Another Perspective
Tattoo You!
What is Western humanity doing to itself?
What’s with this tattoo craze that has taken the world by storm? The body has been projected beyond the personal and intimate, to become a walking canvass. It seems more and more people sport, one, two or twenty-two tattoos. And this is no one-nation, ethnic or religious fad, but cuts across borders and countries: rich, poor, fat or slim, men, women; Germans, Spaniards, Americans — everywhere, everyone has been branded.
This proud defiling of the body is, to say the least, quite mystifying. Is the body not meant to be a repository of our entire selves? I will not go into what the Bible or main monotheistic religions have to say about them. Still, one would think this practice anathema, for while it conceals one’s personality behind this self-made laceration, it also labels and relegates the wearer to a specific class or category of person.
Tattoos, which at one point seemed to be a dying practice, have come back with a vengeance. There is a delirious infatuation with them and there is no end to what one gets to see drawn or written on these motion pictures. From the fantastical and allegorical to the plain crass, the entire gamut of childish imagination is laid bare before us. Decorum — that old-fashion-sounding word — has been thrown out the window. Or are those who wear them meant to be making a point without having to pronounce themselves, uncover their true self, their identity, personality. In other words, what makes each one of us a unique, complex and interesting human being. On occasions one sees in certain tribes — from Indians to Africans — their bodies and/or faces painted for a specific purpose, usually ceremonial in nature. To be forever plastered with a message or drawing, however, is comparable to wearing the same clothes or sticking to the same idea for one’s entire existence. Quite a curse if one comes to think of it, for we are meant to evolve, polish, and refine our ways with the passing of time, even at the risk of contradiction.
It is usually the young who are inebriated by this blunt posturing, which at times can be quite defying and provocative in nature — but almost always rash.
Back in the old days to be tattooed had some significance. It was a mark, a sign that set apart those who bore them. It had to be “earned,” like a badge of courage or daring, and it was mostly sailors or convicts who wore them, and usually only one, to symbolize a lost love, the clues to a hidden treasure or for other such fanciful reasons. There was mystery behind them, a story. No more. Nowadays, tattoos are like modern constructions: pêle-mêle, confusing, ugly.
When certain practices become fashionable what usually ends up occurring is that the initial idea or reason behind them loses all sense and purpose, creating the very opposite of what was meant or intended in the first place. This life-long fashion, however, is self-nullifying. Some will come of age and realize that what they thought as original or unique at one point in time is no longer so appealing or attractive. All the more so in these times where immediate pleasures are the norm.
Alas, since gravity has that crushing feeling, in the end, whether we like it or not, tattoos are not a pretty sight.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (115) | Leave a comment
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Kitty | 9.17.12 @ 6:44AM
Don't forget the temporary tattoos, which even toddlers sport, and the fake slip-on tattoo sleeves.
They used to grade criminals by how many tats they had: the more tattoos the worse the crimes he had committed. Now you can't tell the real criminals from those wannabes.
rjh| 9.17.12 @ 7:17AM
It's all a result of the of the PC multiculturalism dumbing down of our society. Same goes for the piercings and huge discs in earlobes. Many of our young people have been brainwashed into believing the worst about the country they were fortunate enough to be born in, while thinking it is cool to transform themselves into looking like third world savages. That goes for the pants down around their *ss prison thug look (I wonder how many of these "cool" idiots understand the origin of that style). Unfortunately, tattoos are permanent, and add nothing to their prospects at the big job interview. I must keep reminding myself that the freaks are much more visible than the many hard working youths out there with their heads on straight.
USSAlabama| 9.17.12 @ 10:14AM
Freaks are indeed more visible - and anyone applying for a job with me with a neck tattoo won't get that job because my customers think s/he IS a freak.
Otis, my man!| 9.17.12 @ 10:48AM
USSAlabama,
"Officers don't have tatoos."
Quick, name the movie.
rockyracoon| 9.17.12 @ 7:50PM
"An Officer, and a Gentleman"??
Alej| 9.17.12 @ 8:24PM
Actually, gentlemen don't have tattoos.
Moe Blotz| 9.17.12 @ 9:53PM
The gentleman is also disappearing from the scene, as he is not considered to be "kewl". In RE: tattoos, a passing fad.
Grzmlyk| 9.17.12 @ 10:41AM
In a way, I think tattoos and piercings and the ludicrous earlobe discs - on my local college campus, we now also have bones (ok, they're small metal bones) through the nose - are the perfect symbol of America's regression into a primitive state in which we live meager, hunt-and-gather lifestyles thanks to the coming inflation and belong to insular, bellicose tribes that are pitted against each other, informed by a grim, zero-sum world view, courtesy of liberalism.
I never cease to be amaxed by the supreme irony that that so many people of both sexes commit when they turn 16 or so, and their first "adult" decision is to express their "individuality" by getting stamped with the exact same illustrations that all of their peers have.
At least previous expressions of this callowness, chiefly in fashion, were temporary.
Liberalism: The apotheosis of the unthinking herd. This is "progress?"
Cobalt| 9.17.12 @ 11:26AM
Have you ever heard of Kat Von D?
Kat Von D had a TV show called "LA Ink" which ran for four years.
http://www.katvond.net/
Derek Leaberry| 9.17.12 @ 7:51AM
The good news about tattoos is that you can automatically write off someone who is wearing one. For instance, when a tattooed person comes in for a job interview you can dutifully proceed with the interview but quietly tuck the resume in the no-hire file.
