# Visible tattoos - Are they as damaging as they sound?
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visible-tattoos-are-they-as-damaging-as-they-sound/588696
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion
**Created:** [July 12, 2011, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visible-tattoos-are-they-as-damaging-as-they-sound/588696 "2011-07-12T00:55:49Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 18
### Author:  [@Shot\_From\_Guns](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shot_From_Guns)
#### Post date: [July 22, 2011, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visible-tattoos-are-they-as-damaging-as-they-sound/588696/341 "2011-07-22T15:06:52Z")
> [@otternell](#):
>
> Well, I’m no **SFG** as my rants clearly are not big enough! 🙂
No, no, mine are \*too \*big. Yours are rightsized.
> [@Cartooniverse](#):
>
> Was long as her son isn’t gay, all is well.
No, he can’t be an atheist, either.
---
### Author:  [@Unintentionally\_Blank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unintentionally_Blank)
#### Post date: [July 23, 2011, 1:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visible-tattoos-are-they-as-damaging-as-they-sound/588696/342 "2011-07-23T13:12:38Z")
You’d be surprised, The Cubscout troop I’m in is pretty laid back about faith.
moving on:
Went to Water World yesterday. Kinda hard to hid ANY ink in a waterpark. I found I had three opinions on what I saw there:
1. Indifferent - It must mean something to them.
2. OH MY GOD What were you THINKING? (There are a LOT of angel’s wings running around out there.
3. I’m happy with mine and what it says to me.
Meaning: Beyond the horrorshow ink, I largely didn’t care what folks had, but I still like mine for what it says to me. And I suspect nobody cares about mine, either.
And contrary to what folks have been saying, it didn’t seem very generational to me. Everything from kiddies that seemed to young to get them (meaning they were probably 24), up the old and wrinkly.
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### Author:  [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)
#### Post date: [July 23, 2011, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visible-tattoos-are-they-as-damaging-as-they-sound/588696/343 "2011-07-23T17:44:57Z")
I quit reading this thread a while ago but I am back to relate an amusing experience that I just had. A very good friend of mine is visiting from out of town. She’s a lot younger than I and she is bringing her new boy friend who is younger than she. So he is literally half my age (47/24). They’re staying at my house for the weekend.
The first time that I lay eyes on him, he’s in my driveway with a duffel bag and I’m giving them a spare set of house keys before I drive off to work. The kid has a huge tattoo on the side of his neck and another big one on his forearm. They were both pretty amateur looking ones too. My first thought was, “oh fuck. Who am I letting into my house?” Then I got over it. He’s the nicest guy ever and totally respectful.
The tats are definitely causing him big problems finding a job, any job, in this economy.
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### Author:  [@BrotherCadfael](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrotherCadfael)
#### Post date: [July 24, 2011, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visible-tattoos-are-they-as-damaging-as-they-sound/588696/344 "2011-07-24T02:47:58Z")
I see that Amy Winehouse died. I want to blame it on the tats…
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### Author:  [@Shot\_From\_Guns](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shot_From_Guns)
#### Post date: [July 25, 2011, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visible-tattoos-are-they-as-damaging-as-they-sound/588696/345 "2011-07-25T15:08:20Z")
> [@Unintentionally\_Blank](#):
>
> You’d be surprised, The Cubscout troop I’m in is pretty laid back about faith.
Individual troops, sure–but only by directly violating the stated rules of the organization, [which is officially anti-atheist](http://www.bsalegal.org/duty-to-god-cases-224.asp).
> [@](#):
>
> The Boy Scouts of America maintains that no member can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing an obligation to God. In the first part of the Scout Oath or Promise the member declares, “On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law.” The recognition of God as the ruling and leading power in the universe and the grateful acknowledgment of His favors and blessings are necessary to the best type of citizenship and are wholesome precepts in the education of the growing members.
The only way an atheist or agnostic can be involved with the organization–_at any level_–is to lie, either directly or by omission.
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### Author:  [@Unintentionally\_Blank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unintentionally_Blank)
#### Post date: [July 25, 2011, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visible-tattoos-are-they-as-damaging-as-they-sound/588696/346 "2011-07-25T15:21:48Z")
While I’m hovering in the Theist camp (down from practicing Protestant), I’ll let my kids form their own informed decision when the time comes.
The “duty to God” part of the Wolf trail is pretty non-denominational: “Find out how you can help your church, synagogue, mosque, temple, or religious fellowship.”
So I figure it’s part and parcel to making sure my kids can make an informed decision. I’d hate to throw out the 99% positive that Scouts creates for that 1% we might not necessarily agree on.
But this tangent isn’t really relavent here. You could open another thread on it, but I’m not sure I’d participate. Rabid Great Debates really aren’t my thing, and I could see this turning into a Great Debate.
---
### Author:  [@Shot\_From\_Guns](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shot_From_Guns)
#### Post date: [July 25, 2011, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visible-tattoos-are-they-as-damaging-as-they-sound/588696/347 "2011-07-25T16:26:09Z")
Oh, it’s entirely non-_denominational_. But it requries \*some \*belief in \*some \*higher power. It is explicitly and unashamedly anti-atheist. Whether or not that’s something that will keep you from being involved isn’t my decision to make, but that doesn’t change the facts. (I have some family members who’ve been involved with the BSA for probably about 30 years, and I know for a fact that at least one of them is solidly atheist but just never brings it up.)
