Tuesday, October 9, 2007

"IT'S A CLASSIC"

Tattoos have been a part of modern culture for the past 5000 years. This was discovered back in 1991 when a caveman was cracked out of ice and determined to be 5000 years old with significant tattoos on his body. The word "TATTOO" was derived from the polynesian word "TA" meaning striking something and the Tahitian word "TATU" -"to mark something". For whatever reason tattoos have always been a part of modern culture, weather it is for identification purposes, traditional purposes, or even pure enjoyment of the art aspect of the tattoo, modern culture has always kept the ancient tradition of "ink" and "skin" in mainstream trends. I have always been intrigued by this ancient ritual and have, so far, managed to get myself "INKED" four times. In a time where style and trends come and go and technology is always trying to out do itself, I have always been fascinated and impressed with the culture and people that paved the way for my generation, "GENERATION X". The "OLD SCHOOL" generations, the "Roaring 20's," the "Great Depression", the "Rock and Roll age of the 50's" and the parents of my generation the "Baby Boomers". These were the people that made "modern culture" what it is today. It was a time when respect was given and not earned. Where "Class" and "Morals" were the focal point and family and tradition was the bloodline of American culture. It was a time where the television brought families together to watch The Andy Griffith Show, Gun Smoke, The Duke, I Love Lucy, and if u wanted to get a thrill while your kids were in bed there was always Rod Sterling's "Twighlight Zone." It was a time where the "ThunderBird" and "Impala" were the dream cars and great music consisted of "Frank Sinatra", "Elvis Presely" and "The Beatles". Modesty and pleated skirts were adorned by sweet, submissive women and girls that dreamed about staying pure for that one man they desire to take care of and get old with. While the "IPHONE", "HD TELIVISION", "WI-FI INTERNET", and a "HUMMER H3" are on top of society's wish list, I look down at my "Chuck Taylors" and enjoy the memory of where it all began. It was a time capsule of life that I will always remember and keep close to my heart. No matter what the trend, style, or technolgy, tattoos will always be a part of history and modern culture. They are a timeless reminder of identification or a way to express your thoughts and emotions. Tattoos are hated by some and embraced by others. Each and every one of my four "tatts" are special to me in their own way and are an expression of the story of my life. I just recieved my fourth tattoo on my 30th birthday to salute an American generation, a part of history, and every member......... of the"OLD SCHOOL."