Prejudices help sort people out because prejudices are so often true. Someone whose trucks has on his rear window the little kid urinating on a brand he dislikes is most likely a dumb redneck who watches NASCAR and drinks lite "beer.". Someone with a Coexist or Evolve bumper sticker is a smarmy liberal. Someone with the family stick figures on her back window is probably a sentimental woman who emotes rather than thinks. And so it goes.
Louis Jenkins| 9.17.12 @ 8:25AM
Oh yes, I came home one day and found my wife had plastered the family stick figures on the back window of her van. I was horrified.
Gr0w1er601| 9.17.12 @ 9:06AM
Saw an interesting counterpoint to the 'stick figure family' syndrome: a stick figure wearing a Jason-style mask wielding a chain saw chasing down a stick figure family over the caption 'nobody cares about your stick figure family'. A perfect rebuttal.
Harry the Horrible| 9.17.12 @ 9:56AM
Some other anti-social individual once commented "That isn't my family - those are my kill markers!"
TW in SC| 9.17.12 @ 12:03PM
Back in the 80's there was the ubiquitous "Baby On Board" yellow sign that everyone seemed to want to display.
I found in a gag shop a yellow sign that said, "Stupid Yellow Sign In Car" and drove around for a year with it on the left rear window. I got lots of thumbs up for it from passing motorists.
This need for everyone to express themselves is astonishing and, although perfectly legal, usually entirely unnecessary.
One thing my dad said when I was contemplating (at 16) putting a bumper sticker on the car, "I don't need other people to know what I think. "
That about summed it up. 'Course, posting here is exactly doing just that but I consider it an "invited venue" to do so. IOW, opinions are welcome here. But I don't need to see anyone's political views, favorite teams, flags, etc. tattooing their cars. The stick figure thing is just the latest in the "look at ME" BS craze. "I'M SOME-body!" "Pay attention!" I like it better when people quietly go about their day without the need for any fanfare.
Alej| 9.17.12 @ 10:22AM
My thoughts exactly, Derek... your first sentence nails it.
MarkS| 9.17.12 @ 10:31AM
Dost I detect the clang of sarcasm? I think I do and the trouble with your indictments are the so-called "prejudice" inducing markers are proudly self-applied affectations. They are not unchosen, immutable characteristics of personhood we all bear. They are meant to convey an image or allusions and so why the bleating complaint that others take them at their word?
When I see a person with a tasteful tat or two in places that can be covered I know I'm looking at a reasonable, mature person who, though having tastes different than mine, thought his choices through with regard to the opinions of others and what consequences that could bring. But when I see another who has defaced his face or otherwise deliberately chosen to show the world he doesn't give a rat's ass about what other people think, and will gladly say so if asked, I have only disdain and scorn that he does in fact care very much that what I think is not what he wants to hear. In other words, he is just another faux rebel striking an "up yours" pose. Just like all the other ugly, pointless affectations of our age.
Because what I think is precisely what he wanted me to think- that he doesn't care what I think and so why in the world would I trust him or think him dependable to me? He is not mad because I judge him wrongly, he is mad that I have taken him at his word rather than understand his preening was all just pretend.
Get it?
A Grin without a Cat| 9.17.12 @ 1:13PM
When I was in a high school, I often heard from those who said, "I will live as I please, and I don't care what anyone thinks!" Without exception, they were all disappointed later when they learned that nobody was thinking about them at all.
Doc| 9.18.12 @ 7:04AM
Agree with you, I have some very patriotic friends, Marines, SEAL's, Airborne, PJ's, Green Beret's, Rangers who have some very interesting tat's, I myself (Former CSAR Swimmer/Diver and Medic) have one on my left upper arm, cross fins, diver badge, superimposed over wings and Caduceus, tribal, yes... Military Tribe.. Curious as to what that makes me in Y'alls humble opinion
Cromulent| 9.18.12 @ 8:57AM
Whoa. Military tats are different. Those get a pass. The act of bonding is of supreme importance for a unit. Us everyday citizens don't look askance at someone with such a marking.
And the writer kinda covered this. If you have a unit tat, you have a story.
That being said, you don't need to be a mural. Has *everything* you've done in the military need a tat? I think we get to see that on your uniform.
Occam's Tool| 9.19.12 @ 10:50AM
Doc. that makes you a hero in my book. See my commentary.
Like I said, there's gang tats and tatoos like you have---they don't live in the same world---like male circumcison and female genital mutilation---circumcision serves a purpose from a health perspective, FGM doesn't.
I work with a lot of ex-military. They make great charge nurses.
caitlin| 9.18.12 @ 1:59PM
I know two families whose children (all young professionals) have what they call a family tattoo.
The small design was an original that has a special meaning to them. It can't be seen with business clothes. It's the only one each of them has.
But the whole tattoo fad reminds me of a Saturday Night Live skit. Maybe this was already mentioned. It's a commercial for a tattoo removal cream. The lower back "sexy lady"
design was shown over time to morph into "pretty sad."
Bob Grant| 9.17.12 @ 11:07AM
More good news about tattoos is they provide an invaluable identifier for police to track down criminals.
"yes officer, he was wearing a mask so I could not see his face but do seem to recollect an orange and purple flaming Bible tattoo on his right forearm as he pointed the gun in convenience store clerks' direction..."
