Pretty in ink
Our generation is putting tattoos in the mainstream
William Mornini
Issue date: 4/30/09 Section: Feature
For centuries tattoos have been used to distinguish people, express who they are and also for therapeutic purposes. The oldest practice of tattooing comes from Samoa, although many Polynesian cultures share similar traditional forms of tattoo, according to pbs.org.
Ancient tattooing cultures are at the heart of the massive movement to get inked today, included in this movement are many Kirkwood Community College students.
Many people today get a tattoo when something significant or life changing happens. Tattoos can be a form of sentimental remembrance or just something you happen to love or find beautiful. Kelsey Campbell, culinary arts major, said she got a heart tattoo on her hip to remind her of when she went to France.
According to Lindsey Paul, accounting major, "Tattoos are a good way to express yourself." Tattoos are becoming more and more socially acceptable. The movement of ink and piercing is commonly practiced and often celebrated.
Sometimes a young person will get a tattoo when they turn 18 and won't put a lot of thought into it. The artist is given a large responsibility and temporary ownership of your skin. Downsides to getting ink include the narrowing of job opportunities and possibly judgment by members of the community.
"Tattoos are usually a good form of self expression but sometimes tattoos are exploited," said Zach Phelps, film and art major. By exploiting, Phelps means ill-using or over using tattoos. Phelps got a tattoo of a Latin phrase that translates to "every man is the artisan of his own fortune" as motivation and incentive to achieve more in life.
Whatever the reason to get a tattoo, be sure to put plenty of thought into your investment. Make sure it's something you are absolutely positive you want to be affiliated with because surgically removing a tattoo is expensive and painful.
New systems have been developed for removing ink from under one's skin, such as balms and lotions, but these will only remove a portion of the ink.
Summer is right around the corner though and students are going to start dressing for the warmer weather revealing there ink to the general public.
Ancient tattooing cultures are at the heart of the massive movement to get inked today, included in this movement are many Kirkwood Community College students.
Many people today get a tattoo when something significant or life changing happens. Tattoos can be a form of sentimental remembrance or just something you happen to love or find beautiful. Kelsey Campbell, culinary arts major, said she got a heart tattoo on her hip to remind her of when she went to France.
According to Lindsey Paul, accounting major, "Tattoos are a good way to express yourself." Tattoos are becoming more and more socially acceptable. The movement of ink and piercing is commonly practiced and often celebrated.
Sometimes a young person will get a tattoo when they turn 18 and won't put a lot of thought into it. The artist is given a large responsibility and temporary ownership of your skin. Downsides to getting ink include the narrowing of job opportunities and possibly judgment by members of the community.
"Tattoos are usually a good form of self expression but sometimes tattoos are exploited," said Zach Phelps, film and art major. By exploiting, Phelps means ill-using or over using tattoos. Phelps got a tattoo of a Latin phrase that translates to "every man is the artisan of his own fortune" as motivation and incentive to achieve more in life.
Whatever the reason to get a tattoo, be sure to put plenty of thought into your investment. Make sure it's something you are absolutely positive you want to be affiliated with because surgically removing a tattoo is expensive and painful.
New systems have been developed for removing ink from under one's skin, such as balms and lotions, but these will only remove a portion of the ink.
Summer is right around the corner though and students are going to start dressing for the warmer weather revealing there ink to the general public.
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