Tatoos: Why do so many people get tattoos? I don’t understand the attraction to tattoos. Do most people think tattoos are beautiful?

CPT Richard Trione — Sun, 23 May 2021 18:04:10 -0400

Do most people think tattoos are beautiful?
Are people trying to make a statement?

Response by Maj John Bell made May 23 at 2021 11:27 PM

Maj John Bell — Sun, 23 May 2021 23:27:32 -0400

I've only seen one tattoo that was what I considered fine art. It was a pen and ink quality tattoo of a male elephant. I love pen and ink drawings of wildlife. And the elephant was gorgeous. I have never seen another tattoo worthy (in my opinion) of a frame and a place on the wall to hang it.

But if someone wants a tattoo, more power to them. But Don't be surprised when some companies will not hire you for positions that require contact with customers, clients, and the public.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2021 10:00 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 May 2021 10:00:30 -0400

I had zero when I left any serving status with the Marine Corps. Almost 13 years of peer pressure to get tatted and never did. As my wife and I approached our 10th anniversary, out of the blue she says she wants a tattoo - a matching tattoo for the both of us. Now, 20 years later, we still have those matching tattoos.

Do most people think tattoos are beautiful? - I have no idea. I can only speak for myself and say "it depends". Several cultures have beautiful tattoo motifs. On the other hand, several people I've seen look like they rolled in assorted magazines and are a clashing kaleidoscope of tattoos.

Are people trying to make a statement? - For my wife and I we were not making any over statement other than our bond for each other. Some that I have met have an overwhelming desire to say "LOOK AT ME" while at the same time conveying "I AM AGAINST SOCIETY". Others I've known had tattoos for personal reasons and could care less if it "made a statement or not".

Unlike clothes that can be changed at a whim, tattoos are a mostly permanent piece of you. But like clothes, some wear them well while others don't.