# Are tattoos on their way out? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [July 1, 2010, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-tattoos-on-their-way-out/545197 "2010-07-01T15:28:27Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![chappachula](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/d2c977/32.png) [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2010, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-tattoos-on-their-way-out/545197/61 "2010-07-03T19:00:04Z")
> [@pravnik](#): > > What’s the Chinese character for “baffling hostility?” gee, I dunno what the Chinese character looks like, and you know what?–I don’t care, and I don’t want to see it on your arm every time you hand me the phone or pass me a piece of paper. You aren’t so special that you have to shout to the whole world “HEY LOOK AT ME”. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2010, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-tattoos-on-their-way-out/545197/62 "2010-07-03T19:03:43Z")
> [@Khaki\_Campbell](#): > > You know what’s the difference between a tattooed and an untattooed person ? > A tattooed person will never think of you in a negative way if you’re not tattooed, while an untattooed person might do so if you are. I have direct experience to the contrary, actually. There ARE some tattooed jackasses. That said - I really don’t have any say on what you do with your body, and don’t really much care. I’d prefer those who get tattooes get well done ones that are tasteful, but I’m adult enough to realize that what I like and what someone else likes may be two different things. ---
**Author:** ![pravnik](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/8edcca/32.png) [@pravnik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pravnik)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2010, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-tattoos-on-their-way-out/545197/63 "2010-07-03T19:07:24Z")
> [@chappachula](#): > > gee, I dunno what the Chinese character looks like, and you know what?–I don’t care, and I don’t want to see it on your arm every time you hand me the phone or pass me a piece of paper. > You aren’t so special that you have to shout to the whole world “HEY LOOK AT ME”. Wow…no offense, but you seem rather easily upset. ---
**Author:** ![Ephemera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8baadc/32.png) [@Ephemera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ephemera)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2010, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-tattoos-on-their-way-out/545197/64 "2010-07-03T19:14:41Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > I have direct experience to the contrary, actually. There ARE some tattooed jackasses. Of course there are. Have you been looked down on by a tattooed person simply because you’re not inked as well, though? I imagine it’s probably happened at some point throughout history, but I’d be pretty surprised to actually witness it. On the other hand, **chappachula** ’s strange belligerence is all too common amongst people without tattoos, and I say that as someone who has no ink. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2010, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-tattoos-on-their-way-out/545197/65 "2010-07-03T19:15:51Z")
> [@The\_Shroud](#): > > I hope so. I’ve never quite been able to wrap my head around the appeal of a tattoo. Maybe it’s because I was such a fan of Popeye when I was a kid; I associate them with grizzled sailors. I tend to associate tattoos with ex-cons, viral hepatitis, people who wind up on autopsy tables (I’ve seen some doozies) and virtually tattoo-covered NBA players. As for the poll results involving non-tattooed folks, I’d definitely go along with the “makes you look less attractive” view, but as for “more rebellious” - :dubious: There’s so many people with tattoos, seems like the rebellion has been diluted down considerably. Any Dopers still considering careers/career changes: investigate laser or other forms of tattoo removal. Someone’s going to be making big bucks in the field in coming years. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2010, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-tattoos-on-their-way-out/545197/66 "2010-07-03T20:19:35Z")
> [@Aesiron](#): > > Of course there are. Have you been looked down on by a tattooed person simply because you’re not inked as well, though? Yes, I said that. What did you think I meant by “direct experience to the contrary”? Yes, yes, yes. Is that clear yet? > [@](#): > > I imagine it’s probably happened at some point throughout history, but I’d be pretty surprised to actually witness it. I was pretty surprised when I experienced it. > [@](#): > > On the other hand, **chappachula** ’s strange belligerence is all too common amongst people without tattoos, and I say that as someone who has no ink. Oh, definitely there are belligerent people without tats, too. Never denied it. ---
**Author:** ![Khaki\_Campbell](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9de053/32.png) [@Khaki\_Campbell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khaki_Campbell)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2010, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-tattoos-on-their-way-out/545197/67 "2010-07-03T20:20:32Z")
> [@chappachula](#): > > And a cigarette smoker will not think of you in a negative way if you’re not a smoker, while a non-smoker might do so if you are… > > Tatoos are a lot like cigarettes—if you want to damage your body, please don’t make me put up with it . > If you want to mutilate your body, at least show enough maturity to be subtle, and not display it. > It is as obnoxious as ,say, posting on the internet USING ALL CAPITAL LETTERS ALL THE TIME, JUST BECAUSE YOU THINK ITS NEAT AND MATCHES YOUR PERSONALITY. > A visible tatoo is an obnoxious way of calling attention to yourself constantly.SEE LOOK AT ME, I’M GREAT. Just for the record, all my art is covered under a short-sleeved shirt, so that your oh-so-pwecious eyes won’t see it, and thus won’t get cancer-of-the-eyes. And I don’t call for the attention of other people, especially of judgmental morons like you. I’m inked because I feel like it, it’s ingrained in me, it’s my stuff, 100%. If it’s for other people, it’s in intimacy, for similar-minded women. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2010, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-tattoos-on-their-way-out/545197/68 "2010-07-03T20:30:42Z")
