Tattoos not about resisting authority

The article in Tuesday's paper that was on the subject of tattoos and piercings greatly intrigued me. However, as a person with a few tattoos and 11 piercings, I feel that all of the bases were not covered and was severely lacking in some areas. The article seemed to focus mainly on getting tattoos to revolt against some authority that has been enforced upon children, whether it be parental or societal. There are still some people out there who get tattoos for the right reasons.

I got both of my tattoos when I was 18 years old. The first was a gift on my birthday from my mother, who is closer to me than anyone in this world, and we went together to get matching tattoos on different parts of our bodies. Our tattoos symbolize the constant connection we have with each other, that the unconditional love would never fade. My second tattoo, a tribal phoenix on my back, has a profound meaning to my family and me, and never fails to shock anyone who may ask me about it. You see, my family is very tight-knit. We're always there for each other, and would always come running if another needed us, no matter the distance. In honor of our bond, my entire immediate family; my parents, brothers and myself; got the same tattoo. That's right, all of us have the same design somewhere on our bodies: the Fowler Family Tattoo. Let's just say that the family that gets tattooed together stays together.

Obviously, the idea that most young people get tattoos to defy their parents is flawed. My parents paid for my tattoos without regret. I must ask, though, what was so wrong with the principles that these "parent shockers" were brought up with? What would cause someone to revolt against those beings who have given them so much, including, in most cases, a college education?

Grow up, kids. If you're going to do something that permanent, make it worth your while.

Kiley Fowler
molecular and cellular biology junior

Evangelist demeans Christian ideals

I wish to apologize to students who had to hear Jed Smock and his sexist and racist attacks. I do this because he is not speaking the truth. He is not representing Christianity, he is demeaning it, by making Christians look like judgmental hypocrites who think people of Jewish heritage, Muslims and women are all useless. Of course, all people can be judgmental at one time or another, but it has been my experience that the Christians I know have never been anything but loving and caring to me, even though I didn't believe.

The majority of Christians I know disagree with Mr. Smock's beliefs. It is considered a fact that Jesus was a Jewish person, and that some of his followers were women. So this man is in the wrong for stating opinions that are contradictory to the truth.

In Christianity, it is taught that we should all care for each other as we would like to be cared for. Mr. Smock does not represent this at all when he personally attacks others. It is one thing to correct someone, another to insult them entirely. What this man preaches is not the Christian message, and I ask that if you are interested in learning what Christianity is about, you should go elsewhere and not listen to this man's lies. If you aren't interested in hearing about Christianity, I ask that you do not judge all Christians based on what this one man is like. It is my belief that Christians and non-Christians alike should respect each other's beliefs. We should not waste time paying attention to speakers like Mr. Smock, but should seek to discuss any issues with respect, and not with bigoted opinions and disrespect.

Jacob White
computer science junior

Evangelist wastes Alumni Plaza space

I used to hate the Alumni Plaza, but now I see its true purpose: a venue for outdoor morality plays. Much like the ancient Greek amphitheaters of old, the grassy knoll outside the Administration building set the stage today for an unbalanced, Eugene Levy-look-alike evangelist. Tuesday's 100-plus audience witnessed the "unsanctioned Methodist" Jed Smock talk about impregnating his wife (16 years his younger), a book burning and an impromptu autograph session. Audience participation only added to the spectacle. See: A grown man shout at the top of his lungs! Hear: Your demographic get insulted! Wonder: Why the ASUA Speakers Board doesn't book fundamentalist Mall preachers!

Nick Smith
journalism and marketing senior