Tattoos

Tattoos are a form of expression that a person might choose to display on their body. I agree with Shannon Larratt that tattoos are generally well thought out, and planned, as I know from experience. I have a tattoo on my ankle that resembles a Henna tattoo that I received on my high school trip to Israel with my classmates. The tattoo means something to me, and its significance will be remembered for my lifetime. I also believe that people do some research into the tattoo parlor in which they are going to tattooed in, and make sure it is upholding standards of hygiene and sterilization. I want to address the question that is stated in the article which asks about the potential harm or advantage of wearing a tattoo from another culture other than your own. I think that it is almost disrespectful to that culture to wear a symbol of theirs unless you have studied it in depth, and fully understand the meaning of it. If you choose to get a symbol from another culture, then you almost must “have permission” to have it because it is as if you are borrowing part of their culture. If someone asked you about the tattoo you would have to be able to defend it, and explain it to someone, which means you would need to know its significance to the culture, and any other meanings.

My tattoo located on my right inside ankle. As described above, this tattoo has significance to me.

I am not sure how I feel about tattoos being used in the classroom as a topic of study. I think it would depend of the grade level, and maturity of the students. I think that if it is used as a topic of study at a later age, say close to 14 as the article stated that was the average age for a first tattoo, that it would not be appropriate. It might spark an interest in the students, and inspire them to get one themselves. I think in the high school years, it would be more appropriate because the students are closer to the age in which they can legally get a tattoo. I think that if a teacher were to do a lesson on tattoos, they would have to make sure they address what could go wrong if one were to get one, and the implications of having a tattoo as an ending to the lesson. I think at the elementary level tattoos might be an appropriate topic of discussion because most of the students still listen to their parents, and no tattoo artist would willingly tattoo a 10 year old (I hope that is). I think it could be an interesting topic of study, if presented in the proper way.