# Will there be a point in the future where tattoos are so common they are no longer cool? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [September 26, 2016, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-there-be-a-point-in-the-future-where-tattoos-are-so-common-they-are-no-longer-cool/766904 "2016-09-26T02:36:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![gaffa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e68b1a/32.png) [@gaffa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gaffa)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-there-be-a-point-in-the-future-where-tattoos-are-so-common-they-are-no-longer-cool/766904/61 "2016-09-29T17:37:22Z")
> [@msmith537](#): > > You know how people look at the clothes or hair their wore 20 years ago and say “I looked like such a dork!” Why would you make it permanent? Exactly! I owned a powder blue polyester leisure suit back in the seventies. I am thankful I don’t have to wear that thing every single day for the rest of my life. ---
**Author:** ![Lemur866](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lemur866/32/434_2.png) [@Lemur866](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lemur866)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-there-be-a-point-in-the-future-where-tattoos-are-so-common-they-are-no-longer-cool/766904/62 "2016-09-29T17:47:12Z")
> [@Mallard](#): > > The only thing IMHO that looks worse than a 30 year old woman plastered in tattoos is a 60 year old woman plastered in tattoos. The older woman looks like a dried up booze hag. Same comments about men and pony tails, but those of course are easily cut off. So you’re down to fuck 60 year old hags, but only if they don’t have tattoos? Seriously? ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-there-be-a-point-in-the-future-where-tattoos-are-so-common-they-are-no-longer-cool/766904/63 "2016-09-29T19:31:07Z")
One’s attitude to shagging 60 yo women depends a lot on how old one is. Plenty of 75 yo guys think it’s pretty darn hot. I hope to be one of those guys some day. ---
**Author:** ![Randolph](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e5b9ba/32.png) [@Randolph](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Randolph)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-there-be-a-point-in-the-future-where-tattoos-are-so-common-they-are-no-longer-cool/766904/64 "2016-09-29T19:48:35Z")
I don’t have any tattoos, but I’m looking to get one. …and I’ve been looking for several decades. Just haven’t come up with anything that speaks strongly enough to me to commit to. I’ve come close to forcing the issue, but never have, thank goodness, because they would have all been bad ideas in the end. ---
**Author:** ![Lemur866](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lemur866/32/434_2.png) [@Lemur866](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lemur866)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-there-be-a-point-in-the-future-where-tattoos-are-so-common-they-are-no-longer-cool/766904/65 "2016-09-29T19:50:57Z")
It’s fine to fuck 60 year old women. I’m just amused by the idea that a untatted 60 year old hag would be fine, but a 60 year old hag with a tattoo is unfuckable. That’s where he draws the line. All those elderly skanks in the nursing home with tats? Off the table. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-there-be-a-point-in-the-future-where-tattoos-are-so-common-they-are-no-longer-cool/766904/66 "2016-09-29T21:04:29Z")
> [@Lemur866](#): > > … All those elderly skanks in the nursing home with tats? Off the table. Most tables in nursing homes aren’t stout enough to hold two oldsters fucking. They may not be very vigorous, but they tend to be overweight. Besides, it’s safer on the floor; no chance of falling off and breaking a hip. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-there-be-a-point-in-the-future-where-tattoos-are-so-common-they-are-no-longer-cool/766904/67 "2016-09-29T22:41:27Z")
> [@Loach](#): > > Future? Yes, we have already reached that time. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-there-be-a-point-in-the-future-where-tattoos-are-so-common-they-are-no-longer-cool/766904/68 "2016-09-29T23:04:25Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > Heh. [This is the art that I had tattooed on the back of my left shoulder](http://s681.photobucket.com/user/kayaker01/media/newtat_zpsavv5d8nv.jpg.html). > > It means a lot. To me. I’d be surprised if anyone else could guess even a tiny fraction of its meaning, or even whether the word on the banner is being used as a verb or noun. How does the yellow look? Yellow and white don’t seem to work well as tattoo colors. There’s a 50-ish woman in my city who’s memorable because she always wears backless tops (weather permitting) to show off a gorgeous B&W mural she had done on her upper back. The 2nd or 3rd time I saw her, I commented on it, and she said it was done to commemorate her son’s military service, and includes a picture of him taken from his formal portrait; he did come back unscathed. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-there-be-a-point-in-the-future-where-tattoos-are-so-common-they-are-no-longer-cool/766904/69 "2016-09-29T23:05:56Z")
