Why is it that people look down at peolpe with tattoos?

Question

My boyfriends grandmother is about 56 years old and has about 6 tattoos all done in recent years. Shes not an old biker chick or an exprison mate, infact she couldnt be more of a grandma than she is now. She even works at a hospital partime. If people can respect her tattoos and all, why cant they respect younger people with tattoos?

I just thought I would say that all her tattos express her love to her children and the love of her life that unexpectedly passed away 4 months ago. Saturday she made an appointment to get her 7th tattoo, a memorial to her husband.

Answer 1

The way that I view people that are not OK with any modification at all is this: The person that has a problem never really has a problem with the person with the piercing/tattoo/mod/ect. but it is actually a reflection of some insecurity that they themselves have with the way that they are. Almost like a jealousy thing. Like that person is comfortable enough in their own skin to have beautiful artwork on it, or another adornment, and I am not, therefor I have a problem with them, because I am insecure in my own self. It is sad, really, and to be honest, I would rather befriend/work with/associate with someone that was modified as opposed to someone who is not. They always are true to themselves, and really don't care what other people think/say about them because they love themselves enough to be comfortable enough to get artwork permanently affixed to their skin for all to see, and that is all that matters. How beautiful for your boyfriends grandmother to express herself in this beautiful way. She must be very special.

Answer 2

Most people look down on tattoos due to the (American) culturally created stereotype related to having a tattoo. In many other cultures, tattoos are a sign that someone is advancing into adult hood, or has done or overcome something prominent in their lives.

I think because of general ignorance or plain drunken interest, many younger adults that get tattoos are not respected for having them because the tattoo was not well thought out. Since this happens a LOT more in this culture, the stereotype is formed that they were just young and defiant or something...

Also...tattoos are connected to gangs...hmm.. but those are very specific.

All in all = I think its ignorance that causes people to look down on those with tattoos; especially when they just assume they know the person's background/personality/work ethic based on their body art.

Answer 3

I wish I knew. I have 10 tattoos but have yet to encounter many problems with people; I've only encountered a few very rude people.

Some people get some very ugly or badly done tattoos, and stupid tattoos, however- I can understand not appreciating those. But mine are very well done and all have significant meaning to me.

But it all boils down to that I don't care what people think, aside from my boyfriend. :) I love my tattoos, they all mean a lot to me, and it's who I am.

Answer 4

I am tired of worrying about it. I love tattoos. I have never seen such narrow mindedness toward them until I started using this forum. I am not a thug or a weirdo,well maybe a little weird. Nonetheless, tattooed people will carry this stigma. We are a group of people that want art on us, around us, on our walls,and in our skin.

Answer 5

Tattooing is an expression of art and your inner self. People who look down their noses at others, no matter what the reason, are just plain ignorant.

Answer 6

you can't change most people. tattoos have traditionally had a stigma associated wiht them. it's sad but that's the way it is. there will always be people who will look down on other people with tattoos. i don't care and obviously your boyfriends grandmother doesn't either.

Answer 7

I think its a beautiful thing for someone to have a tattoo. Its a piece of artwork that is intricately portrayed on their body for all to see. It tells a story, helps heal pain, and show human emotion. I personally have a tat, and seven piercings. My artwork is a show of growth and understanding.I think if they are well thought out, and taken care of, they can be awesome pieces of artwork, and a puzzle piece of that individuals life. How cool and great of your boyfriends grandmother to get inked to show her pride and love for those around her. Mad props to her.

Answer 8

i have 3 tattoos i love every single one of them. if people don't like my tattoos i don't care they don't know me or what i am about. my choice i paid for them out of my wages.

Answer 9

Those idiots think that yer "not up to the mark." So thats the problem, right there. (They dont use their brains much, not creative, all they'll do is just go to work, eat and sleep. They dont appreciate all kinds of art)

Answer 10

For most people there is a certain stigma that comes with having a tatoo...first of all it does hurt,so you must be one tough cookie to sit through one of those tatoo sessions...which in return makes you a bad a** .
Also Tatoos are soo 1970's and 1980...alot of people that are that old now regret that they have ever had a tatoo. There is a booming business that specializes in removing all those unwanted tatoos:
That pretty butterfly in the middle of their tummy that they got 30-40 years ago has turned into a moth...and that cute little frog on their butt has turned into an overweight toad.
They no longer date Jenny and cannot remember who Thomas is, but ever morning when they get up they can see it written straight across their chest.
If you want to be different.. invent a new thing..like wearing huge plates in your earlobes, and corkscrews in your nose, the whole gemstone collection on your tongue..but oh wait they already have that...it is the new generation...what is next?