Tattoos are a way for some people to express themselves in a form of permanent ink. The Statistic Brain Research Institute states there are forty-five million Americans who have at least one tattoo on their body. That is about 14% of Americans of all ages who have a tattoo.
Despite these statistics, a person’s tattoo gives off a positive or negative feel towards the person seeing it or the one who has it on their skin.
Tattoos convey a lot of personality traits about the person, whether they have a tattoo of a person, a heart, or a skull. In most cases, a tattoo can tell someone a lot about that person and their emotions from the tattoo. “A 2012 study found that personality differences between tattooed and non-tattooed individuals were ‘generally small’ although those with tattoos tended to be more extroverted and display a greater need for uniqueness,” said Jon Kelly from BBC News Magazine website.
There are multiple reasons as to why people get tattoos. One reason can be for their religion, and those who take it seriously make it clearly known through the tattoos on their skin. Another reason is to self-express, which means the tattoo reflects their emotions. Overall, the main reason people get tattoos is for fashion. Most people strive to get a tattoo because it is like the hottest trend and everyone they know has one, therefore persuading others to get inked so they can fit in with the crowd.
Newtown High School students feel that tattoos have both a favorable or unfavorable aspect for people who have a tattoo or choose to get one.
“I think tattoos are pretty cool since you can get any different design and they can make a person look more tough, but at the same time they can make someone look unprofessional,” NHS sophomore Bethany Zajac said.
Tattoos can identify a person into a member of a certain group like a religious group for example, while others get inked to express a statement for their distinctive personality and as an individual.
“Tattoos are a wonderful way to express who you are and what’s important to you. Your body can become your canvas to show what you’ve been through or just to show something you love. Tattoos might not be for everyone, but I think that the general stereotype that tattoos give a negative connotation is slowly fading. Tattoos are becoming a norm like they should be, and I definitely think the idea that you can’t get a job with a tattoo is or should be fading too,” NHS senior Robin Rockwell said.
Tattoos are also an interesting way to remember an important person or date, which is why many people chose to have it inked onto their bodies so it is never forgotten and it is there forever. Pictures are temporary and could be lost, while a tattoo is permanent.
“I think it’s not bad to have tattoos and I don’t think you should be judged if you have one or multiple. I think it’s a good way to always remember something or to always have something cool that you like on you. I think it can give a person character and having something about them that always stands out,” NHS junior CJ Herde said.
Despite the artistic and religious reasoning for getting a tattoo, some feel it gives a negative impression.
“I think tattoos are ridiculous because they cost a lot of money and look bad after a while,” NHS sophomore Thomas Majlinger said.
Tattoos are becoming accepted even more as people are starting to get one because of fashion, religion, or other valuable reasons. They also contribute to a person’s personality traits depending on the type of tattoo, which can show a lot of emotion and also tell a story. Even though tattoos are both a positive and a negative in the view of some people, people with tattoos should not be stereotyped. They express who you are as a person, along with exhibiting emotions through the tattoo and what is most important in their past or current life.