# Non-inked Dopers: Why not? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [February 28, 2006, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-inked-dopers-why-not/346394 "2006-02-28T00:05:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 16\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2006, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-inked-dopers-why-not/346394/101 "2006-03-01T01:57:25Z")
> [@picunurse](#): > > (Wimper, ouch, wimper) Oh, and I’ve seen them 40 years later. That rose on the breast becomes a Hollyhock. There was a comedian a while back who had something like that in his routine. “That butterfly you’re getting tattooed on your breast? In 40 years it’ll be freakin’ MOTHRA!” ---
**Author:** ![Rick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2006, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-inked-dopers-why-not/346394/102 "2006-03-01T02:26:50Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > Not only was **Clothy** over the top, isn’t there a point of endurance at which something can no longer be called a fad? I’m pretty sure tattoos meet that standard. When I was a kid in the 1950s most of the men that my dad worked with had been in WWII. A large percentage of them had tats. I guess that if you were overseas it was considered a thing to do. Fast forward to late 60’s and 70’s. How popular were tats? Not very. So what will it be like in the year 2020? Will everyone sport a tat, or will the younger generation think that marking your skin is silly and go tatless? I don’t know, and neither do you, but it will be fun to see. ---
**Author:** ![Cervaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cervaise/32/16693_2.png) [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2006, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-inked-dopers-why-not/346394/103 "2006-03-01T02:52:46Z")
I have nothing against tats, and I’m not judgmental about people who have them. Indeed, some folks wear them really well. No, for me, it’s just that they’re so freakin’ trendy right now, I’m really looking forward to being the only guy in the retirement home who **doesn’t** have one. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![username\_taken](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/c0e974/32.png) [@username\_taken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/username_taken)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2006, 4:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-inked-dopers-why-not/346394/104 "2006-03-01T04:22:14Z")
I have 2 bad scars on the underside of my arm that I would like to hide with tatoos. But, I think they’re way too trendy these days. Also, can scar tissue be inked? If I did do it then I’d go with a subtle pattern/design. I think getting an image would feel old after a bit, but a nice pattern that has a bit of interest to it seems nice. ---
**Author:** ![Larry\_Mudd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f14d63/32.png) [@Larry\_Mudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Mudd)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2006, 5:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-inked-dopers-why-not/346394/105 "2006-03-01T05:19:25Z")
> [@1920s Style "Death Ray"](#): > > I didn’t get one for the same reason I didn’t study journalism at university. Okay, I’ll bite: No desire to be an “ink-stained wretch?” Do I win? ---
**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:** [March 1, 2006, 11:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-inked-dopers-why-not/346394/106 "2006-03-01T11:27:17Z")
I have skin that seems to enjoy coming up with new rashes and sores, reacting badly to the most innocuous substances (Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion, although hypoallergenic, gives me a bright red rash, as just one example), and in general making my life miserable. Under the circumstances, it just doesn’t make sense to provoke the beast by delibrating and permanently inserting foreign substances into my hide. ---
**Author:** ![Who\_me\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/958977/32.png) [@Who\_me\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Who_me_1)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2006, 11:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-inked-dopers-why-not/346394/107 "2006-03-01T11:47:02Z")
Because I think tatoos look awful and never made anyone look any better or more “cool”. ---
**Author:** ![Dorjan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dorjan/32/12440_2.png) [@Dorjan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dorjan)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2006, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-inked-dopers-why-not/346394/108 "2006-03-01T15:25:08Z")
I’ve considered it now and then, but the only tat I can see myself getting is a full blown horimono style. Since I dont have about $30,000 and 5 years to get one properly done, it’s safe to say that I’ll never be inked! ---
**Author:** ![Trunk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/87869e/32.png) [@Trunk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trunk)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2006, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-inked-dopers-why-not/346394/109 "2006-03-01T15:47:24Z")
Yes, it is a weird question. It would seem to lead to threads like, “for those who don’t bungee jump: why not?” “For those who don’t ride unicycles: why not?” “For those who don’t play chess: why not?” Anyway, if I had to answer otherwise: I consider a tattoo a vanity symbol. It’s analagous to styling your hair, wearing jewelry, being unnecessarily fashionable, or doing anything else ostentatious. I consider them the equivalent of carrying around a $10,000 handbag, or wearing a $50,000 watch. That doesn’t necessarily mean I don’t like those people. I just think it shows an expanded degree of focus on your appearance. ---
**Author:** ![filmore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7993a0/32.png) [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2006, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-inked-dopers-why-not/346394/110 "2006-03-01T16:22:52Z")
> [@Anaamika](#): > > So, is it possible to have a conversation about tattoos and body art with some measure of civility and mutual respect, please? That’s all I ask. You don’t have to like my piercing. You can pre-judge me on my piercing, and presumably never date me nor be friends with me, if that’s how you feel. But I don’t think it’s too much to ask for a measure of politeness. He was being civil. He was giving his opinion. He said “To me, they are a visible sign of incredible low self-esteem.” You many not agree with it, but that’s his opinion. He didn’t make a statement that people with tattoos have low self esteem. If you have a body modification, you should realize that people view them through their own interpretation. Some people will view body art as a beautiful expression. But others **will** see it as a indication of low self-esteem. Someone getting a permanent body modification should go into it knowing that everyone will not perceive it in a positive manner. ---
