Editor, Times-Union: Let’s ask ourselves this very important question: Should we be worried about the external image of our community or the internal morality of local establishments within the community? To judge the validity of a business merely upon stereotyping and biased opinions is absolutely ridiculous! Would it not make so much more sense to determine the value of a business based upon whether or not it is established correctly? If an individual has gone through the proper procedures to establish a legal business, why should anyone then have the right to restrict that business from advertising the service being offered at that business? This process is flawed. So whether or not a business can advertise or use certain words within their advertising is to be determined by a panel of individuals who are basing it merely upon their biased opinions! Just recently tattoo studios in our community were told they are not allowed to use the words tattoo or piercing while advertising on the exterior of the buildings, or within the buildings if it is visible to the public. Now I would like to know exactly why these words were restricted? First of all, exactly how are these words going to negatively impact our community? In the dictionary the definition of the word tattoo reads as follows: Tattoo – the practice of making a design on the skin by pricking and staining. In the dictionary the definition of body piercing reads as follows: Body Piercing – the practice or an instance of adorning the body with jewelry or ornamentation that penetrates the flesh. With that said, let me ask again, how are these words negative in any way shape or form? If anyone has determined these words as negatives it is purely based upon opinion and nothing more. Our community is made up of various individuals who are skilled in different trades. Police officers, fire fighters, nurses, business owners, hair stylists and so forth. These are the very individuals that are receiving tattoos and piercings. If there is a fire at your house, one of the firemen that serve you just may have a tattoo. If you go to the salon, the lady cutting your hair may have one as well. The man you hear on the local radio station might have body modifications. So, obviously, many of the community members embrace this culture. Does this mean if a firefighter receives a tattoo that he is setting a bad example for the community? No, it means he is expressing himself as an individual, which we all have the right to do. Howard Reed was concerned that the tattoo studio on Detroit Street would negatively affect his business. Let me point out this studio has been in operation for four-plus years. It is located in a fairly nice plaza with five businesses directly beside of it. These businesses have in no way suffered from the existence of this studio. Many of the clients go next door and pay their phone bill; others eat at the diner in the same plaza. If these businesses have not been negatively affected by this studio, then why exactly does Mr. Reed think it will affect him? He also said that the studio is out of place on Detroit Street. Let us take a look at the businesses on this street. Auto mechanics, used furniture, gas stations, a metal factory, bowling alley. There is no consistency as far as types of businesses. So how exactly does this studio not fit in? So to close all I have to say is this, if you have never visited Take Action on Detroit I recommend you do. Browse the fine art from local artists, take a minute to meet the staff and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Hear some local musicians and donate to local charities as well. Just remember Warsaw, body modification is an art not a crime. Alisha McDonough Warsaw, via e-mail
