Censorship seems to come in so many shapes and forms these days. Whether it be watching what we say or what we wear or how our bodies look. Lately it's been what I say that I need to censor; that, and how my body looks.
I hide it well, but I have 5 tattoos (all that have a meaning) and recently just got my hips pierced (also have my nose and tongue done). It's amazing how far society has come to "accept" tattoos and piercings as much as they have. However, as sad as it is to say, that there are people out there that look at this form of expression as voodoo!I remember an incident I had with a bunch of older women. They were in the room beside me (just luck I guess) and were talking about my tattoos and how horrible they all looked. However, if anyone, whether it be a best friend or a stranger, were to come up to me and ask me what my tattoos are, I would gladly tell them the story of each and every one. Now, I am not bashing those who have tattoos that are just random, just stating that mine mean something to me, that way I wouldn't look back when I'm 75 and think to myself, "What was I thinking?!"
I just wish for a day, that I could see what other people see when they look at others tattoos and think they are horrible. I just don't get it. We as Americans are guaranteed freedom of speech, and that's exactly what one is doing when they ink their bodies. They are expressing themselves; maybe differently than most, but I'm sure each tattoo and piercing has a story behind it.
Now onto the next form of expressing oneself that people frown upon. I don't know how many times my mother has told me that swearing makes an individual look stupid. But I disagree. As well as tattoos being voodoo, many look at swearing as "voodoo". Many people look at me and go "Wow, she looks innocent," but make me angry and you will see a side of me that no one likes seeing. I just go crazy, and let my mouth run its course. If I were to yell at someone and censor it I would sound like a moron, or I would look at other people like they were morons. I feel like if you want to say "shit" or "damn" or "bitch" or even the big bad "fuck" word, then so be it. Let it out. Don't hold back. I won't look at you differently, I promise.
So with all that said, I feel like America needs to just relax a bit and let others express themselves however they want to. Be free, live your life, and love every minute of it.
