Tattoos: What's the deal?

Beautiful art on a beautiful woman

The girl in the picture above is a perfect example of why I can't stand tats. She looks like she is trying to rebel against society... why? What the fuck is wrong with sticking to what nature gave you? I bet dollars to doughnuts that none of those tats mean a damn thing and that she will probably regret most if not all of them someday. If she really wanted to "improve" her body, she'd hit the gym a couple times a week and grow out her emo-style hair. I'm not saying she's fat, but the gym is a better way to improve a body. Her hair on the other hand is atrocious. I've seen mop heads that are sexier.

If she is a pretty hot chick I probably wouldn't toss her out of bed, but most tats are generic fucking tramp stamps that are just distracting... When I'm banging a chick, I don't want to be distracted.

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Originally posted by EricLindros

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Well, the folks here to refer to them as "low class" and "trashy" are certainly making character judgments.

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Maybe because they don't consider it a handicap and are more than happy to not be involved with overly superficial douchebags.

I didn't say anything about their character or their class. I resent the implication.

At the same time, we make lots of judgments of this nature. Consider smoking for example.

Quote:

Originally posted by EricLindros

For the dudes who don't like them, why not just consider them like a birthmark, or some sort of surgical scar, that, while perhaps not appealing to you, also has nothing to do with you, and leave it at that?

Because a birthmark doesn't look like Mickey Mouse, and it wasn't placed there on purpose. When I look at a woman, I want to see a woman, not a flower. I assure you, the last thing I would think a girl wants is me getting busy with her and then suddenly thinking of a surf board, a smurf, or a spiraling star.

It's just contrary - and yeah, it is something they do on purpose, to make a statement. When people make statements, we have something to judge them on. If they want to use their bodies to either attract attention, show that they're "unique" or make a statement, there are certain conclusions that can safely be drawn from those realities.

My two cents:

Tattoos done right can be sexy. They can have all the meaning in the world and still be Crap! The thing is, how well the age with her. I knew a girl with a really sweet Cat's face ( eyes and nose ) right above her belt line from hip bone to hip bone. It looks awesome. A few years from now, she'll have had some kids and that little sexy tabby face will be a Bengal tiger. (take a minute to picture that in your head.)

Quote:

Originally posted by newnicknameguy

The girl in the picture above is a perfect example of why I can't stand tats. She looks like she is trying to rebel against society... why? What the fuck is wrong with sticking to what nature gave you? I bet dollars to doughnuts that none of those tats mean a damn thing and that she will probably regret most if not all of them someday. If she really wanted to "improve" her body, she'd hit the gym a couple times a week and grow out her emo-style hair. I'm not saying she's fat, but the gym is a better way to improve a body. Her hair on the other hand is atrocious. I've seen mop heads that are sexier.

If she is a pretty hot chick I probably wouldn't toss her out of bed, but most tats are generic fucking tramp stamps that are just distracting... When I'm banging a chick, I don't want to be distracted.

In my mind this is exactly what we're discussing. Why is it your business what she does? Do you really think she cares about what you think of her tattoos? Like I said before we all like different things, I happen to like tattoos so I'd be more compatible with a girl who likes them to. I wouldn't give a rats ass if a girl told me she wouldn't date me because of my tattoos because that's not the kind of girl I want anyways.

@Tarquin
You're absolutely right. Whatever we do or don't do will always open us up to be judged but for some reason tattoos are far worse to a lot of you.
All this is is matching up personalities just like everything else. I love camping so I probably wouldn't do too well with a girl who hated it and because of that I'd rather end up with a chick who liked it to. Why don't you guys who don't like tattoos just leave it alone and stick to girls like you who don't like them either?

Personally, i don't give a damn if someone thinks my tats are trashy, indicate that i'm intellectually deficient, or reveal something about my upbringing. My tats are for me, each one represents an important event in my life, something that i chose to have a tribute put on my body for life. i don't have any ink that is below the sleeve line of my short sleeve shirts nor any above my collar...but that's a personal choice because of my profession.

