[earay]

I find tattoos cathardic. Just do not understand the stigma about them.

[Eleora]

I think the stigma around tattoos is based on the history of them. A lot of aboriginal groups have rituals that involve body modification and when you think of how they've been treated throughout history, as an uncivilized group, I think tattoos are partially connected with that idea. That, and I think the idea of putting yourself through pain for some kind of artistic pleasure has been viewed as a bad thing.

Nobody has ever said anything negative about mine, but I have recieved a lot of crap from people over my piercings.

[Brian37]

they have surged in popularity over the past several years....personally I find them disgusting

I lump them in the same category as cell phones, expensive cars, fashion and pit bulls

people use them to draw attention to themselves in my opinion...why else would you put it where everyone can see it???

that my 2 cents

[PahaSapa]

i've had a lot a people give me a hard time about mine. maybe cause i got a lot in jail. i had a pit bull to

Tattoos are okay for other people, but I personally wouldn't get them because they are painful and permanent.

I have to disagree with you Brian, there are a lot of reasons why people would get a tattoo, cellphone, pit bull, etc. other then to just draw attention to themselves. (But that's just my opinion)

Originally Posted by girlbassplayer

I think the stigma around tattoos is based on the history of them. A lot of aboriginal groups have rituals that involve body modification and when you think of how they've been treated throughout history, as an uncivilized group, I think tattoos are partially connected with that idea. That, and I think the idea of putting yourself through pain for some kind of artistic pleasure has been viewed as a bad thing.

Nobody has ever said anything negative about mine, but I have recieved a lot of crap from people over my piercings.

Afternoon,

I have 'always' do to 'many' reason have/had a poor physical imgiane.
Age 30 first tatt. of course small hidden, rose!
Now 48 completely covered - not sleeved.
It was awesome therapy for me.
Instead of looking in the mirror to put myself down - I would see ART.

People will judge you for 'anything' so if it be tattoos, let it be so....

P.S. skin cancers so bad - I have my own color.
P.S.S. I put nothing on my body that comes from flash art. All are representative of something signatifitant (spelling Oh well)... is there a spell check on her

P.S.S. I really don't know the meaning of this thread, but tattoo caught my eye.

Cherrio - Happy St. Patricks

[SICKlySweet]

I think the reason why there is such a stigma about tattoo's and piercing's is because most (not all) (and like anything it is too bad, but it is how our society tends to function) of the people that have them are louder than the average, are a little bit more out there, make a little more trouble than the average person, are into the drugs and drinking, they tend to have a, "I don't care attitude" and they have a poor attitude. BUT not all are like this as I have stated previously.

Such as not all are snotty, Houtty Toutty, Look Down On You, Flaunt (and for the most part just don't feel well with themselves) High Fashion Wearing, Expensive with the Latest Cell Phone Carrying (Look I only have the best) type of persona's.

NOR,,, I have a Pitbull and his name is Spike and he is going to eat you. Overbreed, Fearful Looking, PPL that usually don't care for their dogs and make them out to be bad behavioral aggressive animals. The statistics are sadly high on the Pitbull's Reputation. BUT any dog can have a bad rap if treated unfairly. The Dalmation is one of them, ever thought about why they aren't a popular breed, it is because they can turn on you no matter how they are treated. (overbreed) IT IS TOO BAD WHAT HUMANS DO TO ONE ANOTHER AND THE ANIMALS THAT THEY SUPPOSIVELY LOVE. We def class things.

---AND knowing that when something has a bad rap, there are always weak ppl out there that want to do it to "be cool" by showing off what they have.

Met only a few with tats that were just showing them off (these ppl are having other issues, that is why they feel the need to make themselves look meaner, tougher, ect). Have seen many that have them because they mean something to them.

[lifelesstraveled]

I personally have no problem with tattoos. I actually got my second one today. I will never regret getting them because to me the represent certain parts of my life and each one has a meaning/story. To each is own, right? I dont think anyone should be looked down upon b/c of the way they choose to express themselves. My mom (who's opinion I tend to throw away with the trash) always has something to say (negative) about anything i do. She has never been supportive of my decisions, along with everyone else in my family. I have learned to not give a flying fish about their opinions. If someone wants to judge and dismiss another person because of the way they look, be it tall, short, thin, not so thin, tattoos/piercings or plain jane, they could possibly be missing out on getting to know a really fabulous person. You dont know what is on the inside of said person. But look at the world we live in.

Originally Posted by lifelesstraveled

I personally have no problem with tattoos. I actually got my second one today. I will never regret getting them because to me the represent certain parts of my life and each one has a meaning/story. To each is own, right? I dont think anyone should be looked down upon b/c of the way they choose to express themselves. My mom (who's opinion I tend to throw away with the trash) always has something to say (negative) about anything i do. She has never been supportive of my decisions, along with everyone else in my family. I have learned to not give a flying fish about their opinions. If someone wants to judge and dismiss another person because of the way they look, be it tall, short, thin, not so thin, tattoos/piercings or plain jane, they could possibly be missing out on getting to know a really fabulous person. You dont know what is on the inside of said person. But look at the world we live in.

I remember my first tattoo. I had always wanted one.... but. I'd followed this 'career' life = Executive Secutary. First one age 31. Figure by then I'd known for sure if it was thought through. Only one or two haven't been.
When the tattooist was done, he said "Welcome to the world of color". I liked that.
I'm glad you like your'e tattoo.

[HALLIEBETH87]

Ive realized I got most of my tattoos ( Ihave 5) when I was depressed...piercings when manic. As for tattoos.....its whatever. All of mine have meaning and they all remind me of my battles with depression and how far I have come.

