How do you feel about tattoos?

[bif]

I have to admit I hate them. I don't mind a small discreet butterfly or something like that. But I find whole arms and legs tattoos horrible. I was watching a movie the other day called "An Irish Angel" and one of the main characters was covered in tats from head to toe including his face. I thought it was makeup, but then I looked him up on IMDb, they were real. I thought he looked like a monster. Check out Baz Black.

[Ocelot II]

1. Personally I think they're hideous, but if that's what people want to do to themselves

who am I to object? But I can just imagine what a tattoo I'd got when I was 20 would look now, 50 years and a lot of sagging and wrinkling later. *shudder*

[ailsagirl]

167. Ditto here

I once worked with a woman who had her whole back tattoed-- I guess she didn't think ahead because come summer, she always wore a sweater when anyone else was around.

I never saw it-- another co-worker told me.

[Silent Type]

2. Just about everyone has them here. But, I remember my dad always tried to hide his WWII anchor tatoo on his arm.

Just not much on anything that permanent.

[NoRethugFriends]

57. here is where?

[1WorldHope]

62. My dad was in WWII in the Navy too.

He had a rooster on the top of one foot and a pig on top of the other. He said it had something to do with Davy Jones locker. So you would have something to eat in case the ship went down?

[zanana1]

3. The thing is, as we get older, our taste changes.

You might love the dragon tattoo on your chest now, but as you get older, you make come to hate it.

[happybird]

66. That's exactly why I never got one. nt.

[AuntyGravity]

83. As an elderly person with 3 large dragon tattoos

I can attest that this is hilariously absolutely irrefutable...I don't hate them...but they make me awfully nostalgic for that naive young rebel telling society, at a glance, to fuck off

Thanks Anne McCaffery and your 7 zillion Dragonriders of Pern books!

The big Armor Mothra on my varicose striated calf still looks bitchin' though!

[yellowdogintexas]

92. My daughter is a tattoo artist, and one of her favorite things was a rework

of a tattoo the customer no longer liked.. She would design a complete new art piece around it, and completely hide it

I personally do not have any ink but her work really is nice.

[Niagara]

152. I still have the OP that you created about your daughter bookmarked by the way.

Your daughter does beautiful work. I'm hoping one day that I can make it out to her long distance to see what she can do for me.

[yellowdogintexas]

174. thank you, I will tell her. She will be pleased that you liked her work that much

However, she is essentially retired from tattooing due to carpal tunnel syndrome and issues with her upper back due to the hunching over she had to do.

She is now working with her husband managing their jujitsu school. They have developed a great school/gym with classes at every age and skill level. Kickboxing is also offered. My son in law is well known in the sport and has participated in tournaments all over the southwest and at least one international one. I am very proud of them !!

[Niagara]

195. I understand that. I had carpal tunnel surgery at the

ripe age of 23 years old.

Some of the jobs out there take a toll on the human body.

I'm happy to hear that your daughter has a new line of work and she is happy with managing a jujitsu school. That is awesome! 😊

[Tikki]

147. No one in my family has ever had a tattoo.

For a variety of reasons I am alright with that.

Tikki

[Cartoonist]

4. You don't put a bumper sticker on a Bentley.

A beat up old Ford, go for it.

[bif]

5. Good one!

[lastlib]

32. (It might be the only thing holding that old Ford together.......)

(my Chevy bias coming out....)

[Quakerfriend]

6. I feel the same. I find them almost repulsive.

To me, they take away from the beauty of the human body.

My 76 year old bil got ⚓️ on each arm when he was a teenager and in the Navy. He absolutely hates them & has paid thousands to try and get them removed but, has had little success.

[Glorfindel]

7. I have never wanted any for myself

but if other people want them, not my business. Esthetically, I'm neutral. I'm neither repulsed by them nor attracted to them.

[Bayard]

8. Human billboards

Nope.

[hlthe2b]

9. I dislike them. But, like many things others do, I try to be both tolerant and nonreactive about them.

Admittedly, you don't want to sit by me if I'm watching an award show and an otherwise lovely actress wearing a revealing but beautiful dress is covered in tattoos. I have a real reflexive reaction to that. A few subtle, smaller tattoos don't bother me, but good heavens... I feel for the designer of the dress because it is hard to even notice anything but the tattoos and I fantasize about scrubbing them off... LOL

Likewise, the obsessive coverage with tattoos from head to toe (quite literally) includes the permanent disfigurement (IMO) of the face or torso. The recent full-on black chest and arms by the singer known as "Machine Guun Kelley" comes to mind on that latter:



Still, to each their own...

[quaint]

175. I thought he had on part of a black shirt!

😮

[hlthe2b]

180. He bled so much through the multiple sessions, he had to go in a hyperbaric (hyperoxygenated) chamber

to get it to heal. I have a feeling some toxic dye components (that we might not even understand currently) may become an issue in the future, but damn....

[LisaM]

10. Not for me. I do think some people are almost addicted to them.

I know lots of people with tattoos, their business of course, if they want to ink themselves. But I know a lot of people who can't seem to stop getting them, even though they are pretty much covered up already.

I wonder about long term effects, though.

[Paladin]

11. I think they're disgusting. (nt)

[bif]

12. I have a funny story about tattoos

Several years ago, I was an extra on a TV show. During the lunch break I sat with an actor who was playing a criminal on the show. He was a big bald guy covered in tattoos, including his face and head. These included swastikas and SS symbols. He was the nicest guy you'd ever want to meet. I asked him what he did for a living and he told me he was a financial advisor. Somewhat shocked I asked him if it was okay having all those tattoos? And he said, "These aren't real! I have to get on the set a couple hours early so they can apply all these temporary tattoos on me!"

[Think. Again.]

13. You definitely should not get a big one then.

[RockRaven]

14. Never wanted one. By the time I would have been old enough to get one,

18 (if I understand correctly), I realized my tastes were changeable and weren't the same as they were when I was 14 or 15 or 16. And yup, my tastes and sensibilities kept changing. And I wasn't the same person taste-wise at 25 as I was at 18, and wouldn't have been happy with something I had chosen back then. Same with 35 as to 25, etc.

If other people feel different, and are happy to be tattooed all over, good for them. Not really my business.

However, if people get their undies in a twist because other people dislike their tattoos, I have limited sympathy. Other people are allowed to be put off by your aesthetic choices, as long as they aren't dickheads about it. We aren't required to embrace everything everyone else does, or blow sunshine up their ass about it.

