| Tattoos and taboos: The sequel
It appears that my last column on tattoos and body piercings got under some people's skin. And, finally I included some opinions of mine, based on personal observations. And, I believe that therein lay the premise for some individuals taking offense. Although the article included a disclaimer in regards to not wanting to stereotype anyone, I can see why someone might be upset with what I had written. I wasn't convincing enough about that. Many of my opinions are based on my beliefs. I would have to say that some individuals took "umbrage" with my remarks, although that wasn't one of the terms they used. Of the phone calls I received, two were left anonymously. When I re-read my article on Body Piercings and Tattoos from a different perspective, I can see where I offended some individuals. The responses of some of these readers taught me that I shouldn't expect others to accept what I believe and that I should respect their right to express themselves in their own manner, such as with tattoos and/or body piercings. I do draw the line on obscenities, however. On the other hand I would really like to thank the other e-mailers and telephone callers for expressing themselves in a respectful manner, even though they disagreed with me. One young man wrote "just because one doesn't want to put artwork on their skin gives them no reason to judge someone who does. Having studied the structure and function of the human body I can say without hesitation, that his suggestion is physically impossible. The second was from a member of the opposite "sex" who also questioned my sanity, with her own special brand of profanity. A third caller was very polite and only wanted to get more of a perspective of what my thoughts were on the subject. She seemed to me to be secure with her self-image and acknowledged my right to have an opinion on the topic. In one of the e-mails the author was quite liberal with the 'F' word in addition to other assorted sophomoric terms. Later I expanded the definition to include some humor intertwined with my articles. I believe that humor is an important part of wellness. Originally I chose topics related to wellness, focusing on the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Remember, anatomy is the study of the structure of the human body and physiology is the study of its functions. So, suffice it to say, I got the message. I hope that I have clarified my position with those who responded to my last column and in addition to with other readers. I reluctantly gave in, but that's another story. However, I also learned that humor, at someone else's expense is not humor. Another young lady wrote that she thought I was judging people from what was on the outside and not in the inside. And some of these latter remarks caused me to re-read what I had written and consider it from their point of view. Perhaps I should first explain my purpose for writing the "Healing Hands" column. Eight years ago when I began establishing my practice as a Licensed Massage Therapist I read a fantastic article in the Livingston County News on the positive effects of acupuncture. I thought that I could write a good article on how massage therapy can also improve your health |
Friday, 8 June 2012
Tattoos and taboos: The sequel
