What do you think when you see a tattoo?

[Bossy Monkey]

Poll question: What do you think when you see a tattoo?

[HysteryDiagnosis]

1. The plane

the plane!!!

[theshadow]

14. Smiles, everyone, smiles!

Hey, that was a good one, Medialize.

[HysteryDiagnosis]

23. Tanks alot,

what neocons think people of the world want to see on their streets.... :)

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

43. I humbly bow before Medialize's superior snappiness. (nt)

[arbusto_baboso]

Other: why make it easier for the police to identify you?

No, seriously. If we go to a police state (a distinct possibility) why put something permanent on your body that would make it easier for the Neoconnazis to round you up and herd you off?

[amber dog democrat]

10. That is one of the ways the Brittish Navy identified mutineers

from the HERMIONE mutiny. Those who had the identifiavble tatoos headed right for the courts matrials. I agree. I won't even wear legible clothing.

[NorthernSpy]

36. that's kind of how I think, too...

Law-abiding as I am, I think I'd like to remain as unbranded and unobtrusive as possible, for pretty much the same reasons as the ones you gave.


:tinfoilhat:


Mary

[Dastard Stepchild]

2. Instantaneous approval of the individual....

to a certain extent. A liberal with a tat - friend for life. A conservative with a tat - slightly less repellant to me.

[Richardo]

15. "Individual" - just like everyone else.

It's like 1000 other fads that look supremely idiotic 10-15 years after the fact, and make the Gilbert Gottfried :wtf: segment of VH1's "I Love the <decade name here>".

Except it's relatively easy to change your hair, shoes, clothes, or shave off the mutton chops. Tattoos? Good luck with all THAT.

"What's hip today - might become passe" - Tower of Power (What is Hip?)

[Dastard Stepchild]

18. well I was using the term individual more loosely..

in the sense of "singular being." but ya know, feel free to harp on my thoughts regardless. I'm a secure gal, comfortable with my beliefs.

[Misunderestimator]

21. Excellent response.

:thumbsup:

I could take a lesson from your restraint :)

[redqueen]

26. Seconded

sjbech :yourock:

[Dastard Stepchild]

27. why thank ya :)

[Dastard Stepchild]

28. thank ya both :)

[Richardo]

24. That's good - my rant button kind of got stuck there.

But I stand by my rant. :)

[Dastard Stepchild]

29. I honor your rant :)

Tats aren't for all. I, myself, am not for this new "shawl" look that's been cropping up. Seems really restrictive.

[HuckleB]

42. So, to you, it's like joining a club of some sort?

Some way of creating a set of people who are above those who don't want tattoos?

[Dastard Stepchild]

47. I call it my own little sorority....

Males and females of all races, ethnicities and sexual orientations welcome. No dues to be paid. No Greek letters. No benefits at all, really, other than the ones in my head.
The only real requirement is a tattoo. I'll even take the homemade ones that people do with a needle and Bic pen ink.

[HuckleB]

48. Hmm.

Sounds like you own stock in Bic. That explains everything.

[Dastard Stepchild]

52. if only I owned stock in Bic

They outfit my entire university! Seriously - who do the Bic people know here. We must spend a fortune on pens.

[HuckleB]

55. Oh, I'm sure they know somebody.

Or gave a well-placed donation. Alas, that's too often the way with university contracts.

Do they make lighters with the university logo on 'em?

:)

[Dastard Stepchild]

58. why yes - they do! :)

ahhhh... the pieces are all beginning to fit togther. Bic. my love of tattoos. my schooling. it all points to something, but what? I am not sure ;)

[RubyDuby in GA]

3. You should see mine

I have such a cute little Democratic donkey on my bod!
I also know someone who has a yellow dog on their shoulder.

Sometimes body art can be used for good.

[jeff30997]

4. Muffy?

[Worst Username Ever]

5. If it is a female

A sudden heat in my nether regions

[TX-RAT]

6. Self mutilation.

[wolfgirl]

7. Of course...

I'm biased, I have 2 very discreet tattoos and plan to add a third...

[Scooter24]

8. I really want to get a tatoo...

I've been thinking of it for the longest time. Not sure what or where but as soon as I overcome my fear of pain and needles, I'm so there...lol :D

[Bertha Venation]

9. pain, blood, and disease

Still, I want one. Where can I find an artist who will put a tattoo on someone with HCV?

[EstimatedProphet]

72. Well, I got 2 in Arlington...

At Main Street Tattoos on Lee Hwy...and I have "liver problems"-just have to let them know ahead of time.

[Bertha Venation]

77. Cool! Thanks.

Arlington isn't too far to go. Will they create a flash from the logo I want on my skin?

