If one were to quickly skim SMU, they would probably notice the following: well-dressed individuals wearing preppy clothing walking around campus.
Within these giant masses of people, however, there are a handful of individuals who have a different style.
While their fashion taste may not stretch too far from the norm, flashes of ink can be noticed on their body.
Stereotypically, tattoos have a negative connotation. For many, images of gangsters, convicts or badass musicians come to mind.
This categorization of tattooed people has persisted over time, especially in the South, since traditionally a southern gentleman or woman would never permanently mark their body.
But times are changing.
Walk downtown any metropolitan city, like Dallas, and you can find normal, well-mannered civilians sporting ink.
The once-taboo concept of tattoos has transformed into literal body art.
As tattoos become more popular, vulgar words tatted across knuckles have now become meticulous drawings on the inside of fingers. Provocative sketches of women on men’s arms have now become tribal print sleeves. And the infamous butterfly tramp stamp has now become extinct.
The connotation of tattoos has shifted, now holding a more positive and deeper value than it once had before.
Senior Jacqueline Suhenda, who has two tattoos, feels strongly about them since they hold sentimental meaning.
“One of my tattoos is a quote saying ‘blood, sweat, but never tears.’ It pretty much describes myself; I’d rather go through hard times and persevere rather than breaking down and crying about it,” Suhenda said.
Sophomore Ashley Davis is also passionate about her tattoo since she wanted it to be symbolic and meaningful.
“I have Luke 6:35 tattooed on me; it’s my favorite Bible verse. I’m Catholic, so my faith means a lot to me. It reminds me to stay true to myself and to be tolerant and love everyone,” Davis said.
Tattooed individuals aren’t the only ones who understand there’s an intention for each tattoo. Non-inked people have also come around.
Sophomore Kenn Phaxay admits he used to interpret tattoos negatively until a few years ago.
“If I see someone who’s covered in tattoos I just think the person is very liberal and committed to their choices,” Phaxay said.
Now he believes body art has become a societal standard and even though he would never get a tattoo, he is accepting of others interests.
“I look at them and learn the meaning of a tattoo to the particular person; it really is an art.”
Although Phaxay has changed his viewpoint, not everyone agrees that permanent ink is a good idea. But for the tatted individuals, they seem to stand by their choices.
“I don’t care what other people think about my tattoos. In general, SMU has a certain look, but you don’t have to conform to that if it’s not what you like,” Suhenda said.
Junior Tien Dang says that people such as faculty and staff may judge tattoos, but students are usually very open and excited to hear and talk about them.
“They’re always great talking points. I think with the way society is evolving, tattoos are becoming more accepted,” Dang stated.
At the end of the day, tattoos are a personal preference. Some find tattoos aesthetically pleasing while others don’t. Some may even like tattoos but physically can’t handle the pain of getting one.
They aren’t for everyone. But when contemplating whether to deal with the needle or not, most tattooed individuals will tell you to never be impulsive.
Dang says, “some people do make rash decisions and regret their tattoos. My huge thing is thinking long and hard about what you want and where you want it. It’s become a form of self expression that when [it’s] done right [it] can be beautiful.”
