Tattoo opinions?
December 4, 2004 6:24 AM Subscribe
What are your views on tattoos and the people that have them, both professionally and socially?
professionally, i hope it would make no difference at all.
socially, it's increasingly common, but i was brought up to think of them as "bad", and most people of my generation/social class/whatever don't have them, so there's an instinctive reaction to go "ewww, there's someone whose not the same as me".
curiously, the same goes for (male) ear-rings (and piercing generally). yet i considered getting an ear pierced just to annoy people "even more up-tight than me" (you have to go back quite some time for the context in which this makes any sense at all...), yet have never thought of doing the same with a tattoo. perhaps because the sight of blood makes me faint.
tattooing just doesn't seem cool or rebellious or sexy (like a piercing might), just ugly. i wonder if it's because it doesn't seem that transgressive, or because it's more about social/class taboos than sexual ones?
apologies to the many out there with tattoos.
posted by andrew cooke at 6:52 AM on December 4, 2004
socially, it's increasingly common, but i was brought up to think of them as "bad", and most people of my generation/social class/whatever don't have them, so there's an instinctive reaction to go "ewww, there's someone whose not the same as me".
curiously, the same goes for (male) ear-rings (and piercing generally). yet i considered getting an ear pierced just to annoy people "even more up-tight than me" (you have to go back quite some time for the context in which this makes any sense at all...), yet have never thought of doing the same with a tattoo. perhaps because the sight of blood makes me faint.
tattooing just doesn't seem cool or rebellious or sexy (like a piercing might), just ugly. i wonder if it's because it doesn't seem that transgressive, or because it's more about social/class taboos than sexual ones?
apologies to the many out there with tattoos.
posted by andrew cooke at 6:52 AM on December 4, 2004
Tattoos barely register for me nowadays. So many people have them, so many boring, boring people grasping desperately for some smidgen of personality. This is in no way suggesting that if you have a tattoo, you have it because you're a sheep reading the Abridged Handbook of Inoffensive Rebellion, it's just that they've become very commonplace. Same goes for body piercing.
I couldn't live with a tattoo, personally. I'm an artist so I'd end up designing it myself and I'd get sick of it very soon. I've seen very few truly good tattoos. When I look at them, I can't help but see the whole body as part of the art and compositionally, it rarely works, especially with the bigger ones. I realise that it's a bit silly to think like this.
Professionally? I'm not in a position to care, nor would I if I were.
posted by picea at 6:54 AM on December 4, 2004
I couldn't live with a tattoo, personally. I'm an artist so I'd end up designing it myself and I'd get sick of it very soon. I've seen very few truly good tattoos. When I look at them, I can't help but see the whole body as part of the art and compositionally, it rarely works, especially with the bigger ones. I realise that it's a bit silly to think like this.
Professionally? I'm not in a position to care, nor would I if I were.
posted by picea at 6:54 AM on December 4, 2004
I have more than a few tattoos myself, and I wouldn't change or have them removed for a second. If you want to judge on the basis of my having them, hey, good for you, your loss.
posted by Tommy Gnosis at 6:56 AM on December 4, 2004
posted by Tommy Gnosis at 6:56 AM on December 4, 2004
If you want to judge on the basis of my having them, hey, good for you, your loss.
presumably "judging" in this context can be positive or negative.
posted by andrew cooke at 6:58 AM on December 4, 2004
presumably "judging" in this context can be positive or negative.
posted by andrew cooke at 6:58 AM on December 4, 2004
yes... but judging in any social context is hardly ever positive.
posted by Tommy Gnosis at 6:59 AM on December 4, 2004
posted by Tommy Gnosis at 6:59 AM on December 4, 2004
so you hardly ever look at someone and think positive thoughts? bummer to be you.
posted by andrew cooke at 7:05 AM on December 4, 2004
posted by andrew cooke at 7:05 AM on December 4, 2004
Professionally, no one should know about your tattoo unless you operate the Tilt-A-Wirl. I would never hire anyone who didn't care enough to keep his/her "personal expression" off of their face, neck, and hands.
Socially, all my friends are pushing 30 and aren't sailors. So no one has one to my knowledge. An acquaintance recentley took off her sweater specifically to show her tattoo to a group at a bar and then put the sweater back on. I thought it weird that she's 32 and was still trying to be edgy in a conformist sort of way. So I don't talk to her.
posted by Mayor Curley at 7:05 AM on December 4, 2004 [1 favorite]
Socially, all my friends are pushing 30 and aren't sailors. So no one has one to my knowledge. An acquaintance recentley took off her sweater specifically to show her tattoo to a group at a bar and then put the sweater back on. I thought it weird that she's 32 and was still trying to be edgy in a conformist sort of way. So I don't talk to her.
posted by Mayor Curley at 7:05 AM on December 4, 2004 [1 favorite]
Depends on the tattoo. If it's well-designed, skilfully done, and matched to the person wearing it, then good. If it was clearly chosen at the last minute from the big book of flaming skulls, then bad.
On preview, I respectfully disagree with Mayor Curley.
posted by ook at 7:09 AM on December 4, 2004
On preview, I respectfully disagree with Mayor Curley.
posted by ook at 7:09 AM on December 4, 2004
I often look at tattoos and think how they will look like in a few years' time. I'm sorry if that's judging.
posted by keijo at 7:13 AM on December 4, 2004
posted by keijo at 7:13 AM on December 4, 2004
I've worked as a beach lifeguard for the last 6 years, and in that time I have seen a lot of bare flesh, some tattooed and some not, and in those six years I have never seen a tattoo that did anything but detract from the appearance of the person that had it.
posted by saladin at 7:15 AM on December 4, 2004
posted by saladin at 7:15 AM on December 4, 2004
I'd say linking tatoos to the type of person you might be is like linking your choice of computer to the type of person you might be, completely ridiculous. People who have tatoos are so varied that I might think some of them to be immensely deplorable, others incredibly adorable, others still ok, others annoying, etc. In other words, the tat isn't a large factor.
As for what one thinks of the appearance of tats on persons it is personal of course but again it all depends on the person. Some I adore and some look awful to me. Like clothes.
posted by juiceCake at 7:20 AM on December 4, 2004
As for what one thinks of the appearance of tats on persons it is personal of course but again it all depends on the person. Some I adore and some look awful to me. Like clothes.
posted by juiceCake at 7:20 AM on December 4, 2004
I'll add to the judgemental chorus. I was brought up to think they were low class, but now I just think they are annoyingly trendy. I've seen some very beautiful ones - and the coolest one was a guy who had two forearm bones tattooed on his forearm - but I always wonder: "What were they thinking? Won't they get sick of it? What happens when their skin starts to sag?"
Then again, it's way better than facial piercings, which just repulse me.
posted by CunningLinguist at 7:21 AM on December 4, 2004
Then again, it's way better than facial piercings, which just repulse me.
posted by CunningLinguist at 7:21 AM on December 4, 2004
Silly, pointless (almost always), and quite a turn-off. Whenever I see a woman with one of those big tattoos just above her ass-crack, it makes me wince in disgust.
Not entirely sure why, but there it is.
posted by davidmsc at 7:22 AM on December 4, 2004
Not entirely sure why, but there it is.
posted by davidmsc at 7:22 AM on December 4, 2004
some tattoos are beautiful - I am thinking about the celtic braid designs, maori-type designs or haida-like designs.
however, the biggest downfall of tattoos is their fading colour. What starts fresh, fades (fast).
if I could have a celtic motif tattoo around my upper arm, say, that would be black, and STAY black, I'd consider it. until then, no tattoos for me
when I see people's tattoos, I am more judgmental of the art that was executed than of the person wearing it. there are a few beautiful tats out there, and there's plenty of ugly stuff too, alas
posted by seawallrunner at 7:22 AM on December 4, 2004
however, the biggest downfall of tattoos is their fading colour. What starts fresh, fades (fast).
if I could have a celtic motif tattoo around my upper arm, say, that would be black, and STAY black, I'd consider it. until then, no tattoos for me
when I see people's tattoos, I am more judgmental of the art that was executed than of the person wearing it. there are a few beautiful tats out there, and there's plenty of ugly stuff too, alas
posted by seawallrunner at 7:22 AM on December 4, 2004
so you hardly ever look at someone and think positive thoughts? bummer to be you.
Please, andrew. That's hardly what I meant.
Just saying... I have seen this topic come up on MeFi before, and it usually takes the same form. The most commonly held view I've seen expressed here is that those that get tattoos are "trying to be edgy in a conformist sort of way", when the reasons for getting them are as varied and numerous as the people that get them.
If you don't like they way they look, that's fine, but if you're making a judgement about the content of tattooed person's character, positive or negative, that doesn't say much about you.
posted by Tommy Gnosis at 7:23 AM on December 4, 2004
Please, andrew. That's hardly what I meant.