[EstimatedProphet]

78. A flash?

I'm not sure what you mean...
If you have an idea on paper, bring it in, and they will first draw it onto your skin and then ink it in.

[Bertha Venation]

80. that's what I mean, exactly

I've heard it said that tattoo artists create "flash" first, then get inking. That's what I get for tossing lingo about. :eyes: <== at me.

[EstimatedProphet]

81. BTW let me correct myself

The shop name is East Coast Tattoos, not Main Street Tattoos 4786 Lee Hwy.
BTW while we're on the subject, here's a cool page:
http://www.geocities.com/BourbonStreet/Delta/2512/index.html

[theshadow]

11. Caution: Sexist value-judgment coming up

I'm sorry, maybe it's my age (49) but I just think a tattoo on a woman is unfeminine, and on a man it looks seedy.

[Misunderestimator]

17. Cool... Call me an unfeminine 42-year old then...

I think it's too bad that someone so close to my age could still maintain such value judgments... :shrug:

[Qanisqineq]

50. and call me an unfeminine 30 yr. old... and my husband is "seedy"

wow, yet if you knew us, you'd never think that at all.

[theshadow]

61. I'm sure you're both perfectly nice.

[Name removed]

12. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Gildor Inglorion]

16. umm..."homo poser"?

Someone trying to pass as gay? Or just random, casual gay-bashing?

[Misunderestimator]

19. Was wondering the same thing m'self

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

25. "homo poser"?

Bite me! Damn that's ignorant!

[Guy Fawkes]

32. I hope that you're using "homo" in the latin,

meaning same. So "every 'poser' is the same" is what you meant. Please, tell me I'm right.

[Book Lover]

56. Excuse me, what did you just say?

<glaring>

I am sure you will want to apologize for your little remark. Perhaps you merely overheard the phrase in your daily life, and in your excitement, you let it slip while you were posting. I am sure you wouldn't want to use the word "homo" in casual conversation, especially when you know there are gay folks who read and post here every day.

<still glaring>

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

13. The future Mrs CStheT (YES SHE EXISTS) has a huge one on her back - sexy!

She also has 1 on her arm. I have 2 on my arm - 3rd to come.

[Fenris]

20. "Wow that's lame."

And don't worry, I say the same things about body piercings, as well. Way to not conform, guys.;)

[redqueen]

22. Can I look more closely at that?

I'm very curious about tattoos... always have wanted one, but never could imagine one that I really wanted. A while back I decided I wanted an oroborous (sp?), but then that damned Millenium show came out and screwed it up for me. :P

If I see someone with something unconventional or detailed, I usually want to get a closer look... if I see something standard that I like, I just think 'cool tat!' :)

[geniph]

30. You know the difference between a person with tattoos

and a person without?

A person with tattoos doesn't care if you don't have any.

I have six. I got the first when I was 39. I'm quite sure of why I have them, that I want them, and am quite happy with the way they will continue to be with me throughout my life. If that bothers other people, that is most definitely THEIR problem, not mine.

And anyone who thinks that makes me a skank - welcome to the world of the narrow-minded, bubba.

[underseasurveyor]

57. Yep same here

I got my first 2 tattoos 26 years ago soon after I turned 18. Long before tattoos were considered 'cool' or acceptable, especially for a woman. I now have a total of six. Each one is special to me with it's own meanings and memories.

I've always wanted tats, have not ever regretted gettting them, plan to have more skin art added in the future, and finally I'll try not to pre-judge those of you that don't have any tattoos too harshly ;-)

[Dukkha]

31. I have 5

and they all have meaning

The orca crest from my Greenpeace days
A Persian dragon from a club I worked
A big tarantula former pet
a tribal bear from my bike messenger days
The Klingon insignia with my name in Klingon

two were done in a friends kitchen one was done in a bar
(clean sterile needles!)

[noonwitch]

33. Whatever-I do harrass service employees with facial piercings, however

I find it disgusting and unhealthy. No offense to any of you that may sport them, but piercing one's eyebrows, lips, tongue, nose, is just plain gross. I also give my 15 year old cousin a hard time for being "goth". It's my responsibility as an adult to give the young a hard time. I'm not mean about it.

I once thought about getting a tattoo when I was in my 20s, but decided it would hurt too much. I thought a half-moon on my shoulder or ankle would be a nice touch.

[HuckleB]

44. Why do you think that it's "unhealthy"?

How is it "gross"? And how is a tattoo any different from a piercing?

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

90. How is it unhealthy?

I have a perfectly healed without any infection nostril piercing. I have a white gold nostril screw (stud) with a real diamond in it. It also has strong sentimental value. I occaisonally deal with the public with my job. I guess I must be unhealthy & disgusting. I'm 21. I consider myself an adult. I also brought my 40ish boss to get her nose pierced, because she knew that I knew the best place to get it done. I guess she's an unhealthy, digusting adolescent as well.