[Demobrat]

15. Ugh. Repulsive. It's a dirty look.

When I see a person with tattoos I don’t think “Oh there goes a rebel”. I think “Oh there goes a follower without a mind of their own”.

To me they look like they’re desperately trying to fit it with the cool kids. Must be a generational thing.

[Mister Ed]

16. On a gut level, I perceive them as flesh wounds.

Of course, on an intellectual level, I know that they're not.

Unfortunately, when I see a tattoo, my inward emotional response is similar to what it would be if I saw a person with a grievous wound. I keep that feeling to myself, though, and don't make it anyone else's problem.

[Srkdqltr]

44. I think they look dirty also. Saw some brides with very pretty white dresses and tattooed arms, not a pretty look.

[Freddie]

129. Went to a friends son's wedding recently

Bride wore a beautiful white gown and for a change, not strapless! Gown had a low-cut back and of course showed her many tattoos. At least the dress was tasteful. (I have nothing against tattoos, my son has a few, just the tattoos against the white wedding gown was “different”.)

[hay rick]

17. I don't like them but I'm getting used to them.

I go to the gym most days and many people there have a lot of tattoos. My thought on guys is they want to be tattoo-tough. For women, especially the younger ones, my feeling is maybe they think tattoos make them look more interesting, but most would also look more attractive with less.

[Voltaire2]

18. Almost always ugly

[Emile]

19. Everyone wants to look like a prison inmate.

I have a small one on my right arm from my days in the Navy. Dumbest thing I ever done.

[wnylib]

112. My father was a WWII Navy vet. No tattoos.

My mother said that she told him when he left for basic training not to come home if he got one.

[Captain Zero]

20. Sailors and Biker Chicks

And so many tattoos look so bad.
Not worth it.

On edit: It's purely coincidence mine comes right after Emile's 🤣.
So maybe I'm right. My uncle Carl Was a ww2 vet and a Seabee. Great guy, but his tattoo was questionable.

[SWBTATTReg]

21. Overdone. Used to be that you saw a tat, and you assumed that the person was a Navy person. Not anymore, and like

I said, overdone. Everyone it seems has a tattoo. Doesn't it lose its impact when everyone has a tat?

But, hey, each to their own, eh?

[quaint]

22. Do you feel that way about tribal tattoos?

Besides learning symbolism behind tribal tattoos, I'm interested in hearing people's stories about why they selected the art they chose to display on their bodies. I do not have any.

[LiberalFighter]

23. Do not like them.

Especially if they are extensive. I see them mostly on criminals.

They don't serve a useful purpose.

They are distracting.

[wnylib]

115. There's a minister in my city whose arms are both covered in tattoos.

They are religiously themed ones.

I don't personally like tattoos and would never get one, but if people want to, that's their business. I've only seen a few small ones that I thought looked good.

I feel the same way about piercings. I can see two sets of piercings on the ears, but when they go all the way up the ear they look silly to me. Also don't like piercings on lips, tongues, and other odd places.

I have both ears pierced for one set of earrings. I cringe at the thought of getting more than that because it took months for my ears to heal. I have skin allergies to certain metals and even good quality gold jewelry has alloys. I can wear earrings now that are not hypoallergenic, but only for a few hours at a time.

[Harker]

24. I don't have any, but sometimes I think of getting a small, tasteful one honoring my wife.

As an aside - I was perusing an illustrated history of tattoos in the bookshop where I worked, and came upon a photo of a fully illustrated Japanese man.

Later, I recognized the same artwork in another photo, but this one depicted the same skin hanging on a wall.

[RazorbackExpat]

96. Japanese tats are usually associated with the yakuza

which is why most Japanese spas and public pools ask people with tats to kindly refrain from entering the premises

[Niagara]

154. If you decided to get a small, tasteful one to honor your wife ...

Do you have an idea of what it would be, Harker?

[Harker]

156. Yes, Niagara, I have three in mind thus far...

(A) She's German, so her initials in Fraktur.

(B) A thin line representation of her signature scrawl, which has a certain beauty to it.

(C) A more elaborate one would be a chickadee and pinecone motif done on a small scale.

We both had substantial holdings of pine cones and little stones when we met, and we've both always been especially enamored with chickadees, though we love birds generally.

I'm still considering options, and if I ever do commit, it won't be on my face.

[Niagara]

160. All of those ideas are sentimental and lovely.

I really like the chickadee idea, his and hers matching chickadee tattoos. That's extremely sweet.


I don't blame you, I would never voluntarily have a tattoo on my face either. One time I had a nightmare that my grief tattoo got put on my face instead of my leg. I was running away in my sleep.

[Harker]

168. That's a heavy power dream, and I'm sure it's meaning is profound.

You have me leaning in the chickadee's direction, but she'd never get one, given her dread of needles.

I'd have to get both his and hers on me.

[Niagara]

171. It's definitely a dream that I've never forgotten that's for sure

Don't let me be the influencer. You get what you want if or when you want it.



Not to influence your wife either but tattooing needles are way different than medical needles. The needles for tattooing are smaller, not hallow, and not used for injecting into the muscle. The thought of it can be intimidating for some people. Another important reason to talk with an experienced tattoo artist about fears, pain and concerns. Any good artist will accommodate a first timer. If an artist or a shop doesn't take anyone's concerns seriously ... always run towards the exit and don't look back!

[Harker]

172. Good, sound advice, thanks!

I was already leaning toward the chickadee, and your comments just have me leaning a little harder, that's all. They really are sweet little birds.

I appreciate your making the distinction, but if she can't knit with them, she wants nothing to do with them.

I've waited 65 years, so no sudden
hurry.

[Niagara]

173. You're welcome!

Your wife sounds like a smart lady to me, Harker.


For sure, take all the time that one needs.

[Polly Hennessey]

25. Probably the ugliest thing people do to themselves.

To me it looks as if the tattooed person has dirty arms. Can’t figure out why it is done. Being ugly on purpose must be a thing.

[elleng]

26. Confused; don't understand why.

[kimbutgar]

27. I remember a friends of my Dad who said he regretted getting a tattoo because it looked bad on old sagging skin

When I met my husband he was in the Navy and I hoped he had no tattoo's…which he didn’t. Never had a desire for tattoo and especially on one’s face! I just never got why one would get inked like that! I was at a mall recently and they had a tattoo parlor where you could watch someone getting a tattoo. Looked painful also.