Just saying... I have seen this topic come up on MeFi before, and it usually takes the same form. The most commonly held view I've seen expressed here is that those that get tattoos are "trying to be edgy in a conformist sort of way", when the reasons for getting them are as varied and numerous as the people that get them.
If you don't like they way they look, that's fine, but if you're making a judgement about the content of tattooed person's character, positive or negative, that doesn't say much about you.
posted by Tommy Gnosis at 7:23 AM on December 4, 2004
saladin: I have never seen a tattoo that did anything but detract from the appearance of the person that had it.
Exactly.
posted by LarryC at 7:23 AM on December 4, 2004
Exactly.
posted by LarryC at 7:23 AM on December 4, 2004
ook- Was about to post the same thing. Tattoos are exactly the same clothes or makeup, only permanent. They can look really good or really bad on the person wearing them, depending on the artistry and whether the person can carry it off. (Of course, their permanent nature necessarily means that any mistake is amplified).
posted by thirdparty at 7:24 AM on December 4, 2004
posted by thirdparty at 7:24 AM on December 4, 2004
I have 7 tattoos and all except for one of them are covered when I wear pants and a short sleeve short. The last one, on the under part of my lower arm is rarely noticed.
Contrary to what the other people in this thread say, I've had my longest tattoo for more than 7 years and it hasn't started to run yet. I didn't get them because they would make me look cool or edgy. How could they considering that people won't see my tattoos unless I'm decidedly underdressed.
Sure some people get them to make them look cool, but some people read books to make themselves look smart, some people customize their cars to make them look badass. It doesn't make it right to generalize about them.
posted by drezdn at 7:28 AM on December 4, 2004
Contrary to what the other people in this thread say, I've had my longest tattoo for more than 7 years and it hasn't started to run yet. I didn't get them because they would make me look cool or edgy. How could they considering that people won't see my tattoos unless I'm decidedly underdressed.
Sure some people get them to make them look cool, but some people read books to make themselves look smart, some people customize their cars to make them look badass. It doesn't make it right to generalize about them.
posted by drezdn at 7:28 AM on December 4, 2004
Are you referring to tattoos strictly as body art? Or in general?
Some marks are administered by health professionals as part of treatment; while the marks are often less noticeable, the pinpricks and leftover incision reference lines are able to last as long as any decorative design. The issues regarding personal preferences still apply, as some people feel violated for marking thier bodies. In fact, it may be difficult for some patients, as they may feel more like a anatomy model than a human being, or worse. (After being told one needs a procedure in light of a serious diagnosis, a patient may already feel "marked for death"; the tattoos, however necessary, can draw more literal connotations.)
While marks can be removed, many physicians are hesitant to remove tattoos from radiotherapy, as the marks are only tiny needlepricks, and the body may have been through enough stress. For certain patients living with their own moral/philosophical/emotional concerns, this may encroach upon their beliefs and perceptions. The outside world may not be able to even see the marks, but the pressures of different societal values, coupled with the stigma of having been diseased and possibly disfigured (organ/tissue removal thorough surgery, or ravages of infection) can be extreme. Insurance companies may consider tattoo removal as a cosmetic procedure, and will refuse to cover it as part of the actual therapy. Should a recovering patient proceed with the removal, they can still be reminded of having been a slab of meat merely by viewing their scars, which is another form of storytelling altogether.
posted by Smart Dalek at 7:28 AM on December 4, 2004
Some marks are administered by health professionals as part of treatment; while the marks are often less noticeable, the pinpricks and leftover incision reference lines are able to last as long as any decorative design. The issues regarding personal preferences still apply, as some people feel violated for marking thier bodies. In fact, it may be difficult for some patients, as they may feel more like a anatomy model than a human being, or worse. (After being told one needs a procedure in light of a serious diagnosis, a patient may already feel "marked for death"; the tattoos, however necessary, can draw more literal connotations.)
While marks can be removed, many physicians are hesitant to remove tattoos from radiotherapy, as the marks are only tiny needlepricks, and the body may have been through enough stress. For certain patients living with their own moral/philosophical/emotional concerns, this may encroach upon their beliefs and perceptions. The outside world may not be able to even see the marks, but the pressures of different societal values, coupled with the stigma of having been diseased and possibly disfigured (organ/tissue removal thorough surgery, or ravages of infection) can be extreme. Insurance companies may consider tattoo removal as a cosmetic procedure, and will refuse to cover it as part of the actual therapy. Should a recovering patient proceed with the removal, they can still be reminded of having been a slab of meat merely by viewing their scars, which is another form of storytelling altogether.
posted by Smart Dalek at 7:28 AM on December 4, 2004
I have no problem with tattoos, but I can see some professional people having problems with them. Depending on your field of employment, it's sometimes best to think about getting a tattoo in a place that you can covered up, shoulder blade, upper arm, lower back, etc.
posted by Arch Stanton at 7:31 AM on December 4, 2004
posted by Arch Stanton at 7:31 AM on December 4, 2004
A tattoo in the right place and of the right design can be quite a turn-on for me ... and if that's the case, it's usually not in area for the general public's consumption, so it shouldn't matter professionally.
One of my friends enhanced the sexiness of his upper back by having a line of script from the One Ring tattooed there. Rowr.
posted by WolfDaddy at 7:34 AM on December 4, 2004
One of my friends enhanced the sexiness of his upper back by having a line of script from the One Ring tattooed there. Rowr.
posted by WolfDaddy at 7:34 AM on December 4, 2004
One of the girls I fool around with on a regular basis is covered with some of the most beautiful tattoos I've ever seen.
Also, once I was on shrooms and just goofin' around the city with a bunch of friends and we decided to stop at a bar and have a drink. Inside was a beautiful woman who had her arms covered in tattooed leopard spots. I couldn't take my eyes off her.
It's a personal taste thing, no doubt, but I like tattoos.
And professionally I always thought it would be fun to get a tattoo of a third eye on my forehead and then try to get a job as a Customer Service Rep. "YES, MAY I HELP YOU?"
posted by Fuzzy Monster at 7:56 AM on December 4, 2004 [1 favorite]
Also, once I was on shrooms and just goofin' around the city with a bunch of friends and we decided to stop at a bar and have a drink. Inside was a beautiful woman who had her arms covered in tattooed leopard spots. I couldn't take my eyes off her.
It's a personal taste thing, no doubt, but I like tattoos.
And professionally I always thought it would be fun to get a tattoo of a third eye on my forehead and then try to get a job as a Customer Service Rep. "YES, MAY I HELP YOU?"
posted by Fuzzy Monster at 7:56 AM on December 4, 2004 [1 favorite]
Tattoos make me want to know more about the person. More specifically, "What on earth is so stinking important to you that you want to have it as part of your body for the rest of your life?!?" Because, frankly, I can't imagine anything mattering that much. I wouldn't say it makes me think less of them as a person, I just wonder about it in a morbid curiousity kind of way.
posted by wallaby at 8:05 AM on December 4, 2004
posted by wallaby at 8:05 AM on December 4, 2004
I agree with saladin on this topic.
I'm another that just doesn't care for them. But like others have mentioned as well, I come from a slightly older generation that thought tats belonged on sailors and carnies. There are too many people out there that don't put much thought into getting a tatoo and will not be quite so happy about it in 10-20 years.
You see too much of this unoriginal kind of thing...
The 20 something women with the "Flaming butt wings" on their lower back.
Frat boys with tribals or barbed wire on their biceps.
Cartoon characters. I had one 20 year old that worked for me that put a pissing Calvin on his bicep.
I guess I just don't get it...
posted by bawanaal at 8:11 AM on December 4, 2004
I'm another that just doesn't care for them. But like others have mentioned as well, I come from a slightly older generation that thought tats belonged on sailors and carnies. There are too many people out there that don't put much thought into getting a tatoo and will not be quite so happy about it in 10-20 years.
You see too much of this unoriginal kind of thing...
The 20 something women with the "Flaming butt wings" on their lower back.
Frat boys with tribals or barbed wire on their biceps.
Cartoon characters. I had one 20 year old that worked for me that put a pissing Calvin on his bicep.
I guess I just don't get it...
posted by bawanaal at 8:11 AM on December 4, 2004
I once met a guy with a sleeve, and talking to him about it learned a lot about his life. What started as something small on his arm changed as he added different images to it. And every image had a very personal story about the design, which made him interesting to me.
I also knew a girl that got a Tweety Bird on her hip, while drunk at the shore with a bunch of friends. She was not so interesting.
I think it's the meaning behind it, and the person that makes it work for me or not.
posted by FunkyHelix at 8:12 AM on December 4, 2004
I also knew a girl that got a Tweety Bird on her hip, while drunk at the shore with a bunch of friends. She was not so interesting.
I think it's the meaning behind it, and the person that makes it work for me or not.
posted by FunkyHelix at 8:12 AM on December 4, 2004
I would never get a tattoo for two reasons:
1) I change my mind too often. No one design or word has been overwhelmingly meaningful for the last ten years of my life, and I'm sure that there isn't one that will be overwhelmingly meaningful for the next ten.
