I realize that there are many differences between my generation and my grandparent’s. Dating is a completely different concept, technology advanced in numerous ways, and women are more outspoken. However, respecting each generation feels like an accommodation that not everyone reciprocates.
Yes, we all sometimes believe we know better than our grandparents or even parents when it comes to things we decide on as young adolescents. But if we respect them, why is it so hard for them to respect us?
I recently got another tattoo, this will be my third one, and a few older people made comments about it. They claimed I should “stop.” That I would regret this decision later on to have something permanent marked into my skin. Quite honestly, the same could be said about having a family or adopting an animal, that’s permanent too, but do you regret that decision? NO! They asked what my family would think.
Quite frankly, though, it’s my body. So why does it really matter what I do with it?
Honestly, I find it hard to believe that they wouldn’t be wishing for something to make them feel more beautiful or express themselves if they were my age. Each tattoo holds significance for me, and I look at them as a source of artistic expression.
Cultures all around the world have different body markings that they choose to have because of what it represents for them. Why is it any different for us?
Newsflash: It’s not.
Having body piercings or tattoos does not make someone any less of a person. I work in healthcare, and so many doctors and nurses have tattoos that are visible on a daily basis. Do you mean to tell me that if you had me as your nurse you wouldn’t respect my profession because of a nose ring? That you think I don’t represent healthcare on a professional level because of the ink on my skin?
Guess what? My tattoos and piercings don’t make me any less professional or any less amazing at my job.
I never thought I’d get a tattoo, but here I am. Am I aware that it’ll be seen for years or when I’m old and wrinkly? Duh. But it won’t change how much I love seeing the lines and colors on my skin.
Tattoos are a form of expression, and my choice to get one is mine — not anyone else’s. So as much as I respect the older generations who came before me, I wish they would return the favor and not question how I treat my body. My tattoos don’t harm my body, and I’m fully aware of all “pros” and “cons” to getting something “foreign” embedded into my skin. It is okay to agree to disagree, but please leave the negativity behind.
Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash
