Preconceptions or prejudging we have been told is wrong and we should endeavor to stop it.  But stopping it is completely counter to human nature and survival and as much as we decry it we use it daily.  Profiling is another term that is used by race baiters, criminals and politicians as a rallying point to prove to the world how racist and bad American society truly is while ignoring that it is common sense.  That is why we hear of cases where the TSA pulls a 86 year old lady who has been wheel chair ridden for the past 20 years aside for an in depth security search while waving through a 32 year old bearded guy singing the number one hit in Tehran “God is Great and Death to the Infidel Pigs” with his magic carpet rolled up under his arm.  An exaggeration? Maybe – maybe not.  The point is that we ignore this part of nature at our own peril but to not have an open mind is to possibly miss a good life experience.  This past weekend I experienced one of those moments.  I went with my oldest son and got a tattoo.

Just a simple wedding band on my ring finger.  I can not wear jewelry – it makes me feel claustrophobic – and when I married 39 years ago I did not have a ring.  I don’t believe that it bothered Jeanie but there were times when I would wish I had one to complete the marriage.  The idea came when we purchased a new vehicle for her and the gentleman who reviewed the sale had his wife’s initials on his ring finger.  Curious about it I asked him about it and he mentioned he had it done years before because in the job he had then the ring kept getting caught and was a danger.  I told Jeanie that I liked that idea.  To say she was lukewarm to the thought would be adding about 150° to it.  My oldest son having several tattoos adorning his body was of course very enthusiastic while the rest of my family are still shaking their heads in bewilderment.  As he is in the process of having another tattoo completed he set up an appointment for me when he was going for his next session.

I didn’t quite know what to expect when we headed there on Saturday.  It turned out that the tattoo artist is a young man that was/is a neighbor and my kids were on again off again playmates while growing up.  I hadn’t seen him in years and didn’t quite know what to expect.  Will had of course a lot of tattoos as did all the artists there.  I had thought that calling tattoos “art” was a little much but after seeing Will’s ability in drawing, painting and then in tattooing was surprising for me.  He is a talented artist and modest about it too which is a trait you don’t see too often in people that age.

I spent two and a half hours there (my little ring took only about 40 minutes) and I have to say that it was the most enjoyable Saturday afternoon that I have had in a while.  The relaxed atmosphere and the humor the guys have made it a great time.  Their attitude makes you feel comfortable and at ease.  Underneath the fun you can see the pride they have in their craft and ability.  It is old school American work ethic and while they may not even think in those terms it is there to see which is a delight to see in younger guys.  I don’t know if I would have thought that if I just passed them on the street.  Probably not.  Like most I would see the tattoos and think “troubled youth” or just plain trouble.   I am glad I had the chance to watch them work and enjoy their company.  Another little lesson but that does not mean I will get on a plane with Islamist chanting “Allah Akbar”.  And for those who say, “Tattooing now, can piercing be far behind?” Let me assure you that is totally out of the question!  Putting holes in your body, rods through places where rods shouldn’t go not to mention little studs, is a sign of a mental disorder.  As we were leaving the shop, Will said to me that I would be back.  I do have an idea for another tattoo that I would like to get but that will wait until after Jeanie gets use to this one.

For those interested and live in the Philly/Allentown region check out Revelation Studios on Bethlehem Pike in Hatfield.  Their website is http: //www.TattooRevelation.com for you to check out.