[bluescribbler]

28. I saw more than enough in the Navy.

I wasn't interested in getting a tattoo to begin with but seeing what some of my shipmates had done to themselves simply firmed up my resolve not to disfigure myself. On the other hand, I won't criticize other people's choices. I believe every adult has a right to decide what to do with their own body.

[Demobrat]

108. Of course.

But that doesn’t mean you have to find it attractive.

[bluescribbler]

113. True

And I don't find it attractive.

[bucolic_frolic]

29. Hallmark of insanity and narcissism

[MyMission]

118. I was insane with grief when I got my tattoo at age 53

In 2014 I lost 2 dear friends 25 days apart.

After the first one died I spoke with the 2nd friend who was a tattoo artist, about a memorial tattoo. He'd been offering to ink me for years. Then he died and I was overwhelmed with grief.
I started to do drawings of possible tattoos.

I knew a man about my age who'd recently gotten his first tattoo, found out his son was a tattoo artist, showed his son my sketches and we worked together to design one. It's a broken heart, with each friend's name, with a banner across both sections with 2014 on it. It's black and white, I decided not to add color.
It's on my upper arm because i wanted to be able to see it. I'm glad I did it, but no plans to get another one.

[Hekate]

142. My daughter marked her body with her grief, too. There are a pair of baby handprints between her shoulder blades...

…memorializing her 7 month old daughter who died of SIDS.

You need say no more.

[RobinA]

187. I Dislike Tatoos

intensely, but I would never say with 100% certainty that I would never get one for just this reason. There are a few extreme situations that I might get one, and this is probably one of them.

I am so sorry.

[Conjuay]

30. Yeah, I don't go for it BUT

even worse are nose rings and piercings. The first words that forms in my mind are "snot ring". I mean, YUCK!

[lastlib]

37. When I see nose rings and body piercings, my first thought....

is, how much VOLTAGE could you put through those things?? My occasional dream is to be the one to throw the switch and find out....

Yeah, I think they're ridiculous. Self-mutilation is not something I'm into.

[Polly Hennessey]

61. My first thought on nose rings is that the person wants

to be led around. All that’s required is a a clip-on leash and “voila” obey me.

[jimfields33]

69. Totally gross having nose or any face gear. Earrings are it.

I wouldn’t hire anyone with a stud on their lip of anything in their nose. Gross. Can you imagine having to look at employees like that everyday? Sick!

[Skittles]

192. the nose rings always remind me of cows

they look ridiculous

[DinahMoeHum]

31. "Permanent reminder of a temporary feeling. . ."

. . .as the late great Jimmy Buffett would say.

If it's to cover a birth mark, I've got no issue with it.

I've seen tattoos of Christian crosses (discretely) on hands or wrists indicating pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
OK by me.

I've also seen tattoos of the Olympic rings on the ankles of athletes who have made the USA Olympic team. OK by me as well.

But going overboard with tattooing - I'm not crazy about it.

[HUAJIAO]

36. So who decides what is overboard?

[jimfields33]

70. Employers for one thing. They definitely can choose.

I suppose potential mate is another. But probably not many more.

[Danmel]

33. I don't understand tons of tattoos

It can really be jarring to look at. There is a Yankees pitcher with two faces tattooed on his neck!
I had a young woman intern in our office for a few summers. The second summer she had a phrase tattooed on her back, only part of which was visible. I asked her what it said and she said she didn't remember. If it means enough to permanently ink it on your body, shouldn't you know what is says?
Plus I'm a Jewish woman whose dad was involuntarily tattooed at Auschwitz, so I have an aversion.

[sellitman]

93. My parents told me that

As a Jew I shouldn't get a tattoo.

Our people were tattooed by the Nazis.

I agreed with them and thankfully have never mutilated my skin with one.

I think they are mostly hideous.

[RockRaven]

98. Doesn't the Torah forbid it anyway? Leviticus 19:28 if memory serves... nt

[Pisces]

34. I don't care for them at all!!

[Scrivener7]

35. Lol! This thread! I LOVE my tattoo.

And to all those commenting so judgmentally in this thread: I'm not ON your damn lawn!!

[HUAJIAO]

39. Well said !!!

[dameatball]

90. I'm thinking about getting a tattoo of my DU password. Just can't figure out where to put it.

[HUAJIAO]

97. LOL!!

[Docreed2003]

41. I just had to laugh at some of the comments

Love my tattoos. Contrary to some of the comments, I put a great deal of thought into every one of mine. They're quality pieces and not one looks aged or blurred or anything else, but you get what you pay for. Also, I'm neither a narcissist, a follower, mentally ill, or "dirty"...🤣🤣

[leftieNanner]

84. I have seen many absolutely beautiful tattoos

And will compliment the person for their lovely ink.

I don't choose to have any myself, but can appreciate well done ones.

[mockmonkey]

75. I HATED Tattoos and Piercings

I think part of it was seeing someone I didn't like with a Tattoo on the back of his neck and it wasn't healed or whatever and it physically grossed me out. My husband had gotten an Eyebrow Piercing and that wasn't bad. So slowly I don't know why it happened but now I find some Tattoos lovely and I LOVE Lip Piercings and even some Nose Piercings. I guess I look at it differently now. I've been laughing at the people saying how later on the Tattoo will look awful on saggy old skin and I think at that point why will it matter? Iggy Pop doesn't have any Tattoos as far as I know and well....

[Tree-Hugger]

76. Right?

According to this thread, I am both insane, stupid, and ugly. LOL.
Makes me want to get another tattoo.

[IrishAfricanAmerican]

106. I'm slightly shocked to see so much negativity to free expression.

slightly.

[dobleremolque]

38. Meh. I don't have any and wouldn't get one but

to each his or her own. There's the "body art" attitude which can be done tastefully. And then there's the "ooh, here's space for one more!" attitude.

I see a young person with tattoos and think: Add 40 years to that and imagine what the tattoos will look like when you have crepey, saggy, thin skin.

Some tattoo inks contain metallic particles which can cause troubles if a medical condition ever creates the need for an MRI. And metallic tattoo ink can be problematic when trying to get through TSA security at the airport.

I understand plastic surgeons are adding tattoo removal to their medical repertoires in addition to boob jobs and tummy tucks.

O tempora o mores, I guess.