2) I'm Jewish. The religion bars tattoos in the first place, but my real motivation is that so many Jews were forcibly tattooed in WWII. It feels disrespectful to get one for fun when the practice has such a painful history for so many people of my faith.
As for other people, it's none of my business. A group of kids in my freshman dorm all got the same one together one night, and they weren't talking to each other by the end of the year, so it seemed foolish to me...but hey, to each their own. As FunkyHelix says, different people do it different ways for different reasons.
posted by equipoise at 8:25 AM on December 4, 2004
1) I change my mind too often. No one design or word has been overwhelmingly meaningful for the last ten years of my life, and I'm sure that there isn't one that will be overwhelmingly meaningful for the next ten.
2) I'm Jewish. The religion bars tattoos in the first place, but my real motivation is that so many Jews were forcibly tattooed in WWII. It feels disrespectful to get one for fun when the practice has such a painful history for so many people of my faith.
As for other people, it's none of my business. A group of kids in my freshman dorm all got the same one together one night, and they weren't talking to each other by the end of the year, so it seemed foolish to me...but hey, to each their own. As FunkyHelix says, different people do it different ways for different reasons.
posted by equipoise at 8:25 AM on December 4, 2004
And professionally I always thought it would be fun to get a tattoo of a third eye on my forehead and then try to get a job as a Customer Service Rep. "YES, MAY I HELP YOU?"
¡hahahaha!, wipes tear. *Sigh*, well done.
Um, about 15 years ago I thought twice about getting one, but as wallaby and others have noted they are just too permanent. I change too much over time to want to live for the rest of my life with art engraved on my body. I can't even imagine now what I would have tattooed on my body 15years ago because I am a totally different person today. Actually, I can imagine it and it makes me shudder.
Of course, this is my view of wearing tattoos. Tattoos on other people are sometimes cool to look at, but as others have pointed out there ubiquity has become somewhat tiresome. Now, only really extreme tattooing (full body, facial, etc.) strikes me as "counter culture", and only really beautiful tatooing on the right person strikes me as, well, beautiful.
On preview: Funkyhelix, tattoos as a life map is an interesting idea, but only if the wearer's life is interesting enough to describe to strangers in a bar.
posted by sic at 8:27 AM on December 4, 2004
¡hahahaha!, wipes tear. *Sigh*, well done.
Um, about 15 years ago I thought twice about getting one, but as wallaby and others have noted they are just too permanent. I change too much over time to want to live for the rest of my life with art engraved on my body. I can't even imagine now what I would have tattooed on my body 15years ago because I am a totally different person today. Actually, I can imagine it and it makes me shudder.
Of course, this is my view of wearing tattoos. Tattoos on other people are sometimes cool to look at, but as others have pointed out there ubiquity has become somewhat tiresome. Now, only really extreme tattooing (full body, facial, etc.) strikes me as "counter culture", and only really beautiful tatooing on the right person strikes me as, well, beautiful.
On preview: Funkyhelix, tattoos as a life map is an interesting idea, but only if the wearer's life is interesting enough to describe to strangers in a bar.
posted by sic at 8:27 AM on December 4, 2004
Aesthetically, I don't like them. Even the best ones I've seen have never managed to look as good as good as the skin they covered up. Not in the context of a body anyway.
That said, unless a person has them from head to toe or something, it doesn't affect how I think of them. (And even then it would just make me curious about them.) I grew up surrounded by people with tattoos.
posted by Nothing at 8:28 AM on December 4, 2004
That said, unless a person has them from head to toe or something, it doesn't affect how I think of them. (And even then it would just make me curious about them.) I grew up surrounded by people with tattoos.
posted by Nothing at 8:28 AM on December 4, 2004
Tattoos are something I see on porn girls. I see it as more or less trashy, and something they will (within their lifetime) possibly regret. But I only think that because I know I'm indecisive enough to not be able to be happy with my choice.
I find it weird that you can go to a parlor and they have big books of designs. How personal is your expression when it comes from a catalog? If I did get a tattoo it would be my own design not the same "panther with a rose in its mouth" that I'm going to see on some stripper.
I know someone in cadets and he has an anchor tattoo on the back of his neck (!). I think that's a weird thing to do, really old world. Even though I see people with tattoos I never really considered getting one since high school, and I assume most people got theirs then and try to keep the justification up (until they're 32 even).
posted by Napierzaza at 8:32 AM on December 4, 2004
I find it weird that you can go to a parlor and they have big books of designs. How personal is your expression when it comes from a catalog? If I did get a tattoo it would be my own design not the same "panther with a rose in its mouth" that I'm going to see on some stripper.
I know someone in cadets and he has an anchor tattoo on the back of his neck (!). I think that's a weird thing to do, really old world. Even though I see people with tattoos I never really considered getting one since high school, and I assume most people got theirs then and try to keep the justification up (until they're 32 even).
posted by Napierzaza at 8:32 AM on December 4, 2004
Myself, it depends on where the tat is and what it depicts. There are tats that distract from good communication: these are usually facial; and there are tats that make a social statement, and some social statements are inappropriate.
For the life of me, I do not understand why anyone would pierce or tattoo their face. If you want people to listen to you, you can't do goofy-assed things that are going to distract them. Sticking something through your face or putting a picture on it is not going to help anyone listen carefully to you.
Then there are the tattoos that make social statements. Tattooing a swastika on your forearm is just plain stupid no matter what your personal feelings: it is a volatile symbol that is not going to help you in social situations. Gigantic dragon tats are likewise so bloody cheesy these days that no matter how important the symbol is to you, most people are going to view it with some amount of ridicule.
Of course some people like to cry that they shouldn't be judged by their appearances. Bullshit. Life is all about making snap judgements: is there enough room in front of the next car that I can pull out? Is this sidewalk too icey to walk on? This chicken smells off, will it kill me? That dude has a swastika tattooed on his face, is he friend or foe?
Tats? Go for it. Just be aware that they do communicate a message.
posted by five fresh fish at 8:40 AM on December 4, 2004
For the life of me, I do not understand why anyone would pierce or tattoo their face. If you want people to listen to you, you can't do goofy-assed things that are going to distract them. Sticking something through your face or putting a picture on it is not going to help anyone listen carefully to you.
Then there are the tattoos that make social statements. Tattooing a swastika on your forearm is just plain stupid no matter what your personal feelings: it is a volatile symbol that is not going to help you in social situations. Gigantic dragon tats are likewise so bloody cheesy these days that no matter how important the symbol is to you, most people are going to view it with some amount of ridicule.
Of course some people like to cry that they shouldn't be judged by their appearances. Bullshit. Life is all about making snap judgements: is there enough room in front of the next car that I can pull out? Is this sidewalk too icey to walk on? This chicken smells off, will it kill me? That dude has a swastika tattooed on his face, is he friend or foe?
Tats? Go for it. Just be aware that they do communicate a message.
posted by five fresh fish at 8:40 AM on December 4, 2004
Most of them are pretty ugly, but I have a couple (one on each wrist). I probably wouldn't have had them done if I was to make the choice now. But, I haven't had any problems professionally yet, and that's why we have long sleeve shirts.
posted by angry modem at 8:47 AM on December 4, 2004
posted by angry modem at 8:47 AM on December 4, 2004
It seems a lot of the people who don't have tattoos transfer their own emotions onto people with tattoos. If you're indecisive, don't get a tattoo. It doesn't mean everyone with a tattoo sits around staring at them thinking "Why god, why?"
posted by drezdn at 8:47 AM on December 4, 2004
posted by drezdn at 8:47 AM on December 4, 2004
I know lots of people who have lots of tattoos. I know lots of people who have no tattoos (including myself). It doesn't really make much difference to me.
Would I, myself? Really depends. I have absolutely no plans to get any right now. If it was an original design that signified something important to me, sure, I'd go for it. In an inconspicuous place, of course.
posted by neckro23 at 8:57 AM on December 4, 2004
Would I, myself? Really depends. I have absolutely no plans to get any right now. If it was an original design that signified something important to me, sure, I'd go for it. In an inconspicuous place, of course.
posted by neckro23 at 8:57 AM on December 4, 2004
I always think, "Man, when you get that removed, it's gonna hurt like a bastard."
If you ever come across a design that you just like so much, make it your desktop wallpaper, cuz it's just a lot easier to change your mind.
posted by sageleaf at 9:02 AM on December 4, 2004
If you ever come across a design that you just like so much, make it your desktop wallpaper, cuz it's just a lot easier to change your mind.
posted by sageleaf at 9:02 AM on December 4, 2004
It's a curious comment to me when folks mention as a negative that tattoos will fade and change over time. I'm pretty sure, although I don't refer back, that I have faded and changed over my 44 years and will continue to do so.
Part of the happiness/mystery/poetry whatever you want to call it about growing old is adapting to the physical and mental changes your body goes through. Those of us with tattoos (7 on me) get to see more concrete examples of what exactly is changing on us. So what if all of a sudden our tats all look like Dali's melting clocks?
