The Ink Hypocrite
February 5, 2023
Author: Megan Hoying
Editor: Caroline Grin
Tattoos are for motorcyclists. They’re for the rebellious people who break rules unapologetically. Tattoos are meant for people who are edgy and sing rock songs on stages. They’re not for me. I am a pink-loving, floral dress-wearing, color inside the lines, musical theater geek who definitely does not fit the prerequisites to get a tattoo. I’m not supposed to get a tattoo.
If my introduction to this article seemed like a huge stereotype, that’s because it is a huge stereotype. I grew up with these preconceived notions that people who got tattoos were one way, and people who didn’t were the other. If someone asked me when I was younger, or even asked me last year, if I would ever get a tattoo, I would have said no. My brother got a tattoo when I was a senior in high school. Of course, I supported him, but my initial response was, “You realize that’s permanent, right?” I thought if something even remotely impactful happened in my life, I would simply get a necklace or a ring to wear everyday. I was definitely not getting a tattoo.
That is, until I got one.
This summer, I decided to have the National Eating Disorder Awareness symbol permanently etched onto my ankle. I thought about this for a very, very long time. My change in heart revolved around three main reasons. After recovering from my eating disorder, I knew I wanted something to remind me of my strength during that time. I also wanted something to remind me of why I recovered, especially on the days when eating seemed a little harder. Finally, I wanted eating disorders, and mental health issues in general, to become less stigmatized. I wanted to show my support and love for those who have and are going through challenges, and I wanted to create less shame about discussing mental health issues. Ultimately, my eating disorder wasn’t something I wanted to be ashamed of or have others fear talking to me about. I thought a tattoo would be a constant reminder for myself and those around me that recovery is brave.
Deciding to get a tattoo, even with so many reasons to want one, was not an easy decision. I still thought I was going against everything I believed about myself growing up: If I wanted a tattoo, did that mean I was rebellious and mysterious? Could I still like musical theater songs and the color pink? The answer to both are, obviously, yes. These stereotypes are completely untrue and, honestly, comical for me to have believed. Sure, I didn’t think tattoos were for me, but what I realized is that I’m in my 20’s; I can’t predict how the people around me and my experiences are going to affect my thoughts and wants. Being in your 20’s is a period of evolution and finding yourself; your unfolding character may not completely line up with how you were raised, the beliefs you had when you were younger, or even some of the personality traits that you once had. This is not a time to be stubborn and fear the adjustments in who we are becoming. Accept every new thing you discover about yourself, and celebrate every little transformation.
