The Pew Research Center, clearly having a lot more time on their hands now that the election has ended, released a study on people in various age groups who embrace “nontraditional appearance-altering practices.” These modifications included tattoos, dying one’s hair a nontraditional color and body piercings other than ear lobes. I found the results to be a bit surprising, particularly regarding the possibility of skin ink. Only 10% of citizens aged 41 to 64 have a tattoo, while 40% of the 26 to 40 crowd were inked. The youngest folks, age 18 to 25, were catching up quickly, with 36% of them already displaying skin art.

Should this be some sort of clue for the GOP as they seek to rebuild their brand with younger voters? At the Weekly Standard, Gary Andres ponders the question.

So maybe the new litmus test for Republican presidential hopefuls as the party aims to improve its dismal performance among younger voters: An elephant tattoo? I might have to do a poll of 2012 hopefuls to see who already has one. Any guesses?

For full disclosure, I’m one of that 10% in the old folks category and I have five of them. (This includes one “ancient ink” experimental tattoo duplicating the artwork found on the mummified remains of a bronze age wanderer. It was put in by hand using a needle and thread, “sewing” it into the skin.) Personally, I can’t see putting any sort of political message on my body permanently but I suppose some hard-core partisans might find it appealing. Would you like an elephant on your bicep? How about a donkey across the small of your back. (While we’re on that topic, why do you girls keep getting tattoos on a part of your body you’ll never see?)

These things are all fraught with problems. Your “Sarah Palin 2012” tattoo is going to seem pretty silly in years to come if she doesn’t wind up getting the nomination. Doctors who remove skin art are already doing a booming business taking off those “President Hillary” stamps. How about you? Do you have any, and would you consider getting a political tattoo? Chime in with your own thoughts and experiences in today’s open thread.