Tats are also a good social barometer as evidenced in the responses here. I've found over my 20 years of being inked up that I tend to like more the people who don't shrink in horror or roll their eyes at me regardless of the reason. Fancy that.
Now if you will excuse me, Grandma and I are going to get our septums pierced.
posted by DeepFriedTwinkies at 9:08 AM on December 4, 2004
Part of the happiness/mystery/poetry whatever you want to call it about growing old is adapting to the physical and mental changes your body goes through. Those of us with tattoos (7 on me) get to see more concrete examples of what exactly is changing on us. So what if all of a sudden our tats all look like Dali's melting clocks?
Tats are also a good social barometer as evidenced in the responses here. I've found over my 20 years of being inked up that I tend to like more the people who don't shrink in horror or roll their eyes at me regardless of the reason. Fancy that.
Now if you will excuse me, Grandma and I are going to get our septums pierced.
posted by DeepFriedTwinkies at 9:08 AM on December 4, 2004
I don't have one, because I haven't come up with/seen a design I'm comfortable with having permanently...yet.
On other people, though, I usually think they're interesting, and often sexy. Sure, some are cliched, some are not going to stand the test of time. But people also choose the wrong careers, get paralyzed in car wrecks, get fat, get old, end up in situations that they never thought they'd be in. That taught bare skin is not going to last forever either, and I think it's brave to make a solid decision about what it's going to look like while it does. It's the same kind of embracing of mortality that can make smoking sexy. It makes some people queasy, and that's ok, that's sexy too, that's part of it.
Some of the more intriguing ones I've seen:
- An ex-girlfriend who had a scar from a traumatic childhood surgery, accompanied by a nearby tattoo of a little knife dripping blood.
- 'Lev. 19:28'
- Another ex-girlfriend who is a very upbeat person, had a rather sad scene from a favorite children's book, in full color, covering most of her back.
posted by bingo at 9:09 AM on December 4, 2004 [1 favorite]
On other people, though, I usually think they're interesting, and often sexy. Sure, some are cliched, some are not going to stand the test of time. But people also choose the wrong careers, get paralyzed in car wrecks, get fat, get old, end up in situations that they never thought they'd be in. That taught bare skin is not going to last forever either, and I think it's brave to make a solid decision about what it's going to look like while it does. It's the same kind of embracing of mortality that can make smoking sexy. It makes some people queasy, and that's ok, that's sexy too, that's part of it.
Some of the more intriguing ones I've seen:
- An ex-girlfriend who had a scar from a traumatic childhood surgery, accompanied by a nearby tattoo of a little knife dripping blood.
- 'Lev. 19:28'
- Another ex-girlfriend who is a very upbeat person, had a rather sad scene from a favorite children's book, in full color, covering most of her back.
posted by bingo at 9:09 AM on December 4, 2004 [1 favorite]
I have a good friend with 50+ tattoos, including some he can't cover on his neck and hands. He's intelligent, industrious and articulate; but because of his tattoos, it's unlikely he'll ever work anywhere but a warehouse.
I've matured considerably in the last decade. Everything has changed, from the books I read to the music I play to the way I feel about God. I'm proud of that, and I hope the same growth awaits me in the next decade. The point is, I don't want to be the type of person who wants, at age 40, the same tattoo he wanted at age 20.
posted by cribcage at 9:11 AM on December 4, 2004
I've matured considerably in the last decade. Everything has changed, from the books I read to the music I play to the way I feel about God. I'm proud of that, and I hope the same growth awaits me in the next decade. The point is, I don't want to be the type of person who wants, at age 40, the same tattoo he wanted at age 20.
posted by cribcage at 9:11 AM on December 4, 2004
Like the saner folks above, I think there are good tats and bad tats, both socially and professionally. If it's something interesting (and not cheesy "interesting" like those damn violin tats) and well-excecuted, then good for you (and hot to me).
Also, everyone seems to think that people will regret their tats, but given the explosion in getting them, isn't it possible that in thirty years it won't matter as people come to see them as just another aspect of "my misspent youth"?
Full disclosure: I have a small tat on my shoulder. My mother got one when she was thirty-five or so. We both love them and they are so minimally visible in a professional setting that no one has noticed much. I am thinking of getting a second on my arm. Because mine are so dorkily germane to the work that is my life, most people think they're awesome.
posted by dame at 9:27 AM on December 4, 2004
Also, everyone seems to think that people will regret their tats, but given the explosion in getting them, isn't it possible that in thirty years it won't matter as people come to see them as just another aspect of "my misspent youth"?
Full disclosure: I have a small tat on my shoulder. My mother got one when she was thirty-five or so. We both love them and they are so minimally visible in a professional setting that no one has noticed much. I am thinking of getting a second on my arm. Because mine are so dorkily germane to the work that is my life, most people think they're awesome.
posted by dame at 9:27 AM on December 4, 2004
I've always moved across social groups, able to fit in and adapt to whatever the "norm" was for each varied subset. In highschool and college I had friends within all of the standard cliques. As an artist and musician I used to wear my individuality on my shoulder, but soon realized that individuality was itself a cliche.
I finally grew up gave up the dream of "making it". I got a corp job, got married, started filling the nest, and cut my hair (sell-out/grow-up/hope i die before I get yada, yada, yada). However, it is still nice to know that under the tie/button-down/khaki exterior there is an artistic reminder of my rebellious past.
There is also a kind of pleasure derived from the reactions of co-workers in more casual settings where my ink is visible. It blows away most shallow, preconceived notions immediately because my performance/professional attitude precedes and refutes skin-deep prejudicial stereotypes.
I would love to have tattoo coverage for all skin on my body that can be covered by a wearing a t-shirt and shorts. You won't know I have tats unless I want you to.
posted by HyperBlue at 9:30 AM on December 4, 2004 [1 favorite]
I finally grew up gave up the dream of "making it". I got a corp job, got married, started filling the nest, and cut my hair (sell-out/grow-up/hope i die before I get yada, yada, yada). However, it is still nice to know that under the tie/button-down/khaki exterior there is an artistic reminder of my rebellious past.
There is also a kind of pleasure derived from the reactions of co-workers in more casual settings where my ink is visible. It blows away most shallow, preconceived notions immediately because my performance/professional attitude precedes and refutes skin-deep prejudicial stereotypes.
I would love to have tattoo coverage for all skin on my body that can be covered by a wearing a t-shirt and shorts. You won't know I have tats unless I want you to.
posted by HyperBlue at 9:30 AM on December 4, 2004 [1 favorite]
I think they're sexy on the group of 20-something women, usually lesbian, who also tend to have spiky died hair and wear tank tops. There's something hella sexy about that to me (straight woman here). I barely notice them on men -- for good or bad, they just don't even register in the same way that "pierced ear" no longer registers -- and I think they're generally pretentious on the blond, made-up sorority girl who got a heart tattooed on her hip bone her sophomore year of college.
Anyone outside those categories again doesn't register. But my (Ivy League) college roommates had them, my brother has them, and I live in SF, so a large proportion of the people I see on the street have them. I really don't think they're even TRYING to be counter-cultural anymore, and I think that's a strange argument. It's just another choice you can make about your body aesthetic, like pierced ears or make up or hair dye.
In professional situations, again, I don't think it would register. Granted, though, the only times I can think of heavily tattooed people in work situations, my mind is sticking them in roles of "cashier" and "waitress," so....
posted by occhiblu at 9:33 AM on December 4, 2004 [1 favorite]
Anyone outside those categories again doesn't register. But my (Ivy League) college roommates had them, my brother has them, and I live in SF, so a large proportion of the people I see on the street have them. I really don't think they're even TRYING to be counter-cultural anymore, and I think that's a strange argument. It's just another choice you can make about your body aesthetic, like pierced ears or make up or hair dye.
In professional situations, again, I don't think it would register. Granted, though, the only times I can think of heavily tattooed people in work situations, my mind is sticking them in roles of "cashier" and "waitress," so....
posted by occhiblu at 9:33 AM on December 4, 2004 [1 favorite]
I would love to have tattoo coverage for all skin on my body that can be covered by a wearing a t-shirt and shorts
'cept on my pp you know..owee!
posted by HyperBlue at 9:35 AM on December 4, 2004
'cept on my pp you know..owee!
posted by HyperBlue at 9:35 AM on December 4, 2004
I have a star on my wrist before it was hipster bingo and now I feel like i have Keep On Truckin on my wrist.
posted by orange clock at 9:41 AM on December 4, 2004
posted by orange clock at 9:41 AM on December 4, 2004
Personally, I hate the tattoos that are generic, show no creative thought, and generally scream "trendy trash!" Everyone knows exactly the kinds I mean. I lividly hate the idea of permanently marking yourself as a way of expressing your "coolness" now. That leaves no room for change.