> [@](#): > > A tattooed person will never think of you in a negative way if you’re not tattooed, while an untattooed person might do so if you are. And yet, here you are thinking negatively of untattooed people. ---
**Author:** ![Ephemera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8baadc/32.png) [@Ephemera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ephemera)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2010, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-tattoos-on-their-way-out/545197/69 "2010-07-03T20:44:50Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > Yes, I said that. What did you think I meant by “direct experience to the contrary”? Yes, yes, yes. Is that clear yet? Obviously, I didn’t, or wouldn’t have quoted you. Is there some reason you’re being so snarky in reply? ---
**Author:** ![smithsb](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smithsb/32/12107_2.png) [@smithsb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smithsb)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2010, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-tattoos-on-their-way-out/545197/70 "2010-07-03T23:01:27Z")
Don’t forget cosmetic tattoos. Lots of ladies are getting eyebrows, eyeliners, and even lips tattooed. A couple of friends who would comment negatively on garish tattoos (not my opinion - their words) have had their eyes done. Are they being hypocritical? Their argument would be form versus function. ---
**Author:** ![Chimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2010, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-tattoos-on-their-way-out/545197/71 "2010-07-03T23:12:49Z")
I love how the “Intelligent” columns in the stuff **Little Nemo** posted add up to 101. The irony is delicious. As for the OP, all I can say is; **Dear God, I hope so. Hurray for the end of "The Carny Decade"** (Shaved heads, piercings, tatoos) ---
**Author:** ![Nzinga\_Seated](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/b5ac83/32.png) [@Nzinga\_Seated](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nzinga_Seated)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2010, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-tattoos-on-their-way-out/545197/72 "2010-07-03T23:22:38Z")
> [@chappachula](#): > > And a cigarette smoker will not think of you in a negative way if you’re not a smoker, while a non-smoker might do so if you are… > > Tatoos are a lot like cigarettes—if you want to damage your body, please don’t make me put up with it . > If you want to mutilate your body, at least show enough maturity to be subtle, and not display it. > It is as obnoxious as ,say, posting on the internet USING ALL CAPITAL LETTERS ALL THE TIME, JUST BECAUSE YOU THINK ITS NEAT AND MATCHES YOUR PERSONALITY. > A visible tatoo is an obnoxious way of calling attention to yourself constantly.SEE LOOK AT ME, I’M GREAT. How about pink hair? Or colorful glasses? Or a mohawk hairdo? Or an afro? Or a weird hat? In what way are people allowed to express themselves before you decide thatthey are not ‘subtle’ enough and are attention whores. Consider this. Some people dress in a way that not only they like, but that the kind of subculture that they relate to may appreciate. How does it make them attention whores if they aren’t really seeking the attention of those that aren’t likely to appreciate their tattoos or their style? Your post is really throwing me off, I gotta say. It is way over the top. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2010, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-tattoos-on-their-way-out/545197/73 "2010-07-03T23:24:14Z")
I saw an amusing talk show dedicated to tattoos. The first guest was a lady who was covered in very well done tattoo art. She was bitter as hell though. She must have repeated the mantra “the difference between people who have tattoos and those who don’t is that people with tattoos don’t care if you don’t have one” four or five times in different ways. Other guests were parents who didn’t let their teens get a tattoo and tattooed people discussing discrimination they faced. Finally they had a guy who was getting his full sleeve tattoos removed. The first lady was fit to be tied. The most vitriol from one person to another was her to him. Of course she was the one who said that people with tattoos didn’t care. I know she’s not typical but it was funny as hell. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2010, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-tattoos-on-their-way-out/545197/74 "2010-07-04T00:50:27Z")
> [@Aesiron](#): > > Obviously, I didn’t, or wouldn’t have quoted you. Is there some reason you’re being so snarky in reply? Not meant to be snarky, just thought my answer was very clear and I had no idea why you were so skeptical of my statement of negative reaction from a tattooed person to my non-inked status. ---
**Author:** ![samclem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a9a28c/32.png) [@samclem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samclem)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2010, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-tattoos-on-their-way-out/545197/75 "2010-07-04T01:05:36Z")
> [@Khaki\_Campbell](#): > > Just for the record, all my art is covered under a short-sleeved shirt, so that your oh-so-pwecious eyes won’t see it, and thus won’t get cancer-of-the-eyes. > > And I don’t call for the attention of other people, especially of judgmental morons like you. I’m inked because I feel like it, it’s ingrained in me, it’s my stuff, 100%. If it’s for other people, it’s in intimacy, for similar-minded women. **Khaki**. Dial it back a notch. Calling someone a “judgemental moron” isn’t allowed outside the Pit. OK? **samclem** Moderator ---
