The Truth About Tattoos
90% of people who have tattoos regret doing 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.
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 him. Mustn’t he?
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:
1) What will my tattoo look like in twenty years time? 2) Will I be able to stop at just one or will I end up like Amphibian Man? 3) Will, even the sophisticated tattoo I am planning, be someone’s idea of a joke?
Your answers should be: 1) Nasty and cheap. 2) You never know, maybe. 3) quite possibly. Hopefully you’ll decide against. Please pass this article to anyone you know who might be considering tattoos.
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User Comments
Megan ~ wittymelon455
On March 5, 2007 at 12:58 pm
Hey, I completely understand what you are saying, and do respect your way way of thinking. I once thought the same way about tatooing. But let me ask you something; Why are you telling us what our answers should be? Shouldn’t you just simply insist that we think it over? We are all quite entitled to our opinions, as you are posting yours. Now, I’m not trying to start anything here, but I find it rather rude. Are you stating that if your best friend that you’ve had for years went out to get a tatoo, you’d no longer like them anymore? Tatoos aren’t the best thing in the world..I’ll agree with that. But a lot of people’s tatoos have a meaning behind them. I don’t have one at this moment, but my mother and I are planning on getting the same tatoo on our shoulder blade, because I’m leaving and it will have a meaning behind it. They aren’t only pictures within the skin…they are also an art. A way of expression, a way of rememberance, and a way of cultural living.
Aaron
On March 6, 2007 at 1:36 pm
im 62 years old i love my tattoo… and your stupid.. i think people should avoid you instead of tattoos
Justin
On March 12, 2007 at 8:01 am
Tattoos are great, you don’t understand what you’re talking about. Besides, those stats are all made up. Everyone I know loves their tattoos and have for decades.
commentator
On March 14, 2007 at 10:57 am
Dear m,
Try not to curse so. Do you kiss your Mother with that filthy mouth?
Why don’t you attempt to write a concise argument against the views of AndAnotherThing? Have a look at how Megan WittyMelon approached an answer. She made a excellent case for tattoos. You I’m afraid just confirmed that many tattooed people are ignorant. Perhaps that was your intention, well done if it was and you’re not actually an idiot.
Baron Aaron
On March 14, 2007 at 11:01 am
Dear Aaron,
You might be 62 but that doesn’t mean you’re not stupid. Indeed, judging by you comment, you are a very stupi person. Conversely, the AndAnotherThing writer seems intelligent, witty and observant.
What is your point oh stupid one? Whatever it is do share, you are nearing the end of your life and it would be a pity to end it without ever having made a coherent argument.
Just a thought
Baron Aaron, aged 107
Samuel L Jackson
On March 14, 2007 at 11:26 am
Hey Justin,
How does a person love a tattoo? I love art but if I was to see my favourite piece every day for the rest of my life, I’m sure I’d go off it. Also, tattoos lose their lustre after a few years.
I’m not sure if AndAnotherThing made up their statistics but lets face it, without surveying everyone in the world in scientific conditions, no survey can hold up. I’m not saying that a survey conducted among all tattooed people of 20 years standing wouldn’t have given different results but they would have been equally as distorted as AndAnotherThing’s survey. I think it’s an established rule to use surveys which agree with one’s argument – slightly stupid not to really.
offended
On August 20, 2007 at 3:00 pm
I have a tattoo dedicated to a friend that passed away, I do not regret getting it because there was a special meaning behind it. For you to generalize all tattoos as “nasty and cheap” is biased and blatent stereotyping prejudice, for many people, tattoos are a cultural tradition and an intrical part of their life. Admittedly not all tattoos are great,but many are wonderful art pieces. by the way, I have to call B.S. on your statistics, the majority of people I know find beauty in tattoos
Opinions
On September 23, 2007 at 6:30 pm
Everyone is going to have a different opinion about anything and everything. I find the title to be ironic (The Truth About Tattoos). I think if you don’t like tattoos and if you do like tattoos both opinions are entitled. I did notice some of the comments posted by the ones that oppose tattoos are bullied comments. I don’t understand why some people can’t state their opinion without trying to make others feel bad? I also just would like to say that I think that most people that have tattoos don’t worry themselves with what others may think.
D.R.