But I have seen some remarkably beautiful, even classy pieces that really are like art, and that do work with someone's body, rather than against it. They can be very meaningful, and very personal. My partner's father (nearly 50) has a few, and while they have begun to fade, they still look like part of him. I couldn't image him without them.
I've thought for a while (three+ years) that I might like to have one, I already know the image and occasionally think about making it into a proper design. My plan is to leave in a drawer for five years before I look at it again. If I still want it on my body, well then I'll start seriously considering it, rather than just being speculative. If I did regret it, it would be having it marked on me, not the image itself.
In any event, I'd want it in a place that can be covered with normal clothing, because I'm not trying to make a social/public statement, and I'm completely aware of the general attitude toward them. I don't want to "shock" people with something I did for myself. Again, this comes back to the fact I dislike tattoos for shock value, it seems to self-centered, like I should care about how your altered your body. So, to come back to your original question, I do reserve judgement for those who seem to have it done for social reasons, rather than personal. It's their own problem how they handle the influence on their professional career.
posted by nelleish at 9:51 AM on December 4, 2004
But I have seen some remarkably beautiful, even classy pieces that really are like art, and that do work with someone's body, rather than against it. They can be very meaningful, and very personal. My partner's father (nearly 50) has a few, and while they have begun to fade, they still look like part of him. I couldn't image him without them.
I've thought for a while (three+ years) that I might like to have one, I already know the image and occasionally think about making it into a proper design. My plan is to leave in a drawer for five years before I look at it again. If I still want it on my body, well then I'll start seriously considering it, rather than just being speculative. If I did regret it, it would be having it marked on me, not the image itself.
In any event, I'd want it in a place that can be covered with normal clothing, because I'm not trying to make a social/public statement, and I'm completely aware of the general attitude toward them. I don't want to "shock" people with something I did for myself. Again, this comes back to the fact I dislike tattoos for shock value, it seems to self-centered, like I should care about how your altered your body. So, to come back to your original question, I do reserve judgement for those who seem to have it done for social reasons, rather than personal. It's their own problem how they handle the influence on their professional career.
posted by nelleish at 9:51 AM on December 4, 2004
A small amount of tattooage is usually a plus. I went through the whole "tattoos are for conformist losers" business back in the mid-90s and right back around to where they're not particularly shocking, but kind of neat in the right kind & amount... same with piercings.
I've finally decided what kind of tattoo I'd want, but I'm old enough that I'd feel really lame actually going out and getting it... oh well.
posted by furiousthought at 9:58 AM on December 4, 2004
I've finally decided what kind of tattoo I'd want, but I'm old enough that I'd feel really lame actually going out and getting it... oh well.
posted by furiousthought at 9:58 AM on December 4, 2004
I don't want to "shock" people with something I did for myself. Again, this comes back to the fact I dislike tattoos for shock value, it seems to self-centered, like I should care about how your altered your body.
Isn't it possible that a person might put a tatoo in a visible places because that's where s/he thinks it works best? I mean, just because some people are shocked, it doesn't mean that was the intention. It could be that the person liked it there and didn't care about the social response.
posted by dame at 10:00 AM on December 4, 2004
Isn't it possible that a person might put a tatoo in a visible places because that's where s/he thinks it works best? I mean, just because some people are shocked, it doesn't mean that was the intention. It could be that the person liked it there and didn't care about the social response.
posted by dame at 10:00 AM on December 4, 2004
I don't have any tattoos, and don't want any. They're fine, just not for me. But anyone who denies the sexiness of a well-placed tattoo has not spent enough time at Suicide Girls. (NSFW)
posted by Dr. Wu at 10:03 AM on December 4, 2004
posted by Dr. Wu at 10:03 AM on December 4, 2004
While I understand what a lot of the anti-tattoo people are saying (especially about the "oh no! I'm a rebel!" I-spent-all-my-money-on-my-Greek-system-friends types of tattoos), I've wanted a tattoo since I was three.
I have three now, and I'm working on getting my fourth. If I could afford it, I'd be covered all over with tattoos, because I just end up in becoming totally subsumed in the tattoo needle, the buzzing thrumming through my system, the pinpricks tingling against me as I close my eyes and breathe deeply and just be.
posted by Katemonkey at 10:04 AM on December 4, 2004
I have three now, and I'm working on getting my fourth. If I could afford it, I'd be covered all over with tattoos, because I just end up in becoming totally subsumed in the tattoo needle, the buzzing thrumming through my system, the pinpricks tingling against me as I close my eyes and breathe deeply and just be.
posted by Katemonkey at 10:04 AM on December 4, 2004
What picea (spruce?), Curley, saladin, wallaby, bawaanal, equipoise, Napierzaza, five fresh fish said.
Also:
To me there is nothing more wonderful, beautiful, and interesting than the human body. Why detract from it with a mundane scribble?
Human skin and tatoo ink are a poor medium for artwork. Do you really like some image? Have somebody draw or paint it for you and hang it on your wall. Have it airbrushed on the side of your van. It'll come out much better.
Have you ever seen a tattoo that you'd think was interesting or attractive if it were on a piece of paper? I haven't.
fare bella figura, Italian for "make a beautiful figure". It means (and forgive me if I don't have this exactly right) that we have a a desire and a responsibility to ourselves and to others to look as good as we can. It's a question of respect and self-respect. Yes, it's your own body and you can absolutely do with it what you want. But to me it's somehow rude or disrespectul.
Have you ever met a concentration camp survivor with a number tattooed on their arm? I have and am haunted by it. It puts tattoos in a different context for me. I wonder if you'd reconsider getting tattooed had you seen that.
I'm not in a position, professionally, for it to matter to me whether someone is tattooed or not and don't anticipate that I will be any time soon. If I were, however, I couldn't help but consider (visible) tattoos evidence of poor judgement and would factor that into my evaluation. I'm not saying "tattoo = no job", but it wouldn't help.
posted by TimeFactor at 10:05 AM on December 4, 2004
Also:
To me there is nothing more wonderful, beautiful, and interesting than the human body. Why detract from it with a mundane scribble?
Human skin and tatoo ink are a poor medium for artwork. Do you really like some image? Have somebody draw or paint it for you and hang it on your wall. Have it airbrushed on the side of your van. It'll come out much better.
Have you ever seen a tattoo that you'd think was interesting or attractive if it were on a piece of paper? I haven't.
fare bella figura, Italian for "make a beautiful figure". It means (and forgive me if I don't have this exactly right) that we have a a desire and a responsibility to ourselves and to others to look as good as we can. It's a question of respect and self-respect. Yes, it's your own body and you can absolutely do with it what you want. But to me it's somehow rude or disrespectul.
Have you ever met a concentration camp survivor with a number tattooed on their arm? I have and am haunted by it. It puts tattoos in a different context for me. I wonder if you'd reconsider getting tattooed had you seen that.
I'm not in a position, professionally, for it to matter to me whether someone is tattooed or not and don't anticipate that I will be any time soon. If I were, however, I couldn't help but consider (visible) tattoos evidence of poor judgement and would factor that into my evaluation. I'm not saying "tattoo = no job", but it wouldn't help.
posted by TimeFactor at 10:05 AM on December 4, 2004
My husband has two tattoos- one is a photorealistic cardinal sitting on a juniper branch over his heart. His father dies when he was 16, and cardinals have always reminded him of his dad.
On his arm he has what amounts to a half sleeve of autumnal leaves in various shades and states of falling off a branch. His mother's favorite time of year was autumn (she had the house bedecked each years) and she died last September quite suddenly.
They were done by a local woman who is considered to be one of the top artists in the world.
I think both are incredibly beautiful.
posted by oflinkey at 10:25 AM on December 4, 2004 [1 favorite]
On his arm he has what amounts to a half sleeve of autumnal leaves in various shades and states of falling off a branch. His mother's favorite time of year was autumn (she had the house bedecked each years) and she died last September quite suddenly.
They were done by a local woman who is considered to be one of the top artists in the world.
I think both are incredibly beautiful.
posted by oflinkey at 10:25 AM on December 4, 2004 [1 favorite]
Gah. I see and am ashamed by my typos. Sorry. In a rush.
posted by oflinkey at 10:26 AM on December 4, 2004
posted by oflinkey at 10:26 AM on December 4, 2004
I'm speaking from the purely practical viewpoint of someone who has seen a lot of medical illustrations and case photos of skin.
Before that experience, most of the skin I saw, in person or otherwise, was of the firm/taut/young/unblemished variety. Now, I've seen some amazing things. Mongolian blue spots, hairy nevus, scars of every variety, sags and wrinkles resembling complex geological formations, and old, old tatoos (I don't feel like googling for images right now, sorry). It's made me think about how my own skin will change over time. So every time I see a tatoo, it's like a little animation starts in my brain: 10 years. 20 years. 30 years. That's the point for some wearers, the way an image changes, and it's all speculative. Who knows how people will age, or what traumas they might encounter along the way? But most times, my little internal tattoo future-o-rama program isn't flattering.
