The American auto industry continues to fall by the wayside, the stock market remains as volatile as ever, and the real estate market, well, itβs about on par with Chris Brownβs career. But, there is one industry currently thatβs still in the black. In fact, itβs also in the red, green, yellow, and any color you can think of.
It seems in times of financial hardship people like to turn to purchases of a more permanent nature. Β
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According to a 2006 study by the Pew Research Center some 36 percent of 18- to 25-year-olds have a tattoo. For those 26-to-40 that figure rises to 40 percent.
Those figures may climb as this recession deepens.
Why are people turning to tattoos to cope?
In an interview with Christian Science Monitor, tattoo artist named Phuc Tran said, βNo one feels like a tattoo that they get will be foreclosed on or repossessed. I think that our clients feel like tattoos make them feel better, especially when many other things in the economy and news cycle can be bleak.β
So Iβm to believe that people who lost their homes, jobs, and are currently ducking hits placed out on them by bill collectors are finding comfort in getting their mamaβs name, a picture of Jesus, or some Japanese letters tatted on them?
I guess, but donβt most tattoos hurt? Why add more pain to your life? What are you? Some sort of sadist?
The only recession-themed tattoo I would consider getting is the winning numbers to a lottery ticket that sends my bank account into outer space.
Other than that, getting βpeace, love, and good creditβ in Arabic permanently plastered on my neck wonβt really change my attitude. Or maybe Iβm not seeing the bigger picture.
Have you gotten your own recession-friendly tattoo lately?
If so send a pic and story to [email protected]
Michael ArceneauxΒ hails from Houston, lives in Harlem and praises BeyoncΓ©βs name wherever he goes. Follow him onΒ Twitter.
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