Maybe you do, maybe you don’t. David Brooks, writing at the New York Times (subscription required) has a great column about the popularity of tatoos. Basically arguing that where they once were a statement about nonconformity they are now just the opposite–mainstream:

What you get is a culture of trompe l’oeil degeneracy. People adopt socially acceptable transgressions — like tattoos — to show they are edgy, but inside they are still middle class. You run into these candy-cane grunge types: people with piercings and inkings all over their bodies who look like Sid Vicious but talk like Barry Manilow. They’ve got the alienated look — just not the anger.

And that’s the most delightful thing about the whole tattoo fad. A cadre of fashion-forward types thought they were doing something to separate themselves from the vanilla middle classes but are now discovering that the signs etched into their skins are absolutely mainstream. They are at the beach looking across the acres of similar markings and learning there is nothing more conformist than displays of individuality, nothing more risk-free than rebellion, nothing more conservative than youth culture.

Another generation of hipsters, laid low by the ironies of consumerism.

Overall, I think he is right. Do you want to know what is “edgy,” what is “hip,” and what is “counter-cultural”?

• Being made in the image of God and singing songs of praise to your Maker.
• Doing what Greg preached in the sermon this morning and obeying Christ out of joy and not shame.
• Being honest with people about why you are doing what you are doing with your life–”I am going to school . . . I am going to this church . . . I married this person . . . I am seeing this person . . . because I have been transformed by Christ.”
• Caring less about what you wear than Whom you worship
• Going to church on Sunday evening and sharing with others how Christ has changed your life
• Standing in the rain (or humidity) and passing out church cards on campus
• Remaining faithful to your spouse (with your mind as well as your body)
• Volunteering at a Crisis Pregnancy Center and encouraging women to keep their unborn babies
• Praying more and watching tv less

You want to be cool? Try these on for size!

Posted in Culture |