Tattoos

[MOOP]

I've been thinking a lot about getting some tattoos. I've talked to some people about it and some people think I should just go ahead and get some, and then others think that tattoos are the worst thing in the world and I'll automatically become a "trouble-maker" as soon as I walk out of the tattoo parlor. So I got this amazingly great idea to post a debate thread to see what others think about tattoos and how they might effect someones personality or their daily lives. So tell me what you think.

[SmileEmptySoul]

I don't think tattoo's turn people bad, it just so happens that bad people seem to like tattoo's. I got one recently, don't think it affected me at all, I actually forget it's there most of the time. A piece of advice would be to get it somewhere that it's easily concealed, a lot of employers won't take people on if they have tattoo's, I disagree with this, it's just art. However it happens.

Personally, I don't mind tattoo's at all, I wouldn't try to talk any of my friends or partner into getting one, but I wouldn't try to talk them out of it either. I doubt that it would change your personality, maybe for a while you'll be showing it off, but like everything else that wears thin after a while. The only thing it changed in my daily life was for the week that I had to constantly clean it and apply cream.

Other than it, it hasn't changed me mentaly.

[Richo88]

Other than it, it hasn't changed me mentaly.

Not that you are aware of anyway! ! ! Who knows what weird effect that ink could have on you!?

Anywho, I agree with getting a tattoo. However, I hate and I mean absolutely HATE people who get them everywhere and large ones. The band things that go around your biceps arn't too bad, a simple flower, animal or star etc on the bum, pelvis, ankle, back is fine.

But those people that get them all up their arms, legs and all over their body. It just makes me wonder why. Especially when they get old and they go all wrinkly and stuff then its just like 'ewww dude'.

Ohhh! Also, don't like the tattoo's of gfs or wives' names. Names of your kids yes, but partners no. Partners change too much, there is nothing worse then getting the name of your partner, breaking up with said partner, getting a new partner then her being all like 'wtf'.

Anyway, that be the end of my rant. If you want a tat go get one :-)

[beermonster256]

I've been thinking about it for a while as well and I really can't decide. I know what I want and where I want it but its the fear of it looking shit and me not wanting it anymore 20years down the line that has stopped me so far. As for 'bad people' and tattoos, I think that's a bit of a sweeping statement. Being into the whole metal scene means a large proportion of my friends have tattoos but they aren't bad people, they all have decent, respectable jobs, partners etc etc so to say bad people and tattoos go arm in arm is a bit harsh!

And like SES says anyway, it's just art.

[The Darri]

If you do decide to get a tatoo then make sure that the one giving it to you cleans his needels. Or else the tat my be fatal, take a look at Pamela Anderson she was actually suppose to die in the year 2006.

That aside I dont have anything against tatoo's, my mom has one anyway, but I would never get one myself.

[Oinohtna]

I don't think tattoos can change the person any more than some new clothes could. They don't make you bad, but they can label you as a trouble maker depending on what you get. Most tattoos shouldn't affect you that much, but if you get "Hell Raiser" written on your neck, that might change how people think of you. If you're really worried about what people think, then get a tattoo you can hide if you need to. One on your back, chest, or upper arms would be a perfect place. Just make sure you really like it, because tattoos are permanent.

Side Note:
If you do decide to get a tatoo then make sure that the one giving it to you cleans his needels. Or else the tat my be fatal, take a look at Pamela Anderson she was actually suppose to die in the year 2006.

What are you talking about?

[Rainyday1010]

I believe that tattoos are supposed to be decided by the person who wants or doesn't want one, it's a personal matter and I don't think that it changes you into someone different than you are. I would suggest researching about the long-term effects of tattooing and thinking about how you're going to feel about it 10 years later instead of just saying, "Okay, I want a tattoo, I'm going to get one right now!" without thinking about it. As long as you're responsible with your decision and you don't go overboard and say to yourself, "Now I'm the coolest, I have more tattoos than everyone, I have a dragon on my forehead!" I say go ahead. (Also, do make sure you can trust the person doing the tattooing, you don't wanna wake up one morning with a chicken on your knee.)

[SLjimbolian]

Tattoos are tattoos; they're not rebellious, you're not showing everybody that you're a "non-conformist", and it's not the end of the world like some people perceive tattoos to be. They're just in the same category as piercings and other body modifications. I could tolerate all of that except for gauges that people put into their earlobes which seems to be ri-god-damn-dicilous. Expressing yourself or not, a tattoo is just fine if you decide to get one. I wouldn't mind getting a tattoo myself, but the only downsize of having a tattoo is later down in life when its all faded and looks like shit against wrinkly, old skin. People who do get tattoos should realize that consequence or risk blowing a huge wad of cash on tattoo removal before the tattoo's appearance gets worse through age.

