Humans have been tattooing themselves since 2000 B.C. These tattoos were for either cultural or religious purposes.

Why do so many people dislike the idea of getting tattoos?

Some view tattooing as destroying the body and as a rebellious and evil statement. Others say that a tattoo can represent many things such as someone’s love for God, friends, and life.

Senior Arika McClain always wanted to get a sun and moon tattoo, and she did so, recently, in November.

McClain thought that it would be perfect to get the matching tattoo with her best friend Miss Cece Jackson. McClain thought that the sun and moon were perfect to symbolize her and Jackson’s friendship.

When McClain turned 17, her mom finally agreed let her get the tattoo as long as the tattoo shop was clean, safe, and trustworthy.

McClain’s mother took the two to Loyalty Tattoo where they met a tattoo artist called B.C. Smith who created the art work for the tattoo. McClain and Jackson decided they wanted to get the moon and sun on their forearms.

Michigan state law requires minors to have a parent or legal guardian sign a waiver in order to get a tattoo.

McClain is a strong person, but she was still nervous while waiting to get her tattoo.

“I was sweaty, nervous, and I thought I was going to throw up,” McClain said.

McClain calmed down as soon as her mother held her hand for the first line of the tattoo.

Jackson got her tattoo done by the same artist right after McClain finished.

“No matter where we are in the world, we can just look at the moon or the sun and we will be right by each other’s side,” McClain said.

Many people in the world view tattoos as being unprofessional and rebellious.

“If they don’t like it (getting a tattoo), that’s their business,” McClain said. “I’m not interested in anyone who is going to be so closed-minded.”

Senior Kayla Knight got best friend tattoos with junior Savanna Sierra a little more than a year ago.

Knight and Sierra decided they did not want a huge tattoo that would take a long time and cause a lot of pain.

Knight, after seeing a girl who had a small cross on her hand online, knew it was the perfect tattoo.

Knight said that her tattoo only took 15 minutes to complete and did not hurt at all.

Knight’s tattoo symbolizes her friendship with Sierra and her religion.

“I advise you get a tattoo that symbolizes something,” Knight said. “Don’t think of a design off the top of your head that you’re going to regret.”

Senior Jaylen Shock got his tattoo three years ago.  

Shock knew he wanted to get a cross on his shoulder to represent God but felt that the design needed to have a deeper meaning to life.

Shock found the perfect line from the poem “Our Greatest Fear” by Marianne Williamson that said, “It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.”

“It has a special meaning to my life,” Shock said. “It shows that people are afraid to be their true selves and would rather fake a different life to fit in. I got the cross to show that you can overcome this and be yourself through God.”

Shock’s tattoo was a lot more complex compared to Knight’s and McClain’s. It took the tattooist four hours to complete.

“It felt like someone was poking me with a pen,” Shock said.

Shock advises anyone who wants to get a tattoo to wait a year because once it is on your body it will never go away.