[Niagara]

40. I have a fondness of tattoos if the tattoo subject and tattoo artist are done correctly.

Tattooing has been a Indigenous American practice for thousands of years. The Indigenous American's have been tattooing for a variety of reasons due to accomplishments, religious and basic tribal customs.


When the European immigrants landed in what is now called the United States, they made the Indigenous people dress more conservatively, made the men cut their hair and made them abolish tribal tattooing practices. I've read some really ignorant comments here on DU about tattooing be a "fade". An incorrect opinion. I also have some indigenous blood that flows through my veins, most of my ancestors are European however.


I have several tattoos myself. To be clear, I don't let any yahoo start inking me because I have standards on what and who. Dolly Parton, Helen Mirren and Caroline Kennedy are among some beautiful and respectable ladies that have tattoos.

I was recently planning a big cat (jaguar) tattoo covering my entire leg, but that plan is going to be delayed for awhile due to I had to replace my vehicle last Monday.


I don't know how else to say this or how many times I have to repeat this on DU ... I don't give a flying fuck what other people think and people need to mind their own business and worry about their own bodies. It's my body and my money. Don't worry about what my tattoos will look like when I'm 70, 80 or 90 years old. By the time I'm that old, my breasts will be hanging down to my belly button, I'll most likely have both urinary and bowel incontinence and my skin will be so thin that any fall will take months to heal from. I think about my own mortality and potential health issues with my current caregiving career.


By the way, it wasn't that long ago that the Regressive party along with the media attempted to shame Jon Fetterman for his tattoos. It pretty much perplexes me that I have to read tattoo shaming on DU of all places.


Just my 2 cents.




Yupik Woman 1900's



Olive Oatman 1860 (was raised in Mojave traditions)

[True Dough]

110. Have you replaced that car yet, Niagara?

If there was an update, I missed it. Hope you found something much to your liking!

[Niagara]

120. Yes, Final Girl has been replaced, True Dough

I have some errands that I need to run.


I already have blades of grass on the floor mats of my new girl, so while I'm out running errands I'm going to vacuum the interior.


I'll set up an OP about my new girl when I get back home.

[True Dough]

121. Excellent!

Looking forward to that thread. And don't forget to read:


https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3f/Leavesofgrass_margaretcook.webp

[Niagara]

122. I haven't read that book.

However, I've read this one.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Splendor_in_the_Grass

[True Dough]

128. And then there's the grass

that this fellow has long advocated...

[Niagara]

137. Willie Nelson!

[Hekate]

143. TYVM for speaking up!

[Niagara]

150. Ywvm, Hekate

This isn't the first time (and most likely won't be the last time) that I've had to battle ridiculous judgments and erroneous stereotypes about people with tattoo's on DU. Referring to anyone as "dirty", "insane", "narcissistic" or "criminal" is bullying behavior. Not a good look for DU.


I read your post #142 about your daughter and her 7 month old daughter. I'm so sorry for your family's devastating loss. My 1st tattoo was a grief tattoo. Hugs to you and your family, Hekate.

[flying_wahini]

42. I have no problem with stand alone tats. Don't care for the continuation of tats all over

But ain’t my monkey and ain’t my circus. You do you.
That being said I told my sons, if you ever get one make sure it’s something that will age well.
To me it’s like picking a haircut at age 20 that you will have to wear forever. No going back.
They are both in their 30’s and no tats on either one.

[HUAJIAO]

43. Well, I must say I don't think I have seen so many negative, critical, judgemental replies here.

I wonder if all those disgusted replies says something about the average age of DU members. I really don't know.

I have no problem with them and am often interested to see just what a person's tattoos are.

[Ocelot II]

63. The question was asked what we thought of them.

We answered

[Chakaconcarne]

132. same - I have them and if they are done well, they look great.

I don't see expression through body decorating any differently than expression from decorating your yard, dress, etc...

Narcissistic? As someone mentioned.. Hardly.

There's my "thoughts"

[ProfessorGAC]

45. I Have None

Never even considered one.
Other folks' tats are not my concern.
I do, however, have an attitude when I overhear someone with twenty-five grand worth the tattoos complaining about the price of food or gas.

[MOMFUDSKI]

46. Never liked them for even one minute. They

are all over now. Each tattooed person thinks they are being unique. That is the funny part. My friend lost her 16-yr-old daughter to meningitis and had her daughter’s signature tattooed on her forearm. THAT I could understand.

[applegrove]

47. I like them but wish they were not permanent as it is the young

people who get them and they are forever. Was in a restaurant 2 nights ago where the hostess had them going down her arm.

[Arne]

48. I have a lot of scars.

Both legs, arms, hands and face.
Motorcycles and power tools mostly.
I have no tattoos.

[brewens]

49. Not impressed. I tell people I'd get one but never saw or came up with an idea that would be cool enough to do me

justice.

I've given biker friends a little crap about how that rugged individualist thing they had turned into a kiddie fad. LOL

[happybird]

68. My biker ex was annoyed when it came into fashion

What nearly killed him was when Justin Bieber got sleeves in a weekend.
I spent a good week cackling at his diatribes on the “poser tendencies of little douchebags.”

[brewens]

82. Yeah. Now it's something 8th graders fight with mommy and daddy over! LOL n/t

[NJCher]

50. so many better ways to spend your money

I never have figured this one out.

[no_hypocrisy]

51. One or two, OK.

Having an arm that looks like a sleeve of tatts is too much, IMO.

[Jeebo]

52. SNL did a skit about lower back tattoos.

Some years back. The skit was about how many old ladies there are going to be in 30 or 40 years who have these sagging, distorted things on their back. The skit used computer time progression to show how ridiculous those tattoos will look. I always wonder about people who use their own flesh as a canvas for artists, do any of them ever think about what these tattoos will look like in 30 or 40 years?

I found it, here it is, if this link works:

There was a female porn star a few years ago who had tried to have a lower back tattoo removed. Apparently the tattoo itself had been botched by the tattoo artist. She was a really pretty young woman, still in her very early 20s, but she had an ugly concave elliptical scar on her lower back.

Which brings up another question: How often do tattoo artists make a mistake? Looks to me like that mistake would be awfully hard to fix. Not only that, but mistakes would be really hard to avoid, because every little stroke the tattoo artist makes would have to be perfect on the first try.

-- Ron

[appleannie1]

53. Hate them. But for some strange reason people want to look like a cartoon.

It is their body they are defacing, not mine.

