People always ask me for meanings behind my tats, and while some do have them, some dont. I always get the impression that if I tell something a tat doesn't have any meaning then they look down on me. To be honest I think that people who just get tattoos for the artistic reason tend to appreciate and enjoy their tattoos more as time goes on.
Why does this stupid prejudice exist?
2007-07-10 05:20:24 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Beauty & Style ➔ Skin & Body ➔ Tattoos
If you got them because you loved the art then in a way, that's the meaning.
My first had meaning. Others were just the design and art of it and the one that was truly just artistic design that I wanted and came up with is the one that gets the most comments and the one I love the most. Absolutely no meaning behind it.
2007-07-10 11:39:21 · answer #1 · answered by jkc 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I see it as a suggestion at most, and like an insurance policy against getting something you might not want later. Certainly there is ample evidence of those who know themselves well enough to not need this, but there are also plenty of folks who decide what they got some years (or even months) previously isn't right now.
When you consider the number of questioners coming on asking what to get, where, what color, if it would look good, etc... I think the above is not a bad suggestion. These tend to be folks getting ink more to fit in than for any other reason, and I at least would hope to help make their decision one they're less likely to hate in a short time.
There may be folks who actually require a meaning, I don't know. Most of the regulars here, if not all, seem to ascribe to the saying "beauty is it's own reason" for those with clue.
2007-07-10 16:42:52 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lot of the people I know with tattoos, which is most of the people I know, spent a long time thinking about the first and the more they got, the less they thought about what was next. I like the art for the sake of art approach. I also think of my body as a bit of a scrap book. I look at one of my tattoos and think about the time and place I was in life when I got it. Several of them I wouldn't get done at the point in life I am now, but that is the beauty of it. It is a reminder of where I've been more than who I am.
2007-07-10 14:58:54 · answer #3 · answered by Phishr 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it has to do with shows like Miami Ink, in part. They only show the people that are getting tattoos with deep meaning, because it makes for good stories. Miami Ink is a great show, because it shows people that it's not just freaks and gang members who get tattoos, but it's created the new stereotype that they all have to have deep meaning.
Maybe it's not meanings people are asking about, they are wondering why you chose that particular design, which I think is a valid question. As for looking down on you, well, maybe once they find out there is no "special" meaning behind it, they don't know what else to say.
Who cares anyway? When you get down to it, your art is for you and you alone. You don't have to explain yourself to everyone.
2007-07-10 13:53:16 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have both ...well almost I think finding and creating a inspiring piece of art and then having that put on my skin is meaning enough. I also have a memorial that has symbols and elements that completely represent that person to me. Deep heavy meaning there. So both work for me; carry art where ever I go and wear my love and loss on my sleeve. If I worried about what peoples opinions were I would stay inside. I love the subtle changes in all my tattoos as they (we) age. But the arty ones are indeed the best!
2007-07-10 12:46:39 · answer #5 · answered by fnsurf 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some people consider getting tattoos a big deal so they assume it was all thought out and planned because it is such a big deal to them. Me personally I have 6 tattoos and not a single one has meaning. I like them, but it doesn't have to be a symbol of my love for some guy or etc.... It's ART!
2007-07-10 14:29:42 · answer #6 · answered by Amber 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
most peoples tastes change over time and some people see that if there is a meaning behind the tat then you will always appreciate it. i do feel that way about my tats, but as for you most people who like tattos in the first place., don't really care about your reasons for getting them. it's your body. have a feild day:)
2007-07-10 12:54:16 · answer #7 · answered by ericams85 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Origins of tattoos started with meanings. Sailors used nauticals, criminals use their own ideas. How it works and if you don't like it tough. People also don't regret the tattoos that mean something to them... not the artistic ones.
2007-07-10 17:18:17 · answer #8 · answered by Monstar Cambria 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i wouldn't say it's a prejudice but it seems like many people who get a tattoo "just because" tend to not like them years later. when a tattoo has meaning it will always hold that meaning and will likely not be one that is regretted later
2007-07-10 13:49:27 · answer #9 · answered by somebody's a mom!! 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I agree that there is prejudice about peole who have tats. Especially if they don't really "mean" anything. Mine all have some meaning - for me - but if I found something that I just really liked, I would get it.
Keep on expressing yourself however you want and if people choose to judge you for it just keep in mind that freedom of expression is your right!
2007-07-10 16:30:48 · answer #10 · answered by J m 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