5 Reasons Why People ACTUALLY Get Tattoos
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

5 Reasons Why People ACTUALLY Get Tattoos

Tattoos should never be looked down upon.

3789
5 Reasons Why People ACTUALLY Get Tattoos
Kaitlynn Yeager

People easily frown upon those who have tattoos. Those who are tattooed are rumored to be scary, unemployable, dirty, and many other descriptors that aren't even true. Just because someone has a tattoo, it doesn't mean any of these things.

Although I'm a bit biased, here's some of the real reasons why people get tattoos with a few examples from my personal life.

1. Expression

There are so many ways in which a person can express themselves and a huge way that people do so is through tattoos and piercings. So many people get things tattooed solely because they feel it describes them better than they are able to themselves. It allows the ink to speak for itself. For example, shown above is a tattoo my brother got to match with me. His font is different, but he chose it because it's his form of expression, his style.

2. Significance

Others get tattoos that have meaning behind them. I believe all tattoos have some type of meaning, or significance, even if it's just, "I got this because it's cool." It could be deeper than that, too. Shown above is my version of the tattoo I got matching with my brother. They're in the same location, which for me, is significant enough, but these words are song lyrics. They allow me to kind of show off my taste in music, how music affects my life, and to wear it on my skin every single day. Constantly I am applying music to my life and finding ways to relate to it or make simple connections. This is one that probably means the most to me and I love being able to see it all the time, especially in its typewriter font.

3. In Memory

In my opinion, one of the most popular "kinds" of tattoos are the ones people get in memory of loved ones they have lost. It helps people remember those who they've loved and have a tribute to them on their skin. The meaningful words and/or symbols are a comforting way for people to keep those they lost with them every day. Two of my tattoos, my first two ever, are dedicated to my uncle who passed away when I was twelve. Semicolons are suicide, depression, and mental illness awareness and I'm honored to wear them on my skin.

4. Personal Reminders

Sometimes it's easy to forget ways to show yourself love or remind yourself that you're great or that everything will be okay. Lots of people get tattoos that simply say "It's All Okay" or key words that help them recognize ways to be positive. I have a tattoo of an eye with a quote, "Embrace Uncertainty," because it's easy to forget that the things you can't see you can't change. This helps me remember that even if I'm not in control, I should accept where life takes me. This is something I often struggle with, so the ability to have it tattooed in a visible place is immensely helpful for me.

5. Art

Here's where people get a tattoo just so they can say "I got this because it's cool" and that is valid enough. Tattoos are a form of art and expression. Even if the tattoo doesn't make sense to you or you don't find it as cool as the person who got it does, it doesn't matter. Tattoos don't need to have a life-altering meaning to be important. Here's two tattoos I got on Friday the 13th because I thought they were cool.

In sum, tattoos should be more accepted. Eliminating them from the workforce or judging those who have tattoos is not hearing their story or what could potentially be their values.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70969
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132534
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments