Are tattoos a turn off to any other men?

[taiko]

BTW, I am a Christian, and one of the greatest pastors I know has long hair, tattoos all over, and has a heavy metal ministry.

 

 

"For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

 

God cares more about a heart of hate, than ink on your skin

 

The stuff about Mosaic law and tattoos was to prevent a particular practice of idol worship relevant to surrounding countries during the era of ancient Israel. It has nothing to do with modern age. See Paul's arguments about circumcision.

 

Peace <><

Then there is that commentary about megachurches and the canned praise experience on Youtube where one of the lines is that the pastor wears short sleeves and spreads his arms in welcome so all can see his tats and how hip he is.

[espec10001]

Fossil record. Duh.

 

Any paleontologist alive would laugh hysterically at you right now.

 

Didn't I just say that? Fossils prove organisms died and they changed over time. People like to then conclude that God doesn't exist, and scientists know everything. I'm laughing right now!

[kaylan]

Didn't I just say that? Fossils prove organisms died and they changed over time. People like to then conclude that God doesn't exist, and scientists know everything. I'm laughing right now!

Gods holy books contradict natural evidence found on Earth then doesnt it? Gods holy books mention no dinosaur, and Gods followers dont see the age of the Earth as being millions of years old. The whole idea of God doesnt take into account prehistoric and "caveman" life.

 

How could a perfect God minister such an imperfect book to his followers?

[espec10001]

Gods holy books contradict natural evidence found on Earth then doesnt it? Gods holy books mention no dinosaur, and Gods followers dont see the age of the Earth as being millions of years old. The whole idea of God doesnt take into account prehistoric and "caveman" life.

 

How could a perfect God minister such an imperfect book to his followers?

 

The book is about humans, and the origin of humanity, how we are a fallen divine species and that we are rulers of animals, and God is ruler of us. In fact, God gave us our intellect so we could study His creation, not deny Him.

 

Evolution likes to DEvolve us into animals, and that is why tattoos and animal behavior is wrong.

[espec10001]

Look deeper.

 

Well, since people would rather tattoo a story on themselves so the public can read it, I guess I won't have to.

[kaylan]

The book is about humans, and the origin of humanity, how we are a fallen divine species and that we are rulers of animals, and God is ruler of us. In fact, God gave us our intellect so we could study His creation, not deny Him.

 

Evolution likes to DEvolve us into animals, and that is why tattoos and animal behavior is wrong.

Im not gonna even argue with you about God and all your little nonsense here. No sense in derailing the thread. I dont believe in God, theres no evidence for a God, and Ill leave it at that.

 

Fact of the matter is, you created this thread fueled by your close minded conservative and religious beliefs...then you asked for opinions in an attempt to see if other men (or women) thought like you...then you got butt hurt at the fact that a good portion of men and women either have tattoos, like them, or dont mind them...and then after feeling butt hurt you pathetically felt the need to lash out because others viewed things differently from you.

 

What a sad person you are. To be so emotionally attached to your opinion that all you can do is slander those who think differently from you.

 

Youd get less butt hurt about these things if you took the stick out of your behind.

Edited August 16, 2012 by kaylan

[TheFinalWord]

Then there is that commentary about megachurches and the canned praise experience on Youtube where one of the lines is that the pastor wears short sleeves and spreads his arms in welcome so all can see his tats and how hip he is.

 

Yeah, I don't know which one you're referring to, but the newer approach is the "seeker-friendly" church. With these the idea is not to make people uncomfortable and that they will seek God in a non-threatening environment.

 

In this context, some pastors try too hard Still others are novices and have egos, which is why Paul outlines instructions for the characteristics of a church leader. Pastor Bob in the clip is the real deal. The guy lives in a one-room apt., spends most days feeding the homeless in his "under the bridge" ministry, and writes letters to all of his brothers around the country. He's been in Christian heavy metal ministry for over 40 years (he knows a lot about Christian judging, just imagine ) and has remained celibate his entire life as he felt is was God's calling on his life. Not many frauds would go to that extent IMHO.

 

 

But nothing wrong with a mega-church per say. The story of Christ feeding 5000 (that was only the number of men, some scholars expect the number was thrice that with children and women) indicates He preached to large crowds.

