A Colorful Generation

Nearly every fifth person in Austria has one: a picture, a sign, or a lettering on their body. Yes, I am talking about tattoos. This painful treatment is a big trend, and I have to admit, that I have got one too. It is a small butterfly combined with a fairy.

But why, for goodness sake, do people suffer voluntarily for something extraordinary on their body? Isn’t it stupid to stitch with a needle in someone’s skin, and fill this wound with ink? Isn’t it dangerous? What happens if the tattooist makes a mistake? What if you change your mind about the tattoo after a few years? What can you do then? These are all questions, which are very important to think about if you want to have a tattoo. You should come up with an excellent answer for all this questions above and most of all be very careful with your choice of the tattooist. Here are some of the motives, which I think are responsible for this choice:

           

            The uniqueness. Most of the tattoos are individual paintings from a tattooist, so you are the only person in the whole world who has got this kind of body art. It makes you feel special and unique. In today’s society everybody has to fit into norms (for example fashion) and having a tattoo, breaks the norm.

            The meaning. Maybe something good or bad had happened in your life and you want this memory to stay, so you think it is a good idea to stitch it into your skin, but dare you to stitch the name of your current love!! I know a few people who really regret this decision…

           Maybe there is another fact, why it is so cool to have a tattoo. In the media are more and more tattooed models, they advertise things with the art that is on their body and so they are able to influence someone’s choice to have a tattoo easily.

            Tattoo conventions are good visited events. There you get ideas for your next tattoo, buy some really freaky underwear or shoes, and have a look at the real tattoo freaks. I think the most famous are the Zombie Boy and the Vampire Lady.

 

But there are dangers too:
For example, can you get addicted to the pain, I know this sounds strange, but the instant buzz that you get when the needle enters your skin is a nameless feeling. And it isn’t a secret that many people get the whole body tattooed because they couldn’t stop.

            Scientists have found out that the ink might be dangerous and includes carcinogenic substances. So it is really important that you can trust your tattooist and go to a well-known artist. You should ask for a certificate too, just to be sure this artist works clean and hygienic.

           

           The best known and most effective and gentle procedure of removing a tattoo is the treatment with laser. But I have seen some results, and you will never be rid of your ‘wonderful’ picture, because you might get scars from the laser therapy.

So if you want to have tattoos make sure it is really necessary, and be careful with the choice of your motive and artist. Think about what you really want on or in your skin, and check if it is allowed in your current or any future job. For example, if you work in a hotel, you shouldn’t have any tattoos on your hands, feet, neck, face, or anywhere else where the guest might see it.

So be carful with your choice to be different : )

SueC