Which reminds me: My sister attended a Dolly Parton concert a few days ago, and I have heard, from more than one source, that the reason she always wears long sleeves and pants is because she’s heavily tattooed. Anyone know if that’s true or not? ---
**Author:** ![bordelond](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bordelond/32/150_2.png) [@bordelond](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bordelond)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-there-be-a-point-in-the-future-where-tattoos-are-so-common-they-are-no-longer-cool/766904/70 "2016-09-29T23:58:55Z")
> [@nearwildheaven](#): > > Which reminds me: My sister attended a Dolly Parton concert a few days ago, and I have heard, from more than one source, that the reason she always wears long sleeves and pants is because she’s heavily tattooed. Anyone know if that’s true or not? [Some SFW pics here at this site](http://jezebel.com/dolly-partons-boobs-and-arms-are-covered-in-secret-tatt-1574168202), and some commentary. Don’t think it’s a rumor anymore, though – Parton spoke about her tattoos on the _Today_ show in 2014. Maybe there are still open questions about the degree of tattoing, though – for instance: full sleeves vs. a few largish ones spread out? ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2016, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-there-be-a-point-in-the-future-where-tattoos-are-so-common-they-are-no-longer-cool/766904/71 "2016-09-30T02:29:09Z")
> [@Peremensoe](#): > > And where did you get the idea that ink on the back of your shoulder could “mean something”? …the Lascaux caves? The idea that “pigment + surface = meaning” is about as old an idea as we have as a species. Not sure why “tattoo ink + human skin” would change that equation. ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2016, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-there-be-a-point-in-the-future-where-tattoos-are-so-common-they-are-no-longer-cool/766904/72 "2016-09-30T03:18:11Z")
I think for most of us who don’t like tattoos its the fact that the human body is a fine enough work of art and putting drawings on it takes away from it, it doesn’t add to it. A blank canvas is a blank canvas, a cave wall is a cave wall. A body is totally different, it’s already unique and pretty to look at. I imagine there are some tattoos that are enhancing, but let’s face it, most tattoo artists aren’t Michaelangelo. They may be technically talented but I don’t think they, or the recipient, has any idea what would make an arm, a back, or a leg look better than it does already. ---
**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:** [September 30, 2016, 11:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-there-be-a-point-in-the-future-where-tattoos-are-so-common-they-are-no-longer-cool/766904/73 "2016-09-30T11:06:16Z")
> [@nearwildheaven](#): > > How does the yellow look? Yellow and white don’t seem to work well as tattoo colors. Yellow works ok on my skin tone. I’m also meticulous in caring for my work, protecting it with sunscreen. I have a very realistic [Bananaquit](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bananaquit#/media/File%3ABananaquits.jpg) tattooed on my leg that is fifteen years old and the yellow remains vibrant. But yeah, I’ve seen some horrible Bart Simpsons. I know a very dark black man, locally well known in tattoo circles, who is covered in hundreds of hours of intricate black-work. If you saw him on a beach you’d never guess he had a tattoo. You need to look up-close to appreciate his ink. ---
**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:** [September 30, 2016, 11:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-there-be-a-point-in-the-future-where-tattoos-are-so-common-they-are-no-longer-cool/766904/74 "2016-09-30T11:15:02Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > most tattoo artists aren’t Michaelangelo. Which is why seeking out a truly talented artist is a first step, just as you would if purchasing art to hang on your wall. I’d love to get some work done by Tin-Tin in Paris, but he’s booked for the foreseeable future and charges €200 - €300 per hour (and is a slow, meticulous worker). Figure six to eight hours for a piece, plus airfare and hotel. ---
**Author:** ![Drunky\_Smurf](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drunky_smurf/32/449_2.png) [@Drunky\_Smurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drunky_Smurf)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2016, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-there-be-a-point-in-the-future-where-tattoos-are-so-common-they-are-no-longer-cool/766904/75 "2016-09-30T15:05:30Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > It means a lot. To me. I’d be surprised if anyone