Tattoos (Page 1 of 6)

Voodoo--
i've always looked at tattoos as indicating a desire to be branded (either as a personal brand/identification or as property of another).
bumperstickers for the body, acts of vanity.
most people i know who have tattoos ultimately regret getting them.
i wouldn't date a woman with a tattoo--it goes to her unoriginality and lack of individuation.
but hey--it's your money, your body and your risk of infection!

I have to admit, I've never really understood why people feel the need to get tattoos. I'm sure there are some people that have really great tattoos and great reasons for having them, but 99% of tattoos I see look absolute crap in my opinion and seem to have no relevance to anything.

A friend of mine who has a few tattoos (really bad ones imo) keeps saying to me "Come on Andy, you've gotta get yourself a tattoo, they're really cool" and all I can think is "What the hell's so freaking cool about a tattoo?" I don't get it. But that's just me.

*chuckles*

Speaking for only myself, my decision to get a tattoo was a 12 year process, a great deal of self exploration, and intense, multiple visits to a number of tattoo parlors.

Its placement and design have specific intent for me and its intentions are personal rather than a statement to a wide audience.

If one chooses to get a tattoo, it is important to visit a reputable artist.  Take the time to explore the environment and know enough about sterile techniques to be sure you are not putting yourself at risk for infection.

Be well.

SW

I am genuinely interested in the intensity of the reactions posted here.  I must also admit to being genuinely surprised- not only by the energy put into the posts, but the judgements attached.

Voodoo, I am unsure of your intent beyond sharing your process and story, and appreciated your willingness to share.  So thank you.

Be well.

SW

I have a tattoo on the upper part of my arm that reads "Life" when viewed right-side up, and "Death" when upside down. Here's a picture showing both views:

It doesn't mean that I think death and life are equal, only that I tend to see death where others see life. (As I look down on my shoulder, from my viewpoint it says "Death".) Most of the things people do as a part of "living" have no spiritual component, and therefore lead only to death. I also think it's a badass design.

I found another design that I'd like to get on the same spot on my other arm that says "Love" and "Hate" at the same time:

That one I'd just get for the symmetry, really. I guess I could say that there can be love in hate, as when one hates hypocrisy.

This one can also be read upside down. It contains the names of the four elements. I'd like to get it done just under the collar line in the middle of my back:

Strangers never see my tattoos because I never wear a sleeveless shirt. I'll show 'em to people if they ask if whether I have any tattoos, though.

Most tattoos I've seen apear about as aesthetically pleasing as the graffiti tags on city street corners.   I don't get why people like the images at all, much less would want to brand them permanently on their own bodies.  When I see tattoos I feel an involuntary kind of shock and revulsion.     I feel strongly (again, feel as opposed to think) that the body IS a temple and shouldn't be desecrated like that. 

However, intellectually speaking I don't see any problem with tattoos, and can't think of any rational argument for or against them (other than whatever possible health issues might exist).

Two people in this thread have already commented they wouldn't even date someone with a tattoo.  I find that interesting.   I wonder if there might exist a fundamental spiritual or psychological difference between people who get (or want) tattoos, and those who don't, or if it's just a matter of personal preference/prejudice.

People who stand up for what is right, even at great personal risk and when everyone else disagrees; people who are ruthlessly honest with themselves and others, and live their own truths:  I've always thought these were the unconventional and brave souls.