[/hijack]
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### Author:  [@2ManyTacos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2ManyTacos)
#### Post date: [July 26, 2011, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visible-tattoos-are-they-as-damaging-as-they-sound/588696/348 "2011-07-26T02:45:14Z")
Because a lot of other issues have steamrolled into this topic in the wake of my OP, I’ll just try to inject a little ounce of focus back into it. So, for the record, this is the tattoo that I’m on the verge of getting:
I want to get a rope spear that’ll wrap around my forearm a few times and have its arrow come to a point at the hilt of my wrist. The rope might wind up being a celtic knot rope too so that it can tie into another tattoo that I have on the same arm, and I want to have a serpent wrap around the whole design and have everything be enveloped in blue flames. Like I said, it’s an extensive idea, but I don’t think that it could be construed as offensive in any way and the whole thing is supposed to represent inner strength or power.
Keep in mind, I actually posted that description back on the first page & it just seems to have gotten lost in the shuffle, so no worries there. I guess that, on the whole, would the tattoo that I’ve just described, which would be located on the forearm, be a BAD idea? Would it limit me in the future? Are visible tattoos, specifically ones on the forearms, bad ideas?
I think that all of these other discussions are incredibly interesting, so by all means keep them coming, but this is the issue that stemmed this topic in the first place.
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### Author:  [@SnakesCatLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SnakesCatLady)
#### Post date: [July 26, 2011, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visible-tattoos-are-they-as-damaging-as-they-sound/588696/349 "2011-07-26T03:14:47Z")
I started wanting a tattoo in my mid-teens. I did not get my first until just past 30. I now have 5, including a full legpiece. With the exception of a celtic knot I got this year, all of my tattoos can be covered by buisness attire.
I’m 50 now. I still love my tattoos. Someone once asked me “what are you going to think about all that ink on your skin when you’re 60?” I replied “I’ll remember how much fun I had in my 30’s.”
I am more likely to talk someone out of getting a tattoo than into getting one, because someone who has a tattoo and hates it is worse about them than someone who never had one, in my experience.
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### Author:  [@Dangerosa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dangerosa)
#### Post date: [July 26, 2011, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visible-tattoos-are-they-as-damaging-as-they-sound/588696/350 "2011-07-26T03:23:50Z")
> [@2ManyTacos](#):
>
> Because a lot of other issues have steamrolled into this topic in the wake of my OP, I’ll just try to inject a little ounce of focus back into it. So, for the record, this is the tattoo that I’m on the verge of getting:
>
> I want to get a rope spear that’ll wrap around my forearm a few times and have its arrow come to a point at the hilt of my wrist. The rope might wind up being a celtic knot rope too so that it can tie into another tattoo that I have on the same arm, and I want to have a serpent wrap around the whole design and have everything be enveloped in blue flames. Like I said, it’s an extensive idea, but I don’t think that it could be construed as offensive in any way and the whole thing is supposed to represent inner strength or power.
>
> Keep in mind, I actually posted that description back on the first page & it just seems to have gotten lost in the shuffle, so no worries there. I guess that, on the whole, would the tattoo that I’ve just described, which would be located on the forearm, be a BAD idea? Would it limit me in the future? Are visible tattoos, specifically ones on the forearms, bad ideas?
>
> I think that all of these other discussions are incredibly interesting, so by all means keep them coming, but this is the issue that stemmed this topic in the first place.
I would stop it before you get to the wrist - so it doesn’t peek out of a long sleeved shirt when you raise your arm. Also, I would consider if you will be comfortable or look odd in long sleeved shirts IF you end up in a position where covering the tattoo is beneficial. If that’s the case, stick to the arm band that is higher than a polo shirt sleeve. Make it something you can choose to cover. I am of the opinion that limiting your options is a bad idea. (Besides, eventually you might want to be - I don’t know - Rusty from Ocean’s Eleven or Lisbeth Salandar from Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and realize that visible tattoos are a good way for everyone to remember you. Not good for con men or hackers ;))
I worked with a great guy who had a full sleeve that peeks. And kept trying to get promoted. And I KNOW the sleeve worked against him. He did manage to get promoted, unfortunately got let go when his new job was gotten rid of in the last downturn, and then had to struggle for a bit to find something else.
I would not count on a creative job meaning you won’t run into people who are capable of setting back your career because they believe your tattoo is a sign of irresponsibility.
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### Author:  [@2ManyTacos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2ManyTacos)
#### Post date: [July 26, 2011, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visible-tattoos-are-they-as-damaging-as-they-sound/588696/351 "2011-07-26T03:29:54Z")
^^^^^
It would not go to the exact hilt of my wrist for precisely the reason you mentioned; I decided that a while ago, actually, and the plan is to have it stop at least an inch or two before reaching my palm so that it COULD be easily concealable in a long-sleeved shirt.
