Tales About Tattoos - An Argument Against Them
82Wilma Proops on Tattoos - "DON'T EVER GET ONE!"
I'm not one to keep my opinions to myself but I'll admit I'd be in a lot less trouble if I'd just keep my big gob shut! Here are some of my thoughts about tattoos - backed up as ever by my independent, subjective research.
My survey found that 90% of people who have tattoos regret doing so at some point in the future; 5% regret having a tattoo immediately. Over 60% of people find tattoos unattractive. At last the truth about tattoos. This should be read by anyone considering having their first tattoo.
THE TRUTH ABOUT TATTOOS
Amphibian Man
I went swimming one day at a public baths. A most striking man sat on the side. “Striking” because his entire body, apart from his head, was covered in tattoos. So apart from his face, hair, rather understated trunks (a neutral beige I seem to remember) and perhaps the soles of his feet, all else was a multitude of colour. Red, blue, yellow but mainly green. “He looks rather like and amphibian” I thought to myself while realising I was gawping rather rudely. My realisation dawned too late, his eyes fixed on my stare and, somewhat aggressively, he asked:
“What are you looking at?”
I answered in all honesty “What do you think?”
He must have known I was looking at his tattoos. Mustn't he? I concluded that he'd had the tattoos so people would look at him but years later he'd become fed up with all this scrutiny - but how was I to know that? (Stupid man!)
Spider Man
Face tattoos are just as disturbing as the full body tattoo. I once chanced upon a man who had chosen to have a classic spider's web (albeit in red) tattooed upon his face with his nose acting as the web's central emanation point. The sight was somehow quite terrifying but I don't fully understand why. He wasn't acting in a frightening manner, he merely walked towards me as we made our separate ways to different platforms at a railway station. I think the sight communicated with some primeval sense and the resultant quick beat of my heart told me “watch him, he could be dangerous”. Since then the only people with facial tattoos I've noticed have most definitely been dangerous.
Anyman
The examples above might be extreme but I believe all tattoos are abominations. Here are some frank truths about tattoos.
- There is no such thing as a sophisticated tattoo. They all look nasty and cheap and with time, as they fade, even nastier and even cheaper. The cheapest and nastiest tattoos are those whose canvasses were originally firm taut skins but now are faded, drooped and wrinkled.
- Sad tattoos include names. Some people have their owner's name etched into their flesh to denote their property status. Sadder tattoos try to rectify this - after the property is no longer required - by re-tattooing over the name.
- The funniest tattoo I ever saw was on a young woman's lower back and depicted a leaping dolphin. For all the world, it looked like the dolphin had just leapt out of her knickers. Totally ridiculous.
- Over 90% of people with tattoos regret having them sometime in the future. 5% regret having them immediately. More than 60% find tattoos unattractive.
- Being tattooed is painful but having them removed is even more so. Tattoos can be expensive but having them removed is even more so.
- I think the origin of the word “tattoo” is onomatopoeic from Tahiti. The rat-tat-tat-tat of hammer on pin on skin. But is this enough reason to add one to yourself and become part of the modern rash of tattoos? I think not.
If you are currently deciding whether to tattoo or not, ask yourself the following questions:
- What will my tattoo look like in twenty years time?
- Will I be able to stop at just one or will I end up like Amphibian Man?
- Will, even the sophisticated tattoo I am planning, be someone's idea of a joke?
Your answers should be:
- Nasty and cheap.
- You never know, maybe.
- quite possibly
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Comments
Dear Melinda,
Take a breath and calm down. Better? Now, read my wonderful article again or in full, but (please, please, please) pay particular attention to its introductory paragraph. In fact, allow me to quote it here (save you a job):
I'm not one to keep my opinions to myself but I'll admit I'd be in a lot less trouble if I'd just keep my big gob shut! Here are some of my thoughts about tattoos - backed up as ever by my independent, subjective research.
You see? It is tongue in cheek.
