Tattooing is a fashion. As my Dad said, a fashion is doing stupid things simply because lots of other people are doing stupid things.I regard tattoos as a sign of inadequacy (why do people find the need to alter themselves?) Or are they trying to get themselves noticed? Why mutilate or disfigure a perfectly good body?
As with all fashions it will pass. Unlike wearing flared trousers and kipper ties you can't get rid of tattoos so easily.
I am afraid i am going to have to disagree with you there.
For fashion, I guarentee you wear clothing in public. How is that not a fashion? By choosing the clothing you wear you are altering how you look. The big difference is my choice to get a tattoo is permanent.
I have a few rules. First, I get something that means something to me. Second, it has to be something I wanted for at least 2 years before I get it done. And Third, I have three spots I am willing to get one (I have 2 at the moment)
As for getting noticed? Mine are on my upper shoulder and across my back. Places that 99% of people are not going to see? How is this getting noticed? I wear don't wear tank tops so no one ever sees the one on my arm unless I show them.
As for a symbol of inadequacy. So I choose to make myself look more like how I want? Is this different than people dying their hair (Which I have done. But my naturally blonde hair will not hold black, no matter how dark I try and make it). How about porn stars who get their breasts done? Coloured contacts? Lyposuction? Are all these the same thing. Because if you choose to look down on someone who has ever done any of those things you are cutting a large portion of the population.
And finally. You say a perfectly good body. I've seen plenty of bodies that are not perfectly good (mine included), so we change.
I will say this. Someone covered from head to toe with ink I usually don't go for. But overall people tend to get them because THEY want them, not because of someone else.