You know I adore Jackson... your emotional description of him is right on! However, I think I'm more of the papabear response. (As if my opinion really matters... but I'll give it!)

Jackson has a hard road ahead of him. He's fought tooth and nail to get above his addiction, and what a HUGE ass accomplishment. However, its still a "mark" on the man in the small minded world we live. So, the eyebrow piercing only complicates matters.

Of course, that being said, I'm never in favor of mutalting the body... tatoos or piercings. I'm not even a fan of the double ear percing... so there... that's my own biasis.

But I would have re-acted like Bill, concern that the world won't take the time to KNOW the real Jackson. And what a waste for the world... and for Jackson, who has so much to teach the world.

- Dana

I am reading finally, having started with figpaste, then kathy howe, then dana, and then LUCY! (You should check out my blog if only to find out my masterminded way of determining that Lucy was "She" on figpaste posts, and Kathy says you too have been scanning the archives for clues).

Anyway, thought I'd say hello. I'm Jen.

And I think Jax is a brave guy-- have read his blog too (and Matt's-- I have a similar telemarketing story from my own past, though not as funny as his) and being a tattooed mother (shh, don't tell anyone) with two tattoos of my own, I do understand and actually agree with what Dana said (my tattoos are not visible to the world), I sympathize with Jax's desire for self-expression too. He is young. Someday he'll take it out again. Or not.

It's unfortunate that people are judged by their appearance. I can also see that it would bring back those stomach churning memories. At least he asked!

i agree with you about the permanent marking "thing." jackson agrees with you. his two tattoos are quarter-sized led zeppelin symbols on the insides of his wrists. easily covered by a watch and long sleeves. he also knows the earrings and eyebrow piercings will stay in for a limited amount of time. he's 19! starting college any minute. if you can't do this stuff now, when? he understands all this, as do i. he's trying to prepare me for the eventual hair cut. i'm just not there yet.

hi jen! sheesh. lucy and philip. they'll do ANYTHING for blog traffic!

Hmmm...I don't think I can articulate why I have a huge lump in my throat after reading this entry. Maybe because I'm a mom, maybe because my spouse is a recovering alcoholic/drug addict that had the ugliest of rock bottom times. Maybe because I have spent years being frustrated at how important looks are to our society.

I guess this is why I read complete stranger's blogs. Somehow, Stacey, you connected all these things together in one post. Now I'll have to sniffle my way through my Monday morning. Tonight I'll go home and pass out extra hugs to my family. Thanks

I think the entire Lang family should get lip rings.

Sheeba first.

*grins*

Stace,
My 16 year-old stepson has let his hair grow long. He is a tall, lanky kid with coke-bottle glasses. Very fragile looking bone structure, and very fair-skinned. My biggest complaint is that he lets it hang in his eyes, and doesn't always wash it daily - which it absolutely must be done due to the teenaged oil problem. As a teenager of the 60's and 70's, I should be the defender of personal rights. As a parent and new step-parent, I find myself ashamedly wondering what people think. Your attitude gives me direction. Tell all the interfering strangers with their sideways glancing to fuck off!