THERE was a question on a national rugby league program last week asking a member of the South Sydney Rabbitohs to name the members of his club “without ink”.
In a club that rotates between 26 and 30 players through its roster – the Rabbitoh could only name three players without tattoos.
Such is the propensity for body art these days – it has become the predominant vehicle of expression for many.
It is a way for people to honour their families, their dreams and their heritage.
Tattoo parlours do an amazing job, but it’s when younger people stray into illegal backyard operations looking for a cheaper version that the real problems emerge.
The risk to their own health and safety hardly enters their head.
If that’s not enough, the person who inks their bodies could also go to ruin, facing a $22,000 fine.
Put simply, it’s not worth it.