Sunday, March 22, 2009

Thoughts on Tattoos



Call me old-fashioned. I'm not enthralled with the current fad of tattoos. My impression of those whose bodies are covered with tattoo-bearing flesh has always been that of 'roughians', tough bikers, gangsters of some kind. I've had to change that idea over the last few years, with even the tiniest women of meek manner adding ink art to their bodies. I've seen some work that I can admit that I thought was well done and even beautiful.

But, that being said, still I don't care for the idea of permanently stamping one's body parts with art. (If your argument is that it can be removed, why not get a peel and stick one, instead of one done with an electric pen and ink. It would be far less painful, and less expensive, to boot!) I've seen brides in sleeveless or strapless white gowns, bearing huge 'tats' on their forearms or shoulders or chests. I don't find that very attractive.

When one of my daughters got her first tattoo, it was small and located over her heart. I remember telling her that she'd look pretty weird as an old woman, with a sagging chest and a tattoo that was being dragged down with gravity as well. Her answer was, "no, I won't, Mom, because everyone else will have them too." She had a point.

I suppose I could live with the idea of ONE bit of artwork on a body, the way men used to do. These days, however, most people don't stop at one. They've become 'walking art galleries'. I don't have even one and am not likely to get one now... or ever. If I'm ever tempted, which I wouldn't count on if I were you, I will make my way to the nearest dollar store and I'll buy myself a wash-off type that the little kids wear.

I will admit that there is ONE good thing that might come about by the wearing of a tattoo, or several. That is it would make body identification easier, should the need arise.

I prefer to remain a 'blank canvas'. Tats are just not my style. Take that for what it's worth. Consider, too, while you're at it, that my hair-do has been pretty much the same for twenty years or more. Like I said, call me old-fashioned.