[doc03]

54. I think they look great on young people. But when you become

70 something with sagging dried up skin they are downright ugly.

[Raven123]

55. To me they are like body piercings.

I don’t understand either, but that’s just me.

[Permanut]

56. Bad strategy..

I always thought that if I decided to be a bank robber, it would be too easy to be identified by witnesses.

[Blues Heron]

58. One of the most intense fads of the millennial era. Probably driven by social media.

There was a good documentary on Netflix about the LA tatoo scene and a few of the oldtimers were lamenting the new ubiquity and how it killed the `edge` now that every last soccer mom and dad had them.

[Doodley]

59. I feel threatened by somebody who has tatoos on the face. They suggest to me somebody who

wants to shock, somebody who wants to stand out, somebody who wants to show they rebel to the extent that they limit their career prospects. What kind of person is that? Possibly, somebody with sociopathic tendancies. Possibly, somebody without safe social boundaries.

[niyad]

60. I am one of the older people mentioned in this thread, and I will say

that my skin crawls whenever I see tats, especially large, or lots, on a person. BUT, that is only because I absolutely hate needles (no acupuncture, either, thank you!) and the physical reaction is visceral, personal.

That being said, I have seen some incredible ink art, as well as some incredibly sexist, and offensive ink. And I will point out that several of my friends my age are getting tats these days, and loving them. Bodies/choices. Just glad I don't have to pay for any of it.

[intrepidity]

64. When I see the artwork (of the really good ones) close-up

as a separate image, I can appreciate the artistry.

However, usually when I see a person with tattoos, they all just look like bruised flesh to me.

The ones I like most are ones that incorporate blemishes that the person wishes to disguise: scars, moles, birthmarks, things like that. Those I view as empowerment tools for people who likely experienced ridicule and/or bullying as youngsters.

It is so commonplace nowadays that they hardly elicit any sort of reaction or thought in me; although in general, my initial reaction (as from before it became so common) is more negative than positive.

Same way we all have opinions about choices other people make: tattoos are choices (almost exclusively) and it is fine to have opinions about such things, imho.

[grumpyduck]

65. I've been thinking about getting a small tat of Grumpy,

either on my upper arm or inside my forearm, for years. Have never gotten around to it.

Aside from that, to each their own.

[TexasDem69]

67. They are absolutely awesome

And I encourage folks to get one (or more). The only caveat is I would not recommend on the face or neck because those are tough to conceal if a job requires it.

[redwitch]

88. I always think former convict when I see neck and face tattoos.

I don’t hate tattoos and a full colorful sleeve can be quite beautiful. Some tattoos look like someone doodled on them while bored on the phone.

Years ago I was in a museum in Paris when a man came into the gallery totally illustrated in very intricate colorful tattoos. He also had intricate beadwork all around his ears. I didn’t want to stare at him but he was impossible to miss.

I do think some people are addicted to them. Or they just collect them as status symbols.

To each his/her own.

[Chainfire]

71. I think that it is none of my business how people decide to decorate their bodies.

I don't have one and I was in the Navy back in the day. I just would't permanently decorate my body with artwork that I wouldn't hang in my living room.

[BoomaofBandM]

72. I like them. I will never be able to have one, I have very sensitive skin, but some of the art is great.

My daughters ex husbands girlfriend a really great artist and has been working in a tattoo parlor and has just opened her own shop. She is booked out for months. My kid, her ex as well as her current husband all have really cool tattoos. My son in law is ojibwe and much of his art is tribal. My daughter and her half sister had "sisters" put on their wrists. Her sister passed and the tattoo she has means so much to her.

I have been lucky to be surrounded by many artistic people in my life. I was in a band, my first husband was a musician, and my current husband is an artist and a photographer.

To each their own. Art and music are subjective. I admit to my own prejudices as to likes and dislikes. I still laugh at some of the fashion choices I made in the 70's.

[Hekate]

144. TYVM for speaking out

[DetroitLegalBeagle]

73. Getting a big "Old Man Yelling at Clouds" vibe here

Same opinion my parents and aunts and uncles had, though I guess that makes sense considering how old the majority of DU skews.

I like them, I have some myself. My right arm is mostly covered between my elbow and shoulder. I have one on my upper left arm. I have another on my left side of my torso that covers up some scarring/burns from shrapnel from an ied and a couple bullet wounds. All can be covered in public if needed. I agree some can go overboard with it, but I give zero effs about what they will look like in my 70s and 80s. I'll have bigger things to worry about, like grandkids(hopefully) or what vacation or cruise my wife and I will be going on that month.
My wife thinks the same. She has several as well. Most of our friends do. But again, age difference. All of us are in our early 30s- to early 40s. Most here are probably nearing twice our age, so the majority opinion here isn't surprising.

[multigraincracker]

103. I got mine over 50 years ago and have zero regrets.

On my upper arm and is covered with short sleeves.
Mine has an Eastern Philosophy theme, an Eastern Dragon, no wings, that represents luck. It is wrapped around a Yin Yang symbol that is to remind me there would be no good luck without bad luck to define it.
It still looks good after all of these years and I’ve never had it touched up. The original yellow and white have faded away, other than that it looks fine.
I try not to judge a person by the color of their skin. I’m more interested in what’s in their heart. ❤️
I got it done in Oakland Ca. By an elderly Asian gentleman that never spoke a word until it was done. I just thought he didn’t speak English. I got a big smile on my face when he said “how the fuck do you like it”. Just another lesson in never judging another.

[CountAllVotes]

74. I thought about getting one

I have a rather large birthmark on my arm. My mother deemed it to be something to cover-up or have removed (not possible).

I then thought about having a tattoo put over it but decided against it realizing that it is permanent. So, I never went through with it for that reason (what if it was a major f/u?).

That said, I never really liked tattoos.

I have a relative that is a semi-famous tattoo artist. He seems to do pretty good with his craft.

I am for the most part not impressed and I've seen how they have really messed up some very beautiful women that are in the public eye. I won't bother to name names.

I hate pain. That right there is probably the main reason I'd never do it!

[Zipgun]

77. Didn't get my first one till after I was 50. I have 9 all on my upper left arm, eventually I'll have a half sleeve.

I'd like one large nice one on my upper right arm. After that I may be done. Or I might slowly do more.

[AllaN01Bear]

78. dont care for them.