On October 12, 2007 at 11:45 am
I read this and laughed!!! because the person who wrote this only stated one opinion. I used to hate tattoo’s until i notticed that many of them stand for something. I plan on getting one that symbolizes the strength i had to over come living on the streets my whole life and im finally making it. After being put in jail and now finally getting the chance to become a state trooper. Personally some tattoo’s are ugly and some are more than that. But who are we to judge someone else? and according to me about the amphibian man im surprised the author of this didn’t get slapped around because what they did was really rude!
D.R.
On October 12, 2007 at 11:49 am
I dont mean any offense to anyone.. i just thought it was rude and the author should think about that a little bit, because personally i wouldn’t like it. I wouldn’t slap anyone around about it though but there is many others out there who would
JRS
On December 10, 2007 at 4:23 pm
Here is my take on tattoos. I look at them as living advertisements. Today’s world is all about marketing; broadcasting your opinion, being recognized, getting your “15 minutes.” Galvanized by the creation of reality TV, internet access, and cell phones (yes I’m taling ego-crack); people want to express themselves more and more, which is fine by me. On the flip side most people, if not all, want no part in being scrutinized for their actions. Tattoos fall directly into this catagorey, because they are literally a superficial expression. We are taught to never judge a book by it’s cover, but that is exactly what happens to a person with a tattoo. Why ? Because in most instances no one really cares to know about the “involved” circumstances regarding one’s desire to ink themselves. So, if you’re thinking about getting a tattoo to let the world know something about you, then keep in mind the world will most likely change the channel.
Juan Zeb Guerra aka Charles Andrew Forbes
On January 3, 2008 at 6:29 am
I have quite a few tattoos, including a large back work all of my tattoos are expressive of certian social or religious prejudice, Iam not ashamed of what ink work I have and I would not encourage anyone under eighteen. then when they were sure what they believed in and even then I would promt them to wait. As for my ink work it is expressive of belief that spreds over centuries of religeious pagan doctrine and some social prejudice even people who have krux tattoos which is the christian/pagan swastika of the pre nazi period are carefull before choosing it.
I do reckon that you should consider the rest of your life before you have ink put to skin since a lot of people end up regreting what work they have.
Fact is there are all sorts meanings for the ink you have
but a people tend to change their beliefs after a time and thus feel sad later, ink work is an old and acceptable form of body adornment that stems back thousands of years though in my opinion some of theses meanings have become fashion fads which is why they end up feeling sad about the work they have, me myself I hate fashion tattoos all the ink work I have, I have erned through life, we all know that if you are caught wearing certain tottoos of certain factions they will cut them out with a sharp blade hence the need to think twice and choose carefully, there is nothing worse of a man who is screamining of his head because the ink he has, he has no right to and there is nothing sexier than a hot babe with the right tattoo in the small of her back. in short ink is cool but dont get a faction or club or gang tottoo unless you have earned the right past or present, I aint trying to scare no one just saying as it is, I got loads ink work but no significant other I would have to be sure of her life time committment to me and you know how that goes so with that of you go to your local tattooist
EnglishPro
On February 6, 2008 at 1:37 am
Blogging has ruined the internet, no one wants to hear this kind of whiny stuff. Well I am incorrect, only other whiny people who hide in fear of the slightest difference in others. Every time I try and find something useful I end up with some english pro’s opinion. When I want my writing or english improved, your opinion will be worth something. Until then take your HATE of different people and keep it in your christian chruch.
Cranky Seabee
On March 15, 2008 at 3:45 pm
I just want to say I got a new one yesterday. It was my first, and until I finish my AT and come back and take care of some important financial, legal and family obligations which understandably must come first, my last.
I am 34 years of age. So I am not just some stupid kid who did it to look cool, or fit in. I also gave it a great deal of thought so it was not done on the spur of the moment. I was a lone wolf before, but now I’m running with the greatest pack on Earth. Its called the Seabees. Their logo is what I had inked on my upper arm (so it would be covered by my uniform even the short sleeved summer ones) In the military they don’t just GIVE you things for free (except a plane ticket to boot camp) You have to earn them. As far as I am concerned, I EARNED THAT RIGHT to be called a Seabee, and if someone who is not in my chain of command doesn’t like it, oh well too bad. If someone IN My chain of command doesn’t like it, well that is between me and them, although I did my level best to stay within the guidelines set forth by the UCMJ. You, sir, are certainly entitled to your opinion but do not put down every one of us here. Some of us have had to endure larger trials than just sitting there putting up with a 45 minute long needle fest. I hope you will come around and realize that not all tats are “pointless works of art”. Some of them actually mean a great deal to their owners.