Joellen| 9.17.12 @ 8:03AM
What does the scaring and mutilating of one's body truly represent - the lack of GOD in our presence. It really is that simple. We turn to these obscenly, indecourous, worldy crude scaring of the body, just as we turn to drugs, alcholol, sex, etc. because we deny the ONE entity that will bring us peace and everlasting life - JESUS CHRIST. For those of you who doubt and wish to criticize me, look around you. Notice those who are angry, hateful, and lost - and notice those who are at peace (not world peace), involved and have a sense of purpose (think occupiers vs Tea Party). Let's keep it simple folks - we need GOD in this world - we have removed him, I only pray NOT SUCCESSFULLY and that we still have a chance to repent.
JP| 9.17.12 @ 8:16AM
Oh Joellen,
Where have you been. In our local paper. They featured some woman who said her tatoo business was actually an extension of her Christian Ministry. Tats for Christ! When I saw the phot of her I was reminded of some witch from Pirates of the Caribbean. We are so screwed.
KyMouse| 9.17.12 @ 9:35AM
I've seen catalogs for Sunday School or Vacation Bible School activities that include "Christian motif" temporary tattoos for kids. Amazing.
Tattoos used to be popular only among people on the lowest rungs of society -- motorcycle gangs, convicts, and seafaring folk; and yes, lots of people in the military. I've always thought that the current popularity of tattoos is just another slap at "bourgeous morality" -- a way to shock Mom and Dad.
It is also another way to become a victim: "I didn't get that job because of my tattoos. They looked only at my skin, and not at the wonderful person inside! How intolerant, unfair and undiverse!"
KyMouse| 9.17.12 @ 9:39AM
Make that "bourgeois."
What do we say, then, about pierced ears? I've had mine pierced since I was 16, but only one hole per lobe. Are pierced ears also sin on the hoof? Hmmm.
Cromulent| 9.18.12 @ 9:00AM
Umm.... but you can take earrings off. And you do at least now and then don't you? Plus such piercings allow you to modify your look to suit an occasion. This in and of itself shows concern and care to others. Just a weeeee bit different than tats.
Alej| 9.17.12 @ 10:29AM
"Tattoos used to be popular only among people on the LOWEST RUNGS OF SOCIETY-- motorcycle gangs, convicts, and seafaring folk; and yes, LOTS OF PEOPLE IN THE MILITARY."
Thank you. Jerk.
I first went on active duty in 1961, and NEVER saw a tattoo. Military personnel are drawn from the society they live in, and yes, nowadays, deluded lowclass people in our country do join the military today, tattoos and all, although the Marine Corps is putting the quietus on that, fortunately.
KyMouse| 9.17.12 @ 12:39PM
Alej (I address you courteously by your nick, not by an insulting sobriquet), my family has comprised enlisted folks as well as officers, and one of the first things the new enlistees (private, PFC, for example) did was get tattoos. The ROTC folks in my family did not.
Neither did my father, who earned a Silver Star, a Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts in places such as Guadalcanal and the Philippines.
He retired as a lieutenant colonel, and in his experience, tattoos were most popular among the lowest ranks of the military, although there were exceptions. That was also my impression during my 11 years in the USAR.
My comment about "lots of people in the military" was intentionally separated by a semicolon from "motorcycle gangs, convicts and seafaring folk."
The seafaring folk include, of course, Popeye and Queequeq, both of whom were fine fellows, in their own way. Just not from the upper ranks of American society.
Occam's Tool| 9.17.12 @ 2:17PM
KY: I figured your dad had to be a hero.
Occam's Tool| 9.17.12 @ 2:16PM
KY: when I was in training, it was told to me that I should think about Psychopathy (Sociopaths) whenever a person had more than 1 tattoo. Not anymore.
I work with several people with tattoos. Bothers me less now than it used to, although my kids think it is dumb, which is good.
My nurse practitioner got one for her ankle when she turned 60---a Toronto Maple Leafs Tattoo. She adores the team.
Moe Blotz| 9.17.12 @ 10:00PM
Oy KyMouse, you left out truck drivers in your list at the lower rungs, but then some of us served in the military and actually ride motor bikes. Perhaps we were covered along with the convicts as well. Disclaimer: I have no ink marks on my body, but if you want a tattoo it is your hide.
JP| 9.17.12 @ 8:05AM
Just think when all of these 19-25 year olds hit 65 or 70. I saw one coed who wore a very skimpy set of cut-off shorts. She was in the grocery store bent over looking at beans or something. She had this giant tatoo of an predatory bird with its beak pointed down the crack of her buttocks. Quite alluring if you're a hooker, I suppose. Does she even care what "signals" she is sending. My wife commented dryly that she probably hasn't a clue, and if she ever has children she will have a difficult time explaining to them what it all means.
Another time there was an overweight young white man dressed in baggy shorts and a cut off muscle shirt who had various tats plastered up and down his arms and calves. Again, we were at the grocery store. He paid for his groceries with his Snap cards (or whatever they now call Food Stamps). I find it difficult to believe that the tatoo people always have money for their body art, but never have enough money for groceries.
tdiinva| 9.17.12 @ 8:22AM
I can attest to that. I saw my boss in the Pentagon gym with a tattoo on his cheek. It was the kind that sailors got in WWII (he was a veteran of that war.). It probably looked pretty cool on the young sailor in 1945 but by 2000 it looked ratty and wrinkled. One can only hope that as the tattoed ones age laser removal will get even better and less painful.
SUBVET| 9.17.12 @ 10:51AM
JP.............the children of the walking street sign will be just like their MOM.