Your manners were obviously AWOL when you when you called me, Wilma Proops a "loser". How rude you are! Fortunately, I'm not one hundred percent a real person, so no bones broken. (tee hee)
For more priceless FREE advice on all matters relationg to your life - see my Comedy Problem Page: www.WilmaProops.blogspot.com and remember:
Many a true word is spoken in jest!
Hey your a FUCKWIT!
All i see here is an opininion and poorly thought up schemantics to try and back it up.
Now i have one tattoo. Its a very badly done tattoo BUT i still love it because to me it represents my love and passion for music.
And i do believe you have absolutely NO FUCKING RIGHT WHATSOEVER to tell other people what they should think or what the should do.
And my question to you is how the fuck would you know what a tattoo feels like seeing as youve never had one?
It feels different for everyone my bestfriend my best friend
who is a big guy almost cried when he got his. Whe i got mine i didnt even feel it, and im only a scrawny person.
And the amphibian man as you so blatantly labelled him; did you ever consider that maybe you staring at him so bluntly and rudely offended him?! i mean any person would've reacted the way he did, whether they were tattooed or not.
I personally think you're a rude old fucking PRUDE. Grow up!
Telling people how to live their lives is ridiculous. Get a fucking life.
ciao.
Madison, Madison, Madison! Oh what a loser you are!
The article is written in a light-hearted manner which doesn't merit your potty mouth, aggressive and pathetic response. Get a life - use your time to attack really bad people.
PLEASE NOTE:
1) Wilma Proops is a character and not a real person.
2) The second word of your mindless attack is incorrect - ie you needed the abbreviation of "you are" which is you're - not your.
3) Please do not leave messages containing abusive language. If you feel you have to it is a sign that YOU'RE INADEQUATE like MADISON
I agree with your argument "Wilma", and I'm glad to find that others out there do in fact view tattoos as grotesque and offensive. I very much wish tattoos weren't as socially accepted as they are, but unfortunately secular pop culture has become the golden standard to which we hold society's expectation. I am quite young actually, and often misunderstood by my peers (most of which have tattoos). I think it speaks much of a person who has to use artwork on their body for simple expression, or to find a meaning or purpose in their lives. It's quite sad actually. I find more often then not that these people lack any real form of talent and suffer from immese insecurities, dangerously low self-esteem, and an abundance of social ineptitude. Trust me people, outside of your little world of friends and acquaintances, the REAL WORLD does not consider tattoos cool (or even acceptable). They are ugly, and symbolize trash, unintelligence, and a lower way of life. Unless of course that's the message you want to portray to the world, then by all means...mi vida loca! But if you do not, and tuely do want to be an independent free thinker, then don't subject yourself to what society considers cool (you're gonna hate it in the end anyway). On an inside little note: good luck getting accepted into med school love, not with that...not ever.
You people are idiots....really??? Are you knocking on people because they like to express themselves and how they feel on the inside!!!! I think you guys are rediculous, who cares what someone else does it is definately NONE of your business. Your not God so why you judging. . .it is not even your place to tell a person what they should or shouldn't do, just because you don't like tattoos doesn't mean they should be covered at all times or anything like that. Really you are so f'n stupid
i have had my tattoos for years, and ive yet to regret any of them. anybody who regrets their tattoo obviously got a shitty tattoo by a shitty artist. as far as im concerned, if you dont have any tattoos, you cant have an opinion on tattoos. and dont say your an avid tattoo lover just cause you have some gay ass tribal arm band or a tramp stamp. fake ass kids in their ed hardy shirts.
Although I have a tattoo myself and am planning on getting a few more I found it amazing at what some people responded to this. We as people with tattoos show our opinion by getting the tattoos and this person is simply showing their opinion. There is no need to be rude and all you're doing is giving a bad name to those of us with tattoos. And as for the writer, sure some people go overboard but there are some small, simple tattoos that really arent that bad. Main point, keep an open mind people.
Megan I agree with you in that everyone should keep an open mind. People are perfectly allowed to like or dislike tattoos and if you do not like them, do not get one. I happen to have a tattoo as well and I do not so much get angry at the people who are against tattoos, but more so the people who feel that it is within their rights to tell other people what they should be thinking. In that sense, to those people I have nothing to say but a simple and direct, "fuck off".
