Response to David E. Kirkland essay, "The Skin We Ink"

This blog post is a response to the need of four journal entries. This journal entry is related to objective 2 on the syllabus "Achieve better understanding of the decision-making behind any artfully written intelligent prose.". I believe that this journal entry relates to the objective because The Skin We Ink isn't just about a boy's plethora of tattoos. Each tattoo have they're own unique message and deeper meaning to the boy they belong to. I, too, understand that sometimes the written word isn't the best way for someone to describe how they're feeling or thinking. Isn't a picture worth a thousand words?

Question: Did Kirkland's description of literacy in "The Skin We Ink" seem different than definitions we've read in Visions and Cyphers? Can you think of some other examples of "literacy artifacts," such as Derrick's tattoos that, "illuminate the making-making necessary to write his [Derrick's] life in a way not easily achievable using paper and pencil"?

Kirkland's description of literacy is different from other essays we've read because he talks more about visual discourse opposed to written discourse. Not everyone is good at putting their thoughts, emotions, and experiences into words. Some people choose to express themselves through art which allows the audience to analyze and break down the meaning of it in their own words to understand the story that someone is telling. There are times where written discourse may not do the best job of telling a story, especially when it gets complex with huge words and unknown concepts. Derrick's tattoos tell his life stories in ways where only he needs to understand. He doesn't need to explain what they mean to others, they can figure that out on their own. Other examples of literacy artifacts would be piercings. Some people get piercings as a way to express themselves.

One piercing, in particular, that could have a story behind it would be a Daith piercing. A Daith piercing is one that involves piercing the innermost cartilage fold of the ear. This piercing has become popular over the years because it supposedly replicates acupuncture and reduces the symptoms of a migraine. For someone who suffered from migraines for years, getting this piercing could instantly change their life. They would go from pain to no pain at all in a matter of seconds. This piercing will represent a major change in their life because it exemplifies a time where their suffering abruptly ended.

#daithpiercings #piercings #theskinweink #tattoos