Topic > Tattoos: Expressions of Identity with Permanent Consequences

Snakes, reapers, skulls and bones, and hearts; these are just a few examples of the many icons who have ink forever bound to their skin. Tattoos, lasting ink images forever sealed on a person's body, are used to symbolize the wearer's characteristics or allegiance to a group/society/idea. Those with skin combined with instilled ink illustrations can truly convey their thoughts, beliefs, and whatnot through the tattoos they deem sacred. However, it is this expression that can attract both positive and negative responses. Wearing clothing or accessories that promote or express your beliefs or ideas is commonly acceptable, but deviating to the extent of getting a tattoo may not always be the best option. Not only that, but once you get them, you can sometimes regret the choice you made, but tattoo scars never fade. Tattoos should not be used to adorn one's skin because they can cause negative attention towards oneself, promote future regrets, and increase the need to fit in with a particular group. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayImagine that you are wearing a T-shirt with a suggestive logo. Whether or not you agree with the message on the shirt, other people will assume that you believe whatever topic is on your shirt; and may not approve if the message is unpleasant. They may try to avoid you or even give you an unpleasant vibe. Likewise, a tattoo often contains an idea, free to express itself to the public. However, you can take off a shirt, but a tattoo is extremely difficult, if possible, to remove. If you are left with a tattoo that is offensive to some people, even if you don't think so, you may isolate yourself from others who don't like your tattoo, which could include your family or intimate partner. For example, one interviewee recalls an experience with her boyfriend, “…he didn't want his parents to know I had a tattoo…he let me know he didn't like it…he would have preferred it if I didn't have it…” (Brands of Mischief 98). Having a tattoo can be difficult for an intimate partner or family member to accept, especially with the stereotype that tattoos belong to hardcore bikers. And while you may find your tattoo acceptable, knowing that your family and friends don't can hurt. While the idea of ​​biker-related tattoos is a stereotype anyway, that doesn't disprove it. Bikers often wear tattoos to show allegiance to a clan or gang. One interviewee recalls why she got a tattoo: “I got a tattoo…so it makes me more accepted in that [biker] community…The typical biker would tell you you almost have to have tattoos to be part of the group" (96). The interviewee suggests that tattoos are essential to being part of a biker group. But why sacrifice your own skin to be part of a group? Getting a tattoo for that purpose may seem like hazing. Having tattoos should not “mark” you as part of a group. On the other hand, what if you get a tattoo representing a group you don't agree with? From the outside you will be presented as a member of that group, even if that was not your intention. Tattoos can lead to incorrect assumptions about group loyalty or “marking” to join a group. The biggest thing about tattoos is regret. The unfavorable design, location, quality, effect, and first step of getting a tattoo could be the roots of one's regret. And although:.