[TheSmithsIndeed]

I was reading this...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisf...-jaguar-tattoo...

which is basically asking whether you can be too old to get a tattoo.

First of all, I think that this is a stupid question. I believe that a person should do what they want to with their own body so long as they're not harming others.

What I don't understand is why some people are so against tattoos on other people. Fair enough if you think that tattoos are common and trashy but I've had some friends who act as if inking your skin is a crime.

There are some comments in this piece that show just how much tattoos seem to annoy people. It all seem pretty irrational to me.

So, my question is: why is getting a tattoo so controversial? Why does it bother some people so much?

[eizhowa]

It is associated with certain stereotypes/enviroments you wouldn't want to be associated with.

[Schmokie Dragon]

Concern - what if they regret it, what if they get bored of it, how will they feel about it when they're older, etc.

Character judgements - people with tattoos are not 'team players' and don't 'fit in'. They are too individual, possibly crude/rude/thuggish. They don't care what others think about them and won't compromise their own tastes for the good of others (office dress codes etc).

Intelligence judgements - clearly, if they are getting a tattoo despite the fact they mat later regret it, they are stupid and don't think things through.

Stereotyping - gangsters, sailors and bikers get tattoos. 'Normal' people don't.

There is a lot of crap in there. Sure, some people with tattoos are loud mouthed thugs who deal drugs and ride a motorbike, and who will regret their 'Bob and Sue foreva' tattoo when they settle down with Sally, and who can't hold down a job due to their belligerent attitude. We shouldn't tar everyone who makes similar choices with the same brush.

[Colour Me Pretty]

One thing that makes me angry is people who don't have one and feel entitled to be self righteous and down right offensive when talking about people with tattoos. One comment I read (on a different article) likened women getting tattoos to a Ferrari with graffiti on it!

I have two tattoos that are meaningful to me but are quite small and easily hidden (one behind my ear and one on the back of my ankle). I like them, I don't think they make me look "cheap" or "tacky" and if someone thinks they do, oh well. If someone wants to judge me based on a bit of ink on my body then they are not someone I want to get to know anyway.

If you don't like tattoos then fair enough, admittedly some do look awful but it's not YOUR body, so get off your high horse and let people live their lives!

/rant




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[bananaslug77]

These are all the main reasons against tattoos people said to me when I was getting my tattoo:

It will look **** when I'm old. Really? I think in general I'm gonna look like **** when I'm old, a tattoo is hardly going to make a difference and people without any ink aren't going to be ****ing beautiful when they're old either!
What if you regret it later in life? People do a lot of things they regret later in life. In my opinion even if my tattoo lasts me ten years before I may regret it then I've had more than enough enjoyment out of it!
It looks trashy. All down to personal opinion. Don't like tattoos? Don't get one, don't hassle everyone else not to get one.
You'll never get a job! If an employer is seriously going to refuse to hire me because I have tattoos then I don't want to work for them. Get in the right century, people! Besides, being in the creative industry, no one gives a **** about tattoos - in fact, individuality is endorsed within many companies.
You're stupid. A tattoo does not indicate my intelligence level in the slightest!

[madders94]

I think it's silly; why do people take such an interest in what others do with their bodies? I mean, I'm going to look ugly when I'm old anyway, may as well do it in style. As for getting a job, I don't know what job will require me to have the back of my shoulder on show at all times . As for it looking trashy or having no meaning, the tattoo I'm getting has a very personal meaning to me - it's the logo of the hospital that saved my life and made my brother's last days comfortable, and I'll be so proud to have it. As for regretting it later in life; why would I? Whatever happens in the future doesn't take away the fact that if it hadn't been for the hospital, I wouldn't be alive! People need to butt out and let others lead their lives without the judgemental looks and comments.

[SnoochToTheBooch]

it's not really, they're very common now.

[JustCiara]

I am middle class (well, I don't believe in classes but of I did I would consider myself that) and I have 2 tattoos. My parents weren't happy about either but there's not a lot they can do now.

I have a small wrist tattoo and a pretty big back one.

Also, I don't get how you can be too old to get one. If you get one when you're 20, you'll still have it aged 80. If you get it aged 79, you'll still have it aged 80.

[Dmon1Unlimited]

I don't see anything wrong with getting a simple tattoo... The only reason I haven't got one is because 1) it costs more than 0 pence and 2) I'm paranoid it won't come out perfect... Millimetres off centre or whatever, and I'll be pissed off...

While funny, it is sad when you see mistakes in tattoos e.g. Spelling mistake, people using foreign languages and find out its the wrong meaning, people who make mistakes in general (e.g. Fireman tattooed wrong division number on arm) etc. that and it may fade/distort given time/variation in your weight.

Fix all that and I'll be happy

I can understand concern from friends/family (people who care for you) but if a stranger gets into a hissy fit, I won't have it

I would like to point out that it isn't impossible to remove a tattoo...

[Halogenation]

I think it's partly because people allow their current selves to engrave a permanent summarisation of their present beliefs/feelings which they in themselves are ironically temporary (or rather, are malleable in respect to time).

My step-brother who has a strong tendancy to act before he thinks recently got a silly leopard tattoo on his back. He is anything but the type of person who would relate to a predator like that.

[IRSP044]

One problem is if the tattoo is in any way political is could get you in bother on holidays etc.

[Annie72]

Quite frankly it's bugger all to do with anyone else if someone wants a tattoo!!.I have 2 of them myself.They're only small and are usually hidden, so not many people know I have them.My parents didnt mind that I had them done, I was 18 when I had the first one and my mum even came with me.I didnt ask her to, she just did.My tatts are almost 20 years old and not once in all that time have I regretted having them done.Nor do they look strange/weird or whatever, they would benefit from being re coloured, but apart from that they are fine.

I have kids of my own and I'd be fine with them having tattoos.

[boba]

I don't really understand why people make a big thing about it, I don't understand why some people who don't like them are so overly against anyone having one rather than just not doing it themselves and I don't understand why some people who like them can't accept that others don't.

only a small amount of people most people are more sensible about it. but those with the strongest opinions are most likely to express them and make a big deal about them.

[cococake]

(Original post by SnoochToTheBooch)
it's not really, they're very common now.

Totally agree, tattoos aren't controversial any more, they're more of a fashion statement, and it's incredible how quickly the perception has changed. I got a rose on my back 3 years ago in memory of my aunt and a lot of people at first were like ooh ahh amazing etc. Now they've all got them.

As for age, you're only as old as you think you are! My mum (51) has a flower on her shoulder which is nice, and a small tribal band around her arm which personally I'm not keen on, but each to their own eh?

[Chumbaniya]

(Original post by bananaslug77)
It will look **** when I'm old. Really? I think in general I'm gonna look like **** when I'm old, a tattoo is hardly going to make a difference and people without any ink aren't going to be ****ing beautiful when they're old either!

Relevant



I really don't feel like tattoos are controversial. I suppose tattoos, particularly those with any controversial or evocative content, in places visible in a work uniform can still be a concern for some, but other than that they've been around forever and are pretty widely accepted.

[angellives]

I have two currently but about to get 3rd and 4th done next week.
• I'm also a student nurse; not a thug.
• My other half Is a sailor with no tattoos; beats that stereotype.
• I've had the one biggish tattoo (on the side of my stomach) for 4 years, had it added to earlier this year... And had the smaller one on the inside of my foot for 2 years... Never regretted them! They mark a chapter of my life.
• I've had a boyfriend leave me because of my tattoos... All I said was "his loss".

Tattoos don't make you a bad person! Hell I used to work along side the police for my DofE community and never been in trouble with them.



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