I like tattoos. I think they’re pretty. I think they’re cool. I think they’re a great way to express yourself. I think they’re a great way to permanently remember something or someone. Lately, tiny tattoos have come into fashion. Arrows, anchors, dream catchers, and infinity signs are extremely popular.

Unfortunately, there is a stigma against tattoos—especially big tattoos. People with many tattoos on their arms, chests, and even their legs are judged. Many people think that tattoos are “scary” or consider them to be unprofessional. A lot of businesses insist that employees cover up their tattoos; sometimes, if the tattoos are too visible, it could cost someone a job.

Isn’t it sad that when someone wants to get a tattoo, they have to think about all of the possible consequences? Not just the possible infections or how it will hurt, which would be normal things to worry about, but if their career might suffer from a tattoo. I’m sure there are lots of other problems that come with having a tattoo, but that’s the reason that I worry about the most. I’m sure it’s the reason a lot of people worry about the most. That and how people might stare at you; how people might judge you.

For some strange reason, tattoos are associated with “bad” or “scary” people—bikers, convicts, drug dealers. However, I’ve read many things about how people with tattoos are extremely nice. I particularly love the story about J.K. Rowling’s inspiration for Hagrid, who happens to be one of my favorite characters ever. When Rowling was nineteen years-old, she met a “terrifying-looking guy who came in with these other biker guys and the only thing he talked to J.K. about was how his cabbages were getting on.”  I don’t believe that how you look should determine how you behave, and I think that’s why I like Hagrid so much. He’s huge, he’s a little scary, but he’s incredibly sweet, as is his dog, who is also big and scary.

Everyone has a mold. Society shoves us into that mold. I think that’s why tattoos are so taboo. I also think that that’s incredibly stupid. If someone wants a tattoo, he/she should be able to get it without fear of being criticized by the masses for it. Sure, there will always be some people who will be against it, but they don’t matter. As Dr. Seuss said, “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”