Tattoos and teenagers

I do agree with this article when it says that tattoos are a form of expression and someone’s identity. It shows their likes and interests. I have noticed that some people have tattoos just to have them. They get a tattoo because they like how it looks even though it doesn’t mean anything to them. There are people who get tattoos just because they are old enough and they think they are unique and cool. I think it is stupid to get a tattoo just to get one. I understand getting one if it means something and show the type of person that you are. What gets me angry is when I see people who have crosses on their body even though they aren’t religious at all. What is the point of that? Those are the things that you have on your body for your life and the tattoo one gets will always be a reminder of something. This reminder may be about their culture, identity, something they thought looked cool, or a poor choice after a drunken night. No matter what, it is permanent and I think people need to really think about what their tattoo means to them before they get it.
I no longer think that tattoos are associated with drugs and other problematic behavior or poor lifestyles. I think that people are starting to get tattoos more often now to show who they are as a person, to express themselves. Tattoos are looked at more like an art form now. I think that overtime, tattoos will become more accepting but it also depends upon where you get them and what job you plan on having in the future. I don’t think visible tattoos will ever be professional in most companies, but in others it is the norm. For example, the music industry has many artists, producers, etc who all have tattoos. They get them to show what they stand for and what is important to them in their lives.
I am surprised at the young ages that kids get tattoos. I believe that they do it because they want a change with their look, something new and different. At a young age when they get a tattoo, it also gives them attention from their peers because it is not the norm. Tattoos are an interesting thing. You may look at them and think it looks nice, but it may have so much meaning behind it. What I find interesting is how a lot of Americans get Japanese writing on their bodies or symbols that represent a word. I once hear a comedian saying that the Japanese people don’t go around and write English words all over their body.
As a future teacher, if a student of mine or their parents has tattoos, I am able to learn more about that person and their culture. Tattoos can say a lot about a person and what they believe in. It is important to be aware of your student’s culture and life so that you can know how to make your content interesting to them.