Does anyone ever wonder what the side effects of the infliction may be? Are there any concerns of hygiene at the facility? What if it affects a future relationship? Do you think tattoo removal is as easy as White Out? What if you are lucky enough to be chosen to enter medical school and your career choice is oncology? A physician is a person who is held in high esteem, people trust their physicians with their life and clarity of decision making. Do you honestly believe I would allow a tatted physician to offer me a diagnosis? Or what about a tatted kindergarten teacher, who will guide and bestow knowledge to my pre-schooler? In my mind, I automatically associate tattoos with someone that is inebriated on substance, or residing in a trailer park, or riding a Harley like "Easy Rider" in Venice Beach...bottom line, he or she would not be my primary care physician or specialist. Unfortunately when we are young at heart, we make foolish decisions that can either remain with us as constant reminders, or we can receive a second chance to rid ourselves of the mistake, but the memory is fresh as the morning dew. A tattoo is very similar to an unwanted pregnancy; you cannot change your mind once the creation has begun to morph into completion. The premium channels, i.e. MTV, VH1, etc... stress focused decision making while being a teen or student. My hopes are to not berate your decisions but to offer you an altruistic approach to prevent cause and affect mistakes. High school was difficult due to peer pressure and bullying, but by the time college has arrived, wouldn't you think that no amount of pressure could allow one to succumb to actions that could hinder your future?
I am proud to say that I have no tattoos, and no desire to have one, regardless of how small or if hidden. Perhaps I'm not sadistic enough to enjoy the incessant poking of a needle that has been "only God knows where", or perhaps I'm afraid I might just wake up and smell the coffee and want this ugly artwork off my skin. These tattoo artists aren't Toulouse-Lautrec or Manet, they are some grimy individuals that offer a catalog of pain and enticement. Do you believe they have advanced degrees? Their only concern is your money, and the buffoonery you exhibit as you leave in visible pain and pride with your tattoo preciously covered in clear plastic bandages. So to all incoming Freshman, who feel a surge of empowerment and independence, when you take that first sip of grain alcohol and your friends coerce you to go to the tattoo parlor, you should think long and hard about the investment your family has made in you. Their child is their priceless commodity, and they are entitled to a return on investment. Think long and hard about the stupidity of a single night of substance and clouded judgment as well as the ramifications that can occur. Think about yourself. Be selfish and stoic in your decisions and remember; only you hold the key to your destiny. As an ex-pharmaceutical executive, I will be candid and state; that I would not give a nod of approval on anyone that had a tattoo, or anything that could prevent residual business in a territory where conservative residents dominated. If you are considering your future, only you hold the key, drive responsibly.