My Granddaughter's Tattoo

I was devastated, disappointed and dumbfounded when she dropped by. I couldn’t believe she would get a tattoo. But there it was, visible, colorful, and permanent. At first I thought it was a temporary decal but soon discovered it was the real thing. I really didn’t say anything. I didn’t have to. My reaction said it all. Later I sort of apologized but my heart really wasn’t in it.
Why I was so prejudiced I am not sure. This led me to investigate tattoos, especially after reading an article about some dangers of tattooing: bad ink, poor sanitation, unskilled artists (called ‘scratchers’) and improper care. I wasn’t fully aware of the current youthful popularity of body piercing and tattoos which has led to an increased flood of practitioners both competent and otherwise.

Tattooing has a long history, often practiced by primitive peoples, for many reasons. At times, tattoos and body piercing are often associated with a shadowy crowd but not as much so nowadays. Tattoos are desired for many reasons. Among them: a sense of belonging, to be identified with a certain group, a way to rebel, assert independence or show toughness. At times it is an attempt to display affection or loyalty (like the girl who changed her tattoo from Tommy to Mommy). For some it is a way to show one’s belief (like a tattooed cross).

There are many reasons and I never did find out exactly why my granddaughter took the plunge but it did get a rise out of me. To be honest, and we have since discussed it more than once, I still am not sure why she did except that some of her friends talked her into it. Unfortunately, she did it on the spur of the moment without discussing it with her family or friends who did not sport tattoos.

While I am at it, let me share some of the reasoning behind my initial taboo of tattoos. I have friends with tattoos. Most of my military buddies trace their tattoos to moments on leave when they were overly lubricated. Some of my business colleagues had tattoos but usually kept them hidden. Others tried to have them removed with varying degrees of success. And many unsavory characters were highly tattooed. Consequently, I like many, was prejudiced.

Now I realize how my prejudice had more to it than I realized. I now know that some tattoos are more skillfully done than others including outlining, shading, color, artistry and impeccable studios. Too many are substandard, even dangerous. Many are done hastily, without considering the consequences, especially their permanence and agony involved in removing or altering them.

When I am asked if I would have encouraged or disapproved of my granddaughter’s tattoo, now that I have been more enlightened, I’d have to say that I would discourage it. But I wouldn’t disown her. I might pity her but it wouldn’t change my affection for her. Whether she will forgive me or even forget my reaction, I may never know. Anyway, it’s done and we all have to live with it which at times could be a bit awkward. Maybe she’s lucky it isn’t always as visible as some.