Tattoos have penetrated American society over the years creating a wide array of differing styles and concepts of self-expression.

The younger generation seem more interested in tattoos than anyone else, searching for ways to innovate themselves with a permanent mark.

Tattoos are a vital part of our culture, allowing individuals a chance at showing off what they are proud of, who they are proud of, or what they are a part of.

Most of my friends are interested in tattoos and going out just to get something done to represent something bigger than themselves.

Whether it is a band name, memory of someone who’s passed on, or a reminder of who you are and what you do, tattoos can symbolize an experience and put it into a picture.

Although I do not have any tattoos and do not plan on getting any, I support those who do have tattoos for legitimate reasons and ideas that mean a great deal to them.

When it comes to working in a professional business, many companies seem to shy away from tattoos. Places like food restaurants, hospitals and family-orientated industries.

I agree that tattoos may be unnecessary components and hiding them would suffice, but not hiring a potential employee simply because they have tattoos is out of the question.

In many cases, people are getting tattoos because they feel more comfortable with them on their body. It is a recipe for disaster if you get a tattoo merely to fit in with a group of people or to try to prove something to yourself.

Only get a tattoo that you’re truly and genuinely interested in getting. Anything else you will just regret and have for the rest of your life. Tattoos have recently stepped into the media because now the army is setting a ban on tattoos above the neck, under the knee and below the elbow.

Current soldiers who already have tattoos in these spots can keep them, so long as “self-identify” them to their leading sergeants.

Tattoos that are racist, sexist or extremist are to be removed by the owner with money out of his or her own pocket.

Many have disagreed with this new ban but it will still be enforced in about 30 to 60 days.

If you need to question tattoos for yourself, then maybe they’re not right for you.

But self-expression is all about design, flowing yourself into the world and putting who you are out there.

I believe tattoos are appropriate in a daily setting — they have no real definition of who a person is and no one should be judged by what kind of tattoos they have.

If you are interested in someone’s tattoo, simply ask one what the tattoo means to them and do go around judging before actually introducing and understanding the person behind the ink.

Let everyone live and be who they are without putting them down or thinking twice before getting to know them.

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