Personally, there is no one image I can ever imaging successfully aging with me. But it makes a difference if people make intelligent, artful choices. It's a lot more interesting than imagining some cartoon character's image drooping and drowning into folds of skin. That, I just find depressing.
posted by melissa may at 10:27 AM on December 4, 2004
Before that experience, most of the skin I saw, in person or otherwise, was of the firm/taut/young/unblemished variety. Now, I've seen some amazing things. Mongolian blue spots, hairy nevus, scars of every variety, sags and wrinkles resembling complex geological formations, and old, old tatoos (I don't feel like googling for images right now, sorry). It's made me think about how my own skin will change over time. So every time I see a tatoo, it's like a little animation starts in my brain: 10 years. 20 years. 30 years. That's the point for some wearers, the way an image changes, and it's all speculative. Who knows how people will age, or what traumas they might encounter along the way? But most times, my little internal tattoo future-o-rama program isn't flattering.
Personally, there is no one image I can ever imaging successfully aging with me. But it makes a difference if people make intelligent, artful choices. It's a lot more interesting than imagining some cartoon character's image drooping and drowning into folds of skin. That, I just find depressing.
posted by melissa may at 10:27 AM on December 4, 2004
I don't regret any of my five tattoos, but I'd be the first person to admit there are some really bad ones out there. I think there should be a waiting period, like with a handgun. You know, if you still really want that Tasmanian Devil giving the finger after, say, 6 months then you can have it.
Professionally, I keep them covered, and I got them with that in mind.
posted by JoanArkham at 10:38 AM on December 4, 2004
Professionally, I keep them covered, and I got them with that in mind.
posted by JoanArkham at 10:38 AM on December 4, 2004
I relate to the world using my own obeservations and emotions, so do you.
posted by Napierzaza at 10:42 AM on December 4, 2004
posted by Napierzaza at 10:42 AM on December 4, 2004
My dad has his initials on his forearm, but that's okay because he was a sailor in WW II. I personally don't go for any sort of body decoration that isn't removeable, because we're always changing (some of us are even evolving) and nothing says "what I used to be into" more than a tattoo.
posted by tommasz at 10:52 AM on December 4, 2004
posted by tommasz at 10:52 AM on December 4, 2004
I use my tattoos as a way of marking certain points in my life. I can remember the details of what was going on my head with each tattoo and what my surrounding life was like. Of course, they're not flash art or anything, so maybe I have a deeper emotional bond with the image than someone who picked off a wall or portfolio would.
When I'm 60 I'll happily point to my saggy, wrinkly tattoos and tell their stories.
posted by cmonkey at 10:58 AM on December 4, 2004 [1 favorite]
When I'm 60 I'll happily point to my saggy, wrinkly tattoos and tell their stories.
posted by cmonkey at 10:58 AM on December 4, 2004 [1 favorite]
Cmonkey, you could also keep a diary ;)
By the way, are there still people who are "shocked" by tattoos? I mean other than the really extreme total body and face tatooing. I can't remember the last time I saw a tatto and was, you know, freaked out by it. Probably when I was five years old or something. But I grew up in a big city, so most likely I've been jaded by the sheer volume of tattoos that I have seen over the years.
Maybe this is a red america/blue america thing?
posted by sic at 11:24 AM on December 4, 2004
By the way, are there still people who are "shocked" by tattoos? I mean other than the really extreme total body and face tatooing. I can't remember the last time I saw a tatto and was, you know, freaked out by it. Probably when I was five years old or something. But I grew up in a big city, so most likely I've been jaded by the sheer volume of tattoos that I have seen over the years.
Maybe this is a red america/blue america thing?
posted by sic at 11:24 AM on December 4, 2004
My tats look just fine, most of them 8 years old. And I wear long sleeves at work, just because. I don't have many, but they mostly take up entire appendages.
As long as the art is somewhat original and not just "off-the-wall" flash garbage, more power to you.
posted by adampsyche at 11:28 AM on December 4, 2004
As long as the art is somewhat original and not just "off-the-wall" flash garbage, more power to you.
posted by adampsyche at 11:28 AM on December 4, 2004
I don't care about the permanence of tattoos for two reasons. First, nobody can go back in time to change anything. What's in the past is in the past, and even though my tattoos still exist, I consider them to be part of my past (since their meanings are such a strong part of my past). If I was magically granted the ability to go back in time to right some wrongs, there are plenty of things I'd want different other than my tattoos. Second, permanent is only for the rest of my life. Could be 80 more years or 80 more seconds. You're just scared if you can't commit to something that you like on this day, because this may be the only day you have left.
More directly to the question, I'm pretty tattoo-blind. I generally don't notice them on people the first time I meet them. It's weird, because after awhile I'll see it and wonder if it was there the whole time and then ask about it.
Like DeepFriedTwinkies said above, they make a good barometer. People who ask about mine and then show and tell theirs generally make a better impression on me than those who are disgusted or uptight.
Professionally, I'm not really worried about. I know some people still disapprove, and I can cover mine fairly easily. However, the barometer thing applies again, since I probably wouldn't enjoy working with people who had strong feelings against.
posted by dogwalker at 11:33 AM on December 4, 2004 [1 favorite]
More directly to the question, I'm pretty tattoo-blind. I generally don't notice them on people the first time I meet them. It's weird, because after awhile I'll see it and wonder if it was there the whole time and then ask about it.
Like DeepFriedTwinkies said above, they make a good barometer. People who ask about mine and then show and tell theirs generally make a better impression on me than those who are disgusted or uptight.
Professionally, I'm not really worried about. I know some people still disapprove, and I can cover mine fairly easily. However, the barometer thing applies again, since I probably wouldn't enjoy working with people who had strong feelings against.
posted by dogwalker at 11:33 AM on December 4, 2004 [1 favorite]
I know people that use their bodies as canvas'. I have a friend that has beautiful flowers on her arms. I think that her back is tattooed too, but I've never seen it.
I do have varied responses to tattoos. I know it's not rational, but still I do. My friend mentioned above owns a trendy salon that does extensions and dreads, so her look totally fits into the vibe of her work. But let's say she was a mortgage broker and wore short sleeves to work, I'd probably be put off a bit. I would think that it wasn't a professional look.
I like tattoos that have a story. I got a red "5" last summer on my abdomen. I got it in tribute to my friend that passed away in the spring. About 25 people got the same tattoo. All except me got them in visible places, wrist, arm, neck. The reason for getting the tattoo was emotional and personal, so that's why I chose to put it in a spot that wasn't on public view. It's not there to show off, but instead to be a reminder of one of the most influential people in my life.
I got the other tattoos when I was young and dumb and was dating a guy that was really into tats. Stupid. I'm in the process of having one removed. The only pain associated with removal is paying for it. I'll end up paying aprox. $1500 to remove a tattoo smaller in size than a quarter.
Occasionally I see young people <25 y.o. with tats on their faces. I feel sorry for them because like it or not, they've limited their options in life. Today they might be carefree 18 y.o.s that want desperately to rebel against whatever is bugging them, but 10 years from now where will they want to be?
posted by Juicylicious at 12:29 PM on December 4, 2004
I do have varied responses to tattoos. I know it's not rational, but still I do. My friend mentioned above owns a trendy salon that does extensions and dreads, so her look totally fits into the vibe of her work. But let's say she was a mortgage broker and wore short sleeves to work, I'd probably be put off a bit. I would think that it wasn't a professional look.
I like tattoos that have a story. I got a red "5" last summer on my abdomen. I got it in tribute to my friend that passed away in the spring. About 25 people got the same tattoo. All except me got them in visible places, wrist, arm, neck. The reason for getting the tattoo was emotional and personal, so that's why I chose to put it in a spot that wasn't on public view. It's not there to show off, but instead to be a reminder of one of the most influential people in my life.
I got the other tattoos when I was young and dumb and was dating a guy that was really into tats. Stupid. I'm in the process of having one removed. The only pain associated with removal is paying for it. I'll end up paying aprox. $1500 to remove a tattoo smaller in size than a quarter.
Occasionally I see young people <25 y.o. with tats on their faces. I feel sorry for them because like it or not, they've limited their options in life. Today they might be carefree 18 y.o.s that want desperately to rebel against whatever is bugging them, but 10 years from now where will they want to be?
posted by Juicylicious at 12:29 PM on December 4, 2004
I like tattoos, I like looking at them, and have occasionally asked strangers about the meaning of a tat or where they got it. I love mine (only two so far, but might be getting another when I can arrive at a good design) and don't envision ever regretting them. Nor do I brood over how they will look when I'm an old lady. Hell, to some of you I might seem like an old lady already.
Professionally: in recent months I've been served at a convenience store by a young woman with facial piercings, and at a bus ticket counter by another young woman with tiny black dots tattooed around her eyes. Both were perfectly friendly and efficient in their jobs - and my estimation of those businesses went up. If I were hiring, visible bodyart would not cause me to exclude someone from a position they were qualified for.
