Why do people keep saying that tattoos are immature?

Question

There was nothing immature about my decision to get a tattoo!
I was 21, so it's not like I rushed out at 18 just to tick my parents off, if that's what they mean. So, tattoo haters, what do you mean by "immature"?

There were a couple times it was phrased that way in a couple earlier posts in the tattoo section

In response to Vincent - how does musical choice show immaturity? What, I have to listen to classical music to be "mature".

In response to A.Mercer - fair enough, down the road, things could change, and maybe I will regret it. 21 isn't old or "mature" in some people's eyes. But what I meant was that I didn't just do it to spite people. If that were the reason, I would have done it on my 18th birthday. I think it's immature to do something permanent to yourself to spite others.

Answer 1

People say they're immature because it's another stereotype still associated with tattoos. And as other's have mentioned, sometimes people later on in life say the tattoos they regret are because they were "immature" and "young," though that shouldn't be a staple on all people who get tattoos, because many more people get them and NEVER regret them or deem themselves immature for getting them.

They probably don't even honestly know what they mean by "immature," though I suppose it has more to do with their belief that tattoos and piercings are a "cry for attention," instead of a form of expression, or something that had deep personal meaning to the person sporting the tattoo. (Which I don't understand either, because I think the kids claiming they're going to kill themselves, are out drinking underage, and getting knocked up at 15, are crying out for attention FAR MORE than someone who is legally able to get some ink put on their skin, savvy?)

It's all a matter of opinion, though sometimes an uninformed, naive opinion. You can't break people of what they're taught, just hope their kids develop some sort of acceptance for those who are different or choose different life styles, else we'll all be in the same spot 50 years from now and I'll be 70 with a "tramp stamp." =)

Answer 2

I have known plenty of people who regretted their tattoos. I have known a couple that it prevented them from getting jobs. I even worked for a company one time that I know for a fact refused to hire anyone with visible tattoos. The people who regret getting them say that it was a folly of youth that made them get the tattoo. They would tell you they were immature at the time and did not realize that there could be an impact on their lives.

Does this mean that tattoos are bad? No. Does this mean that anyone who gets a tattoo is immature? No, however, some people will use these examples to say that tattoos are immature. However, some people need to think about life and how a tattoo will affect it (if at all). A person going into a business career will be limited by any visible tattoos. A person going into an artistic world may actually have a career boost from the right tattoo.

Believing that every choice you make at 21 is the correct choice is immature, though.

OK. I totally agree with you there. If you run off to get a tattoo for no reason other that to make someone mad, then that would be immature. If instead, you plan what you are going to get and have reasons for making your selection then that is a different situation. For example, the Dixie Chicks. They have a bird footprint tattooed on their feet for every award they win. There is a reason for the tattoo and it is not something done just for fun. Another example is the main cast from Lord of the Rings (minus John Rhys-Davies) got a tattoo. It was an elvish 9 to represent the Fellowship of the ring.

Answer 3

I was almost 30 when I got both mine on my lower forearms.

They do make clothing you know, and some people choose to not walk around nude when going to a job interview.

I'm a writer. I have a quill and ink on one arm and a book on the other.

Anyone that calls you immature and cites looking for a job must not have much faith in their ability to preform at a job or maintain a professional attitude.

My highest paid friend is extensively pierced and tattooed with pink bi-hawks. He is almost 40. He trades stocks for a living.

Answer 4

Maybe they think it's immature because they think they are going to be drop dead gorgeous at the age of 80 and us tat people won't be. LOL. What a joke!

I have had some of my tattoos for more than 14 years. I do not regret them, they never stopped me from getting a good job in my field (Accounting and consulting). I always say people should review facts before making them up to suit their needs.

Answer 5

My mom says they are immature because they will look bad over time and the bearer may regret them...BUT< tthere is no way that I will look hot at 80, so who cares?

ALSO, I agree with you about the musical choice. I cannot see how my taste in music makes me immature. Also, liking piercings is a matter of taste and opinion. That guy needs to get a life.

Answer 6

i think most people think it's immature because they usually regret it at some point in their lives. it's a personal decision of what you wanna do with your body, and i dont think it's fair for people to judge others because they have a tattoo.

Answer 7

I personally am not a fan of tattoos but I've never heard the phrase "Tattoos are immature" so where'd you hear that from? I just think tattoos are NOT lady-like at all. But then again, I'm more of a preppy kind of girl.

Answer 8

I think people say that because so many young people get them, if you want one then get it.
Who cares what others think.

Answer 9

When you're 40 and turned down for numerous jobs then you will understand.

How about a 70 year old lady with a lower back tattoo?

Tats are fine but you have to think of the location.

Answer 10

i find nothing wrong with them but maybe they think it is immature because it's like paying someone to draw on you.....hmmm maybe