As for tats on others, i used to look at others and try to figure out why they would do that to their bodies but i think as i've matured, i have become more appreciative of the artwork, because that's what it is, Art. Don't get me wrong, i have my opinion about what some people choose to put on their bodies, but people are free to do what they want and just cause i don't understand it, doesn't mean i have the right to voice my disapproval.

Now as for tats on women, i think the tramp stamp is cliche. I used to think it was hot, but it is more trendy. These days i've been getting turned on by half sleeves or upper back tats. Something that was designed specifically for that person is always hotter as well (those ones that come straight from a wall in a tat shop are just boring).

but that's my opinion, we all are entitled to our own.

Quote:

Originally posted by childsplay

@Tarquin
You're absolutely right. Whatever we do or don't do will always open us up to be judged but for some reason tattoos are far worse to a lot of you.
All this is is matching up personalities just like everything else.

Well said!

Quote:

Originally posted by childsplay

I love camping so I probably wouldn't do too well with a girl who hated it and because of that I'd rather end up with a chick who liked it to. Why don't you guys who don't like tattoos just leave it alone and stick to girls like you who don't like them either?

Well, in my case I already answered. It's because I see a girl I would really, really enjoy... If not for the ink. It's kind of like... If you loved cars and saw a Ferrari going down the road, with the paint chipping off and a bunch of bondo on it, the back fender falling off and some mag wheels on it.

It's his car and his choice, but it's still something that's disappointing to someone who cares about such things.

Especially if one of us is thinking about getting a car like that, and then we see one we'd love to have or even just drive for a while, but someone else has ruined it by doing something totally unnecessary.

There's a difference here because it's not just "not our taste."

It's that it effectively destroys the potential appreciating we would have for someone who is otherwise gorgeous. It's frustrating to those of us that appreciate the beauty of a woman in her natural skin.

Some points. There are two large problems with tattoos. #1 They are PERMANENT!!! There is no changing your mind later. No one knows what turns his or her life is going to take down the road. A good example: Good childrens show host MR. Rogers. Two guesses as to why he always wore those sweaters and the first one doesn't count. #2 They are not permanent (pardon the pun) Due to good old natural elasticity of the skin, some fading over time, and a minor thing we call aging, those tats you got at 25 are not going to look the same when you're 50. That girl with thr dragon on her shoulder now, It will probably look like it's licking her puss when she's 60. Some of those "cool" rock stars Will look like vomit on a stick in their old age. I personally prefer the old days of Popeye the sailor with just an anchor on the forearm.

@Tarquin
I had never looked at like that.

Quote:

Originally posted by frodo100

Some points. There are two large problems with tattoos. #1 They are PERMANENT!!! There is no changing your mind later. No one knows what turns his or her life is going to take down the road. A good example: Good childrens show host MR. Rogers. Two guesses as to why he always wore those sweaters and the first one doesn't count. #2 They are not permanent (pardon the pun) Due to good old natural elasticity of the skin, some fading over time, and a minor thing we call aging, those tats you got at 25 are not going to look the same when you're 50. That girl with thr dragon on her shoulder now, It will probably look like it's licking her puss when she's 60. Some of those "cool" rock stars Will look like vomit on a stick in their old age. I personally prefer the old days of Popeye the sailor with just an anchor on the forearm.

#1 is incorrect. They can be removed with the right amount of money.
#2 I'm not going around at the age of 50 + with my shirt off and showing everybody my fucked up looking tattoos.
Also, if you're with a women who has a tattoo like that and when she's 60 you're so disgusted by how it looks that you can't even touch her anymore then you're just fucked up.

Quote:

Originally posted by thegame14

everyone is entitled to their opinion and how they feel, to me paint is artistic, tattoo is white trash or whorish

there is always one who has to drag race or ethnicity into any 1/2 intelligent question.

i have a couple of tattoos, but i never cared what anyone else had or thought of mine... i judge people by how they act, not anything else...

Sorry, obviously touched a nerve there.