Glad to see you're open minded.

[southpaw]

34. Depends on the tat, and the person sporting it.

Some are beautiful... some sexy... some meaningful...

Others come off as trashy, ignorant, tasteless and offensive...

Still others scream "look at me! I'm so unique!"

I have gone 38 years without a tat, but I'm seriously considering getting a small lizard on my shoulder or upper arm to commemorate a relationship that just ended...

[Lisa0825]

35. I agree... it depends, but some of my thoughts are....

1) WOW! Great artwork!
2) THAT musta hurt!
3) Is there a meaning behind that one?
4) Mmmmm.... sexy!

Now, all of the above are for tats I LIKE. If it's a bad tat, I mostly think "Ick!"

I am not attracted to people with HUGE tats or many, many tats covering much of their bodies, but even then, I can look at the artwork and appreciate it. There are some AMAZING artists out there, and to look at these creations, and understand the skill and talent it took to produce them really leaves me in awe at times.

[redqueen]

41. Does the lizard signify something in particular?

I notice those are pretty popular.

Probably showing my ignorance here (yet again)...

[southpaw]

49. Only between me and my former S.O.

Though our relationship was fast and furious (lasting about 4 months from beginning to end) she broke through several of my long-standing barriers and really forced me to expand my view of the world and the people in it.

She has several tats, including a rather large lizard on the small of her back. I had always been a bit put off by tats, but, because I love her, I was able to open myself to the idea of body art.

I never want to forget the impact she had on me, and I think that getting a replica of her most significant tat etched on my skin will serve as a reminder to never forget Sabrina and the things she taught me.

[shanti]

60. yup

like those spiderwebs on the elbows....*shudder* or teardrops on the face....:-(

[ronnykmarshall]

37. Get turned on.

[jukes]

38. personal statement

someXs tacky, someXs cool. i think they're prettier on woman, but back in the day only lowerclass men wore them.


recently got my 1st.

[Kat45]

39. Lately I've been noticing people getting a lot of ugly tatoos.

There are nice looking tats and ugly tats. Clever ones and boring ones. Some are colorful, many are just mono-tone. I'm not against tatoos by any means, but I really have been noticing a lot of folks with the more boring, ugly ones, often covering both arms. Is that the current trend?

[HuckleB]

40. I don't really think about it, though I used to, and now you've got me...

thinking about it again.

Damn.

For a while (back in the late '80s/early '90s) I thought, "there goes another fashion label wearer," as the trend has become so "en masse" that it's now more rebellious to eschew the tattoo than to have one. In fact, I've actually had a number of conversations with teenagers who's pals all had tattoos and decided that they needed to pressure the kid without a tattoo into getting one. While I obviously work with those kids to do as they choose and assert their individuality, I've finally gotten over my haughty "fashion label" label, and I no longer look down upon those who have tattoos and/or who shop at Nordstrom.

:)

[tnlefty]

45. Ouch! That's always my first thought - ouch

If someone seems approachable I'll ask if it hurt very much.

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

46. It hurts in the BEST way! I love it

It sounds sick but its true - its like hot peppers. Its also kind of sexy - except for the large pierced man doing it to you!

[CanuckAmok]

51. "HEyHEY'S mom" n/t

[matcom]

53. "MAN I have a sexy shoulder!"

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

54. I COULD say something on this thread

but she'll KILL ME if I do :evilgrin:

[Bossy Monkey]

59. kick for "Who'd I marry this time?"

Well I thought it was funny :)

[BlackVelvetElvis]

62. No offense.

Doesn't every one else have one of those?
They aren't unique anymore.

[Taverner]

63. How about YUM

I simply love a woman with strategically placed tattoos.

[Zomby Woof]

64. "Conformist trendoid!"

Getting a tattoo in the 80's or before was more impressive - usually no one but sailors or bikers even bothered back then.

[RebelOne]

65. My first thought is "Why would anyone want to mutilate

themselves like that." I feel the same about body piercing. My ex-husband had my name tattooed on his arm. I told him that he would regret doing that. Since then we were divorced and he was married twice. I know his other wives did not appreciate seeing my name on his arm 24/7.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

66. I think " I need to flip her over and wake her up" :)

( bet you thought I wouldn't post that ;-) )

[underseasurveyor]

69. ha ha ha

:evilgrin:

[CanuckAmok]

67. I don't care if anyone has them or not, but I find them unattractive.

It doesn't matter how "good" or original they are, I just don't like the artform, but I certainly recognise it as being one.

For me, they're a turn-off, like smoking.

Beyond that, I have no opinion.

