Think twice before inking
I am writing in response to the star letter by Chow Pak-kwan, 'A tattoo is not the sign of a criminal' (Young Post, February 17).
Tattoos are very popular nowadays. It's true that a lot of triad members have tattoos, but that perception has changed. Tattoos have become a body art and a form of self-expression. Young people have the freedom to choose to get tattoos. But I think before they do so, they should be aware of a few things.
First, it is illegal to get a tattoo if you're under 18. If you really want one, wait until you are old enough.
Second, tattoos damage the skin. There's also a high risk of infection. You should think twice. If you really get one, you must follow the after-care instructions to avoid infections.
Third, tattoos are permanent. They are for life. Don't get one just because of your boyfriend or girlfriend. When you break up, it will become a painful memory and you will have to undergo an equally painful removal.
Think before you leap.
Sam Chan Ngai-yeung, Aberdeen Baptist Lui Ming Choi College
From the Editor
Thank you for your letter, Sam. The cultural significance of tattoos varies from place to place. It's always wise to bear in mind safety and long-term effects when making these kinds of decisions. Very often we see stories of people who have decided to get a tattoo in a foreign language and made some awful mistakes. Overseas, it's quite popular to get Chinese characters as tattoos. But a quick surf of the Web will show you how, very often, they don't mean what the wearer thinks they do.
Susan, Editor
