Tattoos are symbolic to a lot of people. You can get a name on your wrist, a quote from your favorite movie or book on your forearm, or even just a symbol that means something to you. Tattoos are a form of art and expression, valuable to each person in a different way.
“They’re asserting an individualistic identity,” (Anna Felicity Friedman, NY Times).
Military men hold no exception to this rule. In fact, receiving them might mean more to them than to other people. With them being forced to leave everything they have and love behind to devote themselves to the military, the ink on their arms grows more symbolically than people, even themselves, may realize.
Since tattoos can hold such an importance, it's sad to see a ban on getting inked. Of course, if the tattoo is deemed offensive it should not be tolerated, especially with men of such a high position, no matter what military branch or ranking you're apart of. However, the idea that tattoos label you with a certain stereotype should not be encouraged.
By stating that the tattoo ban is to maintain a uniform look only encourages the idea that having tattoos automatically makes you a person with a [negative] agenda. Because people in the military already represent a sacrifice, there shouldn't be a debate on whether or not a tattoo determines who they are as a person.
“They’re asserting an individualistic identity,” (Anna Felicity Friedman, NY Times).
Military men hold no exception to this rule. In fact, receiving them might mean more to them than to other people. With them being forced to leave everything they have and love behind to devote themselves to the military, the ink on their arms grows more symbolically than people, even themselves, may realize.
Since tattoos can hold such an importance, it's sad to see a ban on getting inked. Of course, if the tattoo is deemed offensive it should not be tolerated, especially with men of such a high position, no matter what military branch or ranking you're apart of. However, the idea that tattoos label you with a certain stereotype should not be encouraged.
By stating that the tattoo ban is to maintain a uniform look only encourages the idea that having tattoos automatically makes you a person with a [negative] agenda. Because people in the military already represent a sacrifice, there shouldn't be a debate on whether or not a tattoo determines who they are as a person.
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