So apparently Barbie now comes with a a tattoo. We all know that tattoos are in “Vogue” now, but where do we draw the line?
Why are we drawing a line, and for whom?
Are we drawing the line for our own children? If so, we must accept that they will choose for themselves, eventually, as is the right of any adult.
Are we drawing a line to instill a prejudice against or rejection of certain forms of harmless, personal expression?
I can only speak for myself, but I draw the line at Barbie with a tattoo, two of my children are old enough to decide for themselves,and they would never contemplate such a thing. It is not harmless, it is perminant , it leads people to make assumptions about you and it can disadvantage you when applying for jobs and in various other ways. What you think is attractive at 18 is certainly not what you would want at 50!
A itme’s being permanent doesn’t make it harmful. It is just “permanent”. As we see more people with tattoos we also see their being accepted in more areas of society, and as general tolerance develops, reactions against tattoos ebbs, just as it has in areas like interracial marriage and unwed motherhood.
There is no reason to assume that a tattoo applied when one is 18, will be undesirable at 50. If it becomes undesirable a suitable design can be added to alter the image.
It is never wise, IMHO,.to assume that one’s children will not make decisions that you find distasteful for yourself. Their circle of friends, their personal world view, along with their sense of personal sovereignty trumps any preconceived notions any parent might have about their offspring based on the taboos of childhood..