Ian Cognito | 9.17.12 @ 8:16AM
The mother of my children told them - better to have a capital "L" tattoo'd on your forehead - for LOSER! They refrained and behave like good children - thankfully, none of them revealed any of the rebellious and stupid behaviors of their father who was a druggie, musician, artist and hell raiser during his twenties. My wife died from breast cancer in 2004. After raising these children during HS, I remarried. Both my new bride and I are medically sterilized - we can't bear children but wished to create a permanent bond. I drew a design and we got tattooed. After that, I went on a tear - my upper torso is covered with my cheat sheet for the after life - quantum equations. I also had twin monkeys put on my back - for classic reasons. I agree tattoos on the young are a bad idea. As I told my children, when you are past the point of consequence - children raised, business owned, property owned, etc. you can do what I did. I'm near 60 and non of my tattoos are visible w/long sleeves. This tatt and piercing trend is a a result of coddling decadence. What else can it be? When tattoos and piercings assured no upward mobility - they were shunned. What now? I have no idea. It's another Pandora's Box
Louis Jenkins| 9.17.12 @ 8:35AM
We have a written rule at my employment. No visible tattoos or piercings. A person may make it by the first interview, but by the second one we've found out, as they usually wear short sleeves. Once the interview is over we thank them and file the application away. But let us not forget piercings. The same applies to those as well. Of course there are some piercings we will never see, thank goodness, and those people make it by the screening. They may be the most brillant person ever to cross our door step, but the written policy is held more sacro-saint. The American youth is on a mad rush down hill to hell. It's kind of sad that we may miss out on good people.
Gr0w1er601| 9.17.12 @ 8:55AM
When I joined the US Navy in 1979, the regulation for officers was no tattoos. Period. Exceptions were made for prior-enlisteds (usually 1st class POs or CPOs) who has become commissioned. Since I've left the service, obviously DoD policy has changed. For the worst I fear.
MarkJeff| 9.17.12 @ 9:02AM
I disagree. I like my ink. Or as I call it body art. I am conservative, God loving, tea party all the way. I have spent a lifetime designing and carefully expanding my body canvass. I'm beneath the collar and above the elbow line, so when I don't want to show it, and respect those who don't wish to see it, I'm totally cool with it. But I like being in company with those who like it like I do. Tats are an age old art, and I don't consider it defacing one's body when it's carefully and tastefully planned. Yeah, it's subjective, but I resent being referred to here as "Godless, etc." Thanks for hearing me out on this one!
MarkS| 9.17.12 @ 10:00AM
An excellent, conservative and mature position. One I can respect. What I despise are those who deliberately deface their appearance in self-professed disdain for "what other people think" and then complain and whine that other people do have an opinion and act on it. Like employers for example.
I call it "no fault rebellion" and the scourge of our modern culture.
Drunken Sailor| 9.17.12 @ 11:02AM
Ditto Mark.
Guess all those servicemen who got tats that can't be seen in memory of their service or a fallen comrade are just low class gutter trash.
Amazing how so many conservatives are judgemental about a personal choice. If you don't want one or don't like them, then don't get one.
Me? I wear my single tat with pride and most people do not even know I have one.
Do some people carry them to far? Possibley, but that is their choice is it not? To lump everyone with a tat into the same category of low life trash is shallow. Guess all those hispanics with tats of Jesus don't fit your christian profile either.
MarkS| 9.17.12 @ 11:28AM
I believe you've replied to the wrong person. No where in my several posts have I called anyone "low life trash" nor I have I professed a "christian profile". Who's pre-judging now?
In fact, a careful reading of my reply to MarkJeff agrees quite well with your practice. And you what else?
I can even respect the guy the guy who gets "Born to Lose" or "Unemployable" on his forehead and goes resolutely about taking his lumps for it without whining or complaint. But what I hate are the faux rebels who claim they "don't care what others think" only to care very much when others take them at their word.
Derek Leaberry| 9.17.12 @ 11:53AM
What's wrong with prejudging? Everybody prejudges and those who don't admit to it are lying.
Drunken Sailor| 9.17.12 @ 12:02PM
Take a pill MarkS. I was replying to Mark/Jeff and agree with both of you. It is all the others on this thread that seem to lump everyone with a tatoo into non-thinking, godless trash I object to.
MarkS| 9.17.12 @ 1:55PM
Gotcha. Limitations of the medium I suppose.
Besides, can't take a pill anymore. Had to give up my own pointless rebellions about 27 years ago. :)
Alasdair | 10.13.12 @ 5:50AM
I agree, it really annoys me that the people on here have to look down their nose at others, create stereotypes and act upon them, so far I have only seen two people explain how they have tattoo's and like them and everyone is like "ah yes in your case its ok" Peoples ignorance, I believe, is a lot to do with what is wrong with todays society.
Occam's Tool| 9.17.12 @ 2:26PM
DS:
One tat is not a concern for anyone. Jeez. If my kid does Naval service, and he wants a tattoo reflecting that, I'll buy it for him, in that case. Recall that it was "two plus" tats in the old days, and, again, if it was a series of naval tattoos, that would not count.
But I trained in a Vet hospital, and I don't recall tattoos being a major concern with my Vietnam and WWII vets. What we're seeing now is something else.
I've got nothing because I'm already a shrink. You know, "when the going gets weird, the weird turn pro."
Occam's Tool| 9.17.12 @ 2:33PM
Again, one fouled anchor tattoo and the name of the ship will get no one turned down from a job. Seriously.
But we're not talking about this.
Drunken Sailor| 9.17.12 @ 3:26PM
Oc, my friend. You are not talking about that. Many of the others on here including the author of this piece are also talking about the one tat.
