Tattoos, for the most part, are permanent. This word, “ROBBERS”, now stains my body forever. Perhaps a symbolic characteristic of me, people will read my tattoo, form opinions and judgements and hold me in such a way based on how they feel about my tattoo. (Think of it like a first impression without me saying or doing anything.)
However, the outside perception of my tattoo means nothing to me. I want this understood. It’s whosever’s business to think what they’d like–they are as entitled to their opinion as entitled as I am to my tattoo: completely.
This piece of writing isn’t an outlet for me to tell anyone what my tattoo represents. No one needs to know what my tattoo means to me or why I got it. Simply put, it’s my business. What’s compelled me to write this are the scoffs, the dirty looks, and even the ‘approvals’ of my tattoo. For there seems to be a misconception amongst those of the high school, customers at my workplace, and those just of the general public. I didn’t get my tattoo for any other reason other than the lust for ink and the drive in my heart. I never needed anyone’s approval, so let your opinion stick in your throat.
Regardless of the approval/disapproval from everyone, I will take this word with me to my grave and rot away with it. My devotion to my tattoo is greatly immense, it belittles the opinions of others’ lower than before. (If it is even possible to think less of their opinions than I already do.) This tattoo has allowed the word “ROBBERS” and the concept behind it to become so much more than a word.
It’s a piece of me.
This permanency is powerful. And yet, it’s very common. Many people feel compelled by an idea, an image, or any concept, so much so that they’d permanently print it on their bodies for it to age with them for their entire lives. I felt this. Most of everyone will either encounter those with tattoos, or get one themselves. So my message is to all of them: Your tattoo should never be sacrificed under the opinion or fear of judgement of another. Live for yourself, and decorate your body just the same.