TATTOOS: NOT JUST FOR SAILORS OR IN CRACKER JACKS ANYMORE
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I suppose I should start this piece by telling you I have a very biased opinion of tattoos. I don't like them. I will confess that straight up.
When seeing someone who is outwardly covered in tattoos, I ask myself, "How did you get employment?" Don't know why, but that is always my first thought. Think of it, say you walked into your child's classroom the first day of school and all up the arm of your child's teacher is some type of something. What would your first thought be? Or you go to the doctor's office and in walks the doctor and he has tattoos on his neck and head? What would your reaction be?
Tattoos are hot! I am not too biased to admit that. While the tattoo craze is not one I understand, I acknowledge that many people love tattoos. To me, tattoos are too much of a commitment. Marriage is supposed to be a long term commitment too, but it is far easier to lose a spouse than a tattoo. Once you do the deed and sport a tattoo, you are pretty much stuck with it for life. I mean, mauve carpet really looked good in the eighties and early nineties--how's it looking now? What if your tattoo goes out of style? Or what if your tattoo was never in style to begin with?
To prepare for this piece, I looked at pictures of all kinds of tattoos and all kinds of tattoos in all kinds of places. Believe me, people will put tattoos ANYWHERE! There are several photos I cannot share with you on this forum.
Tattoos are not a new phenomenon. In 1991, a mummy was found known as a Oetzi. The iceman was dated to be at least 5300 years old. He had tattoos on him consisting of horizontal and vertical lines. The theory is these tattoos may have been done for medical purposes. The iceman's fifty-seven tattoos are located over joints on his body. Or the tattoos could have been some sort of tribal marking.
In the past ten years or so, it just seems the tattoo craze has exploded and that almost half the population has chosen to be walking canvases. Some tattoo owners are discrete and like it that way. Maybe going with a little flower or dolphin in a place that is seldom seen. Others are not discrete at all. They have multiple tattoos all over their bodies.
Again, I cannot get the commitment factor out of my head for these things. How does one decide on what they want their tattoo to be? If the information on a tattoo or picture is of someone a person is in a relationship with, what happens when the relationship is over? Does that relegate you to get another tattoo for the next person with whom you are in a relationship? Seriously, can you get tattooed for one and not for another...and another...and another?
What about aging? I am curious as to how tattoos age. A tattoo that you think looks hot now while you are twenty-six might look like something all together different at age seventy-six! Might get all stretched out and distorted by time and gravity. Time might make that tattoo so hot anymore. Just something I wonder about.
Tattooing must become quite addictive to some people. I see a few people covered with tattoos. Thousands of dollars of body art they carry around. I admit, I just do not get that, but to each his own. I personally do not find it all that appealing, but live and let live.
How much thought goes into what a person wants permanently tattooed to one's skin forever and ever, amen? Taking a look at the pictures of some tattoos I found, not everyone seems to take their time in deciding what kind of statement they would like to make. To put it bluntly, the old adage about sailors getting tattoos while intoxicated, is probably very true for many folks.
To tattoo or not to tattoo is for each individual to decide. I am pretty sure my mind is made up as for myself, but it does not seem as though tattoo parlors will be going out of business any time soon. And whose to say, maybe your grandma is sporting a tattoo.
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Believe me, I've seen a lot worst. I'm with you, however. I am Theravadan Buddhist and don't believe in defacing the human body. Tattoos are a turn off to me, call me old-fashion. Maybe I just love the human form too much to like tattoos. I would much rather see art on a plain white canvas than on someone's butt! Thanks for sharing this!
I know I am 77 years old and Obama would prefer that I should just drop dead. I can speak from experience and I don't have a lot of working parts and I have never messed up my greatAmerican body with tatoos. I guess the point I am trying to get to is, I am still a girl watcher and there are two things that I hate to see a good looking babe with,
one, cigarettes, two, tatoos... I hope that does not dissapoint too many of you good lookers...
Dear Pamela,
No point beating around the bush. I hate, absolutely hate, tatoos. The body is a beautiful thing, why screw it up for life by defacing it?
Dear Breakfastpop, have to say I agree--not real fond of them myself.
I have never found the desire to mark myself permanently...I cannot imagine living with some of these tattoos forever. At least the bald guys can grow their hair back (HOPEFULLY!), if they want to...or join the Hair Club!
