Are tattoos a turn off to any other men?

[Taramere]

Is there anything more mundane than the barbed wire tattoo around the arm?

 

Yes there is, and here it is...

 

Mom sells face space for tattoo advertisement | Deseret News

 

Having oneself tattooed as a form of marketing. In the case of that story, advertising a casino.

 

I've never had the urge to get a tattoo...except maybe mildly once in my twenties when I went on a diving trip and I saw one of the girls on the boat had a little dolphin tattooed on her shoulderblade. I quite liked the idea of that as a sort of tribal "I am dedicated to diving and to the water" gesture...but as I'm neither tribal nor dedicated to diving, I decided it would be a bit of a pretentious road to go down.

 

I can understand the "I got a tattoo to mark something very meaningful in my life" sentiment, but tattoos as nothing more than a fashion statement seem a bit ill advised.

[Million.to.1]

 

I can understand the "I got a tattoo to mark something very meaningful in my life" sentiment, but tattoos as nothing more than a fashion statement seem a bit ill advised.

 

Can you see a tattoo as ART? it can still be a statement without it being about fashion or being cool.

[Taramere]

Can you see a tattoo as ART? it can still be a statement without it being about fashion or being cool.

 

Yes of course. I don't feel strongly about it. In fact I've argued on here before about not judging people for getting body art.

 

My stance is starting to go a little in the other way now, though...mainly because it seems that so many people just get it as a fashion statement that it gets a little tiring to try to separate the fashion victims from the moving works of art (ie when it comes to people you don't know displaying tattoos).

 

I wouldn't be put off somebody as a partner or friend because they had tattoos, but neither can I see myself appreciating somebody's body art to the extent they would probably want. I'd rather look at paintings.

[kaylan]

However by "Black people" it was not meant those living in an African culture but rather African Americans who had assimilated into western culture. And those Black people only started getting tattoos about the time that Dennis Rodman and other elite athletes started wearing them. And those first people where thought of as freaks.

 

I am watching the same thing going on in the Philippines today. Where the Spanish and American influenced culture had dropped tattooing and now after the world's culture setters are wearing tattoos on their movie and TV screens many are starting to wear tattoos again claiming the precolonial cultures when Filipinos wore elaborate tattoos. But not wearing them because Angelina Jolie is a megastar and I want to be cool like her , right.

My point was that black Americans arent just copying white people when they get tattoos. Why do we have to be seen as copying white people when our ancestors have been getting tattooed for years?

[taiko]

Oh, please it is insulting to compare the struggle against racism with tattoos. Furthermore, in America tattoos were 1st associated with an underclass that was generally white. Tattoos in black people is a very recent phenomenon and somewhat unusual as the copying usually flows in the opposite direction.

 

About the only objection I would add is that members of African American Greek letter fraternities, the elites of black society have had their Greek letter branded into their skin for about a century before the "fad" as it was described in a Star Trek Deep Space Nine episode set in 2013 San Francisco began in the western world

[Million.to.1]

Fair enough.

 

You are right that there are many MANY terrible tattoos around.

 

mine is in white ink.. I love it. it's massive, but people never notice it.

[taiko]

My point was that black Americans arent just copying white people when they get tattoos. Why do we have to be seen as copying white people when our ancestors have been getting tattooed for years?

Because they were not getting African based tattoos but rather the same stuff as White kids were getting. Only because of their darker skin it didn't show up as well

[Taramere]

Fair enough.

 

You are right that there are many MANY terrible tattoos around.

 

My sister in law has a huge python wrapped around her upper leg. I was pretty startled when I saw it...and it wasn't my kind of thing at all, but she and my brother both like it so that's the main thing. He's the artist in the family....I'm more into music and books, so my ability to judge what a good tattoo and what a bad one is is....zero.

 

I did like that girl's little dolphin tattoo though. More because of what dolphins represent to me than anything else.

 

mine is in white ink.. I love it. it's massive, but people never notice it.

 

I've never heard of that before. That sounds quite fascinating. I just had a google and saw a few of them. Some were very intriguing looking...but others were things like stars or a Hallmark type quote.

[Emilia]

Fair enough.

 

You are right that there are many MANY terrible tattoos around.

 

mine is in white ink.. I love it. it's massive, but people never notice it.

 

I have heard and of it and it is one type I thought of getting myself because it looks so subtle. I'm generally not in favour of tatoos because I find primary colours ugly on skin (especially blue, black and green (that's not primary but you get the idea)). Some of the white ones look beautiful though.

