Remember the days when the only people who had tattoos were bikers, criminals and salty sailors? Today, tattooing has become a more acceptable form of self-expression.

The popularity of the tattoo-related reality television shows “Miami Ink” and “L.A. Ink” may have contributed to society’s acceptance of this art form. Britton McFetridge, owner of Royal Peacock Tattoo, disagrees. “I think it was going on a lot longer,” he said.

McFetridge said that he noticed an increase in interest as long as 10 years ago. He also added that tattoos on actresses and models are often imitated by their fans.

Tattooing was reserved for rock stars, weirdos and outcasts. This is a stark contrast to the doctors, soccer moms and grandmas who are getting inked nowadays.

Does this mean that tattoos aren’t scary anymore? Royal Peacock patron Andrew Miller thinks that some tattoos still represent scary people. “The stigma is still there . . . a guy with ‘Thug Life’ on his neck gives you a certain image,” he said.

If your goal is to horrify and offend, you can still do that with a tattoo. However, it may be difficult to find an artist willing to help you do it. Reputable tattoo parlors usually refuse to do tattoos that are racist or other offensive material on its customers. Most parlors even limit or decline to tattoo the hands and neck.

The process of getting a tattoo is safer than it has ever been. Artists are trained on hygienic practices and disease prevention.

Your skin is sterilized and shaved. All of the surfaces are wrapped in plastic and the artists wear gloves. Things have changed for the better.

Like all forms of expression, tattooing has its trends and fads. Examples include tribal and barbwire armbands, Japanese characters and the ever-popular tramp stamp. The best thing to keep in mind is that your tattoo should represent you.

What will the grandchildren think when grandma accidentally shows her “69” tattoo located on her lower back?

For the sake of your unborn grandchildren, think twice about what and where you get your next tattoo.

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Crystal Kirk can be reached at [email protected]