I have bounced around the Middle-East and now the Philippines, involved in security work. I was on a number of maritime security teams in the Indian Ocean, Red sea and so on. The other team members were mostly Brits. All but a few of them had tattoos and I recall them having discussions of what there “next one” would be. Much more than I had seen in the US as a group.Tattoo’s are becoming very popular here in the Philippines, men and women both. I see no value to them. My father had some and by the time I was old enough to listen, he was regretting them.
I view tattooing in much the same way I view smoking. If others want to do it, that is their business, but...I just don’t see what the heck you get out of it.
I have never understood smoking. I tried it as a kid, and wondered why people got so excited about it. It cost you money, and it didn’t even give you a buzz that I could detect.
Now, with a pack of cigarettes at 8-10 dollars a pack, I REALLY wonder.