 

Doubt that I will bother but I can see the attraction and also why people with ordinary tattoos don't understand it

[kaylan]

Because they were not getting African based tattoos but rather the same stuff as White kids were getting. Only because of their darker skin it didn't show up as well

Actually most black people get certain types of tattoo so they do show up better on their skin. Most know you cant simply copy the style white kids use. Stop making off base assumptions. Tattoos on darker skin require more shading with the use of black ink, and have certain colors that go well with particular shades of dark skin.

 

I guess I should say white people copy tribes of south america and africa since they love tribal so much right? Black people get those too, so who are they really copying?

:D:D:D

 

Enuff said

 

Congratulations for being unique.

The vast majority of folks dont have tattoos....so why is it unique not to have one, but it isnt unique to have one? That makes no logical sense.

Edited August 15, 2012 by kaylan

[Jane2011]

 

Oh. Right. Oops

 

 

 

 

This i don't get. Only if they are small and pretty and unimaginative. BORING. what's the point of it then? These are the tattoos that are dumb. A butterfly on a breast, or a flower on a shoulder. THAT is being a sheep. Getting something small and hiden just so you have one. That is not ART.

 

I did say small, but I didn't say they had to be butterflies or flowers, nor did I say they have to be hidden. I said 'nice images' (by my standards, which could very well -- and does -- mean some cutting edge, even freaky things) and in tasteful places on her body, which again, by my standards, does not necessarily mean hidden. It absolutely doesn't. I like them to be visible, but in certain places.

[Taramere]

Actually most black people get certain types of tattoo so they do show up better on their skin. Most know you cant simply copy the style white kids use. Stop making off base assumptions. Tattoos on darker skin require more shading with the use of black ink, and have certain colors that go well with particular shades of dark skin.

 

I guess I should say white people copy tribes of south america and africa since they love tribal so much right? Black people get those too, so who are they really copying?

The vast majority of folks dont have tattoos....so why is it unique not to have one, but it isnt unique to have one? That makes no logical sense.

 

I tend to associate tattoos traditionally with Polynesians....but honestly, I don't think any particular race or culture has the monopoly on tattooing. In the Middle East I think they've long been seen as an artform/beauty mark. In other cultures - the Celts, Africans, Polynesians, Native Americans etc the history was perhaps more geared towards the tribal.

 

Then there's the association in ancient Greece and Rome between tattoos and disgrace....which may well have influenced Western thinking quite significantly. So tattooing has enjoyed a very mixed reception in the world for a long time.

[Million.to.1]

I just had a google and saw a few of them. Some were very intriguing looking...but others were things like stars or a Hallmark type quote.

 

stars and hallmark quotes! so true.. i just looked a google too.

Bad images or txt can be any colour.. it is still bad.

Admittedly, white tattoos are pretty hard to photograph well.. they look kinda raised and pink... especially when fresh.

 

Mine is not an image or a picture of anything. it's a design that works on my body.

It's not for everyone though. People are sometimes quite puzzled by it.. but i like that.

[Emilia]

Then there's the association in ancient Greece and Rome between tattoos and disgrace....which may well have influenced Western thinking quite significantly. So tattooing has enjoyed a very mixed reception in the world for a long time.

 

Probably along with human branding that was used in the Middle Ages to mark criminals and prostitutes (and slaves)

[Taramere]

Probably along with human branding that was used in the Middle Ages to mark criminals and prostitutes (and slaves)

 

Yes...I think that's the aspect of it that gives rise to negative perceptions over the centuries. I think they tattooed soldiers too, but perhaps only the ones who were further down the hierarchy.

 

I think part of tattoos becoming popular in the West related to people travelling and being exposed to different cultural perceptions about tattoos. Also, both the hippie era and the punk era popularised body art - though again, for very different reasons.

[taiko]

I tend to associate tattoos traditionally with Polynesians....but honestly, I don't think any particular race or culture has the monopoly on tattooing. In the Middle East I think they've long been seen as an artform/beauty mark.

That was before the rise of Islam as tattooing is seen as haram by most schools of thought, just as it is against Old Testament laws

[kaylan]

I tend to associate tattoos traditionally with Polynesians....but honestly, I don't think any particular race or culture has the monopoly on tattooing. In the Middle East I think they've long been seen as an artform/beauty mark. In other cultures - the Celts, Africans, Polynesians, Native Americans etc the history was perhaps more geared towards the tribal.

