Absolute vanity about tattoos.

[ozaukeemom]

Over the years, I have thought about getting a tattoo. Surprising considering my fear of needles! lol I see them everywhere on every classs of person, I see the artwork vary from onr body to another.What causes someone to decide to have a tattoo. Is it cultural? Is it a fad? I am seriously thinking about it now. Any stories, suggestions? Thank you!

[aruanan]

I’m in my 60s. None of my tattoos have changed. My newest one is over 20 years old.

Then I guess they must have been tattoos of bruised roaches.

[Little Ray]

My grandfather had a tattoo. My grandfather was also a Gunner’s Mate on a four-stack destroyer in WWI and served in the Allied Expeditionary Force to Russia in 1919-1920.

If I had personal achievements like that, there might a tattoo on me, too. But their ain’t and there ain’t gonna be...

[R. Scott]

Must have been.

[ozaukeemom]

lots of great responses!
I do not want a tramp stamp. :)
I have admired some of the artwork in tattoos. I do not understand the graffitti types, though. It is a big decision and one I need to think long and hard about. There are people I cherish and events that have shaped me. I have seen others with tattoos celebrate them with taste. It is a different idea from having one myself.
I love to come here and get opinions. I know they will be real and not just off the cuff digs. Thank you!

[IronKros]

Actually no. You don't see them on every class of person - just some classes of people. Go to a large corporation and look at the management. You won't see any tatoos or piercings. Go to a hospital. You won't see any tatoos on the doctors. Go to any stockholders meeting. You won't see any tatoos on the board members.
Have you forgotten that the tattoo trend re-emerged when these people where in college? Most of the professions you just listed are staffed by those who were part of a Fraternity or Sorority. Those places are not really known for their encouragement of independent thinking.

Also, I happen to know some people in those professions with tattoos. I know a doctor who has Jimi Hendrix and the Star Wars symbol of the bounty hunter on his back. Does that make him less of a doctor?

[Califreak]

Oh lord-what was that?

[Inwoodian]

While you’re at it you should change your name to Drew Peacock (think about it).

[from occupied ga]

Does that make him less of a doctor?

Hmmmm. Lemmie see. Should I go to the doctor who looks like a carney side show escapee or one who looks professionsal. Hard choice.

And where do you get that doctors and managers belong to fraternities/sororities? I know a number of doctors, and about 5% were in frats. Mostnever ventured out of the dorm except to class and the library. The ones who made it into medical school were NOT party animals. Plus I work in a professional setting. I see absolutely ZERO "tats" among my co-workers. One guy has a brother who just had to have one - a band around his neck - and now he can only get crappy jobs. If you want to look like you always wanted to live in a trailer park then get that tatoo, and a few piercings to go along with it.

[L98Fiero]

“The ending of that skit always cracks me up.”

Yeah, I wasn’t ready for that. :)

[from occupied ga]

Does that make him less of a doctor?

Answer number two. What do you call the guy who graduated last in his class at medical school? Answer: Doctor. So the answer to your question is YES.

[auto power]

Don’t do it....you will have this “thing” following you around for the rest of your life...tatoos, contrary to some public opinions, are not attractive, employers do not like to see them and will not hire individuals who display them in interviews...a small rose on a breast eventually becomes a long stemmed rose later in life...if you catch my drift...

[IronKros]

I also work in a professional setting, and I can say that I see no tattoos... which means they do not have them from the elbow down or on their face. There is plenty of places left for a tattoo.

If someone chooses to place a tattoo on their body in a place you cannot see, what business is it of yours?

Med School comes after the 4 years of College. When I was in college the Frats and Sororities where filled with business majors and the doctors I know belonged to a frat. Now I know that is not a very good statistic to use, and I should have clarified it up front that it is my personal empirical data.

[DungeonMaster]

My wife has 8 roses around her ankle, each one is the birth stone color of one our our 8 kids.

[from occupied ga]

If someone chooses to place a tattoo on their body in a place you cannot see, what business is it of yours?

Frankly I don't give a rat's ass if people have tatoos or not. But from my observations, it's more likely that the guy working at the carwash will have one than the guy who drives his porsche in the carwash. Having one in a hidden place seems to be the trick. If you have to have one, put it where no one else knows. At least one of my first cousins once removed has one, but he's a dufus to start with

[ozaukeemom]

excellent response!
I do work with people who have tattoos. None are blatant or crass. Each one has a story.

[Babu]

Not a good health decision — My wife is a nurse and works in a hospital. When any patient is checked into the hospital, there is an indication made on the chart if the patient has any tatoos. This is because of the fact that there is a very high rate of Hepatitis in inked people.

[IronKros]

I agree with you there... put one where it will not affect your future.

I have one on my upper arm by my shoulder. You cannot see it even if I'm wearing a short sleeve shirt. The only time you can see it is if I want you to see it. I am currently employed with a Fortune 500 company with over 30k employees making a very nice salary. I am also 30 years old. I went to college with several other people with tattoos who were going into the white collar world. I saw many many tattoos there. The horrible part is that most were tribal or impulse flash art. But these people have them, and they are working with you. :)

[montag813]

I find women with tattoos repulsive.

[Eagle Eye]

have often been in positions to have them done.

I sat in a chair for mine.

What positions were you in?

[1Old Pro]

DON’T