This is amusing to read. Have anyone of you ever thought that this reaction maybe be the purpose of this character's statements? I think the point is don't judge. People with tattoos aren't bad people. Maybe some of them do bad things, but the tattoo is not the cause. People without tattoos do bad things too. In our age, tattoos are accepted more and more because it is becoming apart of our culture, just like some cultures have long necks with golden rings, or bound feet, or gages all over their bodies. To us, it's weird. To them, it's culture. Same as what's happening now. To some people, it's weird. To some, it's a new culture developing. Don't be so quick to judge, that just shows ignorance. Everyone, whether they agree with tattoos or not, has the right to an opinion and the right to express it. That's the beauty of America. This country is filled with many kinds of people. To those that don't approve of tattoos, good for you. You are certainly allowed to think and feel that. Just remember that you are just one person in a country filled with millions of different kinds of people, including those who believe in body art. Those of you who do like tattoos, be proud that you're participating in a new cultural activity. It's nothing to be ashamed of. When people give you ugly looks or ugly things, just smile to them and say nothing. Tell yourself that they're just ignorant and narrow minded. There is no need to be aggressive.
Again, it's funny the way people responded to one person's opinion. She cannot hurt you, nor can anyone else. She's not even real, just a character.
And even if it's not in America, still, everyone has the right to an opinion.
Very well written and a very good point. The majority of people who claim to get "original" tattoos, or to show there love of music, or there mum, or there kid or there dog get them in the exact same style as the next person, therefore losing all originality.
To me it seems to be stating insecurity, they need people to think "ohh wow look at the guy's tattoo isn’t he cool??!" But then they would never admit they were insecure (perhaps not realising it themselves).
I would never have a tattoo. Perhaps this is closed minded of me, because yes, some tattoos are very well done and pretty, but why should I dedicate my body to a band that doesn't, and will never know me, regardless of whether they are "legends" or not?
And another point, when you see a woman with stretch marks on her belly having had 3 kids and that once lovely rose on her hip is now stretched and pale and that once muscular man looks like his forearm is now covered with blue veins (it once said Tracy on it) you have question is it really worth it?
Why can't I have an opinion on it? I see something, I judge. This means that no body can have an opinion on any celebrity with cellulite or a singers new hair cut, because, apparently, if you don't have you can't judge.
Hmm, I'm not so sure on that.
When I say don't just, I mean you shouldn't judge on person who is into something just because you don't like how the previous person acts, who also happens to be into the same thing. On an individual basis, judging is natural. But I don't mean on an individual basis. Judging something in one view, like saying, "I don't like that tattoo for that reason, so therefore all people with tattoos are this and that and I think this and that about it." It's like saying, "This Mexican looks gangster. Therefore, I don't like the way any Mexican looks because this particular person looks gangster."
Before anyone replies saying tattoo people have a choice where as Mexican people don't, you'd be surprised on how white a Mexican can be one day, and then how dark they can get two days later, so yes, it's very similar.
Point is, individual judging is natural, there is nothing wrong with that. That's how we live and that's how we survive, believe it or not. Judging on a whole based off one is what I'm commenting on.
Also, I think I made it very clear that everyone has the right to an opinion in the first response.
I wouldn't say all people with tattoos get them because they are insecure. I have one, but I got it for religious reasons. I am christian and have strong faith in God. I love him so much that I put a cross on my ankle. Here are my reason: Christ went through death to save us, so why can't I get a tattoo, 30 minutes of pain, to show what I think about it? It's on my ankle because Jesus washed his disciples' feet, for the feet were the dirtiest on the body. Why have Christ on the cleanest part when it is needed most in the dirtiest? My tattoo is symbolic of the washing of the feet and it shows my love and commitment for God.
How does that show insecurity? It doesn't, it shows commitment. The world is not black and white, so making black and white assumptions is incredibly ignorant and naive on your part.