Like I said, It is a personal choice. I understand some people take it to far, just like everything else. But to judge anyone with a tat as the author of this article does smells of condenscension and pretense. Many do not see the hypocrisy when they scream it is about vanity yet don't blink when a woman pierces her ears or get a permanent eyeliner tat. On this site I would think there would be a more libertarian lean of live and let live.
Were good though. This whole article isn't worth sweating over considering all the other crap going on at this time.
Alej| 9.17.12 @ 8:31PM
"Tat?"
You're a young person, aren't you. Your generation accepts those things... others not so much. It's a discussion.
Drunken Sailor| 9.18.12 @ 10:08AM
Depends what you call young. 46
Occam's Tool| 9.19.12 @ 10:52AM
DS: young guy (I'm 50). You are awesome in my book, pal.
Doc| 9.18.12 @ 10:37AM
I and my patriotic friends, Marines, SEAL's, Airborne, PJ's, Green Beret's, Rangers who have some very interesting tat's. As for myself (Former CSAR Swimmer/Diver and Medic with two tours of Iraq) have one on my left upper arm, cross fins, diver badge, superimposed over wings and Caduceus, tribal, yes... Military Tribe.. Curious as to what that makes me in Y'alls humble opinion
Dagny Taggert| 9.17.12 @ 9:03AM
"I want a tatoo so I can be different. Like everybody else."
rjh| 9.17.12 @ 9:19AM
Excellent!
Kingofthenet| 9.17.12 @ 9:39AM
I don't mind military related Tattoo's but I HATE tattoos on women.
Bob Grant| 9.17.12 @ 10:31AM
I had you pegged as a tramp stamp guy.
Alej| 9.17.12 @ 10:40AM
A big smiley face with protruding tongue over his "decolletage du derriere ?"
*enchante*| 9.17.12 @ 11:13PM
My dad had a cousin who was a 'flapper' type in the 1920s: she had a tat of a anchor on the back of her right thigh---some of this happened in the 20s until the depression in the 30s. I also noticed tats seemed to come out in the early 00s big time--hearing people respond to this form or scarification is a breath of 'fresh air'--speaking of 'fresh air': it used to be kids were in the house when both parents smoked, and the windows were closed. Now no one smokes, the air is clean enough but it the airWAVES that are dirty. Its hard for parents to keep the modern nasty media clean for kids--dont give me this arguement that the parent could 'turn off the set' when the parents are working 2 jobs and cant monitor the childrens use of media---oh yes!! the cellphones kids are using are full of PORN as well----sigh
Paul A'Barge | 9.17.12 @ 9:46AM
You don't even live in the United States. Who cares what you think?
Google Irezumi. Like people who write nonsense articles, a small minority are beautiful while many are ugly.
MarkS| 9.17.12 @ 9:52AM
I have six teens, three boys, three girls. Not surprisingly, if one keeps abreast of current trends, it's the girls who speak of one day getting tattoos. Like most contemporary feminine impulses they want to have things both ways. They admit they want to be thought of as "edgy", wild and cool but certainly not as loose or a tramp. Even though they're the first to call out "tramp stamp!" tattoos on girls' lower backs. To date, none have gotten one.
I think my girl oriented warnings have helped such as, "In 25 years a nice little dove on the upper breast will look like a pterodactyl or a little rose like an oak tree" and, whenever I see a be-tatted girl who would get much farther losing a little weight and learning a few beauty tips, "yeah, just what she needs, one more black and blue smudge."
The boys are unimpressed by tattoos, mostly because of the impression they get from girls who have them. And they seem more swayed by another of my axioms that seems to work pretty well with all the kids, "There is none so conformist as an 'individualist' young person so if you really wanna be different all you have to do is stand still when the herd moves."
JP| 9.17.12 @ 10:46AM
It's too bad tatoos have gone mainstream. You know the game is up when your 50 year old female CFO has them on her ankles.
LindaF | 9.17.12 @ 10:07AM
As you noted, those who, in times past, acquired one or more tattoos were often sailors or felons, both of whom were far from home, in situations they did not control. Having a permanent lodestone engraved on one's body might have been a way to keep something personal and constant in an uncertain world.
Now, what does that say about today's tattooed masses? Want tattooing to cease? Provide some constancy and permanence to their lives - stable communities and good marriages.
SUBVET| 9.17.12 @ 11:19AM
Linda..........just who would provide the "constancy and permanence".
You talking about parrents or government ?
fmm| 9.17.12 @ 10:11AM
The saying of "better to keep your mouth shut than open it and prove your are a fool" applies to tatoos also.
Bob Grant| 9.17.12 @ 10:28AM
Narcissism!
The obsession with oneself.
Most people are not satisfied with just ONE tattoo...or ONE cosmetic surgery...or ONE "enhancement"...or ONE piercing...or ONE body modification...or a couple of hundred pictures of oneself on a FACEBOOK account (I know a gal who has over 4,000 pictures of herself on her Facebook account).
We live in the age of Narcissism. It's All Eyes on MEEEE, 24/7.
Perhaps God is the answer.
SUBVET| 9.17.12 @ 11:21AM
BOB...........maybe they haven't read a "Purpose Driven Life" yet.
Drunken Sailor| 9.17.12 @ 1:45PM
Do you feel the same way about women with pierced ears or tatooed eyeliner? Or is it just a matter of degree?
Occam's Tool| 9.17.12 @ 2:30PM
My daughter got her ears pierced as an infant. She's Mayan.
