Ink...on the body?! Yeah its called a tattoo mom...

They have been around for over five thousand years and were first used to only mark your rank in society or for healing purposes. Now tattoos are everywhere on the body and around the world. There are plenty of statistics coming from people with tattoos and without that can be found here on this site. http://www.vanishingtattoo.com/tattoo_facts.htm
I challenge you to look at it and read the statistics and learn that 83% of people do not regret having their tattoo on their body. I feel that many people, mainly adults or parents, think that all tattoos are bad, which they are not. An example I can give to you is my first tattoo as well as my moms first experience. My father has never been one for piercings or tattoos and at the time neither was my mother. I never knew why and I am still not 100% sure on why he doesn't like them so much. I think it may be because he thinks they ruin the body image or give off the wrong idea or possibly because he thinks you will regret it in the future. I may never know, but that's not the point im trying to make. Over time he finally gave in or possibly tried his best to understand that getting a tattoo actually meant something to some people. My mother also felt somewhat the same way as my father did but she was more lenient and understanding of them. In February of 2008 my mother and myself both got our first tattoos. My is on the inside of my left bicep and reads: -Vivere- -Ridere- -Amore- which in Italian means Live, Laugh, Love. To me this is the way I try and live my life. My family is also Italian so there is some meaning behind getting the quote in that language. I can wake up every morning and see those three words and they remind me that I will strive to live my best, laugh the most and love the deepest every waking moment of my life. I feel now that my father understands that this tattoo is not bad but really has meaning for me. My mothers tattoo is significant to her as well. It is on right wrist and has four colored hearts, representing her children, a cross for her religious beliefs and a big heart for her husband, the love of her life. To this day still I know my mom feels that she made a good choice by getting a tattoo. She loves people asking her about it and what it means and seeing it everyday knowing what is most important to her in life.

For many who are against tattoos I think it may be because they have seen the wrong side of them, unfortunately. It is the same for many who hate religion for example. People that claim to be christian, etc. and go and do the wrong thing give real christians a bad name. Same goes for tattoos. When Johnny Snakebite goes to the tattoo parlor and throws on a cobra around his neck while he is drunk doesnt give people with meaningful tattoos a good name. My chellenge for everyone is to learn to respect tattoos and try to have a better understanding of them. If I can go find someone with one and ask them about it. You may be surprised what you learn about them.

If you feel the need to ever ask me a question or dont want to comment on these posts feel free to email me at tpthompson@bsu.edu. I would love to hear and answers and questions. I do know alot about tattoos as well if you have questions in that area. I did a big study and presentation on them last year. Thanks again for stopping by and checking the posts. Everyone enjoy their day.

Oh and yes mom, dad, this is my binding resolution for you to allow me to get my next tattoo. Which I may post something about why parents let their kids get one tattoo then make them stop? I'm just kidding.