This isn't to say I wouldn't flinch at an ugly tattoo, or at one expressing hateful attitudes. But those are, thankfully, in a minority.
posted by zadcat at 1:06 PM on December 4, 2004
Professionally: in recent months I've been served at a convenience store by a young woman with facial piercings, and at a bus ticket counter by another young woman with tiny black dots tattooed around her eyes. Both were perfectly friendly and efficient in their jobs - and my estimation of those businesses went up. If I were hiring, visible bodyart would not cause me to exclude someone from a position they were qualified for.
This isn't to say I wouldn't flinch at an ugly tattoo, or at one expressing hateful attitudes. But those are, thankfully, in a minority.
posted by zadcat at 1:06 PM on December 4, 2004
I have two, and plan to get more in the future. You can't see both of them unless I'm wearing just some boxers, and one of them (on my upper thigh) you can't see all of unless I'm completely naked. Personally, I am amazingly fascinated by tattoos, everything about them. My girlfriend has one and I think it's hot. I think it's pretty damn lame that some people will choose to write a person off simply because that person decided to get inked at some point in their lives.
What a lot of you are forgetting is that tattooing is one of the most ancient rituals our species has. Scientists have discovered 10,000 year old frozen bodies in glaciers who still have their tattoos in their skin. In many cultures getting tattooed was a right of passage, signifying the transition from childhood into adulthood. In other cultures tattoos are a mark of honor, status, rank, profession, affiliation, and identification. Hell, tattooing was practiced by a few of our most ancestral species, meaning that my antecedants who weren't even fully human (as we now understand, homo sapien sapien) had tattoos, just like I do. Revile it if you will, but it's a huge part of the heritage of your species.
posted by baphomet at 1:13 PM on December 4, 2004 [1 favorite]
What a lot of you are forgetting is that tattooing is one of the most ancient rituals our species has. Scientists have discovered 10,000 year old frozen bodies in glaciers who still have their tattoos in their skin. In many cultures getting tattooed was a right of passage, signifying the transition from childhood into adulthood. In other cultures tattoos are a mark of honor, status, rank, profession, affiliation, and identification. Hell, tattooing was practiced by a few of our most ancestral species, meaning that my antecedants who weren't even fully human (as we now understand, homo sapien sapien) had tattoos, just like I do. Revile it if you will, but it's a huge part of the heritage of your species.
posted by baphomet at 1:13 PM on December 4, 2004 [1 favorite]
I think tattoos are a very generationally divisive issue - many of my classmates have one or more tattoos (though I don't), most of them in very inconspicuous places. For them, it's not about rebellion or fashion or fitting in - it's about capturing a little bit of what's important to them right now.
On the other hand, I had a (female) teacher in high school who was ex-Marines, and thus had many tattoos that she regretted and was in the process of removing, such as the Chinese characters on her inner wrist. No one I know noticed them until she started the removal process.
posted by muddgirl at 1:15 PM on December 4, 2004
On the other hand, I had a (female) teacher in high school who was ex-Marines, and thus had many tattoos that she regretted and was in the process of removing, such as the Chinese characters on her inner wrist. No one I know noticed them until she started the removal process.
posted by muddgirl at 1:15 PM on December 4, 2004
Tattoos are the mullets of 2025. How much would anyone want one now if they'd spent their childhood seeing one peeking out from above their mother's fat ass everytime she bent over to put a twist tie around the week's garbage?
Van art. Bumper stickers. Doodles from the notebooks of angst-ridden high schoolers.
posted by TimTypeZed at 1:18 PM on December 4, 2004 [1 favorite]
Van art. Bumper stickers. Doodles from the notebooks of angst-ridden high schoolers.
posted by TimTypeZed at 1:18 PM on December 4, 2004 [1 favorite]
Why sully the beauty of the human form?
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 2:02 PM on December 4, 2004
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 2:02 PM on December 4, 2004
I love my one tattoo and have a second one planned. I wasn't young when I got my first, but it was an impulse that I don't regret.
I finally found someone who'll do the next one I want, in the arch (bottom) of my foot.
posted by kamylyon at 2:07 PM on December 4, 2004
I finally found someone who'll do the next one I want, in the arch (bottom) of my foot.
posted by kamylyon at 2:07 PM on December 4, 2004
"And professionally I always thought it would be fun to get a tattoo of a third eye on my forehead and then try to get a job as a Customer Service Rep. "YES, MAY I HELP YOU?"
Fuzzy Monster - if you get that job please post the location, or at least pictures of the reactions.
posted by Cranberry at 2:34 PM on December 4, 2004
Fuzzy Monster - if you get that job please post the location, or at least pictures of the reactions.
posted by Cranberry at 2:34 PM on December 4, 2004
More specifically, "What on earth is so stinking important to you that you want to have it as part of your body for the rest of your life?!?" Because, frankly, I can't imagine anything mattering that much.
I know a few people who have tatoos of their children and/or children's names tattooed on their flesh. Would you like to ask them this question?
posted by Gortuk at 4:18 PM on December 4, 2004 [1 favorite]
I know a few people who have tatoos of their children and/or children's names tattooed on their flesh. Would you like to ask them this question?
posted by Gortuk at 4:18 PM on December 4, 2004 [1 favorite]
My personal reaction to tattoos is varied: Cheap flash art clearly picked from a book or from a wall leads me to assume some negative things about the wearer. Likewise, I find portrait tattoos distasteful, but that's purely personal preference. Otherwise I don't think tattoos detract from a person at all, and in many cases are beautiful, sexy, or interesting.
Professionally, I would hesitate to hire someone with yet another Warner Brothers cartoon or yet another 1950s pinup on their skin, since this is a good indicator of a person who isn't able to think for themselves. I don't consider tattoos a factor in how I evaluate someone professionally beyond that.
posted by majick at 4:25 PM on December 4, 2004
Professionally, I would hesitate to hire someone with yet another Warner Brothers cartoon or yet another 1950s pinup on their skin, since this is a good indicator of a person who isn't able to think for themselves. I don't consider tattoos a factor in how I evaluate someone professionally beyond that.
posted by majick at 4:25 PM on December 4, 2004
Re the fading issue, I'm surprised nobody mentioned retouching. Sure, it's kind of like paying for (and sitting through the pain of) the same tattoo twice, but it's an option if you prefer your tat to have the eternal youth that we humans lack.
I'd like to get my first tat retouched, as it's on my shoulder blade and has seen enough direct sunlight over the past nine years (I had to stop and do the math, and holy shit! nine years!) to experience some significant fading.
(And I expect to be distained by some for having a tattoo that you can now buy as a poster, but my decision had nothing to do with haring's pop-art trendiness and everything to do with personal beliefs. So there ;)
posted by damn yankee at 7:10 PM on December 4, 2004
I'd like to get my first tat retouched, as it's on my shoulder blade and has seen enough direct sunlight over the past nine years (I had to stop and do the math, and holy shit! nine years!) to experience some significant fading.
(And I expect to be distained by some for having a tattoo that you can now buy as a poster, but my decision had nothing to do with haring's pop-art trendiness and everything to do with personal beliefs. So there ;)
posted by damn yankee at 7:10 PM on December 4, 2004
I like some tattoos; I dislike other tattoos.
I agree that getting the "flavor of the month" tattoo is probably a sign of being a hopeless trendlemming, and it's worse than Ugg boots because you can't take it off.
When I was in Tahiti, it made me think differently about tattoos. They are so ubiquitous there on people of all ages. The tattoos I saw on elderly people in Tahiti looked cool--you can see how much their skin has changed since the tattoo was put on, and there's something really lovely about that.
I want and I don't want a tattoo. I am old enough (40) that it would feel transgressive to me to get one, but I am still looking for something that feels right. Maybe I will get a tattoo the next time I am in Tahiti, if I can find a tattoo artist there who has some ideas about how to design tattoos that are meaningful for non-Tahitians.
posted by Sidhedevil at 7:21 PM on December 4, 2004
I agree that getting the "flavor of the month" tattoo is probably a sign of being a hopeless trendlemming, and it's worse than Ugg boots because you can't take it off.
When I was in Tahiti, it made me think differently about tattoos. They are so ubiquitous there on people of all ages. The tattoos I saw on elderly people in Tahiti looked cool--you can see how much their skin has changed since the tattoo was put on, and there's something really lovely about that.
I want and I don't want a tattoo. I am old enough (40) that it would feel transgressive to me to get one, but I am still looking for something that feels right. Maybe I will get a tattoo the next time I am in Tahiti, if I can find a tattoo artist there who has some ideas about how to design tattoos that are meaningful for non-Tahitians.
posted by Sidhedevil at 7:21 PM on December 4, 2004
I'm 41, I have 5, some are pretty big. I have no problem with them, or me, aging; in fact I look forward to being in my 70s and seeing my fading, sagging tattoos - I think it will be beautiful. As it stands, some of mine are more than 10 years old and they aren't fading - granted I have ultra white "I evolved from a peat bog" Irish skin - but they're holding up wonderfully. And they are all art that I would love to have on my wall - my latest, which covers up the varicose veins incurred by my daughter's birth, is a 17th century Dutch botanical illustration, a la Maria Sibylla Merian and I have Hokusai on my back.