Incidentally, Alej, only a SMALL minority of Maoris get tattooes on their faces, nowadays. And it is almost never a scarification ritual. In addition those tattoos have distinct tribal and clan signification. (I was a Senior Medical Consultant in the NZ NHS.)
Drunken Sailor| 9.17.12 @ 4:18PM
Watched documentary on them. Those tats look very painful and were a rite of passage if I remember correctly.
Occam's Tool| 9.19.12 @ 10:56AM
DS: If I remember correctly (It's been over 4 and 1/2 years now.), I saw more women than men with them. Again, that is a cultural/ tribal thing, and distinct from this issue.
What we're seeing now is nihilism.
Alej| 9.17.12 @ 10:37AM
One step removed from scarification, `a la' Maori warriors. Little Suzy will be irresistible with keloid tissue gills and 3-D topographic features on her private parts.
Wonder why "Americans" could vote for Obama ?
Bob Grant| 9.17.12 @ 10:54AM
Face it,
We live in Freak Show Nation.
A nation where more people tune into Honey Boo Boo than the conventions.
A nation where little Suzys' priorities are how to accessorize her private area, which would be considered pathological a few decades ago.
A nation that will reward incompetence, lawlessness, and ideological recklessness by reelecting Barack Hussein Obama in a few months.
SUBVET| 9.17.12 @ 11:24AM
BOB......crap what's the difference between boo boo and the DNC.
Bob Grant| 9.17.12 @ 3:08PM
Difference?
I suppose Honey Boo Boo works hard for her (or her parents money) as opposed to the DNC.
The difference stops there because when Boo Boo grows up she'll become a hard core obama girl. Book it.
Kingofthenet| 9.17.12 @ 11:30AM
Branding, i.e with a hot metal wire is gaining in popularity, as hard as it is to believe.
Bob Grant| 9.17.12 @ 11:37AM
Goody,
Can I apply one to you, with a slightly larger gauge wire?
Kingofthenet| 9.17.12 @ 2:26PM
What, you want to OWN me Stud?....not a Chance...
henry mossberg| 9.17.12 @ 7:58PM
You are correct. Check out the upper bicep of black ball players with some combination of Greek letters from their fraternity. I've seen it for the last 10 years. Omega is quite popular.
Occam's Tool| 9.19.12 @ 10:58AM
King: I haven't seen it here yet, but it is not hard to believe. I'll check out my suboxone clinic and see what's going on on the rezzes. Wild stuff.
cowgirl| 9.17.12 @ 11:09AM
One of my son's friends, who happens to be a girl, was telling him that she was going to get a rose tattooed on her foot. My logical son asked her why. Her reply was that it was going to be unique, her sign of her individualism. My son's reply to her was "yea right, you and the ten thousand other girls with roses tattooed on their feet, arms, legs, calves, thighs, backs, necks, - yes you are really unique and an real indivdual."
What is really unique is how ugly tattoos look once you get over 30 - whether you are a guy or a gal. I would be safe to bet that the tatoo removal people are making money hand over fist on the 30 year olds and older...
Kingofthenet| 9.17.12 @ 11:31AM
You could get a little 'Lonestar' like the OTHER Cowgirls I saw play yesterday!
MarkS| 9.17.12 @ 11:37AM
Bingo! We have a winner! My wife is an esthetician and permanent makeup artist. Lately, she's thought about going into real tattooing to get in on the fad, which I think has probably crested or soon will, especially among grown-ups. I proposed that what she should do instead is go into tattoo removal when it does.
*enchante*| 9.17.12 @ 11:06PM
Your WIFE will be a rich woman when many people will want their tats removed. If someone would invent a way to tat a body with temporary tats (fades within 3 months)a tattoo artist could make money: lets see: the tat fades completely or you get a 'touch up'' with either the same pic, or something else--similar to changing hair color
JP| 9.17.12 @ 11:50AM
Our society has sunk so low that I predict branding will soon become cool.
Otis, my man!| 9.17.12 @ 12:55PM
It sorta already has. There are "scarification" tattoos, which is essentially the same effect:
http://www.lazypalace.com/scar-tattoos/
PJ| 9.17.12 @ 6:02PM
How horrible! Why would anyone want to freely debase the human body like this?
Rockabilly| 9.17.12 @ 12:01PM
At age 66 I am happy to report that I never even had the urge to get a tattoo. One sees them everywhere now in abundant if not artistic profusion. It is quite appalling. It clearly, for the most part, means, "look at me," I'm cool. I surmise there are those who do it for real reasons of tribute or remembrance but I suspect they are in the minority by far. I abhor mutilation of the human body, whatever the reason, and the piercings of every appendage and body part imaginable hints of an almost masochistic obsession. The shock value of such practices has long been erased by familiarity. I wonder what is next in line for our self worshiping society?
Dagny Taggert| 9.17.12 @ 12:34PM
Rockabilly I agree. With the passage of time, and all the "missed" opportunities to get a tatoo, I am soothed when thinking of all the icons that I probably would have gone for and be embarassed about today.
So instead of thinking of what my first tattoo at age 50 might be, I think how glad I am that I don't have: a Van Halen "VH," a pot leaf, a confederate flag, AC/DC logo, a Jose Cuervo, Budweiser or PBR logo, a ying-yang, a skull or my first love's name.....
