By David De Leon
Ranger Reporter
Tattoos can be permanent. Whether done on a dare or to commemorate a special something in your life, they are extremely hard and expensive to remove.
“My tattoos mean a lot to me,” said Becky Aragon, a criminal justice major. “They represent my personality and who I am, but I do keep my career in mind when I consider the placement of my tattoos.”
Other students feel the same way about their tattoos; they are conscious of the placement of the artworks but feel as if they do not live up to the stereotypes that come with them.
It seems that tattoos have become a huge part of our generation’s culture and style. Many professional athletes and movie stars are covered with tattoos. Today you can turn on a television set and watch reality programs that showcase lives of people involved with tattoo parlors.
Famous tattoo artists such as Kat Von D, Don Ed Hardy and Ami James have become celebrities because of their works of art on people’s skin. More and more of the “common folk” have adjusted to the belief that tattoos are personal pieces of art, and usually if the tats remain hidden, they have no issue with them.
“I will probably get a tattoo one day, when I know how much leeway in my career that I have,” said Kit Gregory, a general studies major.
Regardless of some professionals’ views on tattoos, some students could not care less about their tattoos being visible. They don’t think they should have to hide or be ashamed of something that means so much to them.
“I realize that it might cost me some employment opportunities in the future, but my tattoos are a big part of me and my personality,” said Aleza Photisene, a mass communication major. “I should not have to hide who I am.”
Despite the courageous and proud views, a vast number of people believe that if you have a tattoo, it should remain hidden in the work place because it is unprofessional or does not portray an image, whatever it may be, that a corporation or business is looking for.
The trend might be changing as younger generations skyrocket to the top of the professional word. Maybe in just a few elections, our future president will have ink on his or her skin. It certainly would make their views and personality more transparent.
Leave a Reply