Journal 7

        I believe the three most important concepts of the course so far have been genre, function of texts, and the definition of everyday writing. Through these concepts the idea of everyday writing has been complicated and broadened for me. Texts that I would have never considered articles of writing now make sense in these categories. Tattoos are an example of what this class is teaching me about what everyday writing can be. It seems to me that tattoos are a genre similar to other genres like graffiti. They can be symbols, drawings, quotes, or murals. Their functions can also be similar to other pieces of writing, such as, to remember, to communicate, to express, and to indentify. With this considered,  I do believe, after everything we've covered that tattoos do align with the concepts and idea of everyday writing. If we consider a needle like we would a pen then tattoos are really not that different than what we write in our notebooks or on flyers we hang up. What makes them different is the text on which they are printed, the skin. This serves a purpose that is much different than other examples but still fits in with the definition of everyday writing I have become familiar with. Tattoos are worn on the body by people to express ideas, and as a form of identity for that individual. They are personal, meaning they come from the thoughts of that person and may have a special purpose. They are also permanent pieces of text that can be seen and touched physically. All of these characteristics we have covered as concepts of what everyday writing examples should encompass. Therefore it would seem unreasonable to not include tattoos as everyday writing.