Tattoos are art, a form of personal expression. I can't say that I like all paintings I see on canvas anymore than I can say that I like all tattoos on skin or all photos taken with a camera. I do like art, though. I do like personal expression. There has never been a time in my life that I wouldn't approach someone who was pierced ten times in their face or that I wouldn't approach someone who was covered in tattoos. Now, that's not to say that once I got to know the person, I chose not to associate with them afterwards. But it's the same with people that are totally clean cut, with no piercings or tattoos.

I choose who I hang out with and associate with based on their personalities, not their backgrounds, their skin color, their choice in clothes/music/cars/homes etc. People who do truly miss out on some amazing people.

And, I don't remember now who said that about tipping someone less because they have a tattoo...but, wow! I've had some horrible waiting experiences and that's the only time I'll tip less. I tip based on service and personality...again, not on skin color, hair style, tattoos, etc. (I think hygiene is something that has affected my tip one time, and only because the person made it physically hard to eat my food...pew!)

I do see and completely understand why places will and won't hire based on the physical appearance of a person. Whether tattoos and piercings are accepted more now than they used to be, the simple fact is that things haven't changed so much that the majority of consumers don't still prefer to see someone clean and simply presented when they're at a restaurant or a grocery store or a retail store or whatever. There are plenty of jobs out there available for people who want to express themselves while at work and wear what they want and stand out from the crowd and all that.

I like to wear my hair down and I like to wear my shirt untucked and usually unironed. But the fact is I can't at work. It's something I am willing to sacrifice, because as soon as I clock out, I do what I want with my hair and my clothes. I choose to express my individuality through my personal brand of customer service, my personality and my smile. Again, once I'm off the clock, I have more freedom to express myself in other ways, too. I don't see that it's that big of a deal. There's a time and place for everything.

***Ally Cat's Mommy***I say tell him the pros and cons of it, but don't hammer them in. Unfortunately, people have to make their own mistakes sometimes. And, maybe it won't be a mistake, I know a few people who don't regret their tattoos. The majority of the people I know who got them early on in life tend to regret them, but not everyone does. But no matter how much someone tells you that your tastes may change, and that your interests may shift, many people will never see that until it happens. Especially kids. I remember how passionate I was about so many things that hold little to no interest at all for me now, but I remember the passion. And no one could have told me that I would change my mind about some things. Again, I say let him know the downside, if he doesn't already, and then let it be. Help him find a good place (I have someone close to me who will more than likely die from hepatitis c because of a tattoo he got as a young man.), help him pick something meaningful. I would set limits on where he can get the tattoo on his body, but that's about the only thing I would set a limit on.***

Anyway, I'm done. Good luck!