By Jocelyne LaFortune, Staff Writer -- lafortun12@up.edu
The oldest known tattoos were discovered on the frozen body of a 5,000 year old iceman. Nicknamed Ötzi, the iceman's tattoos consist mostly of small parallel lines, which historians believe were applied for therapeutic reasons.
Today, tattoos are an increasingly popular form of self-expression. The most recent Harris Poll, conducted in 2003, found that approximately 16 percent of Americans have at least one tattoo, compared to only 5 percent in 1936.
Freshman David Perry got his first tattoo at age 16.
"My mom signed off on it because it really meant something to me," Perry said. "I got it after my uncle – her brother – passed away."
Since then, Perry has added two more tattoos. While both are meaningful to him, Perry says he thinks a lot of people over think their tattoos.
"It doesn't necessarily have to be something meaningful or symbolic," Perry said. "It can be just because you like the art."
For his second tattoo, Perry had the words "Today your love, tomorrow the world" inked across his chest.
"It's a Ramones lyric, and they're my favorite band," Perry said. "The lyrics are really important to me."
Next, Perry decided to get a tattoo on his side dedicated to his family.
"Each of the four diamonds surrounding the word ‘family' represent a family member – my mom, dad, and two sisters," Perry said.
The most important thing is to make sure your tattoo is all about you, says Perry.
"Never get one because your friends are getting one or you're around people who have them," Perry said. "Get a tattoo because you appreciate the culture and the artist's style. Love it because, well, it's on you forever."
