That's a matter of opinion.

I have to laugh at the people who say that they "like women to be unspoiled" What century do you think we live in? If a woman has her ears pierced (and most do now) is that "spoiled"? Is it ok because it's "the norm"? what if she has permanent makeup tattoos? What about makeup generally? What about painting her toenails?

All of that stuff was once considered outrageous, and I have no doubt at all that as we move through the generations to come, a lot of other things that we now think of as "not the norm" will become so. I have my tattoos in private places and unless I am on the beach, or wearing particular clothing or shoes, only my family and boyf are ever likely to see them. It's personal choice, if you don't like tattoos or piercings, then don't have them, and if you choose, don't date people who have them, but do respect other peoples rights to do as they wish with their own bodies.

I bet there are people who regret having the name of their first girlfriend tattoo'd in dark blue ink across their forehead, and there may be people who regret even the smallest tattoo in the most private place. People regret decisions all the time in every aspect of their lives, part of being human is learning to live with the choices you make.

It would be ridiculous in my opinion to refuse to hire someone based on whether or not they have a tattoo, if it doesn't detract from their ability to do the job and won't affect a customer facing position (which I dispute anyway) then that (to me) would be like refusing to hire someone because they are a single parent, or have a disability, what a crock! I may not like someones body art, or would not have chosen it for myself, I'm sure there are people who don't like mine, but I am the one wearing it, and as long as I like it, everyone else can bog off and mind their own business.

Whatever peoples choices about tattoos and piercings, I think there will always be some people who are just wound too tight to believe in everyones right to express themselves as an individual, the "Hyacinth Bucket"s of the world, and frankly I feel terribly sorry for people who have so little freedom in their own life that they feel they have to spend it making judgements on how other people live theirs.

Ooohhh, nice post Zippy. You can relax now. ( ) What tattoos do you have?

I agree with the majority, if not all of, the points raised in your post. And although I don't want to sound like a free living hippy kind of guy, I do think it's everyones choice to live life how they choose, whether thats via tattoos, piercings or any other choices they wish to make.

Another question for some of you: most of you know that I'm heavily into fighting on a sports based level, have a shaved head, etc. Do you judge me on this? (Honest answers please, I'm not easily offended)

Now, if your answer is no, does it change if I now have tattoos down both arms, and if so, why?

And if your answer is yes, why, I don't bite [everyone].

I get a bit *soapbox* about stuff that I have personal experience of...

I have 4 tattoos. the first one was when I was 17, my friend Jody and I passed all our BTEC exams and graduated with the highest marks in the year, so we went into Trowbridge together when we'd picked up our results and both had something done that we'd always wanted. Jo had her nose pierced and I had a tattoo of a bluebird on my left shoulder. The second one was when I passed my HNC after 3 years studying part time while working fulltime, it's a wasp (not a cartoon type) and is just below my right collar bone. The third one was when I was diagnosed with osteo-arthritis in both ankles, both knees and one hip, I had a tattoo of a talisman for protection from pain, an eye in a jagged sun ("he who looks upon this eye, his pain shall fly") and is on the inside of my left ankle. The fourth was when I passed my degree with a 2:1 after the hardest 4 years (still studying part time while working full time) of my life, I thought I was going to die if I had to study any more Synthetic Organic Chemistry and gaining the Honours in Environmental Chemistry was the icing on the cake, the tattoo is a butterfly (symbolising my freedom from edumacation) and is on the top of my right foot above my middle toe.

The next one I have planned is a picture of a Lionfish, a bit like this:



The thought processes behind it are long and complicated, but it's a combination of a new free beginning, a love of fish and a leonine attitude. I have no idea how much it'll cost but I want to find out and start saving, it'll be about 3in x 3in and the only question I have now is placement.

Thanks for the explanations Amy.

Now, if everyone else could read my questions and start deciding if they want to judge me, that'd be dandy, thanks.

Zippy, I used to be one of those people and I'm now proud not to be. I agree with everything you said. The "unspoilt" thing bugs me as well. Have whatever viewpoint you want, but no need to verbalise it which such prejudicial language.

Dave, if I saw you walking down the street, I'd probably judge you. I'm extremely judgemental by default and all the sales and recruitment experience I've had, has emphasized this. We all make judgements about other people all the time. I had to do it for a living. I am however, aware that I do it and I keep that in mind when meeting people. Our appearance; the car we drive; the company we keep; the things we do in our spare time, can all be used to judge us whether we like it or not. Our judgement of other people comprises a set of important tools evolved over thousands of years. Is someone a good mate, can we trade with them, can we trust them etc. Anyway, as I feel I know you a little I would no longer judge you on your appearance. BTW who's Brady and waht are your other tats about?

When people in various hospital departments over the last 9 weeks heard how I'd injured myself, they were suprised. Why? Because I probably don't look like somebody who has any level of skill at ninjutsu. When I showed them some of what I could do they were amazed. Keeping the nurses entertained with humourous chat on 14hr shifts, they grew to know me in a different light. I love getting that opportunity with new people. Unfortunately, it doesn't happen enough. If it did, the world would be a more tolerant and understanding place.

If I didn't know you, I might cross the road if I was walking through town at night and saw you. But in day-to-day life, not at all. I might be more wary of you with the tattoos, but it wouldn't stop me getting to know you if the situation was right, if you acted like you were hard then the tattoos would probably help to intimidate me, but if you didn't act hard then I wouldn't be phased by them.

I live right near there!
Sorry, I get excited when people talk about places I've been...

I think that it is the massive regret that so many people have expressed to me about theirs. Every time I see one I think to myself "you will be sorry". I think it shows a lack of foresight. Many "tat up" as a form of self expression or sometimes it is rebellion. Later in life when the need to rebel has passed or they wish to self express in a different way there is the regret.

CC

I have my name written across my side, in fancy writing, Kelsey-Marie Greenaway.
Here:


And I have a bow on the top of my foot, with a diamond in the middle, with no defined lines, only in shading.
Here:


I'll get some pictures of them when I get back.

I've also got my ears peirced twice, and my belly button.

That's fair enough CC and I can definatly see where your opinion comes from. Have you ever met someone who doesn't regret their tattoos later in life?

Ben, don't worry I won't try to intimidate you at the 404 meet.

My boyfriend is a tatto whore.

2 full sleeves.
Chest, Sternum and Sides.
Full left leg.
Thigh on right leg.

Man it's hot. :drool:

Could we see some pics of his art when you upload yours too, if he agrees of course.

Well, this is one of him. Not good quality, was taken with a webcam.

This is BEFORE his sides, and legs.


And this one without the silly hat!

Wow, he does have a lot. Bet he uses a beard trimmer on that beard too.

Just out of interest do people ever question why you have your own name tattooed on you, and if so, what do you answer with?