[samplegirl]

68. I'm Fashionably out of fashion

I think theres nothing prettier than a nude body without tatooes

[truthspeaker]

70. Other: high time I got another tatoo!

It's been 11 years since the last one.

[EstimatedProphet]

71. I usually think "where'd you get your ink?"

There's several more tats I want, and I'm on the lookout for a good artist.

[Nocturnes]

73. I have six

Both shoulders and upper arms, my back and the back of my neck (but I wear my hair very long so it is not seen). Would I get more? Hell yes. Tattooing is addictive and I enjoy it. When I see someone else with good work I feel a kind of kinship with them

[EstimatedProphet]

74. I have 5

4 that are kanji characters in black, one in color. All on my upper arms. I have at least 3 more identified-again, for my arms, except 1 on my chest.

[Ellen Forradalom]

82. Me too, as a recent initiate

I pondered the question of what tattoo to get for a good, long time--over ten years. Now I always check out other peoples' tats. Like any piece of design work, some are good, and some are not so good. I like to think mine is among the former.

Please allow me to show it off again. The design is by Max Bernischke, a Jugenstil (art-nouveau) designer.

[TrogL]

75. My partner's talking seriously about getting a tattoo

One of those stupid ring around the arm things.

I'm thinking of leaving.

[HippieCowgirl]

76. People have been getting tattoos for centuries, how is it a "fad?"

My 80-year old WW2 Vet father-in-law has tattoos! They are a part of him, and are as normal on him at 80 as mine will be on me at 80.

He had a topless cowgirl leaning on a fence on his bicep. His second wife made him tattoo a bikini top on her ;) He's got others too, good Navy ink.

[Uzybone]

85. They are only a fad

in the eyes of haughty snobbish folks. People of all cultures have been getting tattoos for hundreds and hundreds of years.

[THUNDER HANDS]

79. I think that by 2040

Nursing homes are going to be very funny places with a bunch of old people with tribal tattoos on their arms.

[Bossy Monkey]

83. Welcome back my friends to the poll that never ends

Feel free to ignore; just kicking to get it back on My Posts again (childish, I know)

[Ladyhawk]

84. I think:

"Why do I have my head against my chest...that's bad for my herniated discs."

[Endangered Specie]

86. "Wanna go out?"

(if its a woman)

[bo44]

87. How to explain the asscrack or boob tattoo to your grandkids?

Honey when your grandma was young, tight and freaky in her hip huggers and tank top I wanted to stand out from the crowd. What better way to let the boys know I was better than Brittney than to rock a dollar sign tattoo above the crack of my ass and devil horns on each titty. Here look put your hands on the skin by my hips and pull it outward. You should be able to see it. Now look under my titties after I pick them up. Look down there by my belly button.

[Misunderestimator]

88. Grandma showing her boob tattoo...

Sorry, but the boob would be much more traumatic than the tattoo.

[newsguyatl]

89. i usually think it's pretty hot

if it's on the right person+

[bleedingheart]

91. Ouch!

that is what I think...
I am a bit skittish about needles to begin with..so seeing them makes me think of needles...

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

92. These threads get so offensive

Why is it that people that consider themselves "liberal" and "open-minded" get so obnoxious about tattoos/piercings? Honestly, if you don't want one, then don't get one. What gives anyone the right to pass judgements on those who have them? I don't care whether or not someone has body mods or not. I have them, but I won't hold them against those that do.

I find it odd that usually the people who are the least judgmental over these things are the elderly and the children. Both are often very fascinated, because neither really understand it. It's kind of cool really, but it's the 40s/50s crowd that seem to get really obnoxious over the whole thing.

I might judge the body art, but I'm not going to judge the person. My tattoos are well done, and I might find someone else's tattoo shitty, but I'm not going to call them shitty.

Of course, this all means nothing because I'm an unfeminine, trashy tattooed, pierced lesbian.

[Misunderestimator]

96. LOL... you GO girl!

Keep on with that unfeminine, trashy stuff!!

[mongo]

93. I'm suprised by the number of negative posts about this

I thought that DU was a little more progressive than that.

I didn't get my first tattoo until age 30. I now have 3, which I love and am eager to get a 4th when there is some spare cash.

They all have very personal meanings to me and mark some point in my life. and I love them. I grew up with a large scar from my chest to my belly button, and never had good body image because of it (I got teased alot at the pool). My tats make me feel good about my body - and that scar now it goes from the bottom of my neck all the way down to by belly button.

So, when I see a tattoo, if it's good I think - I wonder where s/he got it?

[Misunderestimator]

94. Good for you... got my first (and only) tattoo at 36.

Unbelievable to me how many people here react so negatively to someone having one.

[malachibk]

95. To all you people who think "skank" or "barf"

F.U.