 

In reference to the OP, if you are not into tattoos yourself and can't understand the idea or why someone would want one, then I think you will have a hard time overlooking it b/c these folks tend to be more artistic in nature and probably a little more wild. Just a different way of viewing life. For me I would probably consider it b/c such a woman could balance me out a bit haha But for myself and tattoos, I always worry I'm going to change my mind and I am like that about everything "What if I don't like it in 10 years" lol Just saying...

Edited August 16, 2012 by TheFinalWord

[xxoo]

There are 999 other ways to find meaning in your life. This is the most used cliche in the world.

 

No, not find meaning in the tattoo!

 

The tattoo represents something already meaningful. For example, young Olympians sometimes get tattoos of the Olympic rings--not because the tattoo adds meaning to their life, but because the Olympics are meaningful.

[xxoo]

You are simply recycling the same old phrases regarding why people get tattoos. It is obvious that for 99% of folks it is all about being trendy (copy kats). That barbed wire must be meaningful to a lot of people in the planet. Please read the post above yours by Dr. Goebbels.

 

I don't personally know anyone with a barbed wire tattoo, but I know plenty of people with tattoos that represent their family, profession, passions, achievements, etc.

 

Heck, even the tat my elderly dad got as a sailor had meaning! A bird, representing safe return to port.

 

also....google the barbed wire tat for meaning. It's a prison tat (that covers a lot of people), and also can represent Christianity/Crown of Thorns (another huge group).

Edited August 16, 2012 by xxoo

[espec10001]

Im not gonna even argue with you about God and all your little nonsense here. No sense in derailing the thread. I dont believe in God, theres no evidence for a God, and Ill leave it at that.

 

Fact of the matter is, you created this thread fueled by your close minded conservative and religious beliefs...then you asked for opinions in an attempt to see if other men (or women) thought like you...then you got butt hurt at the fact that a good portion of men and women either have tattoos, like them, or dont mind them...and then after feeling butt hurt you pathetically felt the need to lash out because others viewed things differently from you.

 

What a sad person you are. To be so emotionally attached to your opinion that all you can do is slander those who think differently from you.

 

Youd get less butt hurt about these things if you took the stick out of your behind.

 

I really don't care what you do or anyone else does. Trash your body, I don't care. I hope God punishes you severely for what you've done.

[TheFinalWord]

I don't personally know anyone with a barbed wire tattoo, but I know plenty of people with tattoos that represent their family, profession, passions, achievements, etc.

 

Heck, even the tat my elderly dad got as a sailor had meaning! A bird, representing safe return to port.

 

also....google the barbed wire tat for meaning. It's a prison tat (that covers a lot of people), and also can represent Christianity/Crown of Thorns (another huge group).

 

I was watching one of those tattoo shows and a guy had his kids tattooed on his arm. I thought that was pretty cool. For some people it really brings them peace if they lose a loved one. I can only imagine the military guys that lose fallen comrades. A lot of tattoos seem to have special sentimental value to the person. I don't want one, but I just give people the benefit of the doubt that hey if that person says that's why they did it, just believe them. It's not my arm LOL

[kaylan]

I really don't care what you do or anyone else does. Trash your body, I don't care. I hope God punishes you severely for what you've done.

lmao....youre mad for no good reason haha. Why be upset about what about people do with their body, especially when it doesnt affect you or other peoples lives? Get over it.

 

PS - I dont believe in God, so I wont be getting punished by anyone. And even if God did exist, judgmental hate mongers like you arent allowed into heaven either...so youd be getting tormented in hell right next to me xD

[Million.to.1]

I touched a raw nerve and you react with an insult? Nice! Yes, you got the tattoo to call attention to yourself. Your me, me post below proves the point.

 

 

 

Oh, please you would feel diminished if you did not shock people with your appearance.

 

 

 

ME, ME, ME Me, I get it. That is why you have the tattoo. It is your life saver. When in doubt you can look at your tattoo and feel better about yourself.

 

 

 

Oh please. I am reminded of the class clown that takes that route to at least achieve some notoriety in school.