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Originally posted by J-Swiss

Tattoos can be cute or sexy if placed properly and done well and if there aren't tons of them. Generally I prefer girls without them. I wouldn't ever be in a serious relationship with a girl who had more then 1 or 2 really tiny ones.

And for the record I post negative comments on all kinds of stuff I don't like. The fatties, the preggos, the just plain ugly and the overly tattooed.

I know you speak your mind, you and Tarquin are pretty much the exception to the the rule. That's not a bad thing I respect that in people.

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Originally posted by childsplay

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I'm sorry to tell you this but everything we do in this world is following some kind of trend whether you like to admit it or not you follow trends everyday.

It's funny, tattoos used to be the way to rebel against society now putting them down is rebelling.

That's so very true. Anytime you try to avoid one trend you eventually end up falling into another. It's like all these emo/goth kids that think they are being unique but in reality they're just a part of another niche.

Quote:

Originally posted by jbecause

Tattoos have been around forever ([ Link ]). Just because you have them or like them doesn't mean you are being trendy as some of you have suggested. I got my first one when I was 29 to celebrate the birth of my first son and I got the second one a few months ago when my second was born. I certainly didn't get them because I thought it was cool. They commemorate two significant events in my life that will never change.

It's obviously a personal preference but I think they can be sexy on a woman depending on the tattoo itself the placement and the person. They can be, and often are, overdone but there are many a Suicide Girls that I think are beautiful.

Here's some advice...if you're trying to show reliable sources of information, leave wikipedia out

Quote:

Originally posted by frodo100

Some points. There are two large problems with tattoos. #1 They are PERMANENT!!! There is no changing your mind later. No one knows what turns his or her life is going to take down the road. A good example: Good childrens show host MR. Rogers. Two guesses as to why he always wore those sweaters and the first one doesn't count. #2 They are not permanent (pardon the pun) Due to good old natural elasticity of the skin, some fading over time, and a minor thing we call aging, those tats you got at 25 are not going to look the same when you're 50. That girl with thr dragon on her shoulder now, It will probably look like it's licking her puss when she's 60. Some of those "cool" rock stars Will look like vomit on a stick in their old age. I personally prefer the old days of Popeye the sailor with just an anchor on the forearm.

Well these claims you make are just plain false. Tattoos are not permanent, they can be removed. I have had two of mine removed (simply to get others in their place) and you couldn't tell I had even had one there. These procedures are not very expensive anymore as they are becoming more and more common place and will only continue to do so.

As far as old age is concerned that is largely dependent on how well you take care of your skin now isn't it? I know plenty of sixty year old women with amazingly smooth skin and if you take care of your tattoos with the same diligence they will look equally as good, it is called maintenance.

Quote:

Originally posted by Tarquin

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I didn't say anything about their character or their class. I resent the implication.

I'm touched by your sensibilities.

However, I wasn't referring to you with that passage. That's why I had quoted someone else.

Quote:

Originally posted by tarquin

At the same time, we make lots of judgments of this nature. Consider smoking for example.

Ok, so?

I don't judge people for smoking either. Apparently you, and others, do. I'm sure there are millions of guys who don't like people because of some petty thing or another. Bully for you folk.

Quote:

Originally posted by tarquin

Because a birthmark doesn't look like Mickey Mouse, and it wasn't placed there on purpose. When I look at a woman, I want to see a woman, not a flower. I assure you, the last thing I would think a girl wants is me getting busy with her and then suddenly thinking of a surf board, a smurf, or a spiraling star.

It's just contrary - and yeah, it is something they do on purpose, to make a statement. When people make statements, we have something to judge them on. If they want to use their bodies to either attract attention, show that they're "unique" or make a statement, there are certain conclusions that can safely be drawn from those realities.

I'm assuming you've never made a choice in your life you regret?

