It was a typical off-island family outing. A trip to the mall, a stop at a fast-food restaurant: then pick up some pet food at the farm-supply store, and finally an appointment at the tattoo and piercing parlor.

WHAT?! Yes, that was the family-day itinerary of one young family we know here on our little island. The mom and daughter both decided to get an eyebrow ring together. The dad got a new tattoo on his shoulder. For them it was a fun way to share time together and enjoy common interests as a family.

Body piercing and tattooing have become absolutely commonplace, middle-class, mom and pop activities. What was once a sign of rebellion, or a symbol of a tough-guy often related to military service, is now a normal look sported by nursery-school teachers, corporate lawyers, ten-year-old bo…