Let’s talk tats, shall we? Tattoos are an interesting phenomenon, particularly to individuals who are over the age of 50 and are beginning to sprout gray hairs. But to the younger generation, they are a form of personal expression.

When the first notion hits you that you are interested in getting a tattoo, you not only have to think about what you want to get, but also where you want this permanent impression. The location of a tattoo can impact a person’s judgment about you or a job opportunity for which you may be applying. I had to take into consideration both the location and what I was getting since 1) I wasn’t planning on telling my parents I was getting one and 2) I wanted the tattoo to be unique and special to me.

Taylor Benter, a junior in criminal justice and sociology, is the proud owner of four tattoos. “I feel as though it’s a fun and positive way to express yourself.” However, all of her tattoos are hidden for a reason. “It’s still somewhat of a taboo and I don’t want them preventing me from getting a particular job in the future,” she said.

People who sport tattoos have completely different reasons for getting them done. It may be in memory of a loved one, a symbol that represents something important in their lives, or merely getting one to spite their parents. The reason makes each tattoo unique.

“I absolutely love my tattoo,” says Amanda Riesenberg, sophomore in pre-graphic design. “It has a lot of meaning to me and it symbolizes something close to my heart.” Her only tattoo lies on the back of her neck. “They’ve developed into a creative form of expression among the younger people in this world,” Riesenberg said.

Not everyone wants permanent ink on their body for the rest of their life. Even though there is the expensive option of laser removal, most people live with the tattoo on their body, whether they like it or not. Others are simply afraid of the process of getting a tattoo.

“I guess it’s a three-way split of not knowing what to get, where I want it, and that I’m a wussy and don’t like pain,” chuckles Brandi Merrick, senior in agricultural education. “They can be really cool, but people can get out of control sometimes.”

So, what if you’re planning on getting a job that makes you visible to the public eye?

The impact a tattoo could make depends on the person making the hiring decision.

You never know — they may have an extreme hatred for any and all tattoos and wouldn’t want to see one on a daily basis; others could care less and not look twice when one catches their eye. So it’s up to you to make that judgment call of whether or not to get one.

Mary Jo Banwart, the owner of Cookies, Etc. in North Grand Mall, hasn’t had any issues regarding tattoos. “It would be questionable if there are tattoos on the hands or lower arms, but I haven’t come across any in those areas.”

Since Cookies, Etc. handles food, they have rules common to the food industry that they follow. “As long as they are within the guidelines of acceptable taste, with no obscenities or hateful words against people, then we shouldn’t have a problem,” Banwart said.

Some parents and grandparents think doing such an act is repulsive, rebellious or disrespectful. When my parents found out about the two on my body, they felt I did it purposely to disrespect the wishes they had for me. Even though I explained each tattoo’s meaning, they didn’t care to listen because they were just thinking about me disobeying them. It’s my body and I’m the one who will live with the tattoos for the rest of my life — not them. So let’s just say the topic of tattoos is a sour subject between my parents and me.

I am a firm believer in showing society what kind of person you are through the art of tattoos. To all the older generations out there: the next time you see a young person with a visible tattoo, don’t immediately assume they’re irresponsible, rebellious or have bad taste. Ask them what it is, what it means and why they got it — because chances are, they would be more than happy to share their reasoning.

So as N.W.A. sings, just “express yourself,” and if tattoos are how you want to do that, then go for it.

— Emma Reed is a junior in journalism and mass communication from Alberton, Montana.