# One thing I don't get about tattoos: They are (mostly) invisible **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [February 8, 2013, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-thing-i-dont-get-about-tattoos-they-are-mostly-invisible/649742 "2013-02-08T23:17:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2013, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-thing-i-dont-get-about-tattoos-they-are-mostly-invisible/649742/61 "2013-03-14T13:30:59Z")
> [@1110019858638](#): > > Ideology won’t feed your kids. Unless you happen to work in politics. ---
**Author:** ![1110019858638](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/1/bbe5ce/32.png) [@1110019858638](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/1110019858638)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2013, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-thing-i-dont-get-about-tattoos-they-are-mostly-invisible/649742/62 "2013-03-14T13:31:25Z")
Yeeeeaaahh, that last post wasn’t topical. ---
**Author:** ![1110019858638](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/1/bbe5ce/32.png) [@1110019858638](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/1110019858638)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2013, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-thing-i-dont-get-about-tattoos-they-are-mostly-invisible/649742/63 "2013-03-14T13:49:10Z")
Back to the topic: Tattoos are intended for exhibition. Rare is the tool too bashful to bare, too reluctant to regale perfect strangers with unsolicited tales of woe and triumph. Tattoos are icebreakers. No personal backstory is too private to share, unfortunately. ---
**Author:** ![1110019858638](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/1/bbe5ce/32.png) [@1110019858638](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/1110019858638)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2013, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-thing-i-dont-get-about-tattoos-they-are-mostly-invisible/649742/64 "2013-03-14T14:06:52Z")
And yes, I’m referring to hidden tattoos. If you can’t see them, you’re being told about them. I don’t need to see her tattoo to know it’s on her twat; she only shared her secret a dozen times with half the pub. Tattoos aren’t for personal benefit. They’re for our pleasure, the poor, unsuspecting public. Shade your eyes from her drive by flashing, as she attempts to reveal the cupcake on her muffin top. Yes, those are stretch-marks. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2013, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-thing-i-dont-get-about-tattoos-they-are-mostly-invisible/649742/65 "2013-03-14T14:26:33Z")
Maybe you could get help? ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2013, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-thing-i-dont-get-about-tattoos-they-are-mostly-invisible/649742/66 "2013-03-14T14:27:22Z")
> [@1110019858638](#): > > Tattoos are intended for exhibition. Says you, I suppose. Just because you can see it doesn’t mean it’s “intended for exhibition”- nevermind that this is about tattoos you probably can’t see. > [@1110019858638](#): > > If you can’t see them, you’re being told about them. People make conversation. The horror, the horror. It’s even worse when they strap you down in dentist chairs and force you to look at their ink. ---
**Author:** ![1110019858638](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/1/bbe5ce/32.png) [@1110019858638](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/1110019858638)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2013, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-thing-i-dont-get-about-tattoos-they-are-mostly-invisible/649742/67 "2013-03-14T21:25:45Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > Says you, I suppose. Just because you can see it doesn’t mean it’s “intended for exhibition”- nevermind that this is about tattoos you probably can’t see. > > People make conversation. The horror, the horror. It’s even worse when they strap you down in dentist chairs and force you to look at their ink. Yes, and nevermind my adjacent post clarifying my point is valid for unseen tattoos. Pay closer attention because I was right on topic. The questioner asked why people get tattoos in places they can’t see. My answer suggested people do so for the benefit of others’ eyes, not their own. Even if that requires lifting a shirt, or skirt, of pant leg. Is it horrible to listen to person drone on about some personal tragedy? Not as horrible as they’re reasoning which led to their decision to get that shitty tattoo. I’ll be polite and humor you as you explain that eyesore on your pelvis. However, keep in mind that like most people, I don’t fucking care about your problems. Join the club. Everyone has experienced tragedy. You, and your crappy life are not unique, and neither is your brilliant idea to get a tattoo. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2013, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-thing-i-dont-get-about-tattoos-they-are-mostly-invisible/649742/68 "2013-03-14T21:35:16Z")
> [@1110019858638](#): > > Yes, and nevermind my adjacent post clarifying my point is valid for unseen tattoos. Pay closer attention because I was right on topic. The questioner asked why people get tattoos in places they can’t see. My answer suggested people do so for the benefit of others’ eyes, not their own. Even if that requires lifting a shirt, or skirt, of pant leg. > > Is it horrible to listen to person drone on about some personal tragedy? Not as horrible as they’re reasoning which led to their decision to get that shitty tattoo. I’ll be polite and humor you as you explain that eyesore on your pelvis. However, keep in mind that like most people, I don’t fucking care about your problems. Join the club. Everyone has experienced tragedy. You, and your crappy life are not unique, and neither is your brilliant idea to get a tattoo. Y’all need to hang with better people is all. Might wanna work on that. ---
