Snapbacks & Tattoos
What’s the point of tattoos? I just don’t get it, they seem and look trashy as well as a waste of money. How can you get a job with tattoos that are visible?
These are some things I hear pretty frequently from the older generation in regards to the start of my tattoo sleeve on my arm. This is what I reply with:
Well, there are well thought out ones and ones that happened because of a few too many drinks. One thing that they all have in common is that they tell a story. Dumb ones, funny ones, serious ones. They tell what that person cherishes and values. They can tell their favorite, most painful but invigorating story. It can help heal, remember, motivate. In some places, it’s tradition and honor while others, it’s quite the opposite. It’s expression, confidence, empowerment. It can be an addiction. It’s being rational or irrational. It’s freedom, rebellion, stupidity. Depending on the artist, it’s beauty or the beast. They may not really mean anything other than the simple fact they look badass or sexy.
One of my favorite things in the world is walking up to random people with cool looking tattoos to hear their story(s) of why they have that tattoo. One thing I have noticed is that I have never heard the same story twice and that is what makes tattoos so unique. It’s a walking book ready to be opened. The book can be as short as one sentence or as long as War & Peace.
It’s a great way to connect with one another outside of the general bullshit small talk. It’s also a fun game to play in your head, coming up with a story behind a tattoo you see from afar.
Lastly, I like to show them a few pictures of some really cool tattoos for their own reasons. I don’t care about whether or not people like tattoos but all I can ask is that they respect the decision to get one if it’s warranted. (Shit ain’t cheap)



