Today I was tagged into a blog post on Facebook. It was a piece of writing by a journalist, on his own personal blog. Basically it states that all women who get tattoos and piercings are slutty and stupid with no ability to plan for the future.
Obviously what you post on your own blog is entirely up to you, and it is a place you can share your opinions with the whole world (Internet permitting!).
I was not offended by his narrow - mindedness, I was merely amused by his very stupid views. It did make think about my own body modifications and my own personal reasons for permanently altering my appearance. The many piercings I had in days gone by have been removed one by one over time. I do like the shiny newness and instant gratification of a piercing, but my chosen career path does not allow for visible jewellery and so for me, that ship has sailed.
Tattoos however are whole different ball game. I love my tattoos. Some early bits have been covered up by bigger ( and in my opinion, better) pieces. I have a couple that I regret, both of which were done on a whim, but they are constant reminders that great things come to those who WAIT!
For a girl (lady, woman?) I have a fairly large amount of coverage I suppose. I get 'looks' from judgey people, comments from even judgier people, but this was a choice I made, so generally I just take it on the chin. I am aware that by having tattoos in such "public" body space I am inviting the opinions of others, wanted or not!
What will I look like when I'm 80? This is something that I get asked all the bloody time!!! I'll look like many other people of my generation I presume. Also, if that is the least of my worries when I'm 80 think surely I'm cooking on gas?!
Will it stop you getting a job? Now this one does bother me a little. So far I have never had any problems with employers. I have never been made to cover my tattoos, but in all honesty I have never actively displayed them at work either. At the minute I am a student nurse. University have no uniform policy that covers tattoos so while I am a student I don't have to cover them. I like to think that when it comes to getting a job it won't be a problem, but that will depend on the hospital uniform policy.
But what about my reasons I hear you say... well for me my tattoos capture a moment in my life. Some are significant- I have my children's and my husband's name. I have a Disney work in progress incorporating my daughter's favourite films. I have a portrait of my favourite album cover.
Others have no meaning at all, they just represent where I was at that time in my life. I have great memories attached to these pieces of art that I carry around with me.