I think this article is opinionated and I see no evidence of so called research. You say you have done your research but it is not solid and I assume you have done your research in an old folk’s home or somewhere with no understanding of what art is. I know people with tattoos and none have regretted it. I'm even thinking of getting a tattoo. I can see that you have no respect for people expressing themselves but you seem to express your opinionated BULL SHIT freely.
Author-I so agree with your point of view. Why anyone would demonstrate their dissatisfaction with the sacred temple they received from God and their parents by defacing it with permanent ink is really a mystery to me. Even famous types like Beckham get them so it seems that for some, it is a means of advertising to advance their monetary and business interests. Whores paint and tattoo themselves for the same reason. To me it is shameful and sad to see people permanently defaced with "art" but I suppose in certain very difficult walks of life it might actually seem to make sense to them, but in time they'll regret it.
Thanks for providing me an avenue to comment on this perennial topic of the phenomenon. I hope the practice will disappear completely in time. God bless you.
Let me say this once to make it clear.
To the people who don't like tattoos:
You will NOT change someone's mind if they like a tattoo. They got a tattoo for whatever reason, they like it. You can NOT changed their mind about whether or not they like it. Your opinions of ALL tattoos are old. Life is modern, and tattoos are becoming modern. Get over it.
To the people who have tattoos/like tattoos:
People will not stop telling you that what you did is wrong. They will judge you even though they shouldn't. Don't waste your breath cussing at them, they are not worth it.
To everyone:
Whatever you deside you believe in, it may be right to you, but it be not be right to someone else. It may be right to one person getting a tattoo, but it doesn't make it right to someone else. It may be right to you that you should not mark your body, but your opinion is no right to someone else.
VERY IMPORTANT!!!!
To you who say you body is a temple:
If you are christian, you believe your body is a temple. Good for you. If you're not a christian, the saying "your body is a temple" is just annoying.
Point is, you canNOT change someone's mind by just telling them your opinion. They must be willing to change.
Look at this picture and please tell me I did something wrong that I will regret in the future.
Tell me that it's wrong to use my body, "a temple", to show the very thing I absolutely believe in with not a single trace of doubt.
Tell me it's wrong to permantly put ink in my skin of something that will always be and has always been "in my skin" metaphorically speaking.
Tell me I'm insecure for getting this.
Tell me I will regret proudly showing my faith when I'm older.
Tell me this symbol of the greatest power in the christian faith looks cheap and nasty.
Tell me this is shameful.
Tell me it symbolizes trash.
Lastly, tell me loud and proud that you know everything there is to know about tattoos and that they are all the same. I want to hear it.
Whether the tattoo is for religious purposes, or because you feel like it, it is not wrong if the person doesn't think it's wrong, and yes, I am also refering to gothic tattoos. As Sammy said, what is right for you is not necessarily right for someone else.
Don't judge, you don't know anything about that person or the reasons for their tattoo, so please, save yourself the embarrassment of an ignorant answer.
I strongly recommend this website for anyone arguing on behalf of Christian believes.
http://www.religioustattoos.net/Bible_Support/inde
However, to those who are not making this a religious battle, you're smarter. That means that your opinions are just opinions, not false claims based off ignorance.
And if I have offended anyone by calling them ignorant, here's my response:
If you are ignorant because you have just never been informed, I'm very sorry for offending you.
If you are ignorant because you are stubborn and refuse to accept people as they are for your own selfish reason, and I have offended you, good.
HELLO EVERYBODY! i design tatoos for my friendand they all appreciate it. Although i've never actualy had or given anyone a tattoo it's weird, i've never met anyone whos hated tattoos until now.. but that's your guys opinion, i won't fuss, but please don't fuss over this subject its kinda pointless and time consuming!!!BYE EVERYBODY! :)
Fussing? Yeah right lol, more like debating, my addictive drug XD
melinda says:
12 months ago
i see no research, just your idiodic opinion. I don't even have any tattoos, and no plans to get one, and it is still obvious to me that you write pure opinion and claim substance. loser.