Bob Grant| 9.17.12 @ 12:49PM
Brian Regan, one of the top 5 comedians of all time IMHO, has a very funny bit on getting a tattoo, which I'm sure you can see on YouTube. In his best sarcastic tone, it goes something like this:
"I'm thinkin' of gettin' a tattoo, you know? And, ah, I can't decide what to get. I know if I get a tattoo I would want to get one I knew no one else would have a tattoo of, so...what I'm thinkin' of gettin' a tattoo of is a...BLENDER...Because I'm pretty sure no one out there has a tattoo of a ...BLENDER....get a big BLENDER on my chest"
Too funny. My sentiments exactly.
Brian Regan, funniest comedian you've never heard of.
Occam's Tool| 9.19.12 @ 11:00AM
I have, and he kicks ass. "The epitome of hyperbole."
He's very clean, too. (Brian Regan)
bill glass| 9.17.12 @ 12:04PM
That, and the unknown health consequences, besides hepatitis, of ink-excess, are reasons to delay allowing your minor children from "expressing" themselves...and the over-18 kids can be seriously discouraged from this "going along with the crowd" behavior...shut off the money, cell phones, etc..
Dave Williams| 9.17.12 @ 2:59PM
I am SO glad that when I grew up, all I had to do to rebel was not go to the barber for a while...
If there is any good news to be had from this...I teach at a downmarket school, and for the past couple of years, the number and severity of tattoos and piercings seems to be declining. If the lower orders lead the way, surely the rest of this formerly-great country will follow....
Occam's Tool| 9.19.12 @ 11:00AM
I hope so, Dave. I certainly do.
Mistral| 9.17.12 @ 3:08PM
Paradoxically, with all systematic emphasis education propagates towards individualisation and the excessive psychodynamic & cognitivist nonsense about self-actualisation and self-attainment, contemporary humans have become psychologically disabled. In a futile attempt to enhance personal identity at the expense of social identity the result is to disorientate both with paganised, animistic body-lacerations, piercings, tattoos and other paraphernalia of people who have lost all sense of self-confidence in themselves. They once again follow like sheep.
My skin specialist also does among many other operations, numerous tattoo removals and he states clearly that its bearers frequently have deep psychological feelings of lassitude and a lingering anti-social sentiment about themselves regarding the parts of the body that can be seen as tatooed. Apart from all the other health risks those who do this will almost certainly regret what they are doing to themselves sooner or later and many seek their removal. It is yet another signification of a society that has lost all sense of real self-worth and dignity. Indeed, multiculturalism has aided and abetted this ridiculous trend. What on earth will the people be doing to themselves next?
I have stopped watching sports where its performers wear endless tatoos - Rugby and soccer in particular where I come from. They can go and play in front of someone else. I have had enough of their tatoos and other childish antics on the field.
Roger Henry| 9.17.12 @ 5:24PM
I gave up writing on myself in third grade.
Alej| 9.17.12 @ 8:36PM
Obviously, others never do, Roger ! Profound observation.
Pelleas| 9.17.12 @ 5:39PM
Y'all DON'T LIKE tattoos....???
THEN...DON'T GET THEM (on yourselves...)!!
SIMPLE..Nu?
like EVERYTHING ELSE that is "different" from the "norm" for you closed minded folks on this site..your reactions to a differing value /beliefs/POV/...IS MIND-BOGGLING narrow..
BTW..I PERSONALLY DON'T care for tatts...and would NEVER consider doing it, myself..BUT..I also don't find that those who do so are plotting the demise of "Western civilization"
Bob Grant| 9.17.12 @ 6:10PM
Strawman argument.
We're just trying to figure out the psyche behind body "art".
What, we can't comment on it?
Pelleas| 9.17.12 @ 6:16PM
The comments ..are a bit "Extreme"...no?
WTF does it matter---TO YOU..WHY some-else chooses to "ink" their OWN body...?--if ya don't care for it... keep away from THAT person...!
rjh| 9.17.12 @ 8:07PM
The people here are merely expressing their opinions. Perhaps they did not get the memo that you are the only one allowed to do so. Is there something wrong with your caps lock?
Alej| 9.17.12 @ 8:38PM
It was the subject of the article, Pelly Ass.
Occam's Tool| 9.19.12 @ 12:33PM
Alej: thanks for your service.
There's a major difference between military tats and the stuff we're seeing, just as my 60 year old rabid Maple Leaf fan nurse getting a Maple Leaf tattoo on her ankle is different from these tramp stamp things.
I kind of liked the days in which I didn't have a home key when I went off to school in the morning because the door would be open when I got home...things have changed a lot.
Not for my kids, but I had to choose my neighborhood carefully and spend money and time to get it done right for them.
My son, who is playing flag football now (he has a Bone anchored hearing aid, he will never play the real thing), is not only an excellent player (baseball next year for the boy), but the coach went up to my wife during the game and told her that Ike is the most polite boy he has ever coached. I hugged him and kidssed the top of his head when I got home, and told him how proud I was that not only was he a good player, but, even more so, that he was polite and well mannered, and what nachas it brought me. He's 8, and big and strong for his age.
It takes time and effort to do it right, and it's getting harder to do, as well.
Alasdair | 10.13.12 @ 5:46AM
It is sad that so many people have agreed to this article stereotyping others in a day and age where I thought most people were over that and a little more understanding.
But then this goes to prove the point that you really do not understand. Everyone here has agreed to Elie Kerrigans article until (I have only seen two replies for tattoo's so far) people give you a valid response about why they have tattoo's and like them. Then you all say "ah yes but in your case it is ok" how about you learn to understand other peoples points of view and get a balanced opinion first before we all start making offensive stereotypes about others.