 

The bold was my point from the jump. Many people all around the world have been tattooing for years and years, so why the hell do people feel the need to say one race is copying another? Like you said, no one has a monopoly on tattoos or styles used in tattoos.

Then there's the association in ancient Greece and Rome between tattoos and disgrace....which may well have influenced Western thinking quite significantly. So tattooing has enjoyed a very mixed reception in the world for a long time.

I dont really think antiquity's view of tattoos has held over to present day. I mean just look at the flip flop of homosexuality over that time period. It was rampant in those times, but is looked down upon today.

 

Id say tattoos get their bad wrap from religion...just like many other things get their bad wraps. Its usually religious influence on a society that ends up raising people to view certain things as low class in terms of appearance. Times have changed though, but I still remember a couple of older folk thinking me and my punk friends were devil worshipers because of how we used to dress.

Edited August 15, 2012 by kaylan

[Forever Learning]

I worked at a non-profit organization, Lutheran. Very conservative. The head pastor was against tattoos, and said the bible mentioned something along the lines of your body is a temple. Then his song got a tattoo and he was ok with tattoos suddenly. It was an interesting situation. He didn't want to express anything negative about his son. Some people are like that with their immediate family, they change views to accomodate certain actions family members have taken, and find ways to justify it and/or accept it.

 

That part of human nature always gives me a chuckle.

[xxoo]

:D:D:D

 

Enuff said

 

Congratulations for being unique.

 

We are all unique. I don't see how having or not having a tattoo changes that.

 

It is true that I do not need a tattoo to feel unique. I'm not sure that is why others get theirs.

[kaylan]

^haters gon' hate.

[kaylan]

^Meh...allow this photo to present my feelings on the matter.

[espec10001]

Oh no, just ask:

 

 

Most folks that have tattoos say they are unique and artsy. They also say they get compliments and questions about the meaning of their tattoos. Some say it took years of careful thought and analysis.

 

I have never met a tattooed person that said he did it because others do it. There must be a lot of artists in the planet.

 

See, this is what I find most funny about the whole tattoo issue. I try to imagine myself allowing some STRANGER doodling on my body with permanent ink and PAYING for this idiot to do this to me, and then to justify it I call it "art".

 

Also, by the responses in this thread, this just goes to show how our modern society is throwing morals out the window, the "liberals" who say "Hey, do whatever you want! As long as it feels good to ME ME ME, then I have every right to do it! Who cares what it does to others, as long as it's good for me then f*** off, right?"

 

It's the "me" generation, isn't it? "Look at me! Watch me! I'm so wonderful I take pictures of myself in the bathroom and I'm a celebrity I have followers! Look at my body art and how special and artistic I am! ME ME ME ME!" Right?

 

People wonder why the economy is so bad right now and why so many are losing jobs, its because people have thrown the moral codes that religion provides out the window. They reject God and spiritual concepts. They call it progressive, that smoking weed or doing drugs isn't so taboo anymore, is it? Hey, heroin used to be so stigmatized, but I'm glad we're finally getting over that so now people can just get loaded in the open!

 

I'd say that tattoos are a good thing now actually, because in the future when it all breaks down tattoos will be just like the Star of David branded on the Jews in Germany.

[kaylan]

See, this is what I find most funny about the whole tattoo issue. I try to imagine myself allowing some STRANGER doodling on my body with permanent ink and PAYING for this idiot to do this to me, and then to justify it I call it "art".

Um...many people put considerable resaerch into finding a reputable tattoo artist. They look at his/her portfolios, ask around about the person for opinions, and many people form friendships with their artist too...especially if you get larger pieces done, because youll be spending a bit of time with them. So they arent just "strangers" who "doodle" on people. Body art is no different from canvas art. Some of it can be beautiful, some of it can be deemed not so nice too look at...depends on the work.

Also, by the responses in this thread, this just goes to show how our modern society is throwing morals out the window, the "liberals" who say "Hey, do whatever you want! As long as it feels good to ME ME ME, then I have every right to do it! Who cares what it does to others, as long as it's good for me then f*** off, right?"

Throwing morals away? Tattoos have NOTHING to do with someones class or morals. Stop being ignorant. Either way....what does anyone elses body have to do with you? How does it impact your life?

