What Is Deal with TATTOOS?

It is another one of those to each his own, if they dont personally affect you, then who cares how someone else adorns their body. Unlike 30 - 40 years ago tattoos are not tabu, many people from all walks of life have them, most people with multiple tattoos have a meaning behind eac one. A person canot be jdged on their tattoos just like they shoudnt be judged because of the color f their skin.

I think my husband and I are the only people I know who don't have tatoos. I don't really care for them, and can't see the point of spending the money on them. I've really become desensitized to seeing them on others. I've never actually seen one I liked. I actually don't even look at them any more. I don't think poorly of the people who have them, I just don't get it. I teach my kids not to waste money on foolish things, and that tattoos are a foolish thing to waste money on.

I see so many tattoos especially at the beach and water park, that I feel very unique not having a tattoo.
I know an 18 yr old who got her boyfriends name on her neck, where she cannot cover without a scarf. they broke up right afterwards. brilliant.

Um....I'm with you.
I have friends that have tattoos.
I have friends that don't.
Rarely have I seen a tattoo that looks "classy" (that I can recall).
I'm far from a conservative person, but I can't even commit to powder room hand towels for a year...let alone something that will be ON my body FOREVER!

My dad is covered in tattoos. He is very respected and valued in our community. You know what? None of his children are covered in tattoos. Not one. I have two very small ones, that truly mean something to me. They are not a statement for anyone else. They are a statement for ME. I don't care if my son decides to get tattoos, when he is of age. It's HIS body and HIS life. Tattoos wouldn't change the person he is, now would it?

If it's not your thing, then don't get one. Simple as that.

oh boy, hope you are in a zen place to accept the pouncing that you are gonna get. People on here like their Tats and their teeny bikini's no matter how much sag and wrinkles go with it.

The only place i've ever seen tasteful beautiful tatoos is on pinterest.

The ones i see at the pool and the beach and walmart are pretty gross.
I especially don't like the in memory of ones or the kids names tattooed on your knee caps. Don"t you have a photo of them or can't you just remember who your kids are?

and those that say the tatoo has meaning really makes me question what tinkerbell or tweety bird mean to you???

I'm with you C., to each their own but some peoples own is tacky.

I don't think I've ever seen a "classy" looking tattoo. I believe it's wrong to mar your body in any purposeful way, and I really honestly think tattoos are ugly. The tattoos themselves, some are very beautiful...but there, being an artist, I just appreciate the artwork. I think to permanently stain yourself with said artwork is stupid and I have a hard time believing all of you with tattoos are still going to be as happy with them in 50 years.

I don't know, I guess I haven't met any 80 year old women with tattoos to ask yet! :)

(And this is not meant as any offense to people with tattoos. Go ahead, tattoo yourself all up, it doesn't offend me, I don't think it looks gross, etc...it's just my own personal preference that I don't want a tattoo, this is why, etc.)

My cousin has a tattoo of a dead toddler girl hanging from a noose on her leg. She's now a mother of a little girl. That is disgusting, IMO, and very, very sad.

I met a girl in college who had a tattoo of semen dripping down her inner thighs. She was very proud at the time and thought she was very cool. I'm wondering now (15 yrs later) if she ever goes swimming....

I think it's a personal choice. Although I'd consider something small and tasteful in a hidden spot, it's not for me in general. But I am not conservative at all, quite liberal, in fact.

yes, the elderly lady you saw was crass. lots are. lots aren't. they are each unique just like each person is unique.

that's one reason i like mine. i know that no one on earth has the two tattoos i do.

i only have two because there are only 2 things i know for a fact will be always and forever - the family i was raised with (my mom and siblings), and my son.

no matter how i feel about my hubby i have a weird phobia about cursing the relationship if i do something permanent like that ;) so i don't have one for him.

to me it is a gesture of love. they mean so much to me i am willing to get something permanent put on my body to reflect that love.

i don't have tons, i think they look kinda cool but i would not do a lot like that, it's not my thing. i prefer smaller, more emotionally intimate tattoos.

and yes, i will still be proud of mine when i am older. i was careful where i put them though, so i can cover them when necessary. to me it is just something intensely personal.