Pecos Pete| 9.17.12 @ 6:46PM
If all of those with tats would vote for R&R then I'd get a tattoo.
Pecos Pete| 9.17.12 @ 6:47PM
A small one. Hidden away.
henry mossberg| 9.17.12 @ 7:44PM
Nothing says "I've never given a thought to my future" like a tattoo, especially the Career Killers on the head and neck. Ask a person with 2+ tattoos the following: which is greater, the total $ spent on your tattoos, or the current balance of your 401K? We bet 80% have more in tats than savings.
I get the sailor/marine with the anchor, or the con with the "Mom", but the tribal arm bands and the tramp stamps?? WTF are you thinking?
The ear lobe holes and facial piercings are just comical. Oh, and dentists love to repair the chipped teeth of the tongue pierced.
*enchante*| 9.17.12 @ 11:00PM
WOW! I'm glad i'm not the ONLY one who isnt into tattoos. OTOH i dont mind the temporary tats that COME OFF with baby oil because i treat them like a COSMETIC instead of scarrification of a sort. BTW, what will these young people say when their KIDS will want to either tat 80% of their faces OR BRAND themselves. Will they think mom,dad, and/or grandparents did was too 'square' because they are rebelling further away?
They should also get rid of the ear gauges as well. the only people who should be pierced are girls and only ONE IN EACH LOBE.. earrings on GIRLS look good and brightens the eyes. On guys it makes them look either softer, or weaker, no matter how tough they look on the outside. I told my daughter to NOT GET any and you could have a look with henna temporarily. People who dye their hair have to 'touch up' the new growth but that tat is FOREVER unless they IMPROVE. on the removal of tat.....if you MUST get one, at least wait until you are 50+. your skin wont change as much after that
Frank Drackman| 9.18.12 @ 8:33AM
Wow, 94 comments, and not one mention of that most predictive of Physiologic Values...
not HDL, LDL, VDRL,
the TATOO/TOOTH ratio.
And I know, "Shouldn't it be TATOO/TEETH?"??
Yes, I went to Med School in LA(Lower Alabama).
Frank
Occam's Tool| 9.19.12 @ 12:38PM
You went to University of Southern Alabama School of Medicine, Frank, really? In Mobile? I worked with the 1st Black graduate of that school, and his cousin. Excellent, excellent docs. Just wonderful to work with, and brilliant as well.
And Frank, as you are out in Cali these days, did you get an invite to join "The Hung Jury?"
Frank Drackman| 9.18.12 @ 8:39AM
And the funny thing is, there is no one accepted way to calculate the Tatoo/Tooth Ratio...
First of all, you've got the edentulous population, and everyone knows you can't divide by 0(Why not? you can multiply by 0, add 0, subtract 0)
And even with the normal 28 tooth population(i.e not Mississippi or West Vir-ginny) it would take 28 tatoos to reach a ratio of "1".
I preferred the way we do with burns, by % of body surface area, and since the average palm is about 1% of the total body surface, you can do it in about 2 seconds(story of my life)
for example, my Member is ummmm lets see,
about 33%...
Frank "Big Un'" Drackman
Alasdair | 10.12.12 @ 6:38AM
Wow, I am glad that thoughts and opinions like this are actually dying out with the older generations. I design Tattoos for people and love them completely. I have no tattoos myself but only for medical reasons. I love tattoos myself and think they are a form of artwork, not just from the tattoo designer, but the tattooist and the person who decides to make their body a canvas.
Obviously I see some that I personally think are appalling but that is my opinion only, just like I see certain paintings, architecture and design around the world that while some people love, I really don't. My job is to try to design a piece of art that I can only create with my customers ideas/brief it is not artwork for me so what I think of it doesn't matter, what my client thinks of it does and their idea in their head is what I have to try and produce. It is challenging but really enjoyable, you learn what people are really thinking and the meaning behind their tattoos that often people are too ignorant to understand.
[this is a 2 part comment]
Alasdair | 10.12.12 @ 6:39AM
[Part 2 :D]
I do not mind when people do not understand tattoos and probably never will, I don't even mind if you don't like them. But it annoys me when you spit your stereotypes and although you think tattoos are brands, you are the ones branding people with your sarcastic and derogatory words. I for example may think that people who go to work everyday in a suit are idiots, I work for myself creating art and can wear what I like, not just dress like everyone else just to blend in, but that is just another stereotype and I can understand people often have to dress a certain way to do the job they want (my opinion).
Sad truth is you turn up to a tattoo shop rich, poor, fat or slim, men, women; Germans, Spaniards, Americans as you say you will get the same amount of respect as anyone else for your choice. But turn up to any people who turn their noses up at other peoples choices like most the people on here and you get discriminated against. It is sad but I think this lack of respect and understanding for other peoples choices is what causes a lot of the problems in society today. As you say 'we are meant to evolve, polish, and refine our ways', but suits will never change, their lack of understanding and respect for others will always be the same (that's my opinion, a stereotype which I am not proud of but generally proves itself correct).
SirBillGuthrie| 10.12.12 @ 3:17PM
Well said indeed! There seems to be an amazing degree of uninformed prejudice both in the article and many of the comments. I know people in all walks of life from the aristocracy to manual workers who sport a wide range of tattoos from the ridiculous to the sublime from minimalist to total cover, many true works of art.
Art has had to struggle against prejudice for millennia - clearly nothing is about to change soon!
Alasdair | 10.13.12 @ 5:28AM
Ah yes, Prejudice is the word I was looking for!