Tattoos. They are permanent, they are controversial, but they are also interesting and sometimes even beautiful. The argument against tattoos has always been that they look unprofessional, that they’re permanent, and that they’re not worth having since a person’s interests, styles, and tastes will change over the year. Despite the negativity and controversy that comes with tattoos, a plethora of people still find themselves getting them and even covering whole body parts with tattoos. With a history of human interest in tattoos and the appeal for tattoos still continuing to rise, we as a society need to ask ourselves: what is the appeal of tattoos and since they are so popular why are we looking at them with such a negative connotation?

As a millennial currently attending college, I find myself attracted to tattoos as many other people in my generation do. I, along with the rest of my peers, find them compelling, something that makes a person unique, beautiful, and, honestly, something really fun to do with friends. Tattoos can symbolize a personal experience with a drawing, date, name, symbol etc. that applies to a person's life, but they don’t always have to be meaningful. People are following tattoo trends now and getting ones to match their aesthetic. Some of the more popular tattoo trends are minimalist tattoos, watercolor tattoos, and geometric designs. All are unique and interesting and are becoming more embraced by many generations.

There is no denying that tattoos can also look tacky, be inappropriate, and look poorly done, which is where people begin looking at them negatively. This is very understandable, if someone came into a job interview with barbed wire tattooed across their forehead one would understand an employers hesitation to hire them. But with the rising phenomenon that are tattoos, people need to start becoming more open minded towards them. It’s okay to not like them, but they shouldn’t be always be a deal breaker for someone being hired at a job, we shouldn't criticize people for deciding to get one, and we as a society need to realize we don’t have control over how someone decides to decorate their body.

And to the people who decide to get tattoos. Take time in deciding what you want, go to a professional, and, please, don’t get a face tattoo unless you’re a successful rapper and don’t have to worry about getting a job.