**ETA, i forgot to add - i tell my son that i got his name because i love him so much, and it is surrounded by stars because of his love of space. he used to spell his name by it and i always kinda laughed lol. what i will tell him about getting his own is that i'd hope he would not mark up his body with meaningless junk. other than that if it is something that is personally meaningful to him then i have no problem at all with it.

and i don't believe you'll get blasted by tattoo loving mamas on here. we're usually pretty laid back and accepting actually. your question wasn't offensive to me. some of the responses kinda have been but, to each their own. (it's kinda sad when you can almost predict which ones will be calling people stupid...*sigh*...) but not your fault, C....

There are tactful tattoo's, piercings, clothes, hair cuts, make-up jobs, people.. ect but with the good there is always the bad.. tattoo's, piercings, clothes, hair cuts, make-up jobs, people ect.

Its all in the eye of the beholder.. who are we to judge what is right for us is also right for them?

I also do not understand the fascination with tattoos. A top level manager I work with went on a girls weekend a few years ago and came back with a HUGE tattoo on her calf. She can no longer wear dresses or skirts to work. Yep, she was drunk when she did it. Even some 'conservative' people I know have them. They feel it makes them special or unique. But, it seems that these days you are more unique if you are one of the few that aren't inked!

one last thought via Jimmy Buffet: "tattoos are a permanent reminder of a temporary feeling."

I have four tats. The latest one I got was the birth flower of my two daughters on my wrist. I don't, and will not, regret getting that, as it reminds me of them every single time I see it. I get compliments on it very often. It's very pretty and feminine.

What do I tell my children about tattoos? That they are permanent. They hurt, but I love them because they are meaningful to me. And that they can get one after they turn 18. They can also get the same answer from every single one of their aunts and uncles, and most of our friends.

Why does it bother you so much what other people do on their skin?

I don't understand why people don't just get a piece of jewelry made--then at least one can remove it and put a different "look" on. I can't imagine being happy with some drawing on me, the same one, no less, for the rest of my life. Sure, tats can have special "meaning," but often times special meanings do not stay forever.

I have seen a person who had a tattoo that covered his entire back. This tattoo was an enormous hand with the middle finger pointing. Breathtakingly repulsive to me.

It is funny to feel like I'm part of the minority by not having a tattoo!

*******

I just saw an article about the latest craze--anus tattoos. Wonky, simply wonky.

Me! You see them all the time now and I just do no think they flatter. So sad to see the beautiful young women who have done this all over their bodies. The ones that are easily hidden are not so bad.

I think tattoos can be very beautifully done, and can appreciate a tribute piece like a deceased parent, friend, or child. My only problem with some tatts is that they can be VERY cliched (like the Pam Anderson barbed wire on the bicep, or a dolphin on an ankle or belly). I would only get one if I had a very deep and personal one--not a cookie cutter one that is just decorative. Mine would have to be symbolic of some important person or a struggle in my life that I'd overcome.

The only tatts I would flip about if my kid were to get one would be naked ladies, alcohol, skulls, or anything indicative of gang membership. (Not that alcohol in and of itself is bad, but it'd make me sad to think that they value it so much they have to put it on their body til they die.)

Why does it bother you what other people are doing? What if I said, you aren't covered in tattoos...that's "so uptight"?

I am not covered in them...but I do have tattoos...I love mine each one means something personal to me. I take my time, my money, my idea and most of all MY BODY to get them. I want more.

So no I'm not sick of them, I actually love seeing people and hearing the stories behind them. I don't think the cookie cutter ones are for me but I don't really care if someone else has one.

What do I tell my kids? I tell them "I wanted to put this art on my body, it was my choice, I did it when I was an adult, I paid for it with money I earned at a job. When you're 18, have a job, you can get your own. Just be sure it means something to you!"

As far as the lady above...why would she want her grandchildren and children to see it? It's apart of who she is...whether or not you like it or not.

It is crass to you and it symbolic to her ... something you may not be able to understand or comprehend and something that is not for you to judge.

