Tattoo Stories?

[goldcoop]

OK, I'll bite!

We have a guy in our area that is bald and has eyes tatted on the back of his head!

Cheers,

Coop

[Chip]

coop,,, maybe he couldnt find anybody to watch his back,,,

or he can see everything thats coming and going

or he proved to his kids that dads DO have eyes in the back of their heads

chipper

[toypusher]

chip,

And I thought that they would be to watch out for 'ROOTS'

[48Rob]

Gail,

Your view is a perspective not often visited...but worthy of consideration.

Right, or wrong, silly or proud, the things we do to make ourselves stand out are not always things that will benefit us, and often times are self imposed stumbling blocks or even brick walls.

I have a small tattoo on my arm.
I'm proud of me, and do not regret that change.
I also don't think because someone has tattoos, piercings, etc, that they are bad, or adversly different, it is a choice we all make, but one that does have implications.

Back in the 60's and 70's long hair was the statement, sometimes cute, sometimes way too much, but at least reversable.

I really feel for a lot of the young people I encounter that have made large irreversable changes to their bodies.
Extreme tattoo's, ear rings-the kind that stretch your ear lobe, facial piercings, etc.

Perhaps they don't realize that these mods can, and most probably will, dictate what "class" others percieve them to belong to.
As most know, once "branded" chances for moving into a better position than checkout boy/girl at the local grocery, etc. are greatly effected.

Sure, I know that many very successful people have tattoos, piercings, etc, but in general, when I'm hiring for positions that involve public contact and PR. work, the folks with the different look are overlooked.


However, at the rate we're changing, by the time I'm old and grey, perhaps those who are now scorned, will be those running things, and the new outcasts will be us...

Rob

[gailkaitschuck]

I look back on pictures of me taken in the ?70's? ?80's? and cringe. Did I really have an Afro? Where did I get those shoulder pads?? Who's that guy next to me in polyester pretending to the John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever? Good heavens, did I think he looked sexy?

Luckily these things are changable. Other stuff isn't (or at least not without a bunch of visits to the "laser doctor").

Gail

[Nitetimes]

I've got tattoos on both arms from my shoulders down, they will eventually be combined into sleeves on both arms. Mine started in Germany when I was in the AF. Got one on each forearm done there. When I got out of the service my brother decided to pursue tattooing as a profession. He did his first one on someone other than himself on me. It was really nice work but he never liked it so we started a cover up on it about six years ago, never did get around to finishing it, hopefully this winter.
I don't regret any of mine and will have more before I'm gone, I like them and I like to see what others have done. But on the other hand I never have nor will I work in the type of places that would frown on such decorations.
I have to agree with some of you that the younger folks today are getting way carried away with the tats and piercing, to the point where even with a very good education I could see them having a hard time getting a good job in an executive or upper management position. Having had long hair and tattoos for 20+ years I know all about the stereotyping that goes with it, even going into some resturaunts (even certain bars) and any upscale business gets you scrutinized by the staff. This has changed considerabley in the past ten or so years but some people still have the mindset that you would make a less than desirable employee if you are tattooed or pierced.
Here's a perfect example for you, and this only goes back about 6 or 7 years. When Red Lobster first opened in Butler if any of the serving staff had tattoos on their arms where they could be seen they were made to wear something like an ace bandage over the tat, and it was very obvious why. It was really stupid because the ones that were covered were mostly small inoffensive stuff. It didn't last long tho because the customers that were tattooed, myself included, complained to the management. We wanted to know what kind of message they were trying to send us, the bandages soon disappeared.
Boy, this got long. Oh well, I'm done for now.

[Ira]

I have a VERY long pony tail now. Just in the back--but the rest of my hair is cropped normal when I'm not hung over. (It's a political protest thing, and guess who I'm protesting?)

Anyway, when I interviewed more than 25 years ago for a FREELANCE deal at my former ad agency, I had a similar length tail. I dressed business-like, but I duct-taped the tail under my shirt. I got the gig, showed up for work the first day with tail flying freely, and my boss was laughing his a** off.

It was freelance, so I didn't see the danger in pulling this. However, the job IMMEDIATELY led to full-time employment, and I was there 10 years before I resigned to move to Florida.

So don't judge a book by its cover.

