Tattoos

Tattoos are a very personal and often controversial form of expression.  In many cultures they are symbolic in nature, designating status or affiliations.  In western culture people use tattoos mainly to express something of significance to them, such as the initials of a loved one, or a meaningful image.  The popularity of tattoos has increased greatly over the years, with it now being difficult to walk around and not see someone with a tattoo.  With that increased popularity however has come some criticism of tattoos and what they stand for.  Many people may think tattoos are foolish, often associating them with negative things such as violence.  While in some cases this can be true, tattoos can often serve as a powerful form of expression.

The tattoo pictured above is on the back of Anthony Kiedis, the lead singer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.  It depicts a bird in Native American style art.  On the outside it might just look like a cool design, but as with many tattoos, it has a deeper meaning than what it simply reflects at first glance.  The tattoo, done in the late 80s, took over a year and a half and reflects Kiedis’ Mohican ancestry.  With this in mind the tattoo takes on a whole new meaning. Kiedis’ music occasionally references his Native American connection and this tattoo only serves to further showcase those feelings.  It reveals a sense of pride in his ancestry and creates a connection that not only he, but everyone else can see.  It tells everyone that sees it that he is proud of where he came from and that it has had a significant enough impact on him that he wanted to express it on his body. That is what tattoos are really about, an expression for everyone to see.