Pamela:
This really made me laugh.....I have known so many people who have had to change tattoos after the relationship was over (including Johnny Depp). I also just went to see an old friend of mine and his whole entire back and arms was covered with a tribal tattoo. I sat there in SHOCK. He makes a living as an artist, so no worries about a job. ; ANYWAY, love the pics too. Especially the "eggs on the plate!" ha G
I am sorry but I feel a tattoo is just crude grafitti on the wall of a beautiful building.
GPAGE, that's what my writing is usually about---making you laugh!
Enjoyed your candid article about tattoos, including a variety of perspectives. Love the cartoon with the mother commenting about changes in scout recognition....in tattoos and nose rings - a great find! I have friends with small tattoos and I have considered from time to time having one done, but haven't been able to go through with it yet. Haven't decided on a subtle enough place to put that little otter....:)
!! Some of those are just unbelievable!!! I am sorry, I agree with several others...bodies are too beautiful without them...Great Hub!!
I have no problem with tattoos. What people decide to do with their bodies is their own business(though some tattoos are certainly more classy than others). But I've heard that there are some who purposefully scar themselves for aesthetic purposes. That I just find stupid. When you've got a scar, what makes it interesting is the story of how you got it, otherwise it's just damaged tissue.
These are pretty insane. Especially the guy with he full facial tattoos.
I can see both sides as to getting tattoos. I have one on my back and I got it when I was young. I purposely got it on my back in case after a few years I hated it so at least I didn't have to see it every day. Turns out I don't like my tattoo but just because I want something better and bigger. If it weren't for lack of money...I would have tattoos all over my body.
I do understand your thoughts on professionals with tattoos though. I don't know how I would feel if I took my little girls to thier doctor and the doctor had a tattoo on his/neck. I guess as long as they knew what they were talking about I would give them a pass.
Hi, Adam, I like to take every day things and give them a twist. I personally don't care for tattoos, but plenty of people do and why I say everyone should decide for themselves. Thanks for reading my hub and for your comments.
When I see someone with a tattoo, I always think that they must be really insecure not to appreciate the subtle beauty of their own skin. Either that or they have a drinking problem.
What gets me is the people who can't read Chinese, yet have some stranger permanently ink characters on them. I often wonder what those symbols really mean. And if it is some clue to their inner personality, why do they want to broadcast it to total strangers?
I think most tattoos are like stonewashed jeans. Years ago they were unusual and special. Then they became mass marketed and everywhere. Now they're in the sale bin at BigLots. The difference is, you can't throw away your tattoo when you're tired of it.
There is some amazing art here- no tattoos for me- but I greatly appreciate the talent!
I think some people take them to far!! Something little and cute isn't so bad. I have two but only one is visable by others. It's your body and do with it as you wish!!
Don't know how Obama and death wishes got involved in a great article about tattoos but that notwithstanding, I've often wondered myself whether any thought is given to what this awesome tat that looks great on my 22 year old bicep when it hits 72.
I have no tattoos myself, but like you and Obama apparently, I'm fascinated by their allure.
Thanks for a provocative story!
I don't have any - but my daughter got one on her ankle (ouch!). At least she had the smarts to put her son's name on it rather than the jerk she was dating at the time!
Having been through too many CT Scan machines to count and each one requiring a certification I had NO tattoos, I figured they were a BAD thing.
UNBELIEVABLE photos.
People should stop saying "I am sorry..." Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and tatoos seem to be one of those emotional topics sometimes. Here is my opinion, and I am not sorry aobut it one bit!! :) I have 4 tatoos, and am hoping to get more. Sure, they may not be popular, they will look funny as I age, and some people have preconcieved notions as to why I got them or what type of person I am...that I am insecure, a drunk, or a redneck biker babe...but, I dont car about being popular, my whole body will look funny as I age anyway, and people will always have preconcieved notions of others, with or without tatoos. I believe that a person should get emplyoment based on thier ability to do the job, not by what they look like.(sadly, this isnt always the case). If you dont like tatoos, you should not have to apologize for that. I love my tattos, they have personal meaning to me, and I love hearing the stories behind other peoples tatoos. I am glad you wrote this hub, I like hearing both side to things.
Thanks rednckwmn--tattoos are all about the choice of every individual. You are exactly right. Some people love them. Some people hate them. And some people don't care about them at all. LOL Takes all kinds. I wanted to take something that seems to be a trend and write something funny and entertaining. :o)
"Ink", the word itself it the new age concept of a tattoo. I don't have one, nor do I want one. I can appreciate some that are done in tasteful manners; thus a semblance of love, or someone lost; but the full body ink does not look appealing to me at all. I've seen some horrid ones; just plain ugly - like someone I know of had Marilyn Monroes face put on her whole back??? What is that? I know the people that do them are considered artists; and I must agree they have to have skills to insert needles & ink into skin; in my book, overly being tattoed, along with multiple piercings in all areas of the body - seems strange; but I'm from another generation as well - but I think, if I was of this generation, I'd keep it simple. Love you article.
