Mixed Message

Nowadays, many teenagers come to debate whether or not they should get a tattoo. For many generations tattoos have been redefined multiple times, from going to good, to separating classes, to bad, and all over the place. But, for modern adolescents, tattoos have different meanings, some are for self expression and others for formation. Nevertheless, it is clear that the media has played a very important role, "..by positively portraying the tattooed that many young people admire, such as actors, musicians, and athletes." While the media does so, it gives out the message that it is morally correct and acceptable to have tattoos or be tattooed.

However, this idea is only fit for public figures that people admire. Because as the media accepts famous individuals, "..the media is critical of average people with tattoos." This is the mixed message the reading Secret Ink was talking about. As individuals use tattoos for formation ad self expression, they have to manage to keep their tattoos a secret from society. For this same reason, many choose to get tattoos on areas that are easily covered to not be marginalized by those around them.