So this my blog entry about tattoos.
When did tattoos become a fashion accessory? It seems like no one gets tattoos because it means something personal to them now. Girls get tattoos in the ubiquitous lower back portion of their body as a brand of their sluttiness. Guys get the ever-present barbell around their arm “muscles” as a testament to their “masculinity” and desire to be carbon-copy assholes. Tattoos have become increasingly crude and a running gag line almost. I am not one to judge someone for what they get tattooed on their body because it is their choice and their body; however, that being said, I don’t understand the choice of subject matter for tattoos anymore! Do women truly feel as though little butterflies are reflections of themselves? Long celtic symbols? Hearts? And men who get cartoon pin-up gals (especially the guy who got the tattoo of the girl giving the devil a blow job) should be particularly shameful! Yes, please perpetuate some sexist and masochistic image by getting it permanently tattooed on your body. I mean, it is every kid’s dream to go up to their father and say “daddy, what is that girl doing to that man?”. I would be forever proud of my father or grandfather. I would fall over myself to date, be seen in public, or generally associated with any man who has such an awe-inspiring image of brilliance on his body. Please, just bring it on. Images of butterflies, hearts, and celtic symbols may have meaning to some individuals but the majority of people are getting tattoos because it is the “cool” thing to do these days. And that drives me nuts because it cheapens those of us who get tattoos that have meaning.

Similarly, tattoo subjects appear to be getting cheaper and more de-valued as time goes on. Of course I am thinking of a girl that we all know and love who was willing to get her name tattooed on her leg. WHY? So you can remember it if you ever get amnesia? Not even her Chinese name, but her actual name. Oh, I should go or I’ll miss my opportunity to get “Laura” tattooed on my forehead….

I believe very strongly that tattoos are a personal choice. It is your body and your choice and at the end of the day, it is your tattoo and you should get what you want. But I also believe that tattoos shouldn’t be used as a fashion accessory or humour device. It is permanently etched in your skin and at the age of 80, are you going to still be proud of, and relate to, the naked cartoon girl you have tattooed on your leg? I believe that tattoos are a reflection of your character and what does it say when you have the same ubiquitous tattoo that millions of other girls or guys have? To me it states fairly clearly that you have a complete lack of originality and creativity. If you want to be hip, go and buy the latest smock-y clothing item, or hip technology, that is on the market. Don’t get a carbon-copy tattoo because guaranteed you will find hundreds of people milling around the mall with the exact same thing. And that is just stupid.