Monday, November 12, 2007

Tattoos -- Agree or Disagree?


Are you aware that 36% of 18 to 25 year olds have tattoos and 40% of 26 to 40 years olds have some as well. Today tattoos are common although some still disagree with them. What are your thoughts on tattoos? Do you have any tattoos? Why did you get a tattoo? Or have you ever considered getting one? What changed your mind? Do you think there is a certain sterotype if you place the tattoo on a certain part of the body i.e tramp stamp? If you disgree with tattoos, why? Do you judge individuals with tattoos?

Thanks, Kristin Knowles (9:00)

33 comments:

English student said...

I would have to disagree because what is the point of getting a tatoo? I mean, it may look cool and stuff, but it is dumb. For one, when you get old the tatoo would look all faded and nasty like and would be a waste of your money. People also get tatoos to show their appeciation for something or show love for somebody. Instead of getting your body all tated to show your boyfriend or girlfriend how much you care about them why don't show. Not with just a tatoo that has no meaning to it. I would never get a tatoo because I don't need one. Its stupid and a waste of my money. Besides another reason why I don't want a tatoo is because it will be going against my religion and I don't want to do that.

Jaime Carpenter

English student said...

your rite...alot of people get tattoos because they think they are cool...but i have a perfectly good reason for my tattoos. mine represent my friends and family i have lost throughout the years...i have 30 stars tattooed on my back and everyone is for someone who has passed away...but those people were my stars and i know they are looking down on me.

also..another good reason for a tattoo, it may sound morbid...but if you ever come up missing and your body was totally mutalated...there is a 90% chance your body can be identified because of your tattoo.

April Higgens Eng~9am

English student said...

The response I have read do make sense. To me however, Tattoos are a way to channel creative energy into self expression. Everyone needs to vent their energy, anger, sadness, lonlieness, happieness or feelings of anguish. A perminent stamp of expression, to me can be an amazingly gratifying way to move on, move forward, let go, create, or keep hold of memories.

Brett Hall 12:24 pm

English student said...

People are always going to make certain assumptions based on your appearance. I think that tattoos are just one of many forms of self expression, and therefore not that different then the way I choose to wear my hair or clothes. I have tattoos, some of them I still like, while others...not so much. I have a lot of personal opinions about what I like and dislike but that seems irrelevent. I guess I think a facial tattoo is a little extreme, or like "well there's no going back now. I got a tattoo before legal age and regret it, so I think establishing a legal age is appropriate. I am currently in the process of laser removal of that tattoo, and it's expensive ($1200) and a lot more painful than the tattoo. I'm glad that tattoo removal is available, especially for those who might want to get rid of white supremecist or gang tattoos.
Renee Hart

English student said...

Tattoos are a way for a person to express themselves. A tattoo can show a persons feelings toward someone, like your favorite basketball team or your love for motorcycles. It can also show your love for a significant other. People get tattoos of lost ones or girlfriends all the time to show how much they mean to them. I do not have a tattoo and would never consider getting one just because I dont like the way they look after so many years and I also dont like the needles they use. I dont know of any sterotypes if one places a tattoo on a certain part of the body. I know that there are some places that are better than the other. I think the tattoos that go on the legs are the worst place to put a tattoo followed by the face. People who place tattoos all over their bodies, I think, are dumb. It makes you look stupid, its not cool, and it is a huge waste of money. I dont judge anyone with tattoos unless they have a specific tattoo that represents something.
Kirby Reifsteck (9:00)

English student said...

I think tattoos are a fantastic way to express ones self. I do not yet have any tattoos but am hopefully going to get one very soon in the future. I think that if you have a symbol or something that actually means something it is okay to get put permantley on your body. I think that before you get a tattoo you really need to think about it and decide if you really still can see yourself having it on your body at the age of 80. You do not want to be stuck with a tattoo that reminds you of someone if you are no longer with them. I think it is completly ridicilous that someone would get a tattoo of someone's name on themselves when you have no clue if you are going to be with them in the future.

