Fem's and Trolls: What is your opinion on tattoos?

Question

Not an ink nut. None of mine are shown to the public. Just want to know what others think and why.

Answer 1

They don't worry me. I only have the one tatt, it's on the back of my shoulder, a cartoon duck. Quack!
Actually, need to get it re-done because when I had chicken pox a few years back, some of the ink bubbled to the surface in the blisters. :S
Edit: Do you think so Gnu? I've met many people from different walks of life and inked or not, people are individuals.
I don't assume that people with tatts are criminals, alot of them are quite lovely people. I know a few men who express their love and honor for their children and wives by getting their names or faces tattoed on them.

Answer 2

I don't have any tattoos and don't plan on getting any. I really don't want to go through the pain and expense of having something drawn on my skin I know that I will get sick of seeing in a few years. I'm speaking from the perspective of an older person and I know how people's tastes can change over time. What I liked when I was in my teens and twenties doesn't necessarily mean I like them now. I can't imagine living with something I liked as a teenager for thirty years and now being so thoroughly sick of seeing it that I will do just about anything to make it go away. Tattoos are much easier to put on than remove. That's something people should consider long and hard before they make the decision to have one put on.

Answer 3

I'm not a big fan. They aren't a 'deal-breaker' in any sense, unless, of course we are talking about a woman who is just covered.

I can't help it, more than four or five inches of tattoo in an area (especially old ones!) looks like dirt to me. I know it has ZERO to do with the person's actual hygiene, it's just the feeling I get.

Personally, I went with a piercings when I was young. I had three. Twenty years later, I have one left. There is no sign of the other two. Tattoos are so permanent. Even removal doesn't leave you clear skinned.

I can't remember the source, but one take I like is this one:

You're gonna feel silly when that barbed wire you got on your bicep at 22 turns into a picket fence at 52.

But again, I'm not 'opposed to tattoos,' per se, they just aren't my bag.

Answer 4

I got my ears and belly button pierced and I think I'll stop there. Can't imagine wanting something written on my body all my life...even when I get saggy and wrinkled. Although I did consider to tattoo my dad's name on my back and once told someone I was in love with that when we got married and had five kids, I would tattoo his name on a private part---but we have all made crazy statements at some point :)

Answer 5

I'm not a troll (I hope) or a feminist (at least I reject the label even if some count me), but I'll share my views on this.

Even though his way of expressing things was grotesquely hyperbolic (and even more so when applied to contemporary society), I share some of the sentiment of architect, Adolf Loos:

"The Papuan tattoos his skin, his boat, his oars, in short, everthing within his reach. He is no criminal. The modern man who tattoos himself is a criminal or a degenerate. There are prisons in which eighty percent of the prisoners are tattooed. The tattooed men who are not in prison are latent criminals or degenerate aristocrats. If a tattooed man dies in freedom, then he has died just a few years before committing a murder. Man’s urge to ornament his face and everthing within his reach is the prime origin of the fine arts. It is the babblings of painting. All art is erotic."

This is all connected with my views on aesthetics, culture, and society. Of course, I agree Loos's remarks were excessive, but I also see much truth in them.

EDIT

Shivers, that's what I meant about "grotesquely hyperbolic"... he goes to extremes in making his point, so that it grossly distorts the facts. No, not all with tats in modern society are criminal. (In his day, that was SLIGHTLY more plausible, but STILL not wholly true.)

I think the point, that tattoos reflect a certain degenerate mindset (I mean "degenerate" in an aesthetic sense, not necessarily moral or sexual) that is contrary to a refined aesthetic sensibility, has some merit. Admittedly, my view is still rather elitist.

Some of my best friends have tattoos. And some of them are rather cool! It just isn't something I personally approve. Of course, no one needs my approval, and RIGHTLY SO.

EDIT

the friends and the tats are both "rather cool".

And those with whom I've discussed the matter: we both laugh at our different views. I recognize that my views are rather stuffy and eccentric and they embrace knowing that today there are still one or two people who even give a second thought to a tattoo. (It's hard for it to be a "statement" when no one even blinks an eye anymore.)

EDIT

Ummmm, SkyWitch. thanks. I actually haven't reported him recently. I just block him for the most part, as he blocks me. I'm really not into the idea of using every question as a place to engage in "side-talk" about him. I really don't give him that much though. Sure, I report him, but I am sure a lot of other people do as well. You're giving him the idea that you and I are conspiring to get him, though we've never really even discussed it.

And Carrie's entitled to take offense or not, as she chooses. If she doesn't object, I won't presume to speak for her.

Answer 6

Generally, I think it's unwise to make permanent marks on your body. However, if the tattoo is in a place that is easily covered, and it's tasteful and well thought out, then it can work.

Some tattoos are very sexy - just pick something that says "timeless" not "trendy" - a flower or a word such as "strength" in a foreign language, for example, not the name of your favorite wrestler or musician. (And yes, my friend's hubby has the name of a wrestler on his neck...visible FOREVER, and to every employer...)

Answer 7

About 2 or 3 look great on hard rock/heavy metal rocker guys with long hair.

Gnu Sense, I have reported bloody Rebirth for calling you a douche bag, you obviously reported his other vile to some gal's question of favourite flowers and favourite color of roses.
I reported that answer and every other vile answer to any question he has answered.

I wonder why CARRIE even wants someone like him as her contact?
She doesn't take it personally however he is really, truly insulting her.

Answer 8

i love them and:

A. I'm not "trashy" nor do i look "trashy".
B. not a criminal. I'm a nice person, student, mom.

if you don't like them, good for you. but don't go around making broad statements about people looking trashy and whatnot. tattoos can be beautiful and tasteful. also, i know PLENTY of folks that are over 35 with gorgeous tattoos. they don't regret them and they look nice.

EDIT: brwn: and i gave mine, why don't YOU grow up? did i call you out personally? nope. i just stated my piece. get over it.

Answer 9

I think they can be cool as long as they're tasteful. I'd get a small one on the back of my shoulder.

Answer 10

I like them, I may get a few whenever I decide what I want.