[Ox]

Tattoos usually look stupid, people often get sick of the ones they have, they can be addictive, they scar you for life (even if you get it removed), they often get infected and can be painful, and, they cost a lot of money... unless you get your ink in Prison. I fail to see the upside of tattoos unless you're a Maori and it means you're a man when you get one. Other than those downsides, I don't think they change the person getting it. I know lots of people with tattoos and they're no different now compared to before they got them.

[Quest_techie]

If you feel comfortable with having a tattoo when you are 90, by all means, go ahead, tramp stamps will not look good in 60 years, arm tattoos will still probably be fine unless your muscle tone goes way out of whack, think carefully about location.

[SLjimbolian]

I'll admit there are plenty of risks when getting a tattoo (just like this abomination (http://www.tattooblog.org/images/metallica2.jpg) which I can't figure out why the hell that dude is too damn proud showing it, should've asked for his money and dignity back) You need to be careful in deciding what you'll put on your body. Plus choosing a confident tattoo artist is a major plus as well.

Band tattoos are the worst; makes you look like a walking advertisement for that particular band. Just stick with something generic or nothing too extraordinary. I only recommend getting tattoos for the entire body if you're a rock star/musician or live your life like a rock star. Anything else would make you seem pathetic.

[CnGy]

According to the christian god it's a sin.

But I'm okay with it.

Personally, I wouldn't want to, my tastes change a lot, etc.

[Kass]

Tattoos are the decision of the person getting them, and nobody else's. But I think people really need to stop and think about it sometimes, because most people just go in to a tattoo shop without even have anything in mind, and then decide what they want branded on their body for the rest of their life within just 5 minutes of being in the tattoo shop.

I hate nautical stars though. They're so fucking cliche. If I were ever a tattoo artist, I would refuse to do them on anybody.

[B-rock]

Tattoos are totally fine I think. It is your decision if you want to get it but just remember its with you forever. You just have to make sure you want it for the rest of your life.

Oh and if you get a tattoo on your lower back I declare you Man Bitch

[Casalen]

First, I think that this is a GD worthy topic.

Second, to the comment about only rock stars getting covered: the bikers I know where a ton of tattoos quite well.

If you're not a man and you get a tattoo on your lower back... I tend to like those. Until you get old and saggy and they don't look like they're supposed to, of course.

[Mr. Crow]

There's not much debate potential here, so I'm moving this to the General Forum.

[letteratlantic]

Tattoo's are fine. Just make sure you can cover them up for the workspace and no one will care. Thats why I put mine where I can cover it up with clothing.

[Souldrinker]

I generally think most tattoos are stupid. I think they generally tend to be meaningless and simply something "cool" that people want to get, which is a recipe for regret later in life. I have 4, but they are representations of stages in my life that I know will always be meaningful to me and so I am happy with my choices, but whenever I'm sitting in the parlour waiting you always see a whole horde of idiots coming in and looking at dumb designs for no other reason than they want a tattoo.

But, whatever. If people want to do that to their bodies, it's their choice.

[Casalen]

First, I think that this is a GD worthy topic.

There's not much debate potential here, so I'm moving this to the General Forum.

Damn I'm good.

So that this post is relevant, here's a story: someone I know has tattoos. She worked at a portrait studio in some place like Sears for a while. One day someone told her to get a long sleeve shirt; so she went home to get one. While gone she got fired for leaving work.

[Greeny]

I personally have a tattoo and I quite like them. Still its your choice though so I don't think any of us can help you.

[TheHighwaySong]

Yes, definitly don't get one that's easily seen. Unless you find a job that is cool with it. Tattoos are one of the coolest arts in my opinion.

And never tattoo a name on you. You might as well be cursed.

Never get Japanese tattoos. They don't say what they mean, for serious.

And lastly if you're female, the tramp stamp, or the whore bumper sticker as I like to call them, (tattoo on your lower back above your ass) or if your male, tribal arm bands...refrain from those.

[Jiggz]

Whoa there are some seriously narrow sighted opinions in this thread.

Getting a tattoo is about making a statement. Above and beyond the actual intended statement of the imagery/wording you get, it says, "I'm rebelious, I know you will judge me for this, and I don't care."

Obviously this is not a mindset for all. Myself, I'm covered. I'm in the process of covering my other forearm with ink. I intend to one day complete two full sleeves. But I'm lucky enough to work in an industry that encourages creative expression of individuality. Again, not many will be in the position to flaunt a body covered in tattoo's.