English student said...

i believe that it is your body, and if you want to get a tattoo, all the power to you. Many people get tattoos because they lost a loved one, like my mom. she lost her dad and wants to get a tattoo with his initials and i say she should. Alot of people dont agree with tattoos, but it's really nobody's business what other's do to their bodies. I have two tattoos, and no one thinks different of me because of them. i got tattoos because i wanted them. I got the one on my foot that says love because i've been through alot and i have that to remind myself that love does exist. My sister has a "tramp stamp" of a sun, but she's not a tramp and nobody thinks she is at all. I think if someone thinks less of somebody because they have a tattoo, then they are not accepting people for who they are. Seriously, do you really think someone is going to care if you tell them that it's dumb to get a tattoo? They might care for a little bit, but in the end, they are going to do what they want. I don't judge people with tattoos at all and I never have, even before I got my tattoos.

Morgan MacFarlane (9:00)

English student said...

I don't look down on people who have tattoos, but I don't agree with getting tattoos. I have a some friends whose dad is a tattoo-artist and he gave them free tattoos with the logo of their school, "Only God Can Judge Me," etc.

A lot of times it's a peer pressure thing anyway. A bunch of people get one and so you think, "This one looks cool. I'll get it." But then you're probably going to regret it later.

My brother is thinking of getting a tattoo on his foot/ankle. (Wings that wrap around his ankle and spread out onto the top of his foot). It sounds really cool and I'm sure it'd look cool, but I don't think i agree with him getting it.

I always thought it would be cool to barcode my ankle or underside of my wrist, but I'd never actually do it. I make up for it by drawing on myself all the time. If I don't have drawing on my body somewhere, I must have been insanely busy that day. I graffiti on myself a lot. I'll have a barcode on my wrist, a bleeding rose on my stomach, a cross on my ankle. But at the end of the day, you take 30 seconds with a washcloth and it's gone! I can put something else that catches my interest at the moment on me.

Besides, when you get old and wrinkley...that tattoo is not going to look as good as it did when you originally got it on your built abs or full chest or anywhere else for that matter. *shrugs*

Megan Mercier (9:00)

English student said...

Personally I don't think I would ever get a tatoo. It's not because I disagree with them, but I don't see why. To me, people do it just to be cool or rebellion-right when you are eighteen you go get a tatoo because your parents would never let you. A tatoo will most likely be on your skin for the rest of your life, and 20,30, or 50years down the road...will you still want it? By then, your skin isn't going to look the same and your tatoo will probably either shrivel or stretch. It seems to me that the majority of people today who are getting tatoos don't have a meaning for what they choose to permanently put on their skin. Chinese symbols that mean "crazy", or things like that are just pointless. They don't have any significance because it's just a word. Many designs aren't original or creative either. On some people, they have something totally unique that actually has significance. My cousin, for example, has an awesome design of an angel going across him. It starts about half way up both arms and across his chest and back. The design is very unique and complex. And on top of that, it has a huge significance in his life. I don't mind that tatoo because he didn't just get it to have a tatoo. If you have one and it means something significant to you, I don't have a problem. But if you are just doing it to rebel or to be cool, I think its dumb. I just know right now I wouldn't get a tatoo.
Hannah Dodd

English student said...

I don't know what the draw of getting one is really. I mean I understand if you get one that means something really special to you. I have even thought about getting one at one time or another. I may even get one someday. The place where I draw the line are people that have them everywhere. I just always wonder if one day they will wake up and hate the way they look. And what about those people that completely alter their bodies with metal and all sorts of other crap. I am not against that sort of stuff, but I'm not really for it.
Dustin Piercy (9:00).

English student said...