I have five tattoos, four of them were inked before 1991, so that it was a pretty individual thing at the time. I was also in the Navy....

I have a rose (first one), a sun, a moon with three stars, a peace sign and a band added to the rose. All of them had significant meaning for me, except the band-- a boyfriend offered to pay for it, so we went together to get them done.

All five of them can be covered if need be, without anything more than regular clothing and socks. I liked them very much when I got them (young, too young-- my brain was not in "adult" mode!), and even then I did not want to limit my employment opportunities. I look and act in a fairly conservative manner and have good manners-- if people are going to judge me for some twenty-year old tattoos-- well, they can have a fine time with that. I've got bigger things to worry about.

I will say this, however, people have become more casual with what they get inked on their bodies and *where* they are. I'm surprised a bit by it, and I do have to laugh a little when the boobs are tattooed and out there for all to see. That's gonna look like a whole different font in thirty years!

First not all tattoos have to have a special meaning to them. I have a few that I got just because I like the design of them or it was an idea I had brewing in my head for a while. Yes I have a few that have meaning to them but not all off them. I'm also one of those people that odds are I will be covered in them by the time I'm done..if I ever get done.
I have one son that just got his first tattoo as 16. Both my husband and I agreed to it and it was something he had talked about since he could say the word tattoo. My youngest to be honest I don't see him getting one and will be a bit shocked if he ever does.
It is funny how easily people jump to judgements over those who are tattooed. Why so judgmental? You don't see us jumping on boards passing judgment on your lack of tattoos.
No I'm not attacking. To you it maybe crass but it could have meaning to her that isn't crass at all. But then again it could easily be artwork to her that maybe she did or someone she cares about did.

Well, tatts are not my style, true. However, I don't really need to understand a person who does not feel the same in order to respect their differences.

A to each, his own thing, I guess.

It's unlikely my kids will want tattoos. But if they GET one after they're 18, well, ok, to each his own again.

I kinda feel like it's like TV, if you don't like it, turn it off. If you don't like tatts, don't get one/look at them.

With regards to CHILDREN being exposed to them and having questions...
Well that's just ONE thing in a ZILLION we have to learn to communicate with our kids about, right?

:)

Most people I know that got tattoos when they were younger deeply regret it. Most tattoos that I see while out in the general public seem well, kind of stupid, cliche and like an after thought. I have seen a few water color type tattoos are just beautiful, and very artistic, though.

All I can think of is how those tattoos will look when you are 90 and old & wrinkly. That tramp stamp of the sun? Not so much. The one on your tummy? Ick.

And, the fact of the matter is that society WILL judge you based on your tattoos, and especially what type of tattoos you have. Not that it's right, but it happens.

One day tattoos were "rebellious"... now NOTHING shocks anymore. Everything's so mainstream. Makes me long for Elvis & his earth shattering hips.

There are some that are really out there and some that are not. It is not right to judge a person just because they have a tattoo. I have two of them and the 2nd one is only 4 days old and have another being drawn. I got the 1st one when I was 18 it is a horse's head inside of a horseshoe. It was a necklace that I had, I love horses, always have and will. It is not something I regret and it is also just above my ankle so it can be hidden if needed. I am now 30 and had 3 dog paw prints put on the top of my foot, each paw print represents my 3 dogs that I have had since I left home 12 years ago. Again it is somewhere I can hide it if need be. My third one being drawn is combining my love for horses with my families heritage and also a tribute to my grandfathers who both passed from liver cancer. Two horseshoes linked together with a cross in coming down in between the two and each horseshoe will have their names and they will be the colors of the flags of the country the names represent.
Each of mine mean something and everyone I get after that will also have a meaning.

I say do not judge a book by the cover!

They make people watching that much more interesting!

Pretty, strange, gross, interesting- I just figure it's their body, not mine so I'll just watch them go by.

I would have asked the old lady what is that supposed to symbolize. What it says to me is I want to be part of a culture I don't understand and I look silly.

Most tattoos I have seen are nice, some a bit much, but nice.

