Mom, dad ink

Natasha Stewart, Youthlink Writer

One cannot help but notice the trend in Jamaica of persons sporting a tattoo or a series of tattoos. Some get inked to express who they are, others, to honour the memory of a deceased loved one. Then there are those who do it to let the world know who their special someone is. What do people in the west think about getting a tattoo of their partner's name on their bodies? Would you do that?

Deneisha Dockery, 22

No, I am not sure we will last forever, so I wouldn't want for him to do that since I wouldn't do it either. I just think persons who do those things are obsessed. Besides, it is not that expensive to put it on but when you want to take it off, then you're gonna regret the decision to get the tattoo in the first place.

Sherane Jackson, 18

Yes, but only a temporary tattoo that is removable. I would just do it for the fun of it. If he wants to do it then I wouldn't mind, but it's not a big deal whether or not he wants to as that would be his choice. A permanent tattoo might commit me to something that might not necessarily last forever, and in the case that we break up, then this will affect the person to whom I eventually get married.

Jason Downer, 19

No, that's total madness. I almost did it once but persons advised me against it because it's stupid, and I eventually realised that myself. Nonetheless, I was going to put it on my chest, but then I realised that it wasn't worth it, not even if we were married, because she can leave anyway. Only if she died, then I would do it because that way I wouldn't have lost her to someone else. I also wouldn't want her to put my name on her chest because I don't think I'm worth it. Things may go bad and we may separate.

Kerry-Ann Thompson, 22

No, I would not tattoo my boyfriend's name on my body, but I would do it for my husband. However, he could tattoo my name on his body as a brand. I wouldn't return the favour immediately; I would have to give it a great deal of consideration.