I agree that some tattoes do look neat, but I would never get one. All three of my brothers have at least one, but all in all I am totally against them. I plan on never getting any, because it goes against my beliefs and values, but I don't judge people who have them because a lot of times they did it when they were going through a rebellious stage or that's just how they express themselves--same as for some people coloring their hair or clothing style. Especially,if you didn't like it years later and you had kids. What message would that put out to them? And when you get old...they just don't look to great then.

Elizabeth Kerns.

English student said...

Well I guess I have somthing to say about this considering I have a few tatoos myself. I feel that tatoos are a great form of expression for someone who understads the full consequences of getting one. The great thing that I like about tatoos is the memory associated with them. Every tatoo takes you back in time to when you got it. You can remember who you were with, how you were feeling, why you got it, and what you did that day. Can I say that I like having tatoos? Not every day. Some days I like them and I want more( tatoos are very addictive) and some times I wish I never got one. I hope that people arent to judgmental about people with tatoos. Predjudice just displays ignorance as always. Whats that old expression? "Don't judge a book by it's cover"
Scott Kimballv(9:00)

English student said...

It seems like once someone hits the age of 18 the tattoo parlor is the first place they run to. I think it's stupid that people get tattoos just because their of age. I'm am definitely not against tattoos, but I think they should having a meaning or a story behind them. They're a great way to express your personality and represent who you really are. But, people change as they get older, and sometimes that tattoo that used to be cool when you eighteen isn't any more. People need to put more consideration into getting a tattoo. You're permanently marking your body, and I just think people should take their time deciding on a tattoo that is right for them.
Chelse Lindenbaum (9:00)

English student said...

I have no problem with tattoos. I believe that your body is an empty canvas, and paying for a tattoo is paying for a permanent piece of art that means more to you than putting it on a wall. I also believe tattoos are just a way for people to express themselves and show individuality with it. Yes people get stupid tattoos on themselves, but laser removal is becoming more popular. It is just difficult around here right now, because it is about 100,000 for the machine. I have tattoos, and personally, when I am old and my skin is wrinkly as people are calling it, I think the ink on my skin is the last thing I am going to be worried about. When you are old, why would you care what it looks like. I know a 56yr old with great skin, he's a runner, and my husband is still tattooing traditional Japanese on him even today. My mother also got her first tattoo at age 65, and it looks great on her. Last of all, people judge everyone about everything. That is never going to change, and all the people I know with tattoos are used to it, and frankly don't give a shit.

English student said...

A tatoo is just a simple way of self expression. If someone wants a tattoo I say to go for it. I have recently thought about getting a tattoo and have been meaning to get in. I know it is permanent and is always going to be there, and i think it is just a simple way to have something you will remember. I think it is also very important to pick a tattoo that will mean something to you in the future not just some meaningless thing you get put on your body to look cool. My mother is actually very cool with getting a tattoo and wants to get her first one when I get mine. I think that it is not a very good idea to get a tattoo with someones name, initials, ect. because of the fact that it is permenant and will remind you of that person for the rest of your life. All in all tattoos are a generally good idea as long as you think about what you want long and hard and see if you could live with being 80 yrs. old and still having the tattoo.

Frankie Gaskill (9:00)

English student said...

I do not personally have a tattoo, nor do I ever want one. I have zero tolerance for pain and I just don't see a real need for one. Sometimes there are stereotypes for people with tattoo's but usually it's when they have a bunch covering their entire body. And that also goes for putting a tattoo on a certain part of your body. Some people get them places that they know will be seen and looked at in a different way like the "tramp stamp." But it's their body and they can do what they want with it. The real way I see it is just think of yourself with that/those tattoo(s) when your 80. Will it still be cool then? Will you still be trying to flaunt it so you can get more attention? Maybe, but for the most part....no. I don't judge people if they have tattoo's or not because having some ink on your skin, doesn't define who you are inside.
Abby (9:00)

English student said...

