# Why Do Beautiful Men Deface Their Bodies With Tattoos? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [March 3, 2015, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-beautiful-men-deface-their-bodies-with-tattoos/714058 "2015-03-03T01:32:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Jim\_B](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jim_b/32/4338_2.png) [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-beautiful-men-deface-their-bodies-with-tattoos/714058/1 "2015-03-03T01:32:07Z")
Why do otherwise beautiful men deface, and basically ruin, their bodies with tattoos? Take [Kevin Durant](http://mit.zenfs.com/207/2011/07/118588686.jpg). This otherwise handsome man, with a nice body (not overly muscular–in other words having more of a natural beauty), has literally destroyed his outer skin with graffiti. _ **What on earth was he thinking?** _ And lastly, do they even anticipate what the future holds? What if when they’re older, and presumably more mature, they decide they are sorry they got tattoos? Plus, tattoos don’t stay the same over time. They warp. And sag. (SNL did a funny sketch on this once. If anyone has a link, feel free to add it.) Again, I feel compelled to ask: What were they thinking? :):):)🙂 ---
**Author:** ![iamthewalrus\_3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/258eb7/32.png) [@iamthewalrus\_3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamthewalrus_3)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-beautiful-men-deface-their-bodies-with-tattoos/714058/2 "2015-03-03T01:37:03Z")
De gustibus non est disputandum. ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-beautiful-men-deface-their-bodies-with-tattoos/714058/3 "2015-03-03T01:51:18Z")
First time I’ve heard Kevin Durant referred to as “beautiful”. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-beautiful-men-deface-their-bodies-with-tattoos/714058/4 "2015-03-03T02:10:13Z")
> [@Jim\_B](#): > > Why do otherwise beautiful men deface, and basically ruin, their bodies with tattoos? > > Take [Kevin Durant](http://mit.zenfs.com/207/2011/07/118588686.jpg). This otherwise handsome man, with a nice body (not overly muscular–in other words having more of a natural beauty), has literally destroyed his outer skin with graffiti. _ **What on earth was he thinking?** _ > > And lastly, do they even anticipate what the future holds? What if when they’re older, and presumably more mature, they decide they are sorry they got tattoos? Plus, tattoos don’t stay the same over time. They warp. And sag. (SNL did a funny sketch on this once. If anyone has a link, feel free to add it.) > > Again, I feel compelled to ask: What were they thinking? > > :):):)🙂 Jim, Jim. It’s dead Jim. People, sadly, rarely think about the future. What it comes down to is “whatever floats your boat, or trips your trigger”. ---
**Author:** ![cwthree](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9de0a6/32.png) [@cwthree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cwthree)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-beautiful-men-deface-their-bodies-with-tattoos/714058/5 "2015-03-03T02:10:19Z")
> [@Jim\_B](#): > > Plus, tattoos don’t stay the same over time. They warp. And sag. You are aware that un-tattooed skin also warps and sags with age, right? ---
**Author:** ![Gerald\_II](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/43a26b/32.png) [@Gerald\_II](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gerald_II)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-beautiful-men-deface-their-bodies-with-tattoos/714058/6 "2015-03-03T02:24:47Z")
> [@Jim\_B](#): > > Why do otherwise beautiful men deface, and basically ruin, their bodies with tattoos? Because we want to look tough, macho. Before tattoos used to be something that only prison gang members had. Now it’s mainstream, like a permanent fashion accessory. Ironically beautiful girls deface their bodies with tattoos to look more sexy. Overall, it’s just about looking fashionable and not looking like a square or “boring.” Tattoos for guys make them look tougher, more masculine, and tattoos for women make them more sexy and seductive, emulating the bad girl vibe. I think some however are insecure with their bodies and think that tattoos will make them more appealing. I had a friend who was really pretty but very insecure about her face and her body, in particular her body. I think some people subconsciously believe that the tattoos will draw attention away from their flaws, or make up for them. > [@](#): > > Take [Kevin Durant](http://mit.zenfs.com/207/2011/07/118588686.jpg). This otherwise handsome man, with a nice body (not overly muscular–in other words having more of a natural beauty), has literally destroyed his outer skin with graffiti. _ **What on earth was he thinking?