[Chip]

Ira ,,, so now ya got a mullet thats pulled back,,,,sigh,, some of ya'll can still grow the stuff though,,, only thing I could put a band around is my goatee,,, hey ya grow it whar ya can,,,,

chipper

[Loader]

I work as professional, engineer for an Aerospace Company/Defense Contractor, most times my forearm tatoos are not a concern, however, if I am going out on the road or to certain meetings, I'll dress in long sleeves. You have to judge your "audience". If I go into a military maintence shop, no big deal, they can be seen, if I go into a formal meeting, then long sleeves and a tie may be needed. Many times, I wear long sleeves the first day of what ever I'm doing, (when out), prove myself, then the next day short sleeves (if appropriate).

Doesn't mean I can't do my job, and to be honest, once you show you know your stuff, the ink isn't an issue.

Everyone's individuality is what keeps the world spinning!

[PaulC]

Had my first two tatt's done at 40 years of age. Ended up with five in total. It went with break down of first marriage. Included in this little bit of rebellion was removal of my beard and installation of earring. I have no regrets with what I have done to my body but it sure did intrigue me with the reactions I got from people I had known for years. It proved to me who my real friends are.
Cheers
Paul

[DestinDave]

Interesting topic Ira.

Myself, I have 4 tattoos, all during my time in the USAF. In fact, I have one on each forearm, old school military style.

Dang! You got 4 forearms???

I've got a few. First one when I was 18 and just got to Okinawa. I had a Navy eagle done on the right bicep. The old Okinawan artist started it about 2 in the morning and after doin the outline went and laid down on the couch and slept for 2 hours - to rest his eyes. Me? Just sitting there waiting.
Second was a little rose with my then girlfriend's (later wife's) name. In a place where only several women have seen it. And a couple doctors and nurses.
Third was done in Scotland and is a couple flowers with a banner and my first son's name and my nickname on it. This artist did it in his living room with his kids running around screaming. He charged me a quart of rum for it and drank almost all of it before he finished. I helped out with a quart of good malt whiskey. Not very good quality but a good story.
Fourth was a larger black rose over the little rose in the private place. The second wife didn't like the first wife being that close to the object of her affection.
Fifth is a portrait of a woman I once drew. On my bicep. A very attractive redhead with green eyes and a seductive smile. Figured if I ever met her I could tell her I'd been looking for her forever. Never did meet her and it wouldn't matter now anyway. I've aged a lot more than she has.

None of mine are "offensive" and are placed where they can be hidden by clothing. I spent many years in the corporate world, 3-piece suits, boardroom meetings, etc. and never felt self-conscious about them. I have an ear-piercing but seldom wear an earring. When I do it's a custom-made gold anchor on a chain - symbol of my sobriety and the need to keep grounded. I agree with some of the above statements especially the extreme tatts and piercings. Too many of them are done to "make a statement". Sad thing is the statement usually says "I ain't never gonna get a good job!"
Will I get any more? Don't know. I think about it at times and when I watch "Miami Ink" on TV I think about it a little harder. I've always had an idea for a dragon wrapping around my right arm from my little finger up and over my shoulder. Probably couldn't afford that at today's prices and not sure I want to get that extreme.
I do appreciate art and have seen some very nice work. Have seen a lot of trash too.
BTW - the small of the back tatts on women are called "butt-hats" or "butt-toppers"...
Dave

[rooster]

My son and two daughters has my share of tattoos. Why would I want to pay someone to inflict pain on my body that way. My wife always pointed out nice tats on people while shopping and some are really pretty. Like Chris, I like where the ladies have put them.

Jim

[madjack]

I've been the long haired hippy, outlaw, biker, trucker type and most of my friends fall into one category or another (or all). There are many tats amongst them but I have never seen any piece of jewlery or art work that I liked enough to have it permanently affixed to my body. Afterall, I am so good looking that any thing else would just be a distraction
madjack

[Arne]

I've thought about it, but like everything else in life, I figured I'd find something better or get bored with it.... So, I sport a Navajo silver arrowhead necklace instead... that I like and have never taken it off for 12 years.... but I know I can.

I see young people who are still in their 'rebellion' years with them on their necs, backs, etc.... somehow I feel this may be a fad the will cool off and they will wonder what the hell they were thinking...... and what's with the Chinese symbols.....? Most I talk to only have a hint of what they mean.

[stjohn]

Some of the newer tattoos are kind of like Picasso's neat to look at but I
would not want to own one

"Live and let live"


Thought about having my wifes name put own my body somewhere after I'm sure she's going to stick around ,21 years later I'm still not sure


Mike