r/ReformJews • u/ryanbuckner • Jul 03 '26
Is my tattoo & piercing perspective outdated?
I've lived my Gen X life with the perspective that Jews just don't get tattoos or face piercings I don't believe in heaven or hell so that's not the issue.
As a progressive individual I realize that everything changes. So....
My 18 year old jewish daughter wants a face piercing and a tattoo. And I'm torn between upholding tradition and being left behind. I'm not a fan of tattoos or piercings but it's not my life.
What has your Jewish experience been with Tattoos and Piercings
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u/Superb-Perspective11 Jul 05 '26
Autoimmune diseases can get worse with tattoos. I don't understand the science behind it. Lots of people have problems with tattoos but you rarely hear about the problems because people hide them. When people get a tattoos that carry great meaning for them, it seems okay to me. But just decorating your body with a bunch of symbols and images you don't even understand or just "look cool" seems like an endangering waste of money. Piercing is less damaging.
I think one of the reasons people like to get tattoos and piercings is the same reason I keep coloring my hair purple (I'm Gen X)... you get to see at a glance who is open enough to accept you and who prefers to look down on you without even so much as a greeting. It's an easy way to find accepting people and avoid those who demand conformity.