**Author:** ![1110019858638](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/1/bbe5ce/32.png) [@1110019858638](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/1110019858638)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2013, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-thing-i-dont-get-about-tattoos-they-are-mostly-invisible/649742/69 "2013-03-14T21:42:24Z")
Once again. People get tattoos for other people to look at, hence the indiscriminate placement. It doesn’t matter if the owner can’t see their tattoo; others can. How you ask? How is this possible if the tattoo is covered??? They’re not bashful about removing the obstruction to show you. In fact, they seem all too eager to do so. I have a more important question to ask. If your goddamn tattoo has so much personal meaning, and it’s under your clothing, why the fuck do you tell anyone about it? ---
**Author:** ![1110019858638](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/1/bbe5ce/32.png) [@1110019858638](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/1110019858638)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2013, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-thing-i-dont-get-about-tattoos-they-are-mostly-invisible/649742/70 "2013-03-14T21:44:40Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > Y’all need to hang with better people is all. Might wanna work on that. I do my best not to hang with tattoed dunces. The examples I gave apply to utter strangers. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2013, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-thing-i-dont-get-about-tattoos-they-are-mostly-invisible/649742/71 "2013-03-14T21:49:00Z")
> [@1110019858638](#): > > I do my best not to hang with tattoed dunces. The examples I gave apply to utter strangers. In all likelihood, they’d rather not have you around. Why not respect that? ---
**Author:** ![Blaster\_Master](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/cab0a1/32.png) [@Blaster\_Master](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blaster_Master)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2013, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-thing-i-dont-get-about-tattoos-they-are-mostly-invisible/649742/72 "2013-03-14T21:55:27Z")
I do not have any tattoos nor do I have plans to get any, but I understand and appreciate tattoos as a form of art. The interesting thing about tattoos is that that they’re collaborative between the person who wants to get it, who will become the canvas for it, and the person who will be inking it. In some cases, the placement is just where it’s convenient for the artist, or a place that will be easy to display or conceal, as needed, but sometimes the placement does make up an important aspect of the artwork itself. For instance, I remember seeing one where a guy had a portrait of this father on his upper back, part of the expression was that his father always had his back. But really, as art, it doesn’t necessarily have to be publically visible to make sense. For instance, there was a period where I would write relatively simple poems on a nearly daily basis. I never shared them with anyone, and I don’t think I looked at them more than once or twice after I wrote them, and I don’t even know where they are now. The simple fact THAT I wrote them and I was the only audience was part of what made it special. Maybe someone gets a back piece they can’t see, but knowing they have it, even if they can’t see it, is enough for it to serve it’s purpose to them. Really, the only thing I have trouble understanding are people who get generic or fad tattoos, like the stars on elbows or the 90s tribal stuff. Then again, I’ve never really been into any sort of fad, so I figure maybe it’s just the same sort of thing as following a fashion trend in clothing or hair or shoes, just in a different medium. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2013, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-thing-i-dont-get-about-tattoos-they-are-mostly-invisible/649742/73 "2013-03-14T22:09:29Z")
> [@1110019858638](#): > > The questioner asked why people get tattoos in places they can’t see. My answer suggested people do so for the benefit of others’ eyes, not their own. Your answer was wrong, though. Just because I can’t see it doesn’t mean that you can. ---
**Author:** ![1110019858638](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/1/bbe5ce/32.png) [@1110019858638](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/1110019858638)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2013, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-thing-i-dont-get-about-tattoos-they-are-mostly-invisible/649742/74 "2013-03-14T23:54:21Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > Your answer was wrong, though. Just because I can’t see it doesn’t mean that you can. Once again. How can I see a hidden tattoo? How you ask? How is this possible if the tattoo is covered??? People aren’t bashful about removing the obstruction to show you. In fact, they seem all too eager to do so. Even if that requires lifting a shirt, or skirt, a pant leg, a bra, their knickers, or a prosthetic limb. I have a more important question to ask. If your goddamn tattoo has so much personal meaning, and it’s under your clothing, why the fuck do you tell anyone about it? ---
