Dear Tell All: Like Thin Skinned, I dislike tattoos ("I Hate Tattoos," 10/16/2014). I believe the human body is a beautiful thing, and I don't think this "artwork" does anything to enhance it. I see people becoming more and more covered in them and think, "Why would you do that to yourself?" I understand people have many reasons for getting them: to express themselves, to memorialize someone or an event in their lives, or because they think it's beautiful or fun. I simply don't think of my body as a scrapbook or photo album.
You asked Thin Skinned to lighten up. I ask you to be more understanding of those who choose not to permanently brand themselves, whatever their reasons may be.
Blank Canvas
Dear Tell All: I have to agree with Thin Skinned, who does not like tattoos. I will absolutely defend a person's right to put someone else's art on their body, but I also have the right to not like it. A lot of people smoke cigarettes, too, but are you saying I (a non-smoker) have to "lighten up" and like smoking? Do what you want with your body, but I don't have to be attracted to you, and I don't have to follow everyone else by doing what they do and liking what they like.
I realize there are a lot of tattooed people out there (good for them), but I feel that they do this to their bodies because it's popular and they want to fit in with their friends. There are also a good number of great tattoo artists, but would you want even a great artist to modify the Mona Lisa or Venus de Milo? The human body is a work of art by nature, and I prefer to look at someone's body and somebody else's illustrations separately. If I think someone is a great artist, maybe I'll have them put some of their work in a medium that I can hang on a wall instead of permanently etching it on my body.
I'm attracted to girls who choose to keep their bodies free of someone else's designs -- and that, by golly, is my right.
Enjoying the Natural Look
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