I was reading an article yesterday about a man with a tattoo across half his face, that couldn't get a job (see photo below). I couldn't help but think about why do people get tattoos and why I would never get one.
I don't mean to sound judgemental, critical, or to offend anyone. I know some people are very passionate, proud, emotionally attached to their tattoos. People get tattoos for different reasons, to show love to someone, commitment to something, to show bravery, that they like body art etc etc. It is an individual choice, one that is to be respected whether or not you agree with it.
I was reading people's reasons for not getting tattoos, which range from medical (infection) to employment or military enlistment (where it's frowned upon), or the social stigma (some societies see people with tattoos as dangerous, with low character). There is also the reasons of tattoos being permanent, and people hesitating if they would feel the same about a tattoo at old age as they do now. Others may be afraid of needles, or worry how they will coordinate their outfits around their tats.
As for myself, I never felt attracted or tempted by the idea of getting a tattoo. I will never ever get a tattoo, not for any of the reasons listed above, but because I can express myself different ways. I can show my girlfriend I love her without getting her name/face tattooed on my body. I can live by the 'carpe diem' motto in everything I do, I don't have to get it imprinted on me. I can be stubborn and tough at times without having a barbed wire tattooed around my arm. And so on so forth.
Again, I don't mean to offend anyone, and I hope I haven't. Just wanted to share my personal views on tattoos, which is a matter of perspective, that's the beauty of life.