** _ I don’t follow basketball so I thought you were going to talk about a model… > [@Ambivalid](#): > > First time I’ve heard Kevin Durant referred to as “beautiful”. 😃 I had to double check your link to make sure it was the same guy. > [@](#): > > And lastly, do they even anticipate what the future holds? What if when they’re older, and presumably more mature, they decide they are sorry they got tattoos? Plus, tattoos don’t stay the same over time. They warp. And sag. (SNL did a funny sketch on this once. If anyone has a link, feel free to add it.) Same thing for being promiscuous and spending money like crazy. They’re only thinking about the now and enjoying life while their young. I do agree though that all those tattoos later on will look kind of ugly. I think Kevin Durant got those tattoos because he doesn’t have a \*great \*body. The placement and overall execution doesn’t look that great either. At least the tatt designs look good on the Rock. ---
**Author:** ![Penfeather](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/penfeather/32/384_2.png) [@Penfeather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Penfeather)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-beautiful-men-deface-their-bodies-with-tattoos/714058/7 "2015-03-03T02:24:49Z")
Hooray, another tattoo thread; this one will certainly resolve once and for all the issue of whether or not they are beautiful enhancements or vile mutilations. ---
**Author:** ![actualliberalnotoneofthose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e79b87/32.png) [@actualliberalnotoneofthose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/actualliberalnotoneofthose)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-beautiful-men-deface-their-bodies-with-tattoos/714058/8 "2015-03-03T02:27:36Z")
I have no tattoos and don’t like them. That said, if I’m worth 9-figures I don’t give a single care about what anyone thinks about my appearance. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-beautiful-men-deface-their-bodies-with-tattoos/714058/9 "2015-03-03T02:43:36Z")
Although I’m a tattoo lover, I am really excited that we’re finally disparaging men’s choices of what they do with their bodies and taking a break from shaming women. ---
**Author:** ![Snooooopy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ee7513/32.png) [@Snooooopy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snooooopy)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-beautiful-men-deface-their-bodies-with-tattoos/714058/10 "2015-03-03T02:47:34Z")
> [@Jim\_B](#): > > And lastly, do they even anticipate what the future holds? What if when they’re older, and presumably more mature, they decide they are sorry they got tattoos? Plus, tattoos don’t stay the same over time. They warp. And sag. (SNL did a funny sketch on this once. If anyone has a link, feel free to add it.) I’m already reading about promising advances in tattoo removal technology. By the time they get to the age when they might regret their tattoos, getting rid of them may be no more involved than a minor outpatient procedure … hell, it might be the kind of thing that you could purchase in a kit at the grocery store between the aspirin and the lip balm. ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-beautiful-men-deface-their-bodies-with-tattoos/714058/11 "2015-03-03T02:51:29Z")
This may come as a shock to you but men don’t don’t dress or get tattooed to please you. The misandry on this board sometimes makes me sick. ---
**Author:** ![SeaDragonTattoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@SeaDragonTattoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeaDragonTattoo)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-beautiful-men-deface-their-bodies-with-tattoos/714058/12 "2015-03-03T03:04:42Z")
> [@Jim\_B](#): > > Again, I feel compelled to ask: What were they thinking? Easy. They’re thinking they don’t give a rat’s ass what people like you think. It’s that simple. Those who think tats are attractive will be attractive to each other and why does anyone else matter? My wealthy, professional, specialist surgeon who took my gallbladder out, is covered in tats. Nobody cares. ---
**Author:** ![Count\_Blucher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c5a1d2/32.png) [@Count\_Blucher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Count_Blucher)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-beautiful-men-deface-their-bodies-with-tattoos/714058/13 "2015-03-03T03:08:35Z")
> [@Penfeather](#): > > Hooray, another tattoo thread; this one will certainly resolve once and for all the issue of whether or not they are beautiful enhancements or vile mutilations. Lets not forget people who accidentally fell against a hot wood burning stove. …or just look that way. “Hey, man! Whats ‘.oC evotS kciwdraH’?” “Shut Up…!” ---