My only advice would be to think, long and hard before getting anything. Because, despite being about making the statement I mentioned earlier, it needs to also have specific meaning and relevance to you, a subjective relevance that won't become a point of contension or embarresment later on.

My perspective on tattoo's may be different, I believe that the symbolic relevance of a tattoo doesn't necessarily have to be something you subscribe to your whole life. One of my first tattoo's is the word trust running down my left tricep. I had this done in light of a situation where a close friend betrayed my trust. It's a lesson learnt, and the tattoo is testiment to this, rather than something I am now ashamed of.

Don't just get pretty pictures with no real meaning. Those are the ones you become ashamed of later.

Oh and one more thing, if you do get some elabotrate, deeply meaningful tattoo, be prepared to explain this meaning over and over and over and over again. And to all without tattoo's, stop asking what the fuck it means, I'm tired of explaining!

[Joho The Hobo]

I'm sort of straddling the fence on this one. On one hand, tatoo's rock! on the other, I've been told it can annoy potential emplorers. I, like you, want one, but i think somewhere like the upper arm is best. it can be shown off easily, unlike the ass etc., but can be hidden by a shirt. Also the ankle would have the same effect.

Also, yea, make it something important to you.

[Taerran]

or if your male, tribal arm bands...refrain from those.


How come?

[xopunkr0ckgrlox]

just make sure you get something you're definetly going to like forever. like don't get a tattoo, just to get a tattoo.

i have three, one on my upper back between my shoulder blades, the "tramp stamp" and one on my wrist. i got a lot of shit for the one on my wrist, people said potential employers would look down on that and blah blah...lame. tattoos for the most part are "culturally accepted" now. my friends dad is a prosecutor, but underneath his suit he has a full sleeve tattoo, its cool.

i haven't once had a job turn me down because of a tattoo.

the only thing i'd say is what i said in the beginning. MAKE SURE YOU DEFINATLY WANT IT! =)

and p.s.

Oh and one more thing, if you do get some elabotrate, deeply meaningful tattoo, be prepared to explain this meaning over and over and over and over again. And to all without tattoo's, stop asking what the fuck it means, I'm tired of explaining!

amen.

[NaPPyDUgout01]

I think if you got one or more , you should keep them where you can't see them with a short sleeve shirt on. I have 3 and you can't tell unless I take my shirt off. You never know , one day you might not get a job because you have something tattoed on your forearm or whatever.

[thatdirtykid]

I think if you got one or more , you should keep them where you can't see them with a short sleeve shirt on. I have 3 and you can't tell unless I take my shirt off. You never know , one day you might not get a job because you have something tattoed on your forearm or whatever.

This is becoming less and less of a problem. However I agree with you becuase there are many fields where a tattoo will make you look less professional to someone, and sadly looks are important. Luckily I dont plan on ever working in a place that I am not comfortable the way I am. Paint your ducky blue.

[junglebunny]

I'm not getting a tattoo until I know exactly what I want.

The only thing right now I can think of is getting my social sercurity number on the bottom of my foot. I was going to get it on my wrists but I thought it might be offensive to Holocaust victims. Plus, you know, that whole identity theft thing...

[Con-Con]

The only difference I think it'll make to your life is the first time people see it they'll ask you when you got it and stuff like that.

[JonC]

I've been thinking a lot about getting some tattoos. I've talked to some people about it and some people think I should just go ahead and get some, and then others think that tattoos are the worst thing in the world and I'll automatically become a "trouble-maker" as soon as I walk out of the tattoo parlor. So I got this amazingly great idea to post a debate thread to see what others think about tattoos and how they might effect someones personality or their daily lives. So tell me what you think.

If and when you get one, make sure you actually want it, and not just getting it because you just turned 18, or because your friends have one, etc. Also, make sure its something you really want too.

I know some people who have gotten tattooes just for the hell of it, and regret it later in life and whatnot. Or I know of people, rather. Me, honestly, I dont think I could stand the needle pain, but if I was to get one, I know what it'd be. Well, I tell people this: I'd get the Duel of the Fates picture from Star Wars Episode III on my back(obi-wan and anakin connecting lightsabers) then move my back around to make them look like they're fighting(Like someone having a mermaid tattooed on their forearm and it 'swimming'. I get some weird responses to that. :indiff:

[Ninja 2.0]

According to the christian god it's a sin.

What the fuck are you talking about?

But reguardless, tatoo's are just another form of selfexpression. Just be 100% sure that it is what you want because there isn't really any turning back...