I have none but then I haven't bonded with anything I would want on my for the rest of my life.

Well let's see.

I have two tattoos, both in locations that are easily covered up. Something that I will stress to my daughter when she is old enough to decided whether she wants one or not. Mainly because it can effect her during certain professional situations.

I personally do not see why people get upset about other peoples lives. Really? How is that affecting you? I agree that the tattoo you described isn't the epitome of class, but I don't understand why it bothers you so much.

I think that we simply can not please everyone.

I would like my children to have thoughtful tattoos. Things that when they are 90 they are not ashamed to show to their grandkids (and not because they themselves are crass and rude). I like art. I appreciate my friend's dragon that sits on her shoulder with the body and tail on her back. I'm not offended by ink itself. Some of my dearest friends have a lot of tattoos. I just think that some people don't think and end up with something stupid for the rest of their lives (or go through expensive laser treatments to remove them). My DH has one tattoo on his foot. He still likes it, 20 some years on. And when he needs to wear the suit for his 9-5, he can easily cover it up. I would rather they have a full sleeve than a lot of piercings, but again that's still personal preference. Over 18 it's their body and they'll have to deal with things like employment and other people's perceptions.

I swore I'd never have a tat, because they are permanent (well now they're not but I digress). And I made it to 35 and got one in honor of my son with epilepsy. I got it on the inside of my wrist right where my pulse is. It's the only one I'll ever have. And I have seen some doozies as well. Some make no sense and I don't judge but I do wonder about the reasoning behind them. My son knows about my tat and knows I got it for him. He's okay with it. I was very careful and specific and put lots of thought into my decision to get it. For others, it's on a whim and they regret it. But it's their regret to live with.

Each of my tattoos has a meaning behind it. I'm proud of them and yes two of them show while wearing tank tops. They are tasteful and not offensive but at the same time I'm not worried about offending anyone at all with my ink. It is mine not theirs ya know? My children are fully allowed to get tatted up to their hearts content or not once they are 18.

As for the person you mentioned hey to each their own on their choice, style, and placement of tattoos. It is obviously not your thing so just don't look. Tattoos have been around for an extremely long time they're not going anywhere anytime soon.

I have a full sleeve and working on the other arm. I also have my daughters footprint and name and a symbol for my son, I have my wedding band tattooed, stars on my leg, a dragon on one foot butterflies on the other, some on my back as well. So yes I'm pretty covered. I think tattoos are beautiful and to be honest I hate when people judge those of us who are heavily tattooed. My husband is about 75% and I think he's sexy! :) And yes I would have no issues with my children having as many as thy want! And one of my husbands tattoos is 3 angels with the tops of their heads cut off with barbed wire halos and they kneeling over a bloody dead one...but on the other leg is colorful baby blocks with our daughters name...

I have my totem tattooed on my calf - a butterfly with wings made of flames. I got it for my 47th birthday.
My daughter has a Darwin fish on her ankle. She got it for her 21st birthday.
A lot of my friends have ink and many have piercings. My piercings are all pretty mundane - two holes in each ear, and a rhinestone butterfly dangling from my navel.

I love tattoos... I think they can be works of beautiful art.

People have all kinds of reasons for having tattoos. Some people just think they are cool. Some people have them for very personal reasons... to cover scars, to symbolize a difficult event or celebrate a success in their lives. I don't usually judge people on their tattoos because I don't know the story behind it.

Personally I would never get anyone's name tattooed on my body unless it was my kids. My brother's crazy ex-wife got his first and middle name tattooed all the way across the top of her shoulders. It's HUGE and he was not flattered by it. And now they are divorced and not amicably... too bad for her.

I won't prohibit my kids from having tattoos when they are old enough to get them. I will, however, encourage them to be thoughtful about what they are putting on their bodies and truly consider is they will want it there for the rest of their lives. And I will make sure that they go to a tattoo artist and not some hole in the wall biker shop. ( Not that bikers can't be talented artists... that's where I got my first one at age 18, and it's amazing that I didn't get a disease. I don't regret getting it, but I have had it "updated." by someone who had a lot more skill.)

