Socially Acceptable to Who?

Since this whole site is about NY Ink, and all NY Ink is really about is... well tattoos. I have been thinking lately…Why all the hype with tattoos? Do you realize that 20 years ago this show would never have been able to make it because getting tattoos wasn’t such a common or known thing. Heck when talking to my grandparents they remember when tattoos were a thing that only soldiers got during or after their time at war.

Are there rules that people should live by when selecting tattoos and placements? Should people only get tattoos for sentimental value or should there be no regulations on people’s conscience? Why is it that our generation finds tattoos socially acceptable while all the older generations put it to shame? Is it that we are more accepting of everyone’s individuality, or simply that there are no real social stigmas anymore, and this generation knows little to no shame?

Today: (AKA people do stupid tattoos)

In the Past:

I don’t know, I honestly don’t know what to think. On one hand I feel like it is a persons choice to look however they like I mean isn’t that what America was based on: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness? But on the other hand where does it stop, can we or should we set social stigmas that would somewhat regulate the idea that not all ink is beautiful?

Comment… I want to hear feedback!