[cloudbase]

79. I've no desire to get one.

For anybody else, it's a personal choice. I've seen some beautiful work, and I've seen some that were absolutely horrible.

Back in my merchant marine days, I had a shipmate who had tattoos just about everywhere except his face. He looked like a person who, if you saw him approaching you on the sidewalk, you'd be tempted to cross the street so as not to meet him. Great guy and great shipmate. He was lost on the El Faro.

[Upthevibe]

80. Kick. N/T

[Dulcinea]

81. I would never get one.

I know myself; I'd get sick of looking at it & wouldn't be able to get rid of it easily. But if other people want to get tattoos, that's their choice to make.

[TomSlick]

85. Our son has tattoos that I envy. He has the crest of our Scottish clan on a shoulder and thistle on a forearm.

I'd like a tattoo with the names of the grandchildren.

Unfortunately, getting a tattoo is contrary to my religion. I'm a devout coward.

[bottomofthehill]

86. I have 3

My son has 3 my wife and daughter each have 1. We all have a shamrock to celebrate our Irish heritage. From there, my son and I have the others where when professionally attired, you can not see them. Rule of the house.

[piddyprints]

87. Reminds me...

I was on a sailboat with my brother many years ago. We passed a certain checkpoint on our journey and he told me I had earned an achievement. I asked, "Great! What did I get?" He replied, "You are eligible to get a compass rose tattooed on your ass." I laughed and brushed it off.

He died just a few months later. I actually considered getting the tattoo, just for him, but couldn't figure out where I could put a perfectly round tattoo on my aging body that would stay round. Finally, one of my friends suggested getting a necklace. I mentioned it to my husband and he bought me a beautiful gold compass rose necklace. It will always be round unless I run over it or something like that. My brother would have been happy with that. He was a sailor and an Army vet, but never had a tattoo of any kind.

My sisters and daughters have tattoos and I really don't care for them. But each to his/her own. I would probably have the bad luck of getting Hep C or some kind of other reaction to the ink, so I've never had the nerve. Except for the compass rose, I can't imagine anything I'd want to have on me for life.

[happybird]

89. I went with piercings because they can be removed

I had my nose done in ‘92 (on Dead tour so definitely super sanitary, lol!) and when I returned to civilization, I was not allowed to attend my high school until I took it out. The administration considered it “a distraction.”
Things sure have changed in a short time.
Though they now probably frown big time on underage wooks living in VW buses.

[Different Drummer]

91. I'll just let this GIF express my opinion on the subject.

[drmeow]

94. When I was 21 I wanted a tattoo

Everyone said I would regret it when I was 30. I guess I wasn't much of a rebel because I didn't get one.

At 28 I realized I still wanted a tattoo but decided to wait until I actually got to 30. I got my first tattoo 2 months before my 30th birthday. I immediately wanted another one - but it took a while. I finally got my second tattoo almost 25 years later when I was 54.

Now that I'm 60, you know what I like best about my two tattoos - that judgmental people never get to see my beautiful body art because my tattoos are in places where I can completely cover them even in a bathing suit.

[multigraincracker]

104. Glad I got mine when I was young.

To get one now I’d to do it the painful way, sharp needle dipped in ink. Have a pacemaker and can’t be near a tattoo gun.

[Emile]

95. Job interviewer asks, what prison were you in?

Just kidding. I get young people here during summer months wanting to fish and swim. I tease them about their tats.

[flvegan]

99. Your body, your choice.

I also don't let them cloud my opinion on people, unless the tat is of questionable intent. Like I don't have any judgment, but if it's a swastika, I do.

[nuxvomica]

100. I have a theory about why people get them

They used to be seen exclusively on sailors, ex-cons, carny folk, and military. What these folks all have in common is a lack of permanence in their lives so I think to some extent tattoos satisfy a need for permanence that may seem unattainable otherwise. That they are so widely popular nowadays speaks to a sense that our lives are less stable so people want something that they can't lose.

Personally, I'd never get one but I'm something of a hypochondriac and would always worry a tattoo was hiding some skin anomaly that needed taking care of.

[Scrivener7]

109. Your posts always make me see things I didn't see before.

I have a tattoo and I love it. I got it a couple of years after my dad, one of the bulwarks in my life, died. His death was a great loss and it made me rethink everything. Having rethought, I eventually changed everything.

I got the tattoo on the brink of the time when I changed every aspect of my life including dropping religion, going back to school to switch from a publishing to a medical career, and moving to a different area.

I never considered it to be a symbol of impermanence. But I did think of it as a symbol of coming out of a dark time into a better place. Which, in some ways, is the same thing.

[nuxvomica]

134. Sounds like you wanted to hold onto something

While everything around you was changing. I was reading some things I wrote when I was much younger and, first of all, I was impressed with how good a writer I was at the time, but I also realized I was a very different person back then and, in some ways, someone I didn't even understand. Once you have a tattoo, even as your personality, not to mention your body, changes, you still can claim something that doesn't.

[Scrivener7]

135. Yes. Maybe it was as much about holding onto something of what I

was leaving behind as it was about welcoming the change.

[nuxvomica]

136. Seen that way, tattoo may be a useful tool for self-care

And to think carnies may have figured that out a long time ago.

[Pototan]

101. Anyone can do anything they want with their own bodies

Just as I believe everyone has a right to their own opinion. My opinion is that I think tattoos are hideous.

The human body is so beautiful I don't know why anyone would defile it.

[madamesilverspurs]

102. There's some gorgeous ink out there.

Beautiful designs, well executed, very talented artists at work. Then there's the fella who works at our local big box store, looks like he passed out in a room full of sugar-hyped toddlers armed with sharpies.

My somewhat younger friend got a tat about thirty years ago, lovely unicorn on her left chest. These days she wears a Tshirt when swimming with her grandkids, she hates it when they laugh at her weird looking giraffe.

A coworker got a gorgeous spray of flowers that covers her whole back. I can't imagine going to that expense and all that pain in order to get something I'll never see.

And then there's my elderly friend from the bingo hall, she has a series of fading numbers on the inside of her left wrist.

None for me, thanks. I've got enough needles coming at me from doctors.

.

[lostnfound]

105. Permanent record of meaningful experiences...not for me but intriguing for others

One of my favorite people has collected a few. They are well-done and he has a story to tell about most.
Younger generation sees them differently than my generation did. I think they are more mainstream to them, and more individual.