else could guess even a tiny fraction of its meaning, or even whether the word on the banner is being used as a verb or noun. Clearly it means you “REFUSE” to use rubber duckies in the bath. Why do you hate rubber duckies? ---
**Author:** ![Drunky\_Smurf](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drunky_smurf/32/449_2.png) [@Drunky\_Smurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drunky_Smurf)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2016, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-there-be-a-point-in-the-future-where-tattoos-are-so-common-they-are-no-longer-cool/766904/76 "2016-09-30T15:14:28Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > but let’s face it, most tattoo artists aren’t Michaelangelo. No one was Michelangelo but Michelangelo. ---
**Author:** ![Turpentine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecd19e/32.png) [@Turpentine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Turpentine)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2016, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-there-be-a-point-in-the-future-where-tattoos-are-so-common-they-are-no-longer-cool/766904/77 "2016-09-30T15:16:04Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > I think for most of us who don’t like tattoos its the fact that the human body is a fine enough work of art and putting drawings on it takes away from it, it doesn’t add to it. A blank canvas is a blank canvas, a cave wall is a cave wall. A body is totally different, it’s already unique and pretty to look at. I imagine there are some tattoos that are enhancing, but let’s face it, most tattoo artists aren’t Michaelangelo. They may be technically talented but I don’t think they, or the recipient, has any idea what would make an arm, a back, or a leg look better than it does already. If that were true, that the human body is a beautiful work of of art exactly as it is- then no one would ever wear jewelry, get a haircut, wear stylish clothes, wear makeup. Most people who get tattoos aren’t looking to enhance that particular body part. They don’t think that they’re making their arm, leg or back look better. It’s a whole-person image. They don’t see the body as just a collection of beautiful, flawless parts that must remain pristine and unadulterated by artwork that is anything less masterful than Michelangelo’s. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2016, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-there-be-a-point-in-the-future-where-tattoos-are-so-common-they-are-no-longer-cool/766904/78 "2016-09-30T16:28:30Z")
> [@Turpentine](#): > > If that were true, that the human body is a beautiful work of of art exactly as it is- then no one would ever wear jewelry, get a haircut, wear stylish clothes, wear makeup. Most people who get tattoos aren’t looking to enhance that particular body part. They don’t think that they’re making their arm, leg or back look better. It’s a whole-person image. They don’t see the body as just a collection of beautiful, flawless parts that must remain pristine and unadulterated by artwork that is anything less masterful than Michelangelo’s. You get a hair cut to keep the hair off your face, and to cool your head in the summer.😛 ---
**Author:** ![TokyoBayer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tokyobayer/32/13989_2.png) [@TokyoBayer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TokyoBayer)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2016, 1:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-there-be-a-point-in-the-future-where-tattoos-are-so-common-they-are-no-longer-cool/766904/79 "2016-10-02T13:00:50Z")
I don’t know about the tattoos in the States, but I notice that most of the young(er) women who get them here in Taiwan often have them in less noticeable places than the men. The woman in line ahead of me had one on her neck were it would be covered if she weren’t wearing a ponytail. The cashier had one peaking out from her shirt but again would be covered if she wore something else. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2016, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-there-be-a-point-in-the-future-where-tattoos-are-so-common-they-are-no-longer-cool/766904/80 "2016-10-02T13:47:45Z")
At least in my sample space the US is similar. There’s overall growth in the size and prominence of tattoos on both men and women. The women still lag the men in prominence though. I see lots of nearly naked men and women on the beach most days. Far more tattooed women than tattooed men would be fully hidden by their typical street clothing. Even considering that the typical woman’s street clothing bares more skin than does men’s clothing. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-there-be-a-point-in-the-future-where-tattoos-are-so-common-they-are-no-longer-cool/766904.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-there-be-a-point-in-the-future-where-tattoos-are-so-common-they-are-no-longer-cool/766904.md?page=5)