Addicted to Ink
"SO IT GOES"
This text resonates in my mind for a couple reasons. It is the words that came to mind as I walked around downtown San Diego in only Levi's asking for a quarter so I could get back home. When times are tough you have to realize that you don't really have it that hard. Struggle is relative, and things I thought to be big in my life or hard are truly insignificant when compared to others I have come across in the world. The second reason being it is the one tattoo I am so happy I never got!
When I was young I knew that I wanted to be tattooed. This could be a result of my environment, living in East County San Diego where I was surrounded by people with ink. But the main reason I started getting tattooed in high school was because I wanted to become art.
I get asked all the time if I regret any of my tattoos. I get prodded by individuals who say that I am going to look gross when I am older. And most frustrating is I get judged by those who know nothing about me at the sight of peeking black and grey.
Today more people than ever are getting tattooed. An art form that dates back thousands of years is now mainstream. From delinquents to doctors you can see the rise of permanent art propagating throughout the world.
In some cases they pick flash book art or drunkenly stumble into a shop. In others, a body piece can take years to plan, even longer to execute, and cost over $20,000. But somehow the stigma about tattoos still remains.
The burden that someone has to carry once the needle hits the skin suddenly overshadows who a person is. The failure here is the lack of understanding that every mL of ink spread onto the body has a meaning. Its a story that represents a time in your life, even if it is only just a shitty shamrock your buddies dared you to get.
Some companies these days force employees to cover their arms if they are tattooed. In extreme cases (but not uncommon) a candidate can miss out on an opportunity due to their appearance. This is no different than any other stereotype. Race, religion, and appearance are all barriers to entry. The way I see it though, probably because I am somewhat reckless and selfish, if someone judges you negatively based on a tattoo then you should be happy not to work for such a group.
Freedom of expression in the form of body art is one of the most personal and deep rooted stances you can take. I am not a fan of sugar coating with bullshit. The traditional suit to a garbage man job interview or telling your fat friend they look great naked dont sit well with me. I believe you should be who you are.
Why didn't I get the "So It Goes" tattoo if I feel so strongly about being real?
I was frustrated with my life at the time. I felt like I had major set backs and I was acting out against myself. I picked a 1" tall bold font and got the stencil placed on my neck. Yes! This tattoo was going to be blasted across my throat so all could see. When I went over to the mirror to check the placement before starting I was stunned and I could not get that tattoo. The artist fully understood. As he closed his eyes and laughed somewhat at my reaction I saw "$" signs on his eyelids.
We all have our own path and personalities. It is important to realize who you are and not be afraid of judgment. That day I realized who I am not, but who I am is constantly evolving,