 

But, you know what. It is wrong of me and others to judge you. I know very good workers and employees that have tattoos. However, they proved themselves to be outstanding and the tattoo is moot. However, when they walked through the door they gave the wrong impression because of the tattoos.

 

You don't know me. You are judging me based on the fact that I have a tattoo. You have no idea what it is, where it is, or how it looks. You say that my reasoning behind it is that I want attention. What if I told you that no one ever sees my tattoo? What if I told you that my job places me in the public eye constantly and I receive more attention than I really want through that?

 

 

You are insulting me, saying I am like the class clown and that my goals are to shock people. Fact is, that you are just making assumptions about someone and something you know NOTHING about. I am calling you and idiot because of what you say. Your judgmental, narrow and conservative views are pretty plain to see. My tattoo is not.

 

And yes, ME ME ME ME... It's MY body, my story, My life. I can only share my own experience as that is all I really know. We all know why You don't have tattoos. You don't like them, that's fine.

How dare you be so arrogant as to tell me why I do anything. I am only trying to make you see that not everyone with ink in their skin is motivated to do so because of why you think they do.

 

 

I can see why you are so unpopular on these boards.

[Million.to.1]

People who truly stand out of the crowd for being unique and creative don't need a giant billboard on their body announcing it, that's just what they are. Creativity and uniqueness are not things you can buy at a tattoo shop.

 

 

It's a consumer trend, a fashion that most people will regret later like when older people today see pictures of themselves from the 80's.

 

 

I'm sure many people will regret tattoos they get if they got something on a whim or at a point in their life when they were into a particular fashion or trend.

But this is not always the case.

 

You are right. You can not buy creativity in a tattoo shop. You can however walk into a tattoo shop and express your creativity.

Art is subjective. Stop putting everyone in a box.

[Million.to.1]

I really don't care what you do or anyone else does. Trash your body, I don't care. I hope God punishes you severely for what you've done.

 

I really hope that in your life you will be treated with the same judgments and wishes that you inflict on other people you don't understand or agree with.

 

I also hope that when you die, you rot in the ground, trees and plants feed off your decaying corpse and grow so magnificent that birds feed off their berries and sing songs for the children that will play in their branches.

 

I hope you transform into something wonderful.

[OhMiki]

Good Lord (and I say this as someone who is not particularly 'religious'), looking at this thread is amazing. I don't think I've ever witnessed more rampant assumptions and negative judgment recently than on this thread. And the topic is only about tattoos! I can only imagine...

 

But it's amusing to look at the things some people say in regards to people who decide to modify their bodies, whether it be tattoos or piercings, etc Let's count a few of the assumptions continuously made in the thread so far:

 

1. The increased popularity and visibility of tattoos somehow hints at another way that society as a whole is losing its "morals" and is going on a continual downward spiral.

 

If the popularity of tattoos today is really any indication that the world is spiraling downward and that the quality of society is decreasing, then by all means, it seems all of us humans have gotten it pretty easy! I fear to picture what the world would look like beyond this sensation, but if tattooing is one of the worse indicators, then the world probably isn't such a bad place. There are worse things to complain about. What actually seems more like the downturn of society is the fact that even in this day and age, where people are supposedly more open about how others choose to express themselves, that we still have those who like to judge others almost entirely by mere ink and metal in their skin. And what's funny is that a lot of those who appear to be the most harshly judgemental about the different ways of human expression are those who claim to support and "uphold" religious beliefs -- a group of people who should be known as being less judgmental but ironically seem to act the opposite more times than not.

 

2. People only say they get tattoos to be 'unique', but that's what all tattoo'd people say. Therefore, it's not true, and they're just another part of the herd.

 

I don't have any tattoos myself, but contrary to some opinions, I know for a fact that the last reason I would get a tattoo is to make myself more unique. Why? Tattoos have been around for a long, long time, and being truly unique is a pretty hard feat. No, not even those without tattoos in this heavily tattoo'd society are unique either. However, that doesn't mean I still wouldn't want to get a tattoo because I think it suits me, and I like what it expresses as an art form. I would get it because it is something personal and it is in my taste.

Edited August 16, 2012 by OhMiki

[MercuryMorrison1]

To simply anwser the inital question at hand...

 

I don't find tatto's unattractive on a girl. HOWEVER, there are exceptions.

