and if people look at me askance, pull their children in closer, I'm screaming PREJUDICE!!! If that employer doesn't chose me, I'm calling an attorney, and there is going to be a lawsuit for DISCRIMINATION!
It is said of folks who elect to have ink injected into their skin, that they have consciously taken the decision to tattoo their bodies and would like to proudly declare that they are what they are. "They are ordinary people like you and me, except that they have a strong sense of identity they have no intention of hiding." They are not scared of public opinion and would love to let others know what they believe in. Perhaps they can't say it in words, so instead, they choose a Gothic Font and a scull and crossbones, and there it is written on flesh, everything they believe and who they are. If you disagree with them, then keep it to yourself. HATER. I didn't realize that I did not have a "strong sense of identity", without ink. Who knew!
This man has a healthy sense of self.
It's ART...well, somebody's art. But for the tattooed, the choice, the colors, the placement, that is the art. And damn it, they paid for it! They chose the pain, the health risks. They also chose the reactions, but despite having a strong sense of identity, they feel persecuted. There needs to be awareness.
My favorite inked folks are the ones who can't afford to pay their bills, often on public assistance, but they can be found outside the parlor with a pack of cigarettes, waiting to be inked. It's an artist's life. It's a lovely scene that has replaced the drugstore soda fountain in nearly every town and city.
This person has a strong sense of identity, and a slight case of folliculitis.
It's estimated that one if five have elected to have ink, 25 percent of the hip and young people under the age of 30. It's a hallmark of the zeitgeist of the youth of the 21rst century. The most cited reasons for the elected pain and possible case of hepatitis or tetanus, were to
*Show the world you have passions and interests! This man, for example, enjoys the cruel and illegal sport of dogfighting. He's man enough for the great big back tat and to wear such tight pants that he overflows, but it's apparent, that waxing is too painful.
*be a living memorial to a departed loved one. This may be slightly more expensive than having a sticker put on your car's back window, but much less expensive than purchasing a plot in the cemetery and hiring a stone mason to carve names on a block of marble.
Nothing shows respect for the dead like a skull of a pit bull inscribed with a proper R.I.P. *Represent a living person, which can lead to a constant reminder of that ex. There are specialists who can alter that bad memory, or of course, there's the option for removal, WHEW!
*to tell the world that you love Jesus, the Buddha, Elvis, or Satan. Jesus has a way of taking the scary out the other gang signs tattooed around the neck, and the tear on the face.
A dogfighting angel, how sweet!
This gentleman with a strong sense of self expresses his love of Satan and pit bulls.
The polka dotted bow tie is so dapper!
• Military tattoos representing patriotism. I don't know if the military allows for full face and neck tattoos yet, or for those cool little bits of metal poking out of the face, or the ultimate statement that accompanies ink, ear plugs. Those are really tribal. One could claim that it's cultural, and get the civil liberties union involved. It's only a matter of time until pit bulls and ear plugs are accepted and that the military becomes more enlightened about such things. After all, people who fight for our freedom of speech should be free to express themselves!
• A dumb, drunken mistake. They can be altered or removed!
• Because a friend did it, and you want to be part of the tribe.
And a new reason, is to help restore the image of pit bulls. It's not working.
Oh my God. WHERE have you been my whole life. You have got this demographic DOWN. I wonder if it makes them nervous when they realize someone can see right through their facade? Are they embarrassed or angry? Why does it matter so much to them what other people think of them? Isn't that the very opposite of rebellion? Having to scream out who you are all the time sounds tiring. And so not punk rock.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this blog. I am officially living for it!