I personally love tattoos. I don't think there is anything wrong with getting them. I have grown up around people with tattoos all my life including my grandpa, mom, dad, aunts, uncles, and friends. Most of the people I know got tattoos to symbolize a special person or time in their life. I have one tatto and have always wanted more but they are pricey. I think tattos are beautiful. It's always interesting to see the different works of art displayed on people. Someones tattoos can be a great conversation piece. Everybody is different, so if someone has a love for tattoos I don't see a problem with that. We all express ourselves in our own way, getting tattoos is just one of those ways.
Jennifer Wilson

English student said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
English student said...

Honestly, this is the first time that I've heard that people disagree with tatoos like to the point of making if that big of a deal. I really don't care about them that much. I don't have one, but if there was something that meant enough to me, I would probably get one. There's just nothing that has tickled my fancy enough to put it permanently on my body. It's not our right to say what an individaul can or can not do to their own body. But, yeah we do seem to perceive people with tatoos to be a certain way. Obviously, it's not always true but that's how our society is.

Alyssa Surber (9:00)

English student said...

I think the meaning behind a tattoo could be really deep or it could be really shallow. I beleive that if you get a tattoo then it should have a meanig behind it. I mean honestly, if you want it than understand that this symbol or picture will never leave your body. So when your skin starts to sag you had better still be happy with it! Otherwise the action of drilling ink into your body would seem almost worthless. A tattoo is a way of expression, holds meaning, and could be a symbolism of faith. This brings us to this question. "Where on the canvas would you place your picture?". If you're conservative, put it somewhere where only you would see it. If you want to flaunt it, get it in a place that it could be viewed easily by the rest of earth's inhabitants. It all depends on the meaning and the type of person getting the tattoo. I think that if I got a tattoo it would be of a small lily on the left side of my lower back. For me the lily symbolizes my personality. It's conservative, gentle, and elegant looking. Its so simple, but yet its still so beautiful. The lily actually means dare to love me. So the meaning almost becomes obvious. I wouldn't flaunt it. I would want the art that I carved into my body to be special to me and only me. The tattoo would then become like my own little secret. As of this point the ink hasn't stained my skin. Honestly I'm trying to decide if I can brave the pain. But I do beleive in stopping points. Too many tattoos can sometimes look trashy but a few of them with really strong meanings can be fascinating. And yes I do believe that everyone with a tattoo should be linked together: as strong personalities who wish to express a very deep part of them selves.
Miranda Wilson

English student said...

I don't like tattoos. What's the point of getting them when they'll become distorted as you sag in age? I also don't like the way that they look. Of course there are stereotypes of where you get your tattoos. I heard that boys will think you're a slut if you have one on your lower back, but don't quote me on that. There's stereotypes for everything. I've never considered getting a tattoo. Too much pain and I wouldn't want anything carved into my skin, not to mention the money. I'd rather spend my money on something more practical like food or my education. Unfortunately, I do judge people with tattoos.

Liz Doty

English student said...

I have no problem with tattoos. I dont really care for the ones that completely cover your body because i think it doesnt look good. But its their body and they can express the way they feel or their life through tattoos. If i had a choice i would get one but i have parents that would kill me if i did. Its not that they hate people that have them but because they dont want me to do this because if i get one and i dont like it then i have to live with it forever unless i spend more money to get rid of it. My friends have them and i think its cool and i would never make fun of them for it because they have all done it because of their own choice.
Justin Henrichs (9:00)

English student said...

I really have no problem with tattoos on other people. As long as its not something stupid, and it looks decent on you, then that is your choice to get one. I have never really thought about getting a tattoo, partly because I wouldn't know what to get, and also because I don't think that I would want to have something permanent like that on me for the rest of my life. If I see somebody with tattoos all over his body, I am probably more likely to judge him, just because that is human nature, but if I get to know somebody like that, it won't stop me from liking him. I know that some people like to represent themselves in different ways, and tattoos are one way to do this, but they just aren't for me.

Chris Bohnhoff (Noon)

English student said...

