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BY ASHLEY LADWIG
Times Correspondents | Tuesday, July 19, 2005 | (No comments posted.)
My parents call it a "trend." My friends call it "tight." I say "whatever stirs your coffee."
To me, tattoos are truly a matter of personal preference. Yes, they are popular, but they are also unique.
Every tattoo is different. Each has its own story, its own meaning.
Tattoos have a huge history. In recorded history, they date back to ancient Egyptian civilizations, before the Great Pyramids were built.
Tattoos have served many purposes throughout history, from designating professions to warding off illnesses to claiming membership to particular groups or families.
Greeks used them for communication among spies and Romans branded criminals with tattoos. Middle-class Japanese were considered well dressed if they had full body tattoos in the 1700s.
Today, tattoos are mainly used for personal adornment. Everyone has his or her own reason for getting tattoos.
If you ask anyone who has decorated themselves in this ancient form of art, they will be able to tell you why they chose a specific design for their tattoo.
For some, their tattoo represents a connection to their family. For others, it's a description of their self.
Maybe the tattoo symbolizes a special interest. Then again, I suppose some get tattoos just because they look good.
Whatever the reason may be, tattoos are special to the individual to which it belongs.
I don't believe a person should be judged because of their choice of self-expression. Of course, I don't expect everyone to like tattoos or to get one, but I don't think you should judge a person who has chosen to garnish themselves in such artwork.
It truly is art, too. The tattoo artists carefully paint a picture on skin. Not only do these artists have to be steady, but creative.
All of my friends who have tattoos have gone to Bugaboo in Hammond.
I've seen the artists there craft beautiful skin paintings, many of which are completely custom for the individual displaying the artwork.
To me, I see no way other than original when it comes to tattoo designs and most artists are more than willing to step out of the ordinary and design a new masterpiece.
For anyone considering a tattoo, when you see what you want, you'll know if it's right for you. You'll just get a feeling that tells you that's it.
For anyone who doesn't like tattoos, they're not a cry for attention. They're just a way to connect to one's self, so don't judge based on art preferences.
Opinions expressed solely are those of the writer. Ashley Ladwig will be a senior at Lake Central High School.
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