Interesting question.

I have one tattoo, an oriental foo dog, high up on my thigh. I got it when I was 30, and unless I am in a bathing suite, it is not visible.
My son's father has several tattoos, on both arms, all very good pieces of art because he is careful and thoughtful about his tattoos.

So my son has grown up with parents who think tattoos are nice.

He is 16, and at one point, several years ago, we had a discussion about tattoos and I told him that he had to be at least 19 before he got one, and had to carefully consider the art and the placement, since tattoos are not 100% accepted in society and certain industries. His response - "Oh, I would never get a tattoo!"

So, while it would not phase me in the least for my son to have tattoos, he has decided that it is not something he wants.

To each his/her own.

:)

I have a tattoo of a shooting star on my hip. It's small, it's covered and the only people who see it are my children and my husband...

My husband has several tattoos and he admits that most of them were mistakes or things that he could live without now that he is older. He does want more, but he says that the next tattoos he gets will have some meaning behind them...

To each his/her own...I'm not a fan of having a lot of them and having them so that they are "in your face". I also do not like things that scream "evil" or "sick" to me... The peeing angel and the ones that Loving M. talked about would go in that category and I'd be seriously concerned about the person's mental state....Just sayin'

I'm not into tattoos--neither is hubby. When we're at the beach or pool, we often wonder if we are the only ones without them? My kids notice, but it's so common they don't even comment. (Well, except for the guy with his arms and neck COVERED! That got their attention!)

I have known a few people w/ tattoos. I have never complimented another person's tattoo.

I would never, ever, ever get one !

I get highlights in my hair. That's about it !

for some reason all I can think of right this moment is a line from a song, by Williams and Ree called "I love Fat Women" the line says " and if you get one with a tatoo you get a movin picture". That's what I think of when I see heavily tattoo'd people. Moving Pictures. Some people have taste and class when it comes to body art. Some are just either clueless, or the luck-less loser to a bet made while high, drunk, or under duress. Now a days, you can have them removed fairly easily, and not that expensive. So if she wanted to get rid of that she would have. Apparently naked, peeing angels are her thing. Personally angel vagina's are not appealing art work FOR ME, however there is the en-mass that MIGHT be interested.

I enjoy tattoos. My kids have seen them as my BIL has several and we have tons of friends with them also. I also enjoy piercings and other body art. Because to me it is art. I like art. Some is better than others. Some I enjoy more than others. No different than going to a museum and you like Picasso but not the Rembrandt. Just personal preference.
If my kids are adults and are paying for them, then who am I to say they can't.

Tats are not my thing. Don't care if other people get them. Except..my son got an Iron Maiden tat on top of his foot. I get sick to my stomach when I see it. I can't imagine he will always like that. He got song lyrics on the inside of his upper arm. He is super skinny. When he gains weight, I wonder if the lettering will be legible or distorted.

I don't understand getting mean or ugly ones. I have four..a sunflower on my lower back, my astrological symbol and character on my left shoulder blade, a crown on my left foot (to symbolize my name, T.), and the word "mine" on my right foot, which is a combination of my two girls' nicknames.

I don't get the fascination with being covered in tatoos either...but I do have one (it is very small, on my low ankle and I do not regret it). I see NOTHING wrong with a tattoo that is not vulgar, profane, or the name of a significant other (should be somewhere that you can cover when necessary...not the head, face, hands, neck). I don't like to see multiple people get the same exact tattoo...guess I think they are person and each person's should be original and one they truly want.

I don't mind if my kids get a tattoo...as long as it is tasteful. My son knew what he wanted for two or three years...I told my son I would sign for him to get one when he was 17 if he wanted to get it but not if it was nudity, profanity, a girl's name, or related to anything illegal. He'll be 21 in two months and has decided not to get the one he thoughted he wanted. His dad's family all got one (the same one) in memory of his grandmother. My son said "I don't want that. It's not what I want on my body and I don't need it to remember mommom". That's my boy (he tends to be pressured by his dad so I was so proud of him for that one).