 

I personally don't find it attractive if someone is just covered in tattos arms, legs, chest, back even face in some extream cases...For me personally that's not attractive...But a tat or two here or there isn't a big deal at all for me.

 

I also find ''lude'' tattos unattractive.

[espec10001]

I really hope that in your life you will be treated with the same judgments and wishes that you inflict on other people you don't understand or agree with.

 

I also hope that when you die, you rot in the ground, trees and plants feed off your decaying corpse and grow so magnificent that birds feed off their berries and sing songs for the children that will play in their branches.

 

I hope you transform into something wonderful.

 

I understand it completely. It's moral decay, and it is not alright. I don't want my children being surrounded by filth. Instead of the disease being kept internal, it's now spread outward onto millions of people's skin. I don't want my children to think it's "cool" to become infected.

 

My tree will grow fruit that teaches the children not to desecrate their bodies. They'll say "Look at those silly adults, wasting their time and money worshiping their own bodies, too self-absorbed and always fixated upon a mirror to witness what they've done to themselves."

[espec10001]

lmao....youre mad for no good reason haha. Why be upset about what about people do with their body, especially when it doesnt affect you or other peoples lives? Get over it.

 

PS - I dont believe in God, so I wont be getting punished by anyone. And even if God did exist, judgmental hate mongers like you arent allowed into heaven either...so youd be getting tormented in hell right next to me xD

 

See, there's a difference between indignation and indifference. Maybe if you spent some time reading books instead of staring at your body marks you'd understand that.

 

You will be punished. That's not up to me, that's up to God. Deny Him and face his WRATH!

[Million.to.1]

I understand it completely. It's moral decay, and it is not alright. I don't want my children being surrounded by filth. Instead of the disease being kept internal, it's now spread outward onto millions of people's skin. I don't want my children to think it's "cool" to become infected.

 

My tree will grow fruit that teaches the children not to desecrate their bodies. They'll say "Look at those silly adults, wasting their time and money worshiping their own bodies, too self-absorbed and always fixated upon a mirror to witness what they've done to themselves."

 

Exactly the same as me not wanting my children to be infected by your disgusting attitude toward your fellow man. I don't want my children to be surrounded by pompous religious freaks who wish hell upon people for not agreeing with them.

[espec10001]

Exactly the same as me not wanting my children to be infected by your disgusting attitude toward your fellow man. I don't want my children to be surrounded by pompous religious freaks who wish hell upon people for not agreeing with them.

 

Marking your body is wrong, and deep down inside you know it. However, because it's permanent, you're kind of stuck with the decision so it's best to just keep thinking it's acceptable.

[OhMiki]

I understand it completely. It's moral decay, and it is not alright. I don't want my children being surrounded by filth. Instead of the disease being kept internal, it's now spread outward onto millions of people's skin. I don't want my children to think it's "cool" to become infected.

 

Honestly, it seems whether or not people continue to get tattoos, your children will still be surrounded by filth and moral decay. How so? By being surrounded by a parent who raises them to judge others so prematurely, and doesn't allow them to make their own choices without fully understanding them or being torn down as 'heathens'. That, my friend, is the true disease -- and going by your posts, I'm sure it shows outwards as well as in.

 

In all fairness, I'd rather have my future children 'desecrate' their bodies with ink than desecrate their mind with the quality of bringing down those who choose a different way of being.

 

This is not a prediction, only a possibility. I hope for the sake of your kids that you'll realize they will end up making their own choices as they grow. So it is up to you to raise them with the ability to appreciate various opinions without stigmatizing those who think differently from them. Raising them as such only creates more room for resentment about being criticized for their choices and can breed unnecessary internal judgement.

[Peter Attis]

I think tattoos on a girl are sexy.

 

Unless they're on her chest.

[espec10001]

Honestly, it seems whether or not people continue to get tattoos, your children will still be surrounded by filth and moral decay. How so? By being surrounded by a parent who raises them to judge others so prematurely, and doesn't allow them to make their own choices without fully understanding them or being torn down as 'heathens'. That, my friend, is the true disease -- and going by your posts, I'm sure it shows outwards as well as in.