**Author:** ![kopek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kopek/32/337_2.png) [@kopek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kopek)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 3:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-beautiful-men-deface-their-bodies-with-tattoos/714058/14 "2015-03-03T03:17:25Z")
I love tattoos ---- and maybe for that matter body mods too. I’ll never get either (I have this thing against needles) (and pain) but I do appreciate them. Ones like Kevins that tell a story or record lives lived are my favorites. Least, the ones I come close to calling silly, are those that are just one tattoo. I remember one that was a full Spiderman suit. All that time and all that money just to be dull? Not so much to see there. ---
**Author:** ![Gerald\_II](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/43a26b/32.png) [@Gerald\_II](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gerald_II)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-beautiful-men-deface-their-bodies-with-tattoos/714058/15 "2015-03-03T03:49:27Z")
> [@kopek](#): > > I love tattoos ---- and maybe for that matter body mods too. I’ll never get either (I have this thing against needles) (and pain) but I do appreciate them. Ones like Kevins that tell a story or record lives lived are my favorites. Least, the ones I come close to calling silly, are those that are just one tattoo. I remember one that was a full Spiderman suit. All that time and all that money just to be dull? Not so much to see there. I don’t like tattoos in general anymore but I have to admit they look good on some people, and some people have some great work done. I think the story telling aspect is interesting when it’s difficult to tell your story, like when you’re locked up and don’t have easy access to socialize and interact the same way the rest of the world does. I’ve noticed I’m more judgmental about tattoos if I myself don’t find them aesthetically pleasing on certain people. The people in MS and 18 street looks really bad tattooing all that shit over their face. Yeah, I know they don’t care what some square bear thinks on a random forum. ---
**Author:** ![PlainJain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/5daacb/32.png) [@PlainJain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PlainJain)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-beautiful-men-deface-their-bodies-with-tattoos/714058/16 "2015-03-03T03:54:28Z")
> [@Shakes](#): > > This may come as a shock to you but men don’t don’t dress or get tattooed to please you. > > The misandry on this board sometimes makes me sick. Another time a “like” button would come in handy. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-beautiful-men-deface-their-bodies-with-tattoos/714058/17 "2015-03-03T04:20:14Z")
I have never seen a man OR a woman improved by a tattoo. Tattoos IMHO invariably detract. ---
**Author:** ![drewtwo99](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d07c76/32.png) [@drewtwo99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewtwo99)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-beautiful-men-deface-their-bodies-with-tattoos/714058/18 "2015-03-03T04:30:18Z")
Hahaha! I have a riddle for everyone. What goes right over the heads of everyone who has posted so far, and makes a sound like WOOOOSH? [spoiler]This thread! To the OP, I get it and think it’s a brilliant parody. Well done.[/spoiler] ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-beautiful-men-deface-their-bodies-with-tattoos/714058/19 "2015-03-03T04:36:37Z")
> [@drewtwo99](#): > > Hahaha! > > I have a riddle for everyone. > > What goes right over the heads of everyone who has posted so far, and makes a sound like > > WOOOOSH? > > [spoiler]This thread! > > To the OP, I get it and think it’s a brilliant parody. Well done.[/spoiler] So I guess YOU got whooshed by post 11? ---
**Author:** ![drewtwo99](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d07c76/32.png) [@drewtwo99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewtwo99)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2015, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-beautiful-men-deface-their-bodies-with-tattoos/714058/20 "2015-03-03T04:39:42Z")
> [@Shakes](#): > > So I guess YOU got whooshed by post 11? Hahah, sorry Shakes. I meant for certain values of “everyone so far.” I was mainly looking at all the folks piling on with the tattoo hate and such, or sincerely engaging with the OP in other ways. Your post was spot on, of course 🙂 The misandry is so real! [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-beautiful-men-deface-their-bodies-with-tattoos/714058.md?page=2)