Sometimes they seem to be reminders of something that the person wants to be sure to never forget. Like, “you might lose yourself if you ever forget this thing”. I agree with the person who said the trend may be partly a need for a feeling of something permanent.

If i were going to get one, I’d want it to be either a symbol of my own long-departed mother, or my love and responsibility as mother to my child.

[Arkansas Granny]

107. I don't like them, so I don't have any. However, if an adult chooses to have one, or many,

it's their choice.

[True Dough]

111. My wife and I have none

But I occasionally see ink on other people that I can't help but admire. Take mixed martial artist Charles Oliveira for example:




^ That is arguably artwork. Although I can hear some of you replying, "Well, so it this then:"




All right! All right!

[Auggie]

114. Never did, never will

Never could understand the appeal or benefit

[Croney]

116. Here is my ankle vine, and my plan!

I got this for my 60th birthday, and for my 80th in November I'm getting three little bluebirds added around it. The pink flowers are Alberta roses in honor of my Canadian husband. When I babysat three grandchildren from their birth, I sang this song to them every morning. They are now grown but still remember.

&pp=ygUSdGhyZWUgbGl0dGxlIGJpcmRz

[Niagara]

151. Beautiful! I love the meaning behind your tattoo, Croney.

[Croney]

158. Thank you!

[Niagara]

163. You're welcome!

I was going to share one of mine but Imgur isn't liking my file type for whatever reason.

[Croney]

164. Postimages dot org is really easy, just takes seconds.

No need to sign up for anything.

[Niagara]

165. Thank you so much, Croney!

Here it is.

[Croney]

166. Beautiful! I love the colors.

[Niagara]

170. Thank you!

[Probatim]

117. If I wanted another permanent reminder of a temporary feeling, I'd have another kid.

Or...

I'd like to get a tattoo so I can be different, just like everyone else.

Those two lines sum up my feelings for tattoos.

[enigmania]

119. I am an old progressive,

I got into Harleys and Tattoos long before it was cool. I still don't cut my hair or beard and I don't give a shit what anybody thinks, but I am more willing than most to engage in intelligent discourse.

[IcyPeas]

123. I've wondered if i were a 20 year old now would i get a tattoo

I do like them. I dont have any. I used to like those tattoo shows that were on tv.... and then the show about doing "cover up tattoos" LOL

and the new industry of getting them removed by laser.

[electric_blue68]

124. I generally like them. I love a beautifully done, intricate, colorful inventive sleeve!...

As a visual artist; to me they are quite appealing!

Oh, I'd never have the nerve, though I considered a small colorful one at some point. Even thought up a few designs. Never got any further than that.

And, yes, I've watched Ink Masters! 😁

[duckworth969]

125. I dig mine

One simple tat that keeps life in perspective for me.

And I don’t live based on the opinions of other people.

Life is tough enough just trying to hold on to the center.

[Orrex]

126. I don't have any, but most of the ones I've seen on other people have been great

Over the years I've seen one or two that the owners themselves have regretted, and we can all find "bad tattoos" online, but in general I think that people make very striking choices in their body art, and the effect is almost always positive IMO.

[Thunderbeast]

127. My daughter is a tattoo artist

To complete her training, she needed to do 50 projects.

My wife (age 80) was number 49. I (age 71) was number 50.

Mine is a scene of the two of us paddling our kayak on a lake with Mt. Hood in the background.

I am very proud of the scene, and my daughter who found her calling.

[Hekate]

145. Lovely

[LakeArenal]

130. Not for me.

[beaglelover]

131. I like them very much. I think full sleeves are sexy if the ink is done right.

I have 2. 1 on each upper arm/shoulder.

ETA: I have a beautiful niece who is covered in tattoos head to toe. Not on her face though. She's been on multiple covers of tattoo magazines as a pin up model.

[Chakaconcarne]

133. I get the impression many here still think Tattoos are of anchors and battleships.

Faded and poorly done...

Things are different nowadays which is why more people are getting them.. They can done well and done tastefully.

[3catwoman3]

138. I've always said I would NEVER, EVER get a tattoo. Imagine my surprise to find...

...that, at 73, I may change my mind. In March of this year, I had a robotically-assisted, spleen-sparing, distal (tail end) pancreatectomy (removal of part of the pancreas) for something known as a neuroendocrine tumor.

The good news - altho the tumor had cancerous features, it was completely contained, hadn't spread anywhere, and was totally removed, so I don't need chemo, just vigilant follow up.

The small downside is that my still flat and taut abdomen now has 7 separate little scars scattered across it.

I might, might get a tattoo of a branch of cherry blossoms to camouflage the little scars. They could be the centers of the blossoms. Scars have to heal for 6-12 months, which will keep me from doing anything impulsive.

Here's what I have in mind:
https://www.tattoodo.com/articles/cherry-blossom-tattoos-the-legend-of-sakura-14622

[Hekate]

146. If you do that, it would be pretty

🌸

[LudwigPastorius]

139. I've never wanted one.

...and I don't find most of them particularly attractive.

But hey, different strokes.

[jmowreader]

140. I have several, and plan to get more

Let's see...

Field Station Berlin unit crest on right bicep
Compass rose on right forearm
Stylized infinity symbol near right wrist
Yin-yang symbol off the Korean flag (it's reversed from its normal orientation on the flag) with the name of the base I was on and the years I was there on left forearm
"The Tools of My Trade" - a 35mm film frame with a computer mouse sitting on it on left bicep
The mass of the Earth tattooed on both shoulders, to symbolize that I have the weight of the world on my shoulders
A butterfly in honor of my haircolorist, who turned her life around completely - it's on my back so she can see it while she's working on me

I designed them all which is why I don't have as many as I plan to get yet...first I have to think up what I want to do then draw it up.

When I got the Field Station Berlin piece, the artist was talking to another customer about some tattoo flash he was having to order. I asked the guy, "what does flash look like?" "Exactly like what you brought in looks like."

[Hekate]

141. It's their bodies, right? Anyway, my son has a beautiful, intricate, wraparound Chinese dragon...

It goes over one shoulder so part of his chest and back are covered, and down one arm. Took several sessions to finish. When he puts on a business shirt, it is completely covered. That’s how he faces his employer and co-workers.

In a way, it’s like my brother’s decision that people he works with aren’t coming to his house, where there is a stained glass dragon filling the entire front picture-window. His profession is hazardous materials analysis and abatement — I get the feeling his co-workers are humorless and know little beyond their own white-bread culture. During the summer season Bro doubles as a Renaissance Faire merchant dealing in specialty swords and knives as well as the usual jewelry and crystals, and it’s a whole different culture.