My daughter is only 5 so it's not a issue for her yet but same rules apply.

It is the choice of my children. I am certainly not going to love them any less if they are covered in tattoos. My only hope is that if they decide to get a tattoo(s) that it is well done and a design that is pleasing (no peeing angels), artful, meaningful, etc.

I don't get sick of seeing tattoos everywhere I turn. I do get sick of seeing poorly done ink. And cartoon characters. I hate tweety bird tattoos.

I do not have any tattoos, but I have been wanting to get a small one for a long time. I just have other stuff to spend my money on right now which is why I don't have one yet. I have nothing against anyone who has tattoos. Some of them look beautiful! Yes, I don't understand why some people would want one like the one you described, but most of the time they are beautiful art. If my kids want to go and get a tattoo at 18 years old, I will take them on their birthday if they really wanted it

I can't tell my children that they can't have tattoos because 1) it is their choice and 2) both my husband and I have tattoos. What I can tell them is that if they choose to get a tattoo that it is something unique and means something to them and something that you are still proud to show when you are 80 and a grandmother or grandfather.

I have one tat, it's in a place that it can't be seen unless I want it to be seen, and it means something to me. It reminds me of an important time in my life and I don't think I'll ever regret it. I do want one more- eventually- a small cupcake- it means something special to me. But it will be small like the other and in a place where it will only be visible if I want it too.
As for my kid- when she's an adult and makes a thought out decision to have a tattoo I'll be fine with it. She said a while back that she wanted a tat like Mommy's until I told her they get put on with a needle. She didn't want one after that.

I'm too much of a scaredy cat (of the pain) to get one. Thankfully... because had I gotten one when I was in college I'm quite sure it would have been as stupid as the bumper sticker I had that read "Life is too short to date ugly guys." What was I thinking?

Anyway, not for me, but I am intrigued by people who get them.

I hate tattoos. I find them tacky! I don't mind them on a man if it's small and represents something for them like the military or something and it's on the bicep. My husband is considering getting a Marine Corps one since he's retired. I find them on a woman more than tacky. I do not find it art although some are done well, but just not meant to be permanantly on the body. My SIL put a small fleur de li (sp) on her ankle as she's from New Orleans and although I didn't approve on the inside I told her it was nicely done. My DIL has a huge one across her back and there's times I can tell it's something she's not willing to easily show off like she did as a teenager. I think a tattoo on a woman takes away all of her femininity, and I'm a tomboy, lol. I just don't like them. I think too many young people, and now older people, are not thinking it through that it's life long and as you change that tattoo does not! I just find them unnecessary, the same as ridiculous piercings. *gack*

K. B
mom to 5 including triplets

I have 4 tattoos that I can hide by wearing pants and a t-shirts. My son doesn't seem to mind that I have them and has asked already, he's 6, if he could have tattoos. I've told when he turns 18 we'll talk about it and I do let him wear the fake ones. I have seen some people with tattoos all over their bodies and to me that is something I wouldn't do. To each their own when it comes down to their bodies and tattoos. I just make sure I get something that doesn't offend anyone and that I can live with for the rest of my life.

What I would tell my children, or anyone, for that matter, is to make sure that if they are going to get a tattoo that it is something very meaningful to them because it will be there on their body for the rest of their life. Don't get anything that they might be embarrassed by in 40 years.

And to try it out if they can with a temporary tattoo (I hear you can print them out on a computer now) or sharpie pens for a while and live with it before they do something permanent.

I'm not into tattoos. I can't in my wildest dreams understand them. There are some that I find down right disturbing. My husband says he would like one. He thinks he wants a Crucifix. I told him that if he was going to display the image of Christ that he would have to act as a representative of Christ. That makes me ponder...... If someone has an image of satin does that also mean they are his representative?

Anyone seen these tatoo ALL over body people ? a famous one of a lady, " tatoo women" made it too a talk show...... I think it is a little much when it is all over your face, neck, legs, middle, arms..... What do I look at first ? Certainly a work or walk of art for sure.

It is intresting.... painful, fashion statement, IDK ~ not my thing