Link to article: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/14/fashion/14tattoo.html
I recently read an article from the NYTimes dated 12 September, 2008. As the title suggests, wedding rings are replaced by tattoo rings. It may be the names of their spouses or a symbol of their love for each other.
This article speaks of the rising number of people; especially celebrities; getting their ring fingers tattooed instead of wearing a wedding band and also of the journalist's own experience in getting a ring tattoo.
Celebrities such as Tommy Lee, Pamela Anderson, Levi Johnston and Ashlee Simpson,among many others has permanent wedding "bands" has set a micro-trend. However, just because the celebrities are doing it, does that mean that we ordinary people have to follow this fashion too; to appear trendy? Should we not consider that tattooing; no matter how small or how slight the design is going to be, will having adverse effects to those with skin sensitivity, not to mention that if you get divorced or annulled your marriage, you have to see about getting that tattoo off with laser that may cause permanent scarring on your skin? Are we just idols of the theater then; following fashion uncritically?
According to the journalist himself, he cannot wear a wedding band because he was allergic to it; as he had discovered in his previous marriage. However, his intended wanted him to wear one because she did not want him to be unfaithful. His fiancee wanted other women to know that he was a married man. (Organizational principles: similarity)
In order to honor his wedding vows, he decided to tattoo his intended's(now wife) name on his ring finger right after their honeymoon. This action caused a major shock for both sides of the family; his wife's and his. His wife's English relatives were appalled; perhaps due to the English being more conservative, thus their interpretation on this news. His wife's friends, however, found it romantic while his own daughters, from his previous marriage, found it disgusting. Apparently to them, it is unheard of to find that their parent whom they respect and look up to getting a tattoo at the age of 52.
What will people think when they see a tattoo on your person, regardless of where it is or what it represents? Will they ostracize you? Labeling you as one of the gangsters or rebels? Perhaps it is common in America, but if you decide to follow fashion and get it inked onto your ring finger here in Singapore, what will Singaporeans think of you? Have we embraced the culture of tattooing here? Is tattooing cool or stupid? I leave you to decide.