I think that tattoos are fine. In fact, i am planning on getting a few of them for myself. They are a way for people to express themselves, and too some people they mean a lot. Tattoos can have a simbolic meaning. A lot of people get tattoos to show someone close that has died. It doesn't matter where people get the tattoos on their bodies, it means the same to them either way.

Zach Burnett

Zach Burnett

English student said...

I think tattoos are pretty cool. Its nice because you can use them to express yourself in pictures. I don't have any tattoos but i plan on getting tattoos in the next few months. I think there are certain stereotypes to people with certain tattoos in different areas of the body. I don't jugde peple with tattoos if it makes them happy to put them on there body then im all for it.

demaris winston(7:00)

English student said...

I cannot say that I am against tattoos, because I have thought about getting one. As far as tattoos go, I believe that if it has an actual meaning and it's not a stupid 7UP bottle on your back, then go ahead and get it. A few of my friends have Rest In Peace tattoos and I completely understand them. I do not have any tattoos but the reason that I did not get any is because of my absolute fear of needles. I definitely think there is a certain stereotype that goes along with tattoos, and that without a doubt is the oh so famous tramp stamp. I think that now it has become a lot more popular with teenage girls, but I also think that it gives off a bad vibe. I know that whenever my mom sees a girl with a tramp stamp she automatically assumes that the girl is 'easy' or a 'slut.' I definitely DO NOT judge people with tattoos, but I don't think it's normal when people have them ALL over their bodies.

Brittney (7:00)

English student said...

Personally, I love tatoos. I think they are a really unique form of self-expression. I've always wanted to get a tatoo, but I just can't figure out what to get. As far as my fear of being judged differently because of my owning a tatoo goes, I don't really care. People are going to judge me anyways; my shoes are all scuffed up, I have bad breath, and I tell weird jokes all too often, people are going to judge me anyways. I do hate it when people view tatoos as "trashy" or "skanky" though. I have found some of the most beautiful art work I have ever seen on the skin of others. If you don't like tatoos, it's simple, don't get one. But please don't down-grade others for having them. That just aint right yo.

Tristan Cogswell

English student said...

i think tatoos express a persons feelings. yes i have four tatoos,i got a tatto because i wanted to help make that final step from being a little girl and blooming into a woman. my tatoo is big rose with a butterfly landing on it. there is a stereotype for people with tatoos, so that's why i got mine in places where if i need to hide it I can. if i want to show them off i can do that to.
Tiffany Fields9:00

English student said...

Well, I think that if you're going to get a tattoo, it should be meaningful to you. You shouldn't just do it because you got drunk and stubbled in there and got one, it should be something that means something to you. If I got a tattoo, it would be a memory of my grandma or something. I kinda think that when people have tattoos all over their boby, it just looks weird.

--Jill Reinhart (noon)

English student said...

I do not have a problem with tattoos....i actually have considered getting one. I want one that has meaning though....not just a random one. I know many peolple with tattoos and I do not judge them at all.

Brianna Bugbee

English student said...

I think tatoos are fine. I myself don't have any tatoos but i would get one if i really felt i had something very importatant to me that i wanted on my body for the rest of my life. For example: a memorial or something that reminds me of something i want to remember. I don't judge people by their tatoos. Its their body and they have that right to do that to their body if they want. I also dont judge what tatoos mean just by looking at them because many times theres a story behind the tatoo that i wouldnt know just by looking at it.

Jimmy Gourdier (12:00 Class)

English student said...

I do not have a tattoo but i personally do like them. I do not think an individual should be judged on a tatto they have. Never judge a book by its cover.
Blake Eakes Noon

English student said...

I personally dont see anything wrong with getting a tattoo. Its your body so you should be able to do what you want with your body. If you want to mark your body thats on you... I personally have 4 tattoos. I dont think it matters where you get it at. I dont really think it should matter. If thats what you want to do then it should be okay as long as you like it. Forget what anyone else has to say.

Janyce Burks