 

In all fairness, I'd rather have my future children 'desecrate' their bodies with ink than desecrate their mind with the quality of bringing down those who choose a different way of being.

 

This is not a prediction, only a possibility. I hope for the sake of your kids that you'll realize they will end up making their own choices as they grow. So it is up to you to raise them with the ability to appreciate various opinions without stigmatizing those who think differently from them. Raising them as such only creates more room for resentment about being criticized for their choices and can breed unnecessary internal judgement.

 

Absolutely not. I'm tired of this care-bear everyone has feelings bull crap that gets shoved down our throats all the time which permits poor behavior with nothing more than a "let's talk about it" consequence.

 

Fact is, a solid, functioning society cannot exist if people just do whatever they want. Just like a family, a father needs to discipline his kids and teach them right from wrong, something that moral relativists will tell you there is no right or wrong, just different opinions. That is unacceptable, and it must stop. I'm persecuted in my own country for believing in God, while hippies and drug addicts are glamorized and honored for lechery?

 

People are usually not in their right minds when they get tattooed, as evidenced by the fact that even those who have them or are somewhat indifferent to them will say that the majority of tattoos are ugly!

[Taramere]

Good Lord (and I say this as someone who is not particularly 'religious'), looking at this thread is amazing. I don't think I've ever witnessed more rampant assumptions and negative judgment recently than on this thread. And the topic is only about tattoos! I can only imagine...

 

When I was in my teens and twenties, most of the people who got tattoos and body piercings had elected to drop out of society. It didn't matter to them if they looked unemployable, because they felt so marginalised from mainstream society that they couldn't envisage themselves ever slotting into it. There was also, round about that time, a strong rebellion against the spirit of corporatism that was in its foetal stages and now has a strong grip of society.

 

They called it anti-capitalist, but capitalism is an essential part of a functioning economy. I think perhaps the rebellion was more against some of the handmaidens to capitalism. PR, marketing men and the governments who preferred such things to authenticity (demonstrated by the extent to which leading government figures increasingly allowed themselves to be made over by the PR people...Margaret Thatcher and George Bush snr being particular examples of that).

 

The Twitter generation really do buy the heavily marketed dross that celebrities are paid to promote on twitter. PUA - inspired by the marketing industry - muscles in in on relationships between men and women. Encouraging men to objectify and commodify not only the women they're interested, but themselves. Learning to "market" themselves as high value. "Peacocking". Taking elements of the style traditionally associated with the marginalised in society. Using those elements in an attempt to project a "bad boy" style that marketing (or wannabe marketing) types keep insisting women prefer, however cheesy and hideously inauthentic a lot of us might find it.

 

The PR and marketing industry now dominate in every area of life. Even traditionally helping, strongly ethical, professions have fallen prey to it. It's no longer good enough to be a skilled, ethical professional. You have to either be a marketing whizzkid or be prepared to hand over a lot of cash to marketing whizzkids in order to make a living. Same goes for creative professions. Artists, musicians, writers....they're all reliant on marketing to make a living. Our very souls have become things to be marketed...and I think this is where the anger about tattoos sets in.

 

We all know, by now, that despite creative people often being anti-capitalist, sooner or later all art must allow itself to become commercialised to some extent if its creator is to make a living. Here's a thing (I hesitate to call it a "piece") about temporary corporate tattoos being a "cool and sexy marketing tool".

 

Corporarte Logo Tattoos

 

 

If there is such a thing as body art, which should be taken seriously and accepted by the mainstream as a valid artform, then there is the inevitable potential for body art to become used as a marketing tool. Which has, in fact, already happened....and will probably happen on an increased basis as people become more and more desperate for money.

 

http://www.businessideas.net/blog/10-corporate-logos-inked-for-life

 

It's the natural way for the increasing popularity of tattooing to go. Branding people. I'm not a fan of the angry posts on here. I don't agree with the way that anger being channelled....but if the underlying anger relates to the pressure on people to commodify and market themselves (on Facebook, dating sites, via narcissistic "self improvement" training etc) in order to stay in the game of life, then I think I can sympathise with it. Today, body art. Tomorrow, being open to the notion of corporate branding if the price is right.

Edited August 16, 2012 by Taramere