Lets say, for example, there's some chick, let's call her "Helen of fucking Troy" who, in her rebellious younger days, went out and got a few tattoos. Now, that was 5-10 years ago, but they're still visible. Now, let us further assume that she's one of the coolest chicks in the world, great sense of humor, all that jazz. Apparently you, and a lot of dudes here like you, would pass up on young Helen here, because of some poor choices she made as a lass. That's unfair to her, assuming any of you dudes are worth being around, and is generally handicapping yourself by severely limiting the number of women from which you have to choose.

Enjoy missing out on awesome people because you can't look past some superficial, non-structural, adornments.



I have a feeling that 50-60 years ago all you dudes would be lamenting the loss of "real" music with this newfangled "Rock & Roll crap" or claiming that this new television crap is going to totally destroy the youth of "today."

Quote:

Originally posted by childsplay

@Tarquin
I had never looked at like that.

Probably for the best.

The less often you equate people to material objects, such as cars, the better off you are.

I have noticed two things so far. There are those of you that both like and dislike tattoos based on their aesthetic value, and those that like/dislike them because of their socio-rebellious or trend setting nature.

As for aesthetic value, well aesthetics is the philosophy of art, a subject I care very much about. I'm finishing my masters degree in art theory right now because of it. Anything and everything can have aesthetic value it's just a matter of personal perspective and taste. Of course you do have to consider certain cultural, socio-economic, and geographical factors however in our information based world today that's becoming less and less a factor. But essentially what we find aesthetically pleasing is largely based on personal taste. That being said, everyone's personal tastes are influenced by their surroundings and the events that transpire in their lives just like their personalities, habits, etc. Now the value of tattoos aesthetically is unique because it operates on two planes. One being the human form and placing a tattoo on that form for aesthetic purposes, and two the tattoo itself a work of art with it's own aesthetic value. Now I think this where the two groups here are divided. Some of you see tattoos as one piece of art being stuck onto another for example putting a cool sticker on a Rembrandt. The other group see the tattoo and the person as a whole and don't make a distinction between the two. Now I know that I said aesthetics is a matter of taste but here we also see the left or right sides of the brain showing their dominance. Those that see the two as separate entities (sticker on the Rembrandt) are lefties in the brain department and generally have more analytical and technical personalities. Those that see the two as a whole are righty's and surprise, surprise, the more artistic of the two. There are plenty of other factors but this does show a physiological difference between the two groups.

One of the more subjective issues with the aesthetics of tattoos is perspective. The question is whether the person has tattoos to be aesthetically pleasing to an audience (you) or pleasing to themselves. Now some would argue that tattoos are a display therefore submitting them to the publics opinion. However others believe they much more personal and your opinion of them doesn't/shouldn't mean squat.

Personally I see tattoos as no different than make-up, dyeing your hair,shaved or unshaved pubes, fashion, or even cosmetic surgery. There are good and bad examples of all these but that is a matter of personal taste. In the end I think you should do what makes you happy. Life isn't long enough to make everyone else happy so worry about yourself, and anyone who criticizes that is a fool. Trying to be yourself AND be happy with it sounds like a much better idea than trying to live up to everyone's ridiculous standards. If you get a tattoo because you're trying to be trendy or make some sort of rebellious statement then I feel sorry for you. It's just like women who get boob jobs to look more attractive to others rather than making themselves feel better, it's just sad. Humans by nature are vane and narcissistic so there is no end to this but if can make yourself happy in the process go for it.

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Originally posted by sookyjumps

Now I know that I said aesthetics is a matter of taste but here we also see the left or right sides of the brain showing their dominance. Those that see the two as separate entities (sticker on the Rembrandt) are lefties in the brain department and generally have more analytical and technical personalities. Those that see the two as a whole are righty's and surprise, surprise, the more artistic of the two. There are plenty of other factors but this does show a physiological difference between the two groups.

Meh, maybe, maybe not.

I'm about as left-brained as you can get, yet tattoos on women don't bother me anywhere near as much as they do many others.

Wow! That was beautiful
I rarely ever read posts that long but I'm glad I did read that one.
I have no idea about the right and left side of the brain part so I'll take your word on that one but the last paragragh I couldn't agree more with.