They map my life, they chart my sorrows and my joys, they are my commentary on my own changing body, and I would not change them for the world.
I do hire people on a regular basis in a professional environment, and I consider how well they will do the job in question and how well they will relate to the people already there. I could care less about tatoos & piercings; those are personal. However, if they show up for an interview and they're not dressed to the nines? I dump them off the list quick.
posted by mygothlaundry at 8:39 PM on December 4, 2004 [2 favorites]
They map my life, they chart my sorrows and my joys, they are my commentary on my own changing body, and I would not change them for the world.
I do hire people on a regular basis in a professional environment, and I consider how well they will do the job in question and how well they will relate to the people already there. I could care less about tatoos & piercings; those are personal. However, if they show up for an interview and they're not dressed to the nines? I dump them off the list quick.
posted by mygothlaundry at 8:39 PM on December 4, 2004 [2 favorites]
I have a few, and will get more when I have extra money for such things. I have a plan that will hopefully one day cover most of my back.
Then, I intend to get "DO NOT RESUSCITATE" on my stomach, like Tupac, only more instructional.
posted by jennyb at 9:00 PM on December 4, 2004
Then, I intend to get "DO NOT RESUSCITATE" on my stomach, like Tupac, only more instructional.
posted by jennyb at 9:00 PM on December 4, 2004
Well, this is definitely a cultural thing. In my world, tattoos are no big deal. Everyone has 'em and nobody cares; they're just personal adornment, a decoration, an expression of the wearer's aesthetic sense. Some tattoos are ugly, some look great, some are as tacky as a pair of gold lamé pants; some are just sort of there. Sure, you might make a judgement about someone based on the tattoos they wear, but you might judge them based on the design on their T-shirt, too.
I don't have any tattoos, but I'd guess that around half of my friends do. I drew up a tattoo design a few years ago, and still like the way it looks; one of these days I may get it done, but I'm not in any particular hurry. It has nothing to do with being cool, hip, or edgy; it's just a symbol that means something important to me, and I think it would look good on my body.
posted by Mars Saxman at 9:10 PM on December 4, 2004
I don't have any tattoos, but I'd guess that around half of my friends do. I drew up a tattoo design a few years ago, and still like the way it looks; one of these days I may get it done, but I'm not in any particular hurry. It has nothing to do with being cool, hip, or edgy; it's just a symbol that means something important to me, and I think it would look good on my body.
posted by Mars Saxman at 9:10 PM on December 4, 2004
Professionally, I don't care a lot about anything other than cleanliness, presentability, and ability and actual execution of your job. I work in a place that doesn't mind my seven earrings, and didn't mind my tongue when it was pierced. (I've since removed it due to not wanting the mother-in-law hassle.) Personally, a lot of people get them for reasons that make no sense, or are just plain old ill-thought-out. I've had a design for one of those much-maligned back tats for a while and just not done it. It's a take on Medieval Bible illuminations, and Medieval history being my intellectual love, it makes sense. I've just not done it yet. The current young professional set probably doesn't think twice about tattoos; people in the next bracket and older probably do. It's about overcoming the stereotype when it has to be, and about something you (apparently) feel pretty strongly about the rest of the time.
posted by Medieval Maven at 9:17 PM on December 4, 2004
posted by Medieval Maven at 9:17 PM on December 4, 2004
Also, everyone seems to think that people will regret their tats, but given the explosion in getting them, isn't it possible that in thirty years it won't matter as people come to see them as just another aspect of "my misspent youth"?
And people don't regret their misspent youth? Sheesh. And here I passed up the opportunity to misspend my youth on the theory that if I did, I'd regret it later. Actually, there are plenty of things I regret about my youth; I can only imagine how much more i'd have to regret if I set out to fuck it up.
posted by kindall at 9:28 PM on December 4, 2004
And people don't regret their misspent youth? Sheesh. And here I passed up the opportunity to misspend my youth on the theory that if I did, I'd regret it later. Actually, there are plenty of things I regret about my youth; I can only imagine how much more i'd have to regret if I set out to fuck it up.
posted by kindall at 9:28 PM on December 4, 2004
Kindall, there's a difference between setting out to fuck things up and accepting that you will fuck up. Besides, mistakes (and one's reaction to them) give you character. I don't regret the stupid things I did (and will do); they're part of what makes me myself, and I like myself. Maybe that's why I'm not so worried about regretting my tats.
posted by dame at 10:32 PM on December 4, 2004
posted by dame at 10:32 PM on December 4, 2004
Visible tattoos are unprofessional where I come from. I'd never hire someone with one.
posted by ikkyu2 at 11:23 PM on December 4, 2004
posted by ikkyu2 at 11:23 PM on December 4, 2004
When I'm 60 I'll happily point to my saggy, wrinkly tattoos and tell their stories.
posted by cmonkey at 10:58 AM PST on December 4
Amen.
That's what I plan on doing. I've been tattooed for 12 years, I have 4 now and quite a few more planned. All of them have meaning and stories behind them. And, not a one of them is faded.
Cmonkey, you could also keep a diary ;)
I keep a diary, but my tattoo work is the story of my life in picture form. Life's too short to worry about what others think of me.
posted by SuzySmith at 1:08 AM on December 5, 2004
posted by cmonkey at 10:58 AM PST on December 4
Amen.
That's what I plan on doing. I've been tattooed for 12 years, I have 4 now and quite a few more planned. All of them have meaning and stories behind them. And, not a one of them is faded.
Cmonkey, you could also keep a diary ;)
I keep a diary, but my tattoo work is the story of my life in picture form. Life's too short to worry about what others think of me.
posted by SuzySmith at 1:08 AM on December 5, 2004
Civil_Disobedient: Tattooing does not sully the beauty of the human form, it enhances and accentuates the expression thereof.
Also, consider this as a reason for tattooing: since every cell in your body is replaced every 7 years or so, you are essentially a new person each time that cycle is repeated. Thus tattooing can be seen as a way to maintain a connection with your physical past as you continually change bodies over the course of your life.
posted by baphomet at 8:50 AM on December 5, 2004
Also, consider this as a reason for tattooing: since every cell in your body is replaced every 7 years or so, you are essentially a new person each time that cycle is repeated. Thus tattooing can be seen as a way to maintain a connection with your physical past as you continually change bodies over the course of your life.
posted by baphomet at 8:50 AM on December 5, 2004
I like tattoos. As for people, well, I like to judge on a case-by-case basis.
posted by box at 10:26 AM on December 5, 2004
posted by box at 10:26 AM on December 5, 2004
I see them, and piercings, and makeup, and dyed hair, and just about all ornamentation and grooming as signs of excessive vanity.
posted by jonmc at 11:55 AM on December 5, 2004
posted by jonmc at 11:55 AM on December 5, 2004
I have a large one, I drew it myself and I like it.
I have a corporate job, but it's on my leg so it only shows if there is some reason to wear shorts
... oh, and I am excessively vain too.
posted by milovoo at 1:32 PM on December 5, 2004
I have a corporate job, but it's on my leg so it only shows if there is some reason to wear shorts
... oh, and I am excessively vain too.
posted by milovoo at 1:32 PM on December 5, 2004
I have no tattoos or piercings. I have a) no interest b) never seen a tattoo that I liked enough to have it put on my skin forever and ever anyway.
OTOH, I really like the trend of women getting some vines or something tattooed on the lower back. Sometimes the tattoos are cool and I like the fact that these women always choose to show them off. =P
posted by weretable and the undead chairs at 4:55 PM on December 5, 2004
OTOH, I really like the trend of women getting some vines or something tattooed on the lower back. Sometimes the tattoos are cool and I like the fact that these women always choose to show them off. =P
posted by weretable and the undead chairs at 4:55 PM on December 5, 2004
Life's too short to worry about what others think of me.
Then why get tattoos on the outside of your body?
posted by NortonDC at 7:05 PM on December 5, 2004
Then why get tattoos on the outside of your body?
posted by NortonDC at 7:05 PM on December 5, 2004
I am excessively vain, as well. Not to mention abusrdly talented, ridiculously charismatic and insanely good looking. I got my tattoos so as to "tone it down a bit" and level the playing field for the rest of you.
On preview, NortonDC, because getting them on the inside of your body would be even more painful and a shameful waste of money.
posted by Tommy Gnosis at 7:06 PM on December 5, 2004
On preview, NortonDC, because getting them on the inside of your body would be even more painful and a shameful waste of money.
posted by Tommy Gnosis at 7:06 PM on December 5, 2004
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by jacquilynne at 6:42 AM on December 4, 2004