I'm personally thinking of getting a Celtic Knot when I'm old enough (does anybody know how old you have to be to get a tatoo? 18? 21?)

[bizzle]

I'd say do it but only if you want a certain tattoo, not just "a tattoo". I had the idea for mine for well over a year and it was something that had meaning to me and didnt just look pretty. Things that just look cool unfortunatley come and go with fashion and the last thing you want is a tattoo that was so 5 years ago in five years. (Tribalisms, star signs, chinese charachters, tramp stamps etc) Because they really dont come off no matter how hard you scrub.

[Venom]

It's come up in my mind many times and I was thinking of getting angel wings that take up my back.

Like this (http://www.damnartists.com/images/Matricide/angel%20wings.jpg)

Just more masculine since I'm a guy. Not getting it any time soon though, need to think about it and earn the money and have my necessities first. I would never get a small tattoo though, I'm not interested in those. For me it's go big or not at all. The only thing that turns me down is every time someone brings up the fact of being old with a tattoo. My question is, even though we lose tons of skin over a year, how does the tattoo actually stay there? Shouldn't it be gone after 20 years?

[P0K3M0N_MA5T3R]

Get some henna ink and paint your own on, that way when you get bored you can get rid of it and change them every day/week.

[JonC]

I'm personally thinking of getting a Celtic Knot when I'm old enough (does anybody know how old you have to be to get a tatoo? 18? 21?)

I'm not sure if its like this in every state in the U.S., but as far as I know you have to be 18, but I think you can get a parental consent form for your parents to sign, then you can get it. It used to not be like that, until some dude had a "homemade" tattoo studio and fucked it up for everyone who were legit. Something like that.

[eVIL BOB]

I have one, they are no big deal.

[C00P_88]

I have a tattoo and it hasnt turned me bad. Tatoos are fun and expressive and the fact that they are associated with bad people and bikers and stuff like that pisses me off! Its not a big thing....I plan to get more but they will be tasteful and I dont care what people think because if more people get them and arent "bad" i believe the image will change!

[sodomyth]

I'm actually getting my first tattoo on Wednesday.
Hand drawn, and thought over a lot it means a lot to me, which is the only real reason to get one.
Getting a tattoo to be a rebel, or to have a cool / pretty image on your body is not cool. You look like a fuck ass unless you have a reasoning for it.

[clairebear47]

he he sodomyth I'm getting my first in two weeks! and mine is hand drawn too.
Ah yes I think that you need to know what you want before you go in. A couple of my mates went and got their first tats when they were still drinking from the night before and just picked them off the wall and they regret it so much. Now I suppose I have learnt from their mistakes because I've have mine at my desk for the past 3 months to make sure that I still like it everyday and don't change my mind. Because I mean face it, even if you do get it "removed" it won't necessarily be completely gone so you may has well make it a good one.:whale:

[AntiAnti]

I'm gona get one near my foot.
It's gona be a barcode and underneath it it would say, "Made in China".
Geddit?

[JamesKPolk]

Kind of got this idea from the gravestone thread. I could get a C&H comic tatooed on me.

Well, I am not really serious, but still, neither would my tatoo be. I know it is permanent and for life, but damn me to Hell, if that means it can't be funny. Of course it would have to be funny/interesting, so just the joke without any seasoning wouldn't get boring.

Maybe that isn't such a great idea. I really would want to get a tatoo, but there really isn't anything I would like to have. So I won't be an idiot and go to a parlor to choose, I will think about it a lot and get it whenever the fuck I'm ready. I bet it won't be later than in five years.

And I really think that you shouldn't get a tatoo, if you work in a industry where employers care about them. Small tatoos are useless. Who cares if you have a 2x2cm kitten in your armpit. Get a dragon on your back or something.

My best idea thus far concerning tatoos would have to be 'penis' on my forehead.

[AntiAnti]

Should tattoo get a tattoo on your face.
Your eyes can resemble testicals, and your nose can be a penis..!


Speaking of facial tattoos, why do them? Good luck getting a job.

[sodomyth]

I'm gona get one near my foot.
It's gona be a barcode and underneath it it would say, "Made in China".
Geddit?


Well ain't you just the most clever original bastard around?

[Sinicious]

I'm thinking about getting a red revolution star near my right hip. I have to save some money and gather some courage though. I'm all fond about piercings and I'm afraid that if I get the same kind of addiction to tattoos I'll turn into Kat Van D II. Kat's awesome woman and I love to watch Miami Ink but I'm sure my family will lynch me if they ever find about a tattoo. They're super-religious and my piercings are irritating them so badly already. But hey, I'll see what happens.

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