Now piercings: why do people get so freaked about em? I see them in the same category as an ear lobe piercing

Originally Posted by HALLIEBETH87

Ive realized I got most of my tattoos ( Ihave 5) when I was depressed...piercings when manic. As for tattoos.....its whatever. All of mine have meaning and they all remind me of my battles with depression and how far I have come.

Now piercings: why do people get so freaked about em? I see them in the same category as an ear lobe piercing

So, so true.

I have gotten my tatts the same way.....

Some times I'd go to my Artist and say "I need to 'feel' some pain"

Originally Posted by earay

I find tattoos cathardic. Just do not understand the stigma about them.

Taking myself to a No Where Zone - Focusing out - But No Focus

som like dat

I'm confused too

[Michah]

Hey, I lurrve tattoos........but I have very strict likes and dislikes........I also find them cathartic.

I only have one at the moment as I am waiting for the right time to get my next one.........my partner pleaded with me to get my next one after we get married as it will go on my right arm under the one I have got. Sleeveless dress and all that........

My tattoo is a five pointed star meaning "the protection of God". I have never been asked to cover it and in my last job which was in a hospital with the government, they never had a problem with me wearing a singlet........I am a fairly conservative dresser so it didn't really stand out.

I got mine at the age of 20 but i knew what I wanted for 4 years........down to the pigment colour!! Most people are shocked when they see it for the first time because I am quite conservative but then they find themselves believing it to be me all along!! Every person that has observed it are strangely drawn even if they hate tattoos.........my light shines through it I guess, or the other way around.

I never get sick of it and I am barely aware its there.........I have never regretted it.......it is the mark of protection and safety.

Originally Posted by Michah

Hey, I lurrve tattoos........but I have very strict likes and dislikes........I also find them cathartic.

I only have one at the moment as I am waiting for the right time to get my next one.........my partner pleaded with me to get my next one after we get married as it will go on my right arm under the one I have got. Sleeveless dress and all that........

My tattoo is a five pointed star meaning "the protection of God". I have never been asked to cover it and in my last job which was in a hospital with the government, they never had a problem with me wearing a singlet........I am a fairly conservative dresser so it didn't really stand out.

I got mine at the age of 20 but i knew what I wanted for 4 years........down to the pigment colour!! Most people are shocked when they see it for the first time because I am quite conservative but then they find themselves believing it to be me all along!! Every person that has observed it are strangely drawn even if they hate tattoos.........my light shines through it I guess, or the other way around.

I never get sick of it and I am barely aware its there.........I have never regretted it.......it is the mark of protection and safety.

This is getting to be a GREAT conversation......
I'd love to share my stories too.... but am about to log off.....
would love to read this one..... Sounds exciting

Originally Posted by sincity74

i've had a lot a people give me a hard time about mine. maybe cause i got a lot in jail. i had a pit bull to

I noticed no one commented. Guess your tatt's were
'FREE FOR ME"

Originally Posted by girlbassplayer

I think the stigma around tattoos is based on the history of them. A lot of aboriginal groups have rituals that involve body modification and when you think of how they've been treated throughout history, as an uncivilized group, I think tattoos are partially connected with that idea. That, and I think the idea of putting yourself through pain for some kind of artistic pleasure has been viewed as a bad thing.

Nobody has ever said anything negative about mine, but I have recieved a lot of crap from people over my piercings.

My opinion: all have

What ever gets us through is what matters

Their down on you is oft' their own down on them selves.....

I salute you. Well I would, but I don't see an icon for one.

[HelloImStevie]

Originally Posted by Kaika

Tattoos are okay for other people, but I personally wouldn't get them because they are painful and permanent.

I have to disagree with you Brian, there are a lot of reasons why people would get a tattoo, cellphone, pit bull, etc. other then to just draw attention to themselves. (But that's just my opinion)

I agree with this exactly! Tattoos and body piercings are not my thing, but I have been known to like it on other people. Also, I have a cell phone, just like most of the population, and I like to look nice when I am at work or out running errands. It's certainly not to draw attention to myself (I am the least narcissistic person around) but because I feel good about myself when I look nice!

I would never get a pit bull, though, because I prefer Border(line) Collies and Labs!

[ne1410s]

Personally I think tattoos are just a way of expression, expressed in such a manner that the person deems necessary. I have one, granted its small and out of the way- I just like it. I think people's tattoos hold different meanings as to why they're there; this fact has been clear throughout this thread.

But hey...I like em

Originally Posted by sincity74

i've had a lot a people give me a hard time about mine. maybe cause i got a lot in jail. i had a pit bull to

I noticed no one commented. Guess your tatt's were
'FREE FOR ME"

[Balrog]

My wife has a small tattoo my daughters have them as well,as for
me i'm too chicken although I would love one,just don't want to be the wimp in the parlour

[lifelesstraveled]

Balrog---JMO, tattoos don't hurt nearly as much as people think they do. There is some discomfort, but for me it's tolerable. If you have a very very low threshold for pain I would defintely advise against it.

Let me put it to you like this...I wore some painful high heeled shoes to a meeting I had the other day ( I normally get to wear jeans and my uggs to work, but not that day). Those shoes made my feet HURT and the right one eventually ended up cutting my ring toe (ring toe??). When I got in the shower that evening, the water hitting that cut hurt WAAAAY (i thought I was going to cry LOL---jk..but it did hurt like heck) more than the entire 30 minutes it took to get my tattoo.

Originally Posted by Balrog

My wife has a small tattoo my daughters have them as well,as for
me i'm too chicken although I would love one,just don't want to be the wimp in the parlour

It is a fact that men are the ones that pass out most.

I love the body art. I do it for myself. I don't like others giving mine attention. I call it decorating my temple.
Cheerio to your family