A few days ago I got a nose stud in my left nostril. This is something I've been wanting for some time and I'm excited and glad that I finally had it done. However, I am not here to talk about how much I love my new jewelery. I'm here to talk about the ideas and stereotypes people have about body piercings, tattoos, and the people who are involved with these things. Before going to Chicago Tattoo Factory, my dad kept joking about how disgusting and embarrassing it was. He told me not to get it pierced repeatedly, but I had my heart set. He told me it would affect getting a job, getting into college, and things of that nature. How could one little nose stud have such a huge impact on my future? And if that were true, then what about the people with tattoo sleeves and piercings in their chest, neck, or different places around their face? The stereotypical tattoo parlor is small, dirty, and disorganized; the people: rude, haven't showered in days, uneducated. However, Chicago Tattoo Factory was exactly the opposite. It still had the same vibe as most, but it was huge! It was absolutely spotless and completely organized. There were stations surrounded by a counter that made its way around the entire room. Everything was placed perfectly where it should be. And the most spectacular part was the people who worked there. They were completely professional and explained everything clearly and more than once. They even gave me and my mom free shirts that were really cute. When we got home, we put the shirts on and went up to my dad. He still looked disgusted and asked how dirty the tattoo parlor was. My mom and I explained that it was amazing! My dad started to laugh, told us to stop joking around, and walked away. How is it that he can't even begin to believe that piercings and tatoos aren't just disgusting things and that places where they are done aren't either?
