*ahem*

As a, well, peircer in training, who isint really practising right now, i felt the need to step in here and speak.

-Do people peirce or tattoo as a form of self harm?
- Yes. And no. Some people who have been self harmers see it as a way to fill BOTH needs. Their craving or desire for self punishment is fufilled without being expressly negative, and they are left with a reminder to love themselves more. Some say this is a good thing, some say its still self harm. I dont make that judgement.

-Are certain tattoo styles inherently bad or signify the person who is tattooed with them is dangerous?
- not really anymore. There are some, which I would not second guess. Anyone with a teardrop below their eye is someone you want to be careful around - because although it means different things to some people, it CAN mean the number of people the person has killed. for SOME. Thats how it was started, in prisons. Tattoos on the face, neck, or other very visual place where ones eye would naturally look do seem over the top to me. However, again, this is a rite of passage for some people.

more later..