Seven Reasons NOT to Get a Tattoo

Why do people get tattoos?

Here are 7 good reasons why NOT to get a tattoo.

Here we go:
1.) If you're a Christian and believe in the inerrancy with infallibility of the inspired Word of God, then number one alone should be reason enough not to get a tattoo. In Leviticus 19:28 we read: "'You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the LORD." The Hebrew word in this verse translates from קַעֲקַע and means "an incision, imprintment, or mark branded into the skin."

2.) It seems almost everyone today and their mom has a tattoo. It has just become the trendy thing to do. In fact, I read somewhere that the percentage of American adults between the ages of 26 and 40 who have at least one tattoo is 40%. That is a HUGE number!!! It's like peer pressure or the desire to fit in played a role in the decision to get tatted. It used to be the only the "bad boys" and "bad girls" who wanted to send the message of "I'm tough, don't mess with me," were the only people who branded themselves. A tattoo confirmed one's status as a scary outsider rebel. Now, all that having a tattoo means is that you're just like everyone else who has one. Our culture is breaking away from the idea that only sailors, bikers and roughnecks get inked. Why would you want to be one of the crowd? I stand out by NOT getting a tattoo.

3.) Basically, tattoos can be risky to your health. The carrier solution itself might contain harmful substances such as denatured alcohols, methanol, rubbing alcohol, antifreeze, detergents, formaldehyde, other highly toxic aldehydes and dangerous chemicals. Of the 45 million Americans who have tattoos, 5 million report allergic reactions like itchy rashes, swelling, burning, scabbing, scarring, and other skin infections. Even psoriasis is associated with tattoos. If the needle the artist works with was previously used, there are chances of getting bloodborne diseases like tetanus, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. New research suggests that certain inks do horrid things to your lymph nodes. There seems to be no limit to the horrid medical conditions which are associated with tats.

4.) Getting a tattoo is done without anesthetics and causes a small amount of bleeding and slight to potentially significant pain. OUCH. Depending on where you get inked, some places are more painful than others. The more fleshy the skin, the less it hurts. I've heard it feels like a cat scratch in some places, but if you're getting it over a bone you will probably cry and might even pass out.

5.) It's PERMANENT. What seems cool to you now may not be as cool when you're a grandparent with saggy skin. The girl with the dragon tattoo becomes the old grandma with the squashed squirrel tattoo when she's 60, and all it cost her was a couple thousand dollars and a few hours of agony. And have you ever seen a stretched out pregnant lady tattoo? EEK. Or how about the tattoo that's so faded from the sun that you can no longer tell what it's supposed to be? I can take off my fashion statements and put them back in the jewelry box or the laundry basket but you can't just take your skin off when you don't want to wear it anymore.

6.) It's addicting. Just like those who particpate in self-injury like cutting love the thrill and the high they get from running the blade across their skin and feeling the blood rush out, so those who have tattoos find themselves running to the tattoo parlor to cover every inch of unmarred skin with more tattoos. There is a rush one gets from the pain and a sense of victory when it's all finished. Just as cutting is associated with emotional pain, intense anger and frustration so tattoos are associated with rebellious teenagers who want to get back at their parents or make their teachers gasp with shock. Tattooing is no longer just tattooing. It’s a culturally sanctioned form of delicate cutting. Participants are seeking an antidote to the numbed feelings and detachment that result from the sheltered, desensitized unreality of Facebook and video games. Getting a tattoo is like going skydiving or bungee jumping... it's enlivening, awakening, and brings you back to reality with every jab of the needle. Before you know it, you'll be getting your tongue pierced and then getting a whole sleeve of color on your arm.

7.) There is a social stigma associated with tattoos within the white collar business world... especially when they are in prominent places such as the hands and face. You can't get hired in any prestigious job with visible tattoos. It's a fact that people with tattoos are usually not taken seriously in the professional world. If you get a tattoo on your chest, neck, or knuckles your job opportunities are pretty much limited to Hooters, McDonald's, and tattoo parlors.


Here are reasons why people might tattoos.

1.) The worst reason ever to get a tattoo is "because it's the cool thing to do." People actually walk into a tattoo parlor, open up an album of art, and pick something from the book. "I think I'll get number 16 please," says Jane Doe as if ordering off the dollar menu as she settles into the dentist-like chair to get number 16 permanently branded into her skin for life. As my sister says, "I'd rather start with a picture or word that is meaningfully symbolic to me and then get it on my body because it's important to me rather than try to pick out something that's important to me because I want a tattoo."

2.) Some people get a tattoo to honor a special person close to them such as a parent or friend who passed away. Some mark a period or transition in their life such as beating cancer or getting the word "LOVE" on an arm to mark the end of cutting and a gentle reminder not to do it again. Some get an inspirational Bible verse such as Matthew 6:26 so that every time they see it, they will recall their promise to themselves to take it easy and not worry.

3.) Some people get a tattoo simply for the intrinsic beauty, just as they might enjoy a work of art in a museum. I've seen some beautiful tattoos! Here are a few:




4.) Other people get tattoos for conversation starters. They imagine the pride that will swell in their heart as they explain to a loved one, stranger, or even potential spouse the hidden significance behind their ink. Many Christians decide to get a cross with the hope that someone will ask them about it and they'll be able to share their faith.

5.) Tattoos are a way to identify yourself with a certain group. A star of David says, "Look everyone, I'm Jewish!" (As if the yamaka, tallit, and forelocks didn't already give you away.) Irish beam with pride in their heritage as they show off their four leaf clovers. Sports fans proudly display the logo of their favorite team. A tattoo says, "I belong to the club. I'm one of you guys!"

To some who sport tats, I am a rebellious, wimpy nonparticipant. I saw a bumper sticker once that said, "Don't be a sissy, get a freaking tattoo." However, from my untattooed point of view, I am the last heroic holdout. I'm proud to have natural, virgin skin, unmarred by the ghoulish trend and I refuse to give in to the hype.