**Author:** ![1110019858638](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/1/bbe5ce/32.png) [@1110019858638](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/1110019858638)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2013, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-thing-i-dont-get-about-tattoos-they-are-mostly-invisible/649742/75 "2013-03-15T00:13:38Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > Your answer was wrong, though. Just because I can’t see it doesn’t mean that you can. Further more, if the owner can’t see it, never looks for it, and never shows anyone, then precisely what function does it serve? It the tattoo is literally never observed by ANYONE, knowledge of its existence, by its owner, is indistinguishable from a thought. What’s the purpose of creating an image if it’s never meant to be observed by anyone, ever? That’s like recording a song, placing the record on the turntable, placing the needle on the record, and disconnecting the speakers. Which nobody does unless they’re irrational. Which properly characterizes the decision to get a tattoo for ANY reason. Irrational. ---
**Author:** ![CairoCarol](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cairocarol/32/3825_2.png) [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2013, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-thing-i-dont-get-about-tattoos-they-are-mostly-invisible/649742/76 "2013-03-15T02:36:15Z")
I have always wanted a small tattoo (or two or three) on my back, to help with sensual back massages/scratches. I’d probably get various seashells or sea creatures, strategically placed in the spots that are the most responsive. Then I could say things like “mmmm…rub the starfish a little harder.” “Okay, scratch the conch…now can you apply pressure to the conch and the bivalve at the same time?” It would sound weird but feel good, and I think it is a perfectly logical answer to the OP. ---
**Author:** ![Dogzilla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e480ec/32.png) [@Dogzilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dogzilla)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2013, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-thing-i-dont-get-about-tattoos-they-are-mostly-invisible/649742/77 "2013-03-15T14:24:26Z")
> [@1110019858638](#): > > Further more, if the owner can’t see it, never looks for it, and never shows anyone, then precisely what function does it serve? It the tattoo is literally never observed by ANYONE, knowledge of its existence, by its owner, is indistinguishable from a thought. What’s the purpose of creating an image if it’s never meant to be observed by anyone, ever? That’s like recording a song, placing the record on the turntable, placing the needle on the record, and disconnecting the speakers. > > Which nobody does unless they’re irrational. > > Which properly characterizes the decision to get a tattoo for ANY reason. > Irrational. I guess you didn’t read my post. While you can see my tattoo if I am wearing very short shorts, in 90% of occasions, it’s not seen by anyone. I do not lift my skirt to regale people with tales of it. If I am asked, I will show/explain, but I don’t bring it up. Because it’s there for me. I can observe it. It helps me remember and think of my dearly departed dog. It’s a memorial to her. It’s not fucking irrational. Or perhaps I should end this with a PeeWee Herman quote: I know you are, but what am I? ---
**Author:** ![BellRungBookShut-CandleSnuffed](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bcef8e/32.png) [@BellRungBookShut-CandleSnuffed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BellRungBookShut-CandleSnuffed)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2013, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-thing-i-dont-get-about-tattoos-they-are-mostly-invisible/649742/78 "2013-03-15T18:46:49Z")
> [@Dogzilla](#): > > Or perhaps I should end this with a PeeWee Herman quote: I know you are, but what am I? He’s using deliberately inflammatory language. Don’t bother arguing with people who think anyone who gets a tattoo automatically lowers their IQ. A better sign of that is someone who thinks one characteristic means the same thing about all people who have it. ---
**Author:** ![Dogzilla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e480ec/32.png) [@Dogzilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dogzilla)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2013, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-thing-i-dont-get-about-tattoos-they-are-mostly-invisible/649742/79 "2013-03-15T18:54:15Z")
> [@BellRungBookShut-CandleSnuffed](#): > > He’s using deliberately inflammatory language. Don’t bother arguing with people who think anyone who gets a tattoo automatically lowers their IQ. A better sign of that is someone who thinks one characteristic means the same thing about all people who have it. Thus my PeeWee quote. I thought it an appropriate way to handle this. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![1110019858638](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/1/bbe5ce/32.png) [@1110019858638](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/1110019858638)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2013, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-thing-i-dont-get-about-tattoos-they-are-mostly-invisible/649742/80 "2013-03-16T03:24:03Z")
Wasn’t suggesting intelligence negatively correlates with tattoos. However, if you are, I’ll agree. Intelligent people make irrational decisions everyday. Please explain how getting a dead dog tattoed on your ass is remotely rational. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-thing-i-dont-get-about-tattoos-they-are-mostly-invisible/649742.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-thing-i-dont-get-about-tattoos-they-are-mostly-invisible/649742.md?page=5)