April 9, 2009 - Vol. 37 Issue 12

Editorial: Tattoos acceptable as long as thought is put into them
By Callie Umholtz, sr.
For the editorial board

Recently, more and more students have become interested in getting tattoos. From last names to tribal signs, several students now have tattoos.

Having a tattoo is not a bad thing, just as long as the person puts thought into it. People should think through whether or not they would want that specific tattoo on them for the rest of their lives. All of the details of getting a tattoo, like what to get, should be considered.

Tattoos with a significant meaning are rather popular. If there is a story behind a tattoo, it explains the significance of it. For example, a deceased grandparent’s name or some object of importance.

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However, a tattoo of a boyfriend’s name would not be a good idea. The relationship might not work out. The tattoo would just be an ugly reminder.

Tattoos are not cheap either, so that would be another point to take into consideration. Depending on how big or small a tattoo will be, whether it is a complicated or simple design and if it will be in color or black and white will determine how much it will cost. Some tattoo parlors are cheaper than others, but mostly they all average about the same.

In a couple of cases people have gone to a tattooist who is not certified. It might be cheaper, but the risk of diseases from the unsanitary needles is much greater. The quality of going to a professional is better than an amateur, and there would be less of a risk of getting diseases from the needles.

Tattoos are a common way of expressing interests and personality. It is not horrible to get one, but it is necessary to think it through before getting a tattoo.


Pro: Tattoos artistically express personality as well as enhance the human image
By Scott Sollars, sr.
Reporter

Tattoos are an artistic expression of personalities and interests, just as clothes are. If there were rules about covering up tattoos, it would be like ridding people of the right to express themselves through clothing.

Throughout history, humans have tattooed their bodies to represent their successes, personal achievements, loves, losses or war.

More recently, tattoos have become a fashion statement. People get them to express themselves and their interests, as well as to show how they feel inside. Tattoos enhance the human image; to some they make them more desirable and to others - not so much.

If someone has the money to get a tattoo and wants it on their body, it is their choice. It is their body, and they should be able to do whatever they want with it.

If someone no longer wants or likes their tattoo, there is an expensive and painful process of removing the ink. That is why people should consider the possible consequences of getting a tattoo.

While I think that it is a person’s personal choice to get a tattoo, they should put a lot of thought into what they want and how it will affect their future.

I have a tattoo, but it expresses my personality and it was something that I wanted. I plan to get another but not anytime soon.

If someone wants a tattoo, he or she should get one that truly expresses who they are.


Con: Tattoos are permanent while styles, interests change over the years
By Bailey Myers, sr.
Editor-in-Chief

Tattoos are becoming more popular each year, but before jumping to a decision about this lifetime commitment, people need to think twice.

No one would want to wear the same outfit for the rest of their life because styles and tastes change. It would get old and boring. So why do people choose to permanently implant dye under their skin?

The picture or design might not seem as cute years down the road if pink and lime green are no longer someone’s favorite colors, and maybe that adorable tattoo of a baby giraffe is not as appealing after being attacked by one at a zoo.

My point is that it is impossible to know how one will feel about something later on. The key word about tattoos is “forever”, and it should not be taken lightly.

Getting a boyfriend or girlfriend’s name tattooed on is a horrible idea. There is no telling what could go wrong in the relationship.

Some employers also frown upon tattooed employees because they could send negative messages to customers. Tattoos decrease formality both in the workplace and out.

For example, at weddings, brides do not want their tattoo showing, and most people cover them up with clothing before going to job interviews. If people are so proud of their tattoos, why do they cover them up?

Extreme thought should be put into tattoos before they are on one’s body forever.


Monsters vs. Aliens, fun movie for the whole family
By Crystal Crays, sr.
Advertising Editor

Walt Disney’s new movie, Monsters vs. Aliens, is an exciting and adventurous movie for people of all ages.

The movie is funny but has an excellent theme about not taking life for granted. Monsters vs. Aliens is a good movie to watch with the family. Children will be entertained by the hilarious antics of the characters as they try to save the entire world from the eminent threat that is upon them, and the parents can enjoy a funny movie without having to worry about the values that it is teaching their children. The plot line of good versus evil continues throughout the movie in many forms and shows that the right thing to do is not always the easy way.

Also, the movie shows that the strangest people can become the best of friends. Children that have moved before can relate to how the main character, Susan, feels as her life changes. She is forced to branch out and meet new characters such as Dr. Cockroach, whose voice is played by the infamous Hugh Laurie from the popular television show House, M.D.

Reese Witherspoon is the voice of the main character, Susan. Witherspoon does a fantastic job of bringing humor and excitement to the character.

In the movie, Susan overcomes her fear of her new “height” and goes on to make a new life for herself. She gets rid of the evil in her life. After realizing that she did not need a husband to make her happy, Susan devotes her life to helping the Monsters fight crime and save the world. The people involved in this movie put a lot of effort into it, and it shows.

This movie shows what happens when someone does not take a step back and look at their life and what they have and have not accomplished.

Overall, Monsters vs. Aliens is a funny, energetic, adventurous, and morally structured movie that is fun for all ages.



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Cub Voices

"What is your opinion on tattoos and why?"

David Setter, sr. "They are ok, but I don’t want one. They look good until you get old." Channing Sallee, jr. "Tattoos are all right as long as you don’t get something stupid."
Matthew Lafferty, so. "I’m all for tattoos. They are symbolic and signify what you like" Hunter Isaac, fr. "Tattoos are okay. It depends on what they are and where."


Jason Feeback, counselor"I don’t have any tattoos, and I don’t think that I ever will"

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