A tattoo is a mark, design, or word intentionally placed on the body using an electric machine that penetrates the skin. Tattoos, originally used to identify slaves and criminals, have evolved from previous stigmas surrounding them and have become very common among the general population. Many people choose to wear tattoos to express their feelings, artistic nature, beliefs, or as a way to remember and honor someone or something. However, tattoos are often still frowned upon among certain age groups, social settings, and those who are prone to certain health risks.
A large number of teens and young adults have shown an increase of interest in tattoos over the last decade. In most states, the legal age to receive a tattoo without permission from a parent or guardian is 18. This ordinance is in place to regulate teen’s spontaneous ideas and to keep them from inking something they may regret in the future. The desire of most teens to get a tattoo is temporary, but tattoos are forever.
Stereotypes about tattoos have shifted, but they often still carry a burden in certain social settings and places. For instance, the workplace is a common area where tattoos are treated condescendingly and deemed unprofessional. When going through the hiring process, working with co-workers, or dealing with customers, it is more than likely that assumptions will be made about your character based on your tattoo, good or bad. Views and opinions on tattoos can create a negative stigma and a divide in the workplace.
Many who suffer from health risks like heart disease, eczema, allergies, etc., are most susceptible to battling side effects from a tattoo. The health risks of tattoos can be limited by choosing a registered, experienced tattooist. However, you are still prone to struggling with infection, allergic reactions, and thick scarring. These side effects may only worsen over time given that the skin that contains the tattoo changes drastically throughout your life. It is important to research all of the health risks and to consult your doctor before getting a tattoo.
Personally, I would like to get a tattoo someday. When I first proposed the idea to my parents, I was repeatedly told that I must wait until I am 18 when I can make the decision for myself. After doing research on this topic, I now understand their reasoning and the importance of thinking through my decision. I have a good idea of what I want my first tattoo to be, but thanks to my parents, I have plenty of time to fully consider my design before making it permanent.
The choice to get a tattoo is a very personal decision and requires many factors to be taken into consideration. Tattoos act as a form of self expression and can communicate different signals to the public. While they are often degraded by society for influencing younger age groups, creating division and a sense of unprofessionalism in the workplace, and propose a number of health risks, there is no doubt that tattoos carry artistic value that is personalized to each individual.
Would you let your child get a tattoo? If so, what age?
Should tattoos be allowed in professional settings?
Do you know anyone who has a tattoo they regret?
Sources:
The Nation's Health.org - Play It Smart With Body Art
Cluecho.com - Tattoos & Piercings
University Of Houston.edu - Tattoos In The Workplace
Replies
Interesting point. Because of this, do you think they should be allowed in a workplace but should be covered up?
I wouldn't really let me child get a tattoo, but I feel like once they are at least 21 they are old enough to decide for themselves and I wouldn't really have much say. They should be old enough to think through it and really decide if they actually want it. They are expensive to get and if you end up hating it then its even more to get rid of it.
Yes! Most people get very caught up in the excitement of a new tattoo, they tend to look past the details of price or removal down the line.
I would let my child get a tattoo, but they need to be at least 21. If they are going to put something permanent like that on their body, they need to be sure about it. And they need to be smart about it. They'll have to live with it for the rest of their life. I think tattoos are fine, as long as they're not everywhere, that can be a little excessive.
I do not think that children should be able to have tattoos. I do not think that children should be able to have tattoos because they are permanent and it costs a lot of money. do not think that children should be able to have tattoos because a person could regret it for the rest of their lives
I would not let my child have tattoos. I think that they could make a bad desion and have to live with that for the rest of their lives. I think that tattoos shoudl be allowed in professional settings. I do not know any who has a tattoo they regret.
I would let my child get a tattoo when they are 18 or older and are making their own decisions. I do not know of anybody who has a tattoo that they regret. I have never really talked to many people with tattoos and those that I have they are all very meaningful.
Good point, I think that once children turn 18 there are legally allowed to do most anything, which includes tattoos. Meaning, they should make their own decision.
Probably not until they are 18, since I really don't like tattoos. Tattoos can be allowed, but I don't like seeing them when they are at a job. I don't really know of anyone, but people on the internet sometimes regret getting a tattoo.
This is an interesting point of view on this subject, one I haven't seen yet. Is there a specific reason that you don't like tattoos or why they make you feel uncomfortable at a job?
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