Genii Weblog

Ever have a blond moment?

Wed 26 Oct 2005, 10:51 PM



by Ben Langhinrichs
My daughter is coming home tonight from college for a visit, and if my wife is to be believed, my daughter is having a whole slew of blond moments.  Since she has always had lovely dark brown hair (for a somewhat blurry example and a glimpse of her awesome dress, see ABC News and Prom follow up), it is hard for me to picture my daughter blond, but they should be home in a few minutes and I guess I'll have a chance to see.  Which brings me, of course, to the subject of tattoos (my daughter does not have any of those, as far as I know, and if she does and I don't know, I don't want to know, so don't tell me).  Um, yes, tattoos.  How is it that a generation that thinks that no fashion should last more then about ten minutes and that thinks nothing of changing hair color, etc. etc. also likes the idea of permanent tattoos?  Did nobody explain permanent to them?  Yes, a green undulating lizard on your shoulder may be very "in" right now, but will it still be "in" next year?  It seems so long term for such a short term generation.  Oh well, if I understood, I guess I wouldn't be a parent.

I'll let you know how the hair looks.  I might even, possibly, be able to get a picture, but no promises.

Copyright © 2005 Genii Software Ltd.

What has been said:


385.1. Stan Rogers (10/26/2005 10:32 PM)

With regard to body mods (tattoos, some types of piercings, branding, scarrification, et cetera), I think we're very close to a situation Spider Robinson once described in his future: this (or the next) is the first generation of youth who, when they elect to drop out, cannot drop back in.

Blonde's not so bad. It could have been moko.


385.2. Hassan Voyeau (10/27/2005 08:39 AM)

It is my understanding that tattoos can be surgically removed.


385.3. Ben Langhinrichs (10/27/2005 09:33 AM)

Stan - Too true.

Hassan - I guess you can, but I'm also guessing it is painful and often incomplete, especially if you have a large, complex tattoo. It is probably not too bad with a small, light tattoo. It still is a heck of a lot harder than changing your hair color or buying a new wardrobe.


385.4. Jerry Glover (10/27/2005 01:19 PM)

It is that permanent nature that's always slowed me down on tattoos - the decision of what image so defines me that I was it permanently engraved on my person is immense. I mean, it's hard enough deciding what to order at a good restaurant, much less that. :-)


385.5. Jess Stratton (10/28/2005 05:39 AM)

Temporary hair-dyeing is a quick way to get a "new you". There's nothing more refreshing when you're just plain tired of yourself. And then, *poof*, just when you get tired of it, it's back to normal.

When it's done the way *you* want it, body art becomes an extension of yourself. Everyone has a reason for why they chose what they did. They all have a story. It should't be for anyone but you. The permanency is part of the enticement - Are you bold enough to take the step?

Tattoo's are beautiful, IMHO. What's *not* beautiful is thousands of identical tattoo's, a permanent reminder of a desperation for acceptance.


385.6. Alan Bell (10/31/2005 06:24 AM)

looks like Rocky is rebelling against your authority! big tatoo


385.7. Ben Langhinrichs (10/31/2005 08:38 AM)

Fortunately, I have never had any authority over Rocky. If he wants to get a tatto, he is a big boy, and he can make up his own mind. (OK, he isn't exactly big and he isn't exactly a boy, but you get what I mean)