I’ve seen a few Polynesian people with traditional tattoos, and it seems like a fine way to claim/reclaim their cultures.

I’m not keen on facial tattoos because your face is the part of you that meets the world first, and you will be judged before you are known.

No, let me modify that. There are things estheticians can do to help those with total alopecia or those undergoing extended chemotherapy. When you have no eyebrows or eyelashes, the face in your mirror looks like a blank mask. Tattooists can help a great deal. I also have friends whose brows and lashes have thinned and faded with age who also resorted to “permanent makeup,” and it looks good. I am very tempted, but also cowardly.

Finally, as others have mentioned, the appearance of scars can be modified, even covered over. What a blessing that is.

[malthaussen]

148. Not my aesthetic, but also not my business.

Whatever gets someone through the night.

-- Mal

[betsuni]

149. I liked traditional ones and when only people in the Navy, musicians, bikers had them because

it was rare and made them cool because they really were outsiders. Then it became trendy and same as any other commercial trend. Unlike hair styles, hair dyes or clothing trends, tattoos are permanent.

Recently I clicked on a food competition reality show and didn't realize it was old. One of the guy contestants had a hairstyle that was popular for awhile where the lower half of the head was closely shaved and the top long and in a ponytail. Facial piercings, those large round earrings inside the earlobes that stretch them out, full arm and torso tattoos. Poor guy. Permanent damage there. He thought he was cool for the short time those things were popular. Amazed at actors or anybody who wants to model getting tattoos and not thinking it's a problem. They don't know what the job is? No historical roles for you and tattoos clash with clothes.

[Duncanpup]

153. Our middle child.

She is one tattoo short of an eye patch. When she’s in court she covers them yet some are beautiful works of art.

I never gotten tattoos even in army.

[czarjak]

155. Being raised Evangelical Pentecostal...

It was a sin to mar the Temple Of God. (Your body) Everything would “SEND YOU STRAIGHT TO H-E-L-L!!!!!”

[Freethinker65]

157. Your body, your choice...but I hope you really think over about what you want to get.

Some tattoos gotten in your youth can be pretty embarrassing as you get older.

Also, I work with many young adults that complain about not making enough money to pay rent or afford to go back to school to finish a degree while minutes later showing their newest addition to their sleeve. They have some mighty professional looking tattoos and those are not inexpensive. Priorities.

I told my teenage son that wanted a tattoo if he waited to get one until he was in his 20's (forgot what age exactly) and he still wanted one, I would pay for a nice one. He is now 27 with no tattoos. His cousins about the same age have some really poorly done tattoos. I think he is happy with his decision to wait.

[Picaro]

161. Some are beautiful works of art

Most are not. There are a lot of tattoo fails that are super ugly.

Whether beautiful or hideous they all share the attribute of relative permanence.

That’s always made tattoos a non-starter for me.

[Picaro]

162. Some are beautiful works of art...

Most are not. There are a lot of tattoo fails that are super ugly.

Whether beautiful or hideous they all share the attribute of relative permanence.

That’s always made tattoos a non-starter for me.

[coprolite]

169. I've never been fond of tatoos. Never had one.

My father has two small tattoos, a Buffalo head on the outside of one arm and a stick dog/caribou on the inside of the other arm that he got when he was 15.

When i was younger i asked myself, "who's going to object? Dad can't, he has two".
Never liked something enough to permanently ink it on my skin, especially the face.

I have friends who are Unangax̂ (Aleut) that have had chin tattoos. 3 or 4 simple lines drawn down their chins as their ancestors did. It is a way of honoring their heritage and is elegant.

[gordianot]

176. I know someone whose soccer ball has deflated in old age.

That sums it up for me, she deserved it.

[OAITW r.2.0]

177. I am into pain avoidance, so...no tats for me.

Back in the 70's. I wanted to get the Skull and Roses tat from the Live album in '71. Iconic, IMHO.

[claudette]

178. Personally

I hate them. All of them. Especially those that cover a large part of the body. Never understood why people get them.

[The Blue Flower]

179. I mostly hate them

I've seen a few pretty ones on women, but I find them repulsive on the whole.

[Laffy Kat]

181. They're a form of self-expression with art.

I've never wanted to get one myself, but I appreciate why people would want one.

[TexasDem69]

182. I'm surprised this thread is still going

And absolutely shocked at all the judgy posts about people who have tattoos. One can do what one wants with one’s body. Not liking tattoos is cool, judging those who have them is not.

[Iggo]

183. I didn't go to Viet Nam so you guys could cover your bodies in tattoos!

[Cairycat]

184. My first husband

had a fellow trainee put a heart with our initials on his arm when he went through Army basic training, fifty years ago, a few months before we were married.

The marriage only lasted four years, and he died ten years after that. I've often wondered if he had that tattoo when he died, and what his wife (he had remarried) thought about it.

I actually have two tattoos, but they are utilitarian, not decorative - two tiny dots to aim the radiation treatment I had when I had cancer.

I don't find tattoos particularly attractive, but people get to make their own choices about their bodies.

[BOSSHOG]

185. I've never seen a tattoo

With the first half of the second amendment scrolled on anyone’s arm.

Why Not?

[sakabatou]

186. Depends on the tattoo

[republianmushroom]

188. The same way as I feel about abortion, if, you don't like them don't have one.

It is none of your business if I have one or not. It is my choice not yours.

[Vinca]

189. They're horrid, but if someone wants to ink cartoon characters on themselves from head to toe,

go for it. I know one thing. After everything starts to age and sag there are going to be a whole lot of weird looking old people around.

[justaprogressive]

190. Anyone who thinks they should get a large one,

should look at 85 year old people with tattoos....

[Skittles]

191. nasty

for me

on others - some rock them, others look ridiculous

[MarineCombatEngineer]

193. The only tattoo I have is on my left shoulder of a Marine bulldog with the words

Combat Engineer, RVN, with the dates I served, which is usually covered up by my shirt.
I got the tattoo in the Phillipines in '68 while on leave.
Other than that, I have no issue with someone who wants to cover most of their body with tattoo's, that's something they have to live with.

[Wolf Frankula]

194. They are barbarous.

But it's YOUR skin, so you do what you want with it.

Wolf