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One of my plans this weekend is to hit up the Field Museum with a friend. Well, first we’re going to the Shedd Aquarium to flip off the dolphins, but then the Field Museum. The reason for all of this is two fold: because I can’t drink while I’m on the Whole 30, and because the museum has an exhibit on tattoos that will run until September of this year. Both of us are tattoo enthusiasts, so we figured we would take some time to check it out.
As best as I can remember, we never really had an active dialogue about tattoos in my household when I was growing up. If there was one, it was usually my dad saying that we had to wait until we were 18 to get one, and if we got one it had to be easily covered up by a dress shirt. There was never a conversation that ended with “If you get a tattoo I’m going to fucking kill you” or anything like that. It was made very clear that my parents weren’t fans of tattoos, but once we turned 18, we were free to roam.
The thing is, I feel like getting a tattoo isn’t as taboo as it once was. I remember growing up and hearing my friends talk about how if they got a tattoo, their mom would kick them out of the house. Some people were told that if they got a tattoo, there was no chance that they’d be able to get a job once they graduated college. Personally, I think that’s really fucked up; especially in a day and age where if you don’t have a tattoo, you’re probably kind of lame.
Yeah. I said it. We could make arguments all day about whether or not having tattoos will have an effect on your career—and in some cases, it might—but that’s not stopping people from getting them. In fact, a New York Times poll from 2014 said that the percentage of Americans getting tattoos nearly doubled from 21% to 40% between 1999 and 2014. Judging by the people I hang out with and the bars and coffee shops I frequent, I’d venture to say that number hasn’t gotten any lower.
I think a lot of the apprehension that comes with tattoos is that people feel pressured to have some kind of deeper meaning behind them. That if something’s going to be on your body for the rest of your life, it has to have a profound impact on your personality. I’m not saying that they shouldn’t; one of my tattoos is to remind me of a really important time during my life. But who’s to say that you can’t go out and get a tattoo because it looks cool? Do you like elephants? Go get a dope elephant tattoo. Show that shit off, it’s a part of you now.
The fact is, not every tattoo has to have a story. If you truly love a piece of artwork, why not get it inked on and take it with you? And vice versa, if you see someone with an awesome tattoo, maybe they don’t have a meaning behind it; maybe they were shopping around and thought it looked cool. Isn’t that kind of the point, too? Even if your tattoo means something to you, somewhere in the back of your mind, I’m pretty sure a part of you is thinking to yourself, “Holy fuck, I look sexy with this thing.” And that’s okay! If you’re feeling yourself, who cares?
Sure, tattoos used to be a sign of counter-culture. You either got one if you were trying to rebel, or if you were a sailor. But it’s not 1943 anymore. Tattoos are more common than ever, and the likelihood of you looking unprofessional because the scroll on your back shoulder is exposed during a work outing is pretty much out the window. Now, I’m not saying to go get a face tattoo that will frighten children. That may be excessive. But if you want to express yourself and have something permanent to show off, give tattoos a shot..
Image via Shutterstock
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Charlie
Using sarcasm as a defense mechanism since 1993. At any given moment I'm either tired, drunk, or stressed out. Get at me at charliepgp@gmail.com or whatever.
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I bet will has a tattoo of a virgin strawberry daiquiri
That drink is too strong for Will
It’s a glass of white wine with ice cubes in it
You give deFries too much credit in even being able to withstand a tattoo needle. He has at best a sleeve of those shitty Fruit Stripe Gum temporary tattoos which he has his SO help him put on.
And be all sticky for literally hours? I don’t think so
The dick sleeve is the next wave, guys. Girls love penises…and art
This guy fucks.
But what did the dolphins do???
Gotta disagree with your take here. The clean cut look never goes out of style. Tattoos are a thing now, but I think a lot of people will regret them when they’re older. Plus in a lot of professional environments it’s still a bad look. Maybe not in millennial-driven tech companies or something, but a lot of employers will view tattoos poorly
I’m personally a solid mix, which is the way to go. With a short sleeve shirt on I have zero visible tattoos but shirtless I’m about halfway to having my entire chest, back and shoulders covered. I like this way because I can have whatever (meaningful) tattoos I want without being questioned and I never have to worry about being judged in the workplace.
Go to work with some nifty face tats for funsies.
I just don’t think there is one thing I could get put permanently on my body that I wouldn’t eventually hate.
Not having money for a tattoo. PGP
There is no case for or not for tattoos. Do whatever you want.
This guy gets it. Get tattoos if you want or don’t. Tats or no tats don’t make someone lame or cool.
I can’t get a tattoo, it would make me easier to spot when I have to go on the run after I inevitably snap because of my job and commit some heinous crime.
Yo it’s Friday and Cinco de Mayo… Go get a marg asap. haha
Can’t have to work all weekend
My favorite tattoo story to tell is when I went to Vegas with a bunch of PGP friends and drunkenly got a four-leaf clover tattooed on my arm on St. Patrick’s Day.
I have trouble committing to watch a tv show. I don’t think I could ever commit to having a tattoo of something for the rest of my life.