Respectfully,
CM3 Goodnow
Authur Maiden
On June 22, 2008 at 6:01 pm
No truer words spoken – ever!
Austin
On July 14, 2008 at 12:49 am
I wish you’d post a link for those ridiculous statistical claims you’re making.
Back up your stats with facts, then maybe I’ll consider what you have to say.
KeKe sherperd
On September 18, 2008 at 12:42 pm
I really dnt care. . . .just do what you want to. ..
Miss Clarke
On September 21, 2008 at 9:21 am
Hi – thanks – this is an informative article even if I doubt the validity of the statistics and suspect a little leg pulling going on… the opening paragraph about the Amphibian Man will stay with me forever and always cause me to smile.
The comments are interesting too. The whinny man whos complains about whinny bloggers and the whinny types that read them was unintentionally hilarious and anyone who thinkd they’re going to find painstakingly researched and written articles in this format misses the point altogether – why shouldn’t a person or group of people set themselves up as online commentators? . For those of us who do get the point – you’ll thank me for pointing you in the direction of AndAnotherThing and their many and diverse articles.
tattooed
On October 18, 2008 at 12:47 pm
where did you get your statistics from? are they even reliable or credible?
Wilma Proops
On December 29, 2008 at 4:47 pm
Made you look
Made you stare
I don’t care
Made you comment
Many a true word spoken in jest
MY OPINION: Tattoos are naff but also good for you if you like them
x
Young Gun
On March 4, 2009 at 11:26 am
2 years on from the original post!!!
I just felt I should add that superficiality to me seems more prominent in someone that judges people for their tatoos, than people who choose to have tattoos.
It may be an expression of something personal to that person, but that doesn’t mean it is a superficial statement.
by the way, i don’t have any tattoos.
dave
On March 13, 2009 at 6:15 am
Check out badtattoos.com
Wilma Proops
On March 13, 2009 at 10:57 am
still thinking they’re ugly and not caring what anyone else thinks… there you go
Stacy
On April 3, 2009 at 4:39 pm
I totally agree with you. My motto has always been “my body is the work of art, I’m nobody’s canvas!”
J. Laine
On August 17, 2009 at 7:43 pm
Interesting take on a lifestyle choice. Most people who consider body modification as a way of life do not share your particular brand of egotism and ignorance. Who are you to assume that as people age they are unhappy with the outcome of their choices? I would much rather be colorful and wrinkly then just wrinkly. No person, you included has the right to judge another persons tattoos based on your idea of what is the right way to live your life. Very sad piece of writing and the perfect example of someone capitalizing on their own opinion.
Mikey
On October 21, 2009 at 4:19 pm
*bump to j.laine
Greetings,
I’m just a guest passing through. I won’t lie, I have not read everypost. I just kind of scanned it. But am sure most of us will say the same thing. I probably won’t find this site again unless it emails me.
First. I have 5 tattoos, with various importance, and I don’t regret one. Most of the opponnents of body art, that I encounter, are people that do not in fact have any art themselves. Just because others have them, does not imply that you need any. If you don’t care for it, that’s fine don’t get one. But realise that for the most part ink is a self expression and one done for personal reasons. Another persons opinions of my decision is not the point. I hope others can enjoy the work, but ultimately I did it because I desired it.
Next, let’s stop once and for all, at least here, this “tatoos will get saggy/wrinkly. All skin does!!! At least my wrinkles will be colorful! Again this is rooted in the fact that intelligent ink wearers decide on art based on personal reasons, not to impress guys at a bath with bad english. (i take no responsibility for frat boys with mexico mistakes by the way)
Third, what is with the non tattooed populace? Why do they want to jump down our throat about our body? It is my choice, if you don’t like them don’t get one, but let me do with my body as I choose.
Also in closing I would like to briefly address this “tattoo fad.” Many people talk about the growing acceptance of tattoo’s as a fad. I disagree with this assessment. I believe it is more an increase in openess. Many cultures, i.e. New Zealand, have deeply rooted traditions in ink. Also many cultures accept it as a normal choice to ink if you want. All traditions/cultures start somewhere. Tattoos are here to stay, sorry you don’t like that you came around while they grew.
Author-
I believe you should check your eye for logs my friend. Leave my specks alone.
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