It's the "me" generation, isn't it? "Look at me! Watch me! I'm so wonderful I take pictures of myself in the bathroom and I'm a celebrity I have followers! Look at my body art and how special and artistic I am! ME ME ME ME!" Right?

You are crying about liberals who talk about "me me me"? Last I checked it wasnt the left who are overly individualistic and lack compassion for their fellow man...thats the right wing actually. The left is way less individualistic than the right...so dont try that.

 

Bathroom pictures and conceited attitudes arent unique to people with tattoos, nor are they unique to "liberals". So please just stop.

People wonder why the economy is so bad right now and why so many are losing jobs, its because people have thrown the moral codes that religion provides out the window. They reject God and spiritual concepts. They call it progressive, that smoking weed or doing drugs isn't so taboo anymore, is it? Hey, heroin used to be so stigmatized, but I'm glad we're finally getting over that so now people can just get loaded in the open!

Why the need to try and get on a political soap box? Tattoos have nothing to do with political views or morals. You need a strong dose of reality.

 

And last I checked, heroin is still heavily stigmatized. You cant put it in the same class as weed. You cant OD and kill yourself with weed....weed doesnt have the same long term health affects that deteriorate your body. Learn something why dont ya.

 

And dont bring God into this. Many people who arent moral have a belief in God, and many people who are moral have no belief in God. Its all individual.

I'd say that tattoos are a good thing now actually, because in the future when it all breaks down tattoos will be just like the Star of David branded on the Jews in Germany.

Wow...this right here shows how out of touch you are. And how hateful you are. So you want people with tattoos to be hated and persecuted and to be identified as "other" because of their right to modify their body?

 

Cry moar.

[Million.to.1]

Exactly! That is why you got it.

 

You are an idiot. That is not WHY i got it. Of course people see it and react, but that's not the reason.

 

And yes, I AM an artist. I am creative. I am something unique and so is my tattoo. I have adorned myself with ink that people see and react to in many ways but their reactions are not the reason.

 

MY reasons for getting a tattoo are not to fit in with a certain group or make people think i am a "freak". The reasons are mine. My tattoo is a story about me. It's a a part of me, my history, my place in the world, a reminder of where i am, where i once was.

And you know what? there are times when i regret it. there are times when i am judged my others because of it and i feel it has held me back in life. But that passes, and I realise that it has kept me surrounded by those who share my values, it leads me to places and jobs and people who are more on pah with me and away from old school conservative haters, who are gonna hate. Those people do not serve my higher self and I do not want any job, or be any part of something or be with someone that judges me on something so frickin unimportant.

 

It's a tattoo. It's just some ink in my skin. It's aesthetic, that's all.

 

I do not have a problem with people without tattoos. I accept people. Unless they are narrow minded douchebags who stand in judgment of me over something which has no effect on anything. You get it??

[Million.to.1]

See, this is what I find most funny about the whole tattoo issue. I try to imagine myself allowing some STRANGER doodling on my body with permanent ink and PAYING for this idiot to do this to me, and then to justify it I call it "art".

 

Also, by the responses in this thread, this just goes to show how our modern society is throwing morals out the window, the "liberals" who say "Hey, do whatever you want! As long as it feels good to ME ME ME, then I have every right to do it! Who cares what it does to others, as long as it's good for me then f*** off, right?"

 

It's the "me" generation, isn't it? "Look at me! Watch me! I'm so wonderful I take pictures of myself in the bathroom and I'm a celebrity I have followers! Look at my body art and how special and artistic I am! ME ME ME ME!" Right?

 

People wonder why the economy is so bad right now and why so many are losing jobs, its because people have thrown the moral codes that religion provides out the window. They reject God and spiritual concepts. They call it progressive, that smoking weed or doing drugs isn't so taboo anymore, is it? Hey, heroin used to be so stigmatized, but I'm glad we're finally getting over that so now people can just get loaded in the open!

 

I'd say that tattoos are a good thing now actually, because in the future when it all breaks down tattoos will be just like the Star of David branded on the Jews in Germany.

 

Oh. MY. GOD.

 

Did you just teleport here from the 1940's??

 

Ewwwwwwww. There is nothing more disgusting in my opinion than judgmental rasist homophobes with "religious" values.

 

The reason why people are rejecting "god" or "religion" is because IT'S NO LONGER RELEVANT.

It's called evolution. Oh, but that's right, you guys don't believe in that eh.

 

Religion does not equal values. Wake up.