. I do think our generation is more acceptable of tattoos and piercings right now. I don't really have a problem with someone that has tattoos or piercings because it's their body and they can do whatever they want. But sometimes it does bother me when I see someone with a bunch of tattoos that they put just for fun, sometimes they don't think how it can affect them in the future
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