**Author:** ![Green\_Bean](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/green_bean/32/1760_2.png) [@Green\_Bean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Green_Bean)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2010, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-tattoos-on-their-way-out/545197/76 "2010-07-04T03:15:23Z")
I have a feeling that tattoos are kind of like skateboards–a big huge fad that has/will become a regular part of our culture. And sometimes I do feel slightly “subversive” for not having any, especially because I like them. (Well, the well-done ones anyway.) Sometimes I feel like I’m the only person around without any. > [@Marley23](#): > > And on top of that, models have a professional reason not to get a tattoo: it can cost you a job if the client doesn’t want someone with a tattoo. This is something that really bugs me when watching Project Runway. I just don’t get why aspiring models would get tattoos. Seems like a pretty stupid choice career-wise. > [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > Probably not many. > > On the other hand, not many 21 year old women were having abortions in 1960, but I don’t think you’d call _that_ a fad. You’re incorrect, sir. There were lots of 21 year old women having abortions in 1960 in the United States. They just weren’t having legal ones. > [@chappachula](#): > > gee, I dunno what the Chinese character looks like, and you know what?–I don’t care, and I don’t want to see it on your arm every time you hand me the phone or pass me a piece of paper. > You aren’t so special that you have to shout to the whole world “HEY LOOK AT ME”. Maybe you don’t want to see my red nail polish every time I hand you a piece of paper. Sorry, but if you’re so easily offended by some random tattoo, then maybe you ought to just hide out in bed with your head under the covers. ---
**Author:** ![chappachula](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/d2c977/32.png) [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2010, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-tattoos-on-their-way-out/545197/77 "2010-07-04T03:31:14Z")
> [@Nzinga\_Seated](#): > > How about pink hair? Or colorful glasses? Or a mohawk hairdo? Or an afro? Or a weird hat? In what way are people allowed to express themselves before you decide thatthey are not ‘subtle’ enough and are attention whores. > > Some people dress in a way that not only they like, but that the kind of subculture that they relate to may appreciate. you just reinforced my point , actually. Some people do have pink hair or mohawks, because their sub-culture (say, teenage punk) is more important to them then MY sub-culture (of ,say, a 40 year old manager of a legal office, whose clients all wear business suits and don’t have pink hair). And that is fine by me—if you want to be a punk, take responsibility for it—get a job in a punk club, have punk friends , and enjoy your life as much as you want. But I’ve noticed in life that most people who have pink hair and mohawks eventually stop having pink hair and mohawks. And people who wear funny hats are funny, and enjoyable to be with—if I’m at a party or a football game full of people with funny hats. But those people stop wearing funny hats when they come to work or go to church. Everything has its place…and the place for a tatoo is underneath your clothing. Like your underwear. Wear what you feel comfortable with, but don’t show it to me at work. ---
**Author:** ![elmwood](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmwood/32/3060_2.png) [@elmwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elmwood)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2010, 4:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-tattoos-on-their-way-out/545197/78 "2010-07-04T04:27:08Z")
> [@Khaki\_Campbell](#): > > A tattooed person will never think of you in a negative way if you’re not tattooed, while an untattooed person might do so if you are. You haven’t lived in Austin. ---
**Author:** ![Mesquite-oh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a183cd/32.png) [@Mesquite-oh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mesquite-oh)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2010, 8:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-tattoos-on-their-way-out/545197/79 "2010-07-04T08:10:46Z")
> [@The\_Shroud](#): > > When I see a beautiful young woman whose perfectly smooth skin is interrupted by a mottled amateur rendering of some sort of winged creature, my response is always “aww.” It’s like someone graffiti-ed the Mona Lisa. I kinda see ya working. With me it is when I am meeting and training new staff. There is sometimes a kind of conflict in my head when I meet a really nice young person with a really unattractive or cheesy (to my eyes) tattoo. I will be looking and talking to them and being impressed with their earnestness but now and then I will be distracted by the word “Savory” written in a gangster script on the back of their neck. So I start thinking, if the tattoo is on their body and expression of themselves, what exactly does the tattoo mean? Nickname? Life philosophy? Inside joke? Some kind of slang that I don’t know? So which guy are you? The earnest guy? The cheesey tattoo guy? Or both depending on the circumstances? It is not the guy’s fault that I am having these questions run through my head, but I am thinking about it. I just want to ask them, “Hey, you seem like a nice young man, what is the deal with the crappy tat?” All that being said, It appears that tattoos are as commonplace as ever with young people in their 20’s. ---
**Author:** ![Nzinga\_Seated](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/b5ac83/32.png) [@Nzinga\_Seated](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nzinga_Seated)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2010, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-tattoos-on-their-way-out/545197/80 "2010-07-04T14:33:41Z")
> [@chappachula](#): > > Everything has its place…and the place for a tatoo is underneath your clothing. Like your underwear. Wear what you feel comfortable with, but don’t show it to me at work. Ok, I think I may have misunderstood you. Are you saying that visible tattoos in a _professional work setting_ is inappropriate? I may tend to agree with you, there. Because where I work the men have to be choked up by ties, it seems unfair that lots of the ladies boast little cherries and whatnot on their bosom. But from your post, I took away that you feel that anyone that has a visible tattoo anywhere at any time is being obnoxious. Which of course, would be ridiculous. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-tattoos-on-their-way-out/545197.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-tattoos-on-their-way-out/545197.md?page=5)