In his short tale "Eraser Tattoo," Walter Dean Myers addresses ideas of self-expression, acceptance, and identity. In the narrative, a young child named Doug battles feelings of inferiority and a desire to blend in with his peers. He chooses to get an eraser tattoo as a means of achieving this goal in the hopes that it will give him a harder and more fascinating appearance.
The moral of the story might be read as a criticism on the pressures that young people frequently experience to live up to social expectations and stereotypes. As Doug looks to external symbols to define his identity and find approval, it emphasizes the vulnerability and uncertainty that often accompany puberty.
The moral of the story is that you shouldn't try to be someone you're not or rely on external symbols to give yourself true self-acceptance and confidence. It highlights the need of staying true to oneself and appreciating one's distinctive talents and experiences. This theme is reflected in Doug's epiphany at the conclusion of the novel, when he realizes that his choices and deeds—rather than his tattoo—define who he is.