Freedom of Self- Expression: Tattoos and Body Piercings at 16 Should be Permitted

Most parents would agree that children should have permission to get tattoos and body piercings. I believe that teens should have the authority to get them on our own. The current Texas law states that any person under the age of 18 must have parental permission before getting a tattoo or any body piercing. Identification is required to verify the persons age. I feel that by the age of 16, any student should have the authority to express themselves in a way such as tattoos and body piercings.

There are various aspects through which people, especially youth, identify themselves. People are always sending some sort of communication out at all times, whether it is subconscious or not. Images and styles are adopted which communicate meanings about the individual to his/her peers and to society. Styles of dress, language, music, and dance are some of the ways that portray one's own unique symbols, values, and meanings. One other way to show their identity is through body modification, particularly tattooing and body piercing. In today's society people have adopted the new style or trend of body modification. There are many reasons in which people obtain piercings and tattoos. Those who modify, manipulate, and mutilate their bodies do so for many reasons. Some say it's simply exciting and pleasurable, or part of the latest fad. Others place it in the context of art, ritual or self-expression-they say it's an act with cultural and social significance. In contrast, many people can't understand why someone would choose to put so many holes in their body or cut their skin. They see body modification as self-destructive, much like anorexia or bulimia.

Below is why, what, where, and how people modify their body and how people look upon...

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...iew with piercings and tattoos? The employer would think that this person really doesn't want the job because he/she doesn't care about their appearance. Unfortunately people are very stereotypical and do judge a book by its cover. The business world is very conservative and that's how you should look. It would be extremely uncommon to see people with tattoos all over and piercings everywhere

In conclusion, although there are many risks and dangers involved with infections caused by tattoos and body piercings, I feel that the ability of self-expression is important. Although most parents and teachers would say that people under the age of 18 are not capable of making a decision about tattoos and body piercings, I feel that by the age of 16, someone should be able to make those decisions. Freedom of self-expression is part of being an adult and a big part of life.