Categories: Ramblings

Jamaicans love a good fad. From body piercings, cellphones, Lance Armstrong bracelets and its knockoffs, to even spring water, we’ve turned just about every insignificant trinket into a must have accessory. The latest fad is tattoos. Tattoos have been in Jamaica for many years, but they have just begun to catch on. They are worn mainly by teens and women, and can be found in the typical places; on arms, breasts and above buttcracks. With each passing day, the number of people wearing tattoos seems to increase. Now those other fads didn’t bother me. In fact, I participated in some of the during my teen years (Funny, teens always talk about expressing their individuality, yet are obsessed with fitting in). But unlike the objects of those other fads, tattoos are permanent. What happens when you’re old and the fad is over? How cool will you look when you’re in the old folks home with a flaming skull hovering over your ass crack?

And did you know that most people get tattoos as a sign of rebellion or to gain sexual attention? Rebellion? Ha! Tattoos barely register a blip on the parental radar nowadays. And nothing says raw sexuality like a foot-long cobra in a striking pose. Plus tattoos can give others the wrong impression of you, especially in the working world. Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying a tattoo is a bad thing. It can actually be quite beautiful when done for the right reason. What disturbs me is that people are getting tattoos for little or no reason, except that it’s trendy. Yet another example of American culture eroding Jamaican culture.