What I talk about when I talk about tattoos

Let's talk about tattoos. People tend to have a lot of opinions about these things, and they generally fall into one of three categories. The first is the blank-faced, "I honestly don't understand what you're talking about" reaction that tends to grace the countenances of country club members and women who like to knot their sweaters around their shoulders. These people often consider people with tattoos to have undergone "body mutilation."

The second category is that of the person who will tell you, "I think they're really cool, but would never get one." Upon being pressed as to why, they admit "Well, I just can't think of anything I would want to have on my body forever." And yes, forever is a pretty long time.

The final category is pretty easy to spot. These are the people that have tattoos themselves. Some of these people will claim that "it's addicting." Some will flaunt their ink as often as possible. And others will keep it hidden, a secret for themselves alone.

And there is still a divide between what some people think about people with tattoos versus what is actually the case.

Tattoos are rebellious

This may have been the case back in the day getting ink is becoming much more common. And, yet, people still use words such as "badass" and other such terminology to describe those with tattoos. Perhaps I am biased because I come from the aforementioned country club town and, thus, see the "are you for serious" reaction to tattoos frequently. However, studies have shown that this is a common perception between those without tattoos about those with tattoos.

But, realistically, how does sitting down in a chair for a period of time indicate rebellion? It might indicate a low pain tolerance but not necessarily a desire to rebel against society. Just think about that girl in the mall with the butterfly tat.

Tattoos have some deep meaning I'll admit that this took me a while to understand. I used to be of the mind that all tattoos had to "mean something." But what's the fun in that? Tattoos are a form of artistic expression, and we don't always have to be making some poignant statement about the nature of mankind to get one. I saw two girls getting pretzels tattooed on their feet. Are you going to go up to them and ask what that Auntie Anne's pretzel is supposed to represent?

Tattooed peeps need no personal space A complaint that many people have, though particularly those with large visible pieces, is that people will just come up and touch them. Okay, I guess I can understand that. It's pretty. It's a person. I want to touch it? But did those friendly security guards let you wipe your hands all over the Mona Lisa in the Louvre. Probably not. I understand that someone's Koi fish tat may not seem as precious as Da Vinci's master work, but that doesn't mean it's the hands-on kiddie area at the museum. It is a person, after all. And, to them, it is artwork.