Tattoos are an ancient method of communication between peoples of different cultures. Like the warning colors/signs on all on creatures, yellow/red "stay away".
And people without tattoos avoid contact with people that have them.
I once heard someone describe a tattoo as permanent proof of temporary insanity. That pretty much falls in with the way I think of them. I enjoyed the article and the pictures. I'll be back for more. WW II
This is a great hub Pamela. I don't mind tattoos at all, however there are well done ones and ones that just make you shake your head in wonder. Most of the pictures you have are of the second type :)
No wait, they ALL are of the second kind!
yes I would get "inked" but I have certain limitations; first I would NEVER GET A GUYS NAME TATOOED (except my sons)I would only get it where it is easily covered up, but one where I can show it off if I want to, (my bicep for starters).
I enjoyed your hub, and while I might disagree with you on some levels I also agreed with you on others. There are some tatoos I see that just make me think 'why??!! why would you do that to yourself???!!! And the employment question comes to mind.
Sometimes I think people just do take too far!!!
I won't send you the link or anything but if you are curious,,, google 'puff the magic dragon', I warn you not for people who get grossed out easily but it is interesting.
Good hub
Franki
I'm even more glad than ever I never got that tattooo when I was eighteen! Thanks for an honest hub. And those pics! Great work.
New Year Wishes from Quicksand!
tribes used to have tattoos done and they are a form of art in my opinion. Not all tattoos are good I agree, but they can, if done right, look great on both guys and girls.
I personally love tattoos, i myself have a few, I like tattoos on other people but I believe there is a limit! mine are placed in places that cannot be seen at all times,and I have made mistakes before and have had a tat covered, the facination with tattoos i believe is sometimes in the "act" of getting the tat. to each there own, and I dont recommend tats to anyone totally a personal decision!
Hi Pammy, it's been awhile. I hate tatoos all over people too. The main reason I got a tattoo is because it was a time stamp. I had rededicated myself to God and was trying to think of something I could do to continually remind myself of that recommitment and also to be useful from time to time. I drew a tattoo myself and each of the elements in it were symbolic for me. I hid it on my calf so it's under my clothes unless I want to show it to someone for purposes of witness. When I went to get it I asked the artist if the design was good. He asked me if there was some meaning to the theme I chose. I then could explain why the things that were in it, were in it. One mission accomplished. He then asked that he might rearrange it into a more artistic shape and I said that as long as all the elements remained the same I didn't care. It is a scroll held up by a sword that is sticking through a jagged tear in the scroll. On the scroll is the words: "For God so loved..." The dots are three drops of blood. There are also three roses around the scroll with thorns on the stems. I think you probably can guess the meanings of the parts. The scroll is the written word of God. The jagged tear is the torn flesh of our Lord. The sword is the sword of the spirit. The three drops of blood in the "..." is the blood of God, The Father,Son, and Holy Spirit. The roses are for the Rose of Sharron, Jesus and there are three of them because Jesus is the fullness of the Godhead bodily. There are thorns to remind me that He wore thorns on His brow for me. Love you Pammy.
I have to say I was suprised that you were objective about tattoo's after reading your first few lines and stating you don't like them. While alot of tattoo's are trendy and will fade some are well thought out and will last forever..... Great Hub
That laundry tattoo is a funny idea. Even if somebody likes tattoos a lot...numerous depictions might be too much of a good thing.
Great hub!
thanks for sharing
smiles
bellawritter23
HEY NICE COLLOCTION OF TATOO PICTURES....
Aren't they lovely? LOL
Once upon a time only sailors got tats. Now every jack has them and its not even cool or rebellious any more. Just like mohawks cool in the 80s and vanished are now back tats will fade away (no pun) and pop again maybe 50 years from now with a new gen of teens thinking they discovered it. Just the way fashion always is.
judydianne 2 years ago
I don't have any tattoos but I have heard some heart-rendering stories of reasons people get certain tattoos. There is a TV show called Miami Ink (a tattoo parlor) and another called LA Ink that have stories of the tattoo artists and the people they tattoo. Very interesting hub!