The DU Lounge
Related: Culture Forums, Support ForumsWhy do people get tattoos? Is it just because it's the vogue?
and if that's the case, there were plenty of people who got them before it was the vogue. Why did those people
get them?
Neoma
(10,039 posts)I dunno.
at least that's my excuse.
Neoma
(10,039 posts)His best friend's wife wanted to be a tattoo artist, so she used him as practice. They did it in a kitchen. His attitude was, "Yeah sure, whatever."
It's a dragon, and he puts no symbolism on it whatsoever. Doesn't hate it and when I ask if he likes he says, "I suppose." He's a rather mellow guy.
JustABozoOnThisBus
(23,354 posts)That's why God invented cats and electric razors. Tattoo practice.
The Velveteen Ocelot
(115,757 posts)with jewelry, makeup, etc. Never cared to do it myself because it's permanent, but to each his own. Maybe that permanence is the attraction for some, but if you get your sweetie's name tattooed on yourself and later break up, it could be awkward.
cliffordu
(30,994 posts)I was in a boy's ranch for crimes against the state, mopery and all around dickish behavior.
It was a gang thing to get a tattoo.
In those days the only other people who had them were military guys, hookers and bikers.
I didn't know which I wanted to be.
I have a few others, and am thinking of getting more soon.
gratuitous
(82,849 posts)A military guy, a hooker or a biker?
JustABozoOnThisBus
(23,354 posts)cliffordu
(30,994 posts)Not all at once, of course......
LeftinOH
(5,355 posts)to express one's individuality.
Personally, I find most tattoos ugly. To each his/her own.
MilesColtrane
(18,678 posts)Tattoos are permanent lifestyle accessories.
Enrique
(27,461 posts)I happen to disagree with them, but there's no accounting for taste.
The people I know who like tattoos are artistic people, which I am definitely not, so I don't have any illusions of being "right" on the aesthetics.
Irishonly
(3,344 posts)I did it because it was a fund raiser for our local Cancer Care Center. I have an itty bitty pink ribbon to celebrate almost 13 years of being free of cancer.
polly7
(20,582 posts)I was lucky enough to have a really talented artist, he came up with some really nice ideas. For me, they're like permanent jewelry. Especially because I've never been able to wear anything but plastic.
Maine-ah
(9,902 posts)Mine is for my Father who died 17 years ago. I have a new one in the works for my Mom, but I want that done before she leaves us.
fizzgig
(24,146 posts)it's just another form of self-expression or adornment. my husband has some really effing absurd tattoos, but it's something i love about him.
ZombieHorde
(29,047 posts)Vanity, to celebrate the life of a loved one who has died, spiritual reasons, group association, to impress someone, to cover a scar, prison survival, etc.
easttexaslefty
(1,554 posts)because I think they're beautiful. Why else would someone get one?
HopeHoops
(47,675 posts)I've got a small one (below the belt line) that's my wife's personal icon. I got it for our 13th anniversary (a long time ago in a town far, far, away). And no, I wasn't drunk at the time. I scheduled it. She loved it.
hifiguy
(33,688 posts)but I am in my 50s. When I was a teenager the only people who had tattoos were sailors and hard-core bikers.
Frankly, I'd never put permanently on my body any art I would not want on my walls, where at least I could take it down when I tired of it.
But different strokes for different folks and all.
Iggo
(47,558 posts)Kind of like a permanent hairstyle, maybe.
OriginalGeek
(12,132 posts)in my mind.
I don't have a single dot of ink on my skin though.
I want some tatts but I just haven't figured out what I want the tattoo to be.
After Master of Puppets came out I was sure I wanted a Metallica tattoo. Boy I'm glad I was broke then.
Still thinking about getting a Napalm Death tattoo. They never once put out an album I hated. Not one song even. And Barney (their lead singer) is a good liberal atheist so that only endears me to him more. (Or is that endears him to me? no matter, I dig his politics and his music.)
But most likely I will start with my family crest/shield/badge or something else relating to my Scottish heritage. But I want it to include our tartan and I have been told tattooists hate to do plaid and especially when it needs to be accurate...
but I better figure out something soon...I'm sure I'm running out of time...lol
I do love tattoo art. My wife doesn't have any either but we have talked about getting some. I don't think she's too into it though other than something small and hidden. Mine would have to be reasonably hideable though - my company frowns on too much unconcealed art. (Although they have relaxed a little in the last several years simply becasue it's hard to get anyone in for an interview that doesn't already have some art.)
hamsterjill
(15,222 posts)It's a personal decision, I suppose. I don't know why anyone would want one, but obviously some people enjoy having them, and that is their right. I don't like them at all. To me, it would be like wearing the same pair of shoes day after day after day after day...
La Lioness Priyanka
(53,866 posts)why anything?
jberryhill
(62,444 posts)kaitcat
(193 posts)14 tatts, leathers, great beard -- no bike.
Anyway, I waited till my 21st birthday to get it -- a black big cat on my shoulder. Purty. Never regretted it.
I'm 48 now. About three years ago I could finally afford to get the Celtic anklet I wanted. I left space for wings up my calf that I didn't like and so didn't show up for the next appointment. But I love my anklet because I don't need a mirror to appreciate it and I've always had great legs.