Freedom of expression can literally be skin deep. Just because someone has giant holes in his ears or ink on herself doesn’t mean he or she are dangerous and to be avoided.

Tattoos can be a great way to express yourself, but in some places they can be considered taboo. Many professional work environments ask you to cover up tattoos. The United States Army has a new grooming policy; if you have a tattoo on the head, face, neck, fingers, hands and wrists it’s banned. Of course members who are already in the army and have tattoos will be grandfathered in.

Why are body modifications so looked down upon by society? Just because somebody has giant holes in his ears or a huge ring through her nose doesn’t mean she is a bad person. Someone with no body modifications wearing a suit and tie could be just as bad. Do whatever you want with your body, it’ll be cool I promise.

According to ncls.org, Kansas prohibits anyone from performing body piercing, cosmetic tattooing or tattooing on anyone under age 18 without written and notarized consent and presence of the minor’s parent or court appointed guardian during the procedure. If you do choose to get a tattoo or a piercing, no matter how old you are, keep a picture of it by your bedside and look at it for about six months. If the site of it sickens you after that time, maybe it’s not a wise decision to go through with it.

No matter what, your body is yours and no one else’s. If you want to poke holes in it and draw all over it go ahead.