In early 2020, the world was quickly upended by the COVID-19 pandemic. For Leah Holland, a Georgetown, Kentucky resident, this global shift became especially personal. On March 4, 2020, she had a tattoo done inspired by a compliment from a friend, which read “courageously & radically refuse to wear a mask.” The phrase reflected her belief in staying true to herself.
However, just two days after the tattoo was inked, the first COVID-19 case was reported in Kentucky, and soon, masks became a public health mandate. The tattoo, once a symbol of individuality, quickly took on an unintended meaning, making it appear as though Holland opposed mask-wearing, a stance she did not hold.
Embarrassed, she began covering the tattoo in public to avoid being misinterpreted. Recently, during a TikTok trend where users share their “dumbest tattoos,” Holland humorously shared her story. TikTok users joined in with suggestions, including updating the tattoo to say “Hindsight is 2020” or adding “except during COVID.”
Despite the pandemic being declared “over,” the debate about personal freedom and public health remains relevant, making Holland’s tattoo a memorable, if ironic, symbol of an era. As she reflects, Holland now laughs at the twist of fate, seeing the tattoo as a funny story she’ll tell for years to come.
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