Express Yourself

For this generation "expressing oneself" seems to be easier said than done. In a world filled with commitments, expectations, social networks, texting, technology, and confusion, life tends to be overwhelming. Think about it, we spend our days attached to our cell phones and emails, most people are connected to two or more social networks. We have jobs, classes, additional activities, not to mention our relationships that require time. On top of all that, we have the nerve to want to express ourselves.

How do you have an opinion in a world that is constantly shooting its views at us and disregarding our individual feelings? How do you follow your values when the top concern is following the right person on Twitter? How do you truly know who your friends are when you have 1000+ "friends" on Facebook? In a world where corruption is expected, how do you even claim religion or spirituality? How do you show that you are an individual regardless of the various sectors that you associate with? It is no longer necessary to interact with others on a personal level, so how do we release our feelings, thoughts, desires?

A common answer to all of these questions is one that is more recently being accepted; One that I have begun to recognize within my generation more and more. The answer is tattoos. Everywhere that I turn another one of my friends, associates, or peers has another tattoo donning a scripture, song lyric, character, family name/initial, or symbol that serves as a reflection of who they are on the inside. Because we are expending our outlets for creativity and expression, our bodies have become our art pallets.

Don't get me wrong...there are still stupid. I mean, really ridiculous tattoos. Expressions of random animals and symbols that only stand as reminders of the crazy times had. Some tattoos that have absolutely no meaning and that's fine. That in itself is still a manner of self expression.

I don't know.
Maybe some people want a permanent reminder of their passions; or maybe their pain. Maybe people just want everyone to know who they think they are; what they think of themselves. Maybe people want to mark a significant milestone; something they've overcome. Maybe some people want to fit in. Maybe that tattoo is the only think that keeps someone going. (A little too much? ok...)

This is not an anti-tattoo message by any means. I often contemplate inking my body as well... (but my control issues and the permanent nature of tattoos won't allow me to.) Please, continue to get your stars, song lyrics, and Chinese characters. But keep in mind that eventually you will run out of body space (or get old) and will be forced to abstractly display the values that you have chosen to brand yourself with.

...but what do I know?

(Now, typically I would insert the video for "Express Yourself" by NWA...but that's a whole different form of expression. I think you get the point.)