Can anyone explain to me why tattoos are so popular?

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   e-fiveposted 11 years ago

   Can anyone explain to me why tattoos are so popular?
   
   Maybe I'm from a completely different era (I just turned 51), but can anyone explain to me why everyone and their mother has to get a crappy tattoo and show it off to everyone these days?  I don't think of myself as a prude-- I'm a punk rock fan from way back, and I have mostly worked close to people in the arts community-- but I just don't get it.  Am I missing something profound?

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   Dads worldposted 11 years ago

   It depends on who you ask. For some people they are not cool at all. But unfortunately they have became cool for the younger generation, as a means of self expression. Also they think its cool. The problem is with the way parenting is now, kids do not learn anything, and they have no respect for themselves or their parents.  This is also why teen pregnancy is so prominent.  Kids just think its cool, they do not care about quality, heck most of them probably got there tattoos from their friends.  Do not get me wrong I have tattoos as well, but I also searched around for good artist around my area, and I will not let anyone without certification ink me at all. ... So in short, people are stupid. and parenting has gone down hill.

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      e-fiveposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for answering, Dads world, but I still don't understand the motivation.  For instance, why did YOU get a tattoo-- was it for something that you felt very strongly about, for artistic reasons, because you felt naked when you were naked?

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3. 61

   Bri Richardposted 11 years ago

   As a college-age girl, maybe I can help to shed some light...
   
   Many of my friends have tattoos (I don't [yet]) and each person has a varying reason on why they have a tattoo. In some cases it is for remembrance and for others it's to fit "the scene" of what is expected. In general, I think it is a cultural thing that my generation is trying to push. I'm not sure exactly why that is, but I personally plan on getting a tattoo that represents each of my children when I reach that stage in my life. Though, it would definitely be in a place that is extremely prominent, due to potential employment opportunities.

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      e-fiveposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Are there any regrets yet on these tattoos?  I'm in my early 50s, and I know that if I'd gotten a tattoo at any time in my life I would grow someday to regret it.  Especially a colorful neck tattoo that said, "Born to Amortize."

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      residentstoneposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      And this is another thing that is wrong with the scene, like every tattoo, has to mean something, or be associated with some lamed*ck story or nonamusing anecdote, the whole Miami ink, LA ink formula, like everything has to mean soooooo much. Lame!

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   Sarra Garrettposted 11 years ago

   No you aren't missing anything.  Tattoos are a form of self expression and generally mean something to the person who gets them.  Tattooed people are more colorful.  lol. 
   
   Every tattoo that you get should have a special meaning behind it.  I have 5 tats that reflect a certain event in my life.  Mine are not visable other than the one on my shoulder which is a broken heart with 2 tear drops.  Representing my broken heart and the loss of my sister and father. 
   
   Tats aren't for everyone.  But if you get a tat have it done by a professional and excellent artist.  Nothing worse than seeing stupid tats or ugly ones.  Get one you are proud of wearing.  I have a military tat that reflects my military career.

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   BChild75posted 11 years ago

   I personally think it boils down to one expressing themselves through the art of them

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   duffsmomposted 11 years ago

   I wish I knew. I am older than you are and tattoos from my era were either service men or the lower class.  I know that has changed.
   
   For me, tattoos are a permanent manifestation of a temporary desire or interest. And that can create problems later in life when tastes and ideals change.

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      Desmith3posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      "tattoos are a permanent manifestation of a temporary desire or interest."
      Excellent choice of words, my own thoughts well spoken.

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   residentstoneposted 11 years ago

   As a heavily tattooed person, I'm as bummed as you at the ever increasing popularity of the art. I'm 42, been getting tattooed for 25 years, when it was still cool, outlawish, underground. Punk rockers, hardcore kids, bikers, sailors and criminals, and yeah lets not forget circus freaks were the only people really getting tattooed.
   
   And I HATE seeing everybody and their grandmother with not only tattoo's, but bad tattoo's, poorly thought out, poorly placed and poorly executed. See my hub "Why do your tattoos' look like a 3 year old goat with down syndrome did them?"
   
   It's totally lame. Personally I'm working on a full body suit, cuz, yeah everyone has tattoo's, but rarely does one have a complete body suit of well thought out, well done ink. So as a tattooed person who wants to be set apart yet once again from the sheepled masses, this is what you have to do.
   
   SO to answer your question, yeah they were once very cool, and still can be done right. Just like anything good, once the genetic cesspool of the masses get ahold of it, it turns to cr*p.
   
   And yeah, the poser with some dumb neck tattoo, or full hand and no other ink. Please die!

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   PoeticPhilosophyposted 11 years ago

   LOT'S! Of tattoo show's out there if you haven't noticed, such as NY Ink, there are atleast 3 other ones I know about but forget the names of the show. So by this advertising and going into the deep stories of why there getting the "tattoo" on the show this inspires people to go and get one. T.V is a hugee reason for alot of trends. Hope this helps ya.

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