As soon as students turn 18, many head to the tattoo shop to get a permanent message on their bodies. Consequentially, we often catch glimpses of seemingly random symbols, text, and pictures inked on our classmates.
Although society may seem to be heading toward a more accepting approach when it comes to tattoos, there are still criticisms of the effect a tattoo can have on an individual’s future.
So why do so many people get tattoos?
Personal meaning and symbolism are the reasons most students get their tattoos. Hannah Peterson, junior, has a tattoo on her arm of a house that she drew herself.
“I have a best friend, who has been my best friend for nine years, and we wanted to represent how we feel safe and at home with each other. I know that I can trust Courtney with everything so we got this as a reminder that no matter where we go we’re going, to stand by each other through everything,” Peterson said.
Peterson’s other tattoo, an arrow with “joy” written in the center, symbolizes her relationship with Jesus Christ.
“The arrow pointing away from me shows the direction of my life. Before I knew Christ, I directed my own life. In the moment of hearing the goodness of Jesus, I felt complete joy, which is also my middle name. Wherever God is taking me, that’s where I want to be,” Peterson said.
Alora Conner, senior business major, has a semicolon on her neck that she got along with her mom for Project Semicolon. Project Semicolon, a non-profit movement to present love and hope to those struggling with depression, suicide, and addiction, has a powerful meaningful to Conner.
Dylan Warner, junior, didn’t get all of his tattoos for a symbolic meaning.
“I prefer the American traditional style of tattoos that were done in the 40s with really bold color,” Warner said. “I just love having this sort of work on my body. It’s more of an aesthetic thing for me.”
Asking someone what his or her tattoos mean is potentially a great way to start relationships.
In a study done by The National Institute of Health, 69 percent of college students get their first tattoos between ages 18 and 22. This is a startlingly statistic, especially because tattoos are typically expensive. This number shows how important tattoos have become to college students.
Although tattoos are more common, they are still seen to be unacceptable in certain workplaces. In a recent survey conducted by Career Builder, 31 percent of human resource managers said tattoos could leave a negative impact on their hiring decision. This number is much lower than 68 percent, the result from data collected in a similar 2011 survey.
“I think our culture is moving. It’s normal to have weird piercings and tattoos. Everyone is all about defining themselves,” Conner said.
Most students say there was not much that could have deterred them from getting inked.
“My philosophy is, I have these tattoos, I enjoy them, I think there is nothing offensive about them, so if I am trying to apply somewhere and they judge me based on my tattoos, then I’ll decide that I don’t really want to work there anyway,” Warner said.
Many inked students say their tattoos will always be important to them, and that with proper care and touch-ups, tattoos will look fine with age.
“I want to have this until I’m old. I want to tell people my story and know there is hope. My tattoos are part of who I am, and as I get older, their meanings will never change,” Peterson said.
The rise of technology makes getting tattoos much more appealing. By constantly seeing tattoos on television and social media, inked skin is considered more normal than compared to years ago.
Additionally, with new technology, more easy and affordable ways to remove tattoos exist, including a new cream starting at just $4.50.
Every student interviewed expressed interest in getting more tattoos in the future, showing no matter the judgments or critiques, they want to express themselves through ink.