**Author:** ![Stonebow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ed8c4c/32.png) [@Stonebow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stonebow)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2006, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-inked-dopers-why-not/346394/111 "2006-03-01T17:32:34Z")
> [@filmore](#): > > If you have a body modification, you should realize that people view them through their own interpretation. Some people will view body art as a beautiful expression. But others **will** see it as a indication of low self-esteem. Someone getting a permanent body modification should go into it knowing that everyone will not perceive it in a positive manner. Agreed 100%. Everything you do sends signals to those around you. Right or wrong, that’s how the world works. Now, for my own laundry list of reasons: 1. Class issues. I will admit that in this, and many things, I am a snob. 2. I’ve never seen anyone made more attractive by one- some people can pull it off and not look worse, but they are in the minority. They are also overwhelmingly male- it’s just not a look I dig on women. And yes, it’s all about me. 3. I’ve never been into trends and fads. Too many people have tattoos for ‘deep personal’ reasons…and then pick their designs off the wall of the tat shop. 4. there is an element of anti-self-mutilation involved. 5. To me, it’s much the same reason I’m against suicide- it appears to be a permanent solution to a temporary problem. And yes, I know there are ways to remove them…but it seems like an awful lot of trouble, especially when there are temporary options. ---
**Author:** ![Incubus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/c68b51/32.png) [@Incubus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Incubus)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2006, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-inked-dopers-why-not/346394/112 "2006-03-01T18:10:16Z")
When I was eighteen I seriously considered getting one. In part because my parents were so anti-body modification, and also because at the time I didn’t feel like there was anything I displayed to the world that was of my own choosing- my car was a family hand-me-down, most clothes were birthday/xmas gifts, in short, I felt like virtually everything I showed to the world was selected by someone else, and not me. I felt (at the time) I could use a tattoo as a means of pure sel-expression; I’d get a custom job done of one my my own drawings. There was a place near my house, and I even went and checked it out. Turns out to get something I wanted would set me back about $200. Ironically, of all the good reasons NOT to get one, the cost was the biggest factor in my mind at the time. 200 bucks was a lot of money for me, even for something ‘permanent’. What if I changed my mind next week? I wouldn’t be able to get my 200 bucks back. So I told myself, well, if I’m earning more money later, and still want one, I’ll get it then. I think I made the right decision. I’m not vehemently against tattooing, but I think people should get something thoughtful. I kind of wonder all if all these women with tramp stamps are still going to have them when they get into their 40’s or 50’s. For me at this point in my life, I couldn’t think of anything in particular I would want permanently put on my body that I wouldn’t be bored/embarassed of years later. So I’m holding out, for now. ---
**Author:** ![BMalion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e274bd/32.png) [@BMalion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BMalion)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2006, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-inked-dopers-why-not/346394/113 "2006-03-01T18:30:38Z")
Someone earlier mentioned mis-spellings, true story: My 15 year old stepson wanted a tattoo, his mother let him get one, he asked my advice, I said I wouldn’t do it but it’s his arm. So he goes to the parlour and gets this huge gothic cross with his late father’s name in it, so far so good. Around the cross the artiste puts: “in Loveing Memory” Oops, poor kid didn’t even notice the spelling error for 2 days. However, the artist makes good, he puts a big black rose over the mis-spelled word and re-tattoos “loving” above the rose, so now the kid has an off-center rose and a tattoo from elbow to shoulder. Whatever floats your boat. ---
**Author:** ![Helen\_s\_Eidolon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/8edcca/32.png) [@Helen\_s\_Eidolon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Helen_s_Eidolon)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2006, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-inked-dopers-why-not/346394/114 "2006-03-01T18:38:36Z")
Because I haven’t decided yet on the exact design I want. I know where I want it, I know what theme of thing I want, I know I who I want to do the tattooing and I’m very happy with all of those decisions (and have been for a couple of years now). I just need to put some work into the tattoo itself. ---
**Author:** ![cornflakes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9d8465/32.png) [@cornflakes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cornflakes)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2006, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-inked-dopers-why-not/346394/115 "2006-03-01T20:43:26Z")
I used to want to be backed when I was younger, but couldn’t afford it. Now, I can afford it, but I’d rather spend it on the family. Besides, my wife doesn’t like them and it’s something I can give to her (read that as “my wife would kill me then divorce me.” if you like.) ---
**Author:** ![Tamryne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3e96dc/32.png) [@Tamryne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tamryne)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2006, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-inked-dopers-why-not/346394/116 "2006-03-01T22:44:02Z")
I love tattoos, but I just don’t have the money to get a high quality one. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-inked-dopers-why-not/346394.md?page=5)