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### Author:  [@Shot\_From\_Guns](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shot_From_Guns)
#### Post date: [July 26, 2011, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visible-tattoos-are-they-as-damaging-as-they-sound/588696/352 "2011-07-26T15:05:44Z")
This is totally off-topic, but dammit, do me a favor and _stop posting_–your username is making me \*ravenously \*hungry. 😃
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### Author:  [@2ManyTacos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2ManyTacos)
#### Post date: [July 27, 2011, 6:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visible-tattoos-are-they-as-damaging-as-they-sound/588696/353 "2011-07-27T06:01:45Z")
lol you should go and consume some tacos then 😛
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### Author:  [@Shot\_From\_Guns](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shot_From_Guns)
#### Post date: [July 27, 2011, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visible-tattoos-are-they-as-damaging-as-they-sound/588696/354 "2011-07-27T14:40:49Z")
10 a.m. was too early! I had to wait for lunchtime. 😃
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### Author:  [@zephyr9](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zephyr9)
#### Post date: [July 29, 2011, 5:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visible-tattoos-are-they-as-damaging-as-they-sound/588696/355 "2011-07-29T05:21:59Z")
> [@DianaG](#):
>
> What do the “\*\*\*\*” on your wrist and fingers mean?
>
> Seriously though, if they say what I’m guessing they say, the problem isn’t that they’re tattoos, it’s that they’re specifically angry, fuck-the-world, anti-social tattoos. There’s a difference there.
Nah, they’re not. It says “BLUE.”
But it’s noone’s biz. I might ask someone where they got a tattoo, or give a compliment. I don’t ask em what it means!
Still, I’d say to the OP that unless he’s a really confident person, don’t get em where they can’t be hidden.
I have the confidence on a lot of days to outshine these relics from my past, but only if I have an opportunity to build on that first impression they got of me. Often there’s no opportunity to add to a first impression.
If two candidates are equal in every way, skills, personality, everything, and one is tattood and one isn’t, chances are an employer will choose the one who is not tattood.
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### Author:  [@zephyr9](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zephyr9)
#### Post date: [July 29, 2011, 5:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visible-tattoos-are-they-as-damaging-as-they-sound/588696/356 "2011-07-29T05:28:39Z")
Unless of course, the employer loves tattoos…than maybe it’s a plus. Who knows. Tattoos are personal, and people’s feelings about them are personal, and the experiences they create are very particular to the individual.
My tattoos are BEAUTIFUL, and I did beautiful tattoo work.
I’m just over tattoos.
Of course, I would’nt be happy if everyone else was too.
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### Author:  [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)
#### Post date: [August 3, 2011, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visible-tattoos-are-they-as-damaging-as-they-sound/588696/357 "2011-08-03T05:17:18Z")
Because there’s always room for an [XKCD](http://xkcd.com/933/)link.
Someone getting _that_ for a tattoo would be something.
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### Author:  [@Dangerosa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dangerosa)
#### Post date: [August 3, 2011, 12:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visible-tattoos-are-they-as-damaging-as-they-sound/588696/358 "2011-08-03T12:13:16Z")
> [@Rhythmdvl](#):
>
> Because there’s always room for an [XKCD](http://xkcd.com/933/)link.
>
> Someone getting _that_ for a tattoo would be something.
My sister has two tattoos - replacement ‘nipples’ after her double mastectomy and reconstruction. They aren’t visible tattoos…🙂
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### Author:  [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)
#### Post date: [August 3, 2011, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visible-tattoos-are-they-as-damaging-as-they-sound/588696/359 "2011-08-03T16:48:33Z")
> [@zephyr9](#):
>
> But it’s noone’s biz. I might ask someone where they got a tattoo, or give a compliment. I don’t ask em what it means!
You have just articulated the single greatest source of friction, resentment, distaste, misunderstanding and just plain loathing when it comes to ink.
Seeing a tattoo seems - at least in NYC - to involve a fair bit of subterfuge. I see a man with a tattoo all down his arm to his wrist. He’s wearing a short sleeved shirt. It could not BE more visible.
I look carefully, and am thrown a "what the fuck is YOUR PROBLEM ASSHOLE? " glare. Happens routinely. My thoughts? Fuck you pal- you have taken to adorning yourself with illustrations. In PLAIN SIGHT. And no, I’m not talking about a tramp stamp shown off by wearing very low-riding pants. That involves staring at a woman’s ass in public.
I’m talking about ink on body parts routinely shown and seen and glanced at. And yet… much resentment and attitude. If you don’t want me to look at your face, or neck, or arm, or shoulder, then don’t expose it.
Period. Don’t wear clearly visible ink and then give off that " you fucking perv asshole creep jerk off , don’t you dare look at my ink " vibe. Cuz you know what? That’s bullshit. You get ink, expect people to look at the show.
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### Author:  [@Unintentionally\_Blank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unintentionally_Blank)
#### Post date: [August 3, 2011, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visible-tattoos-are-they-as-damaging-as-they-sound/588696/360 "2011-08-03T17:08:01Z")
**Cartooniverse** Take everything you said, replace ‘ink’ with ‘cleavage’.
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