Why is it that so many people want to put tattoos on various parts of their body ? I can understand the original tribal reasons, and to some extent it probably still exists with clubs such as the motor cycle gangs who cover themselves with crude designs that may be placed there more for intimidation than anything else. It seems to me that it has become a fashion statement, but what is attractive about something that generally looks more like a birthmark from only a short distance. I have to say that I consider tattoos in the same way as piercings which I find equally unattractive. I cannot for the life of me understand why anyone would want to pierce their lips, eyebrows, nose or tongue…..what is attractive about a stud in the middle of one's tongue ? Isn't it painful or inconvenient when eating? Now men and women are piercing their breasts and genitals in increasing numbers. I should like to know the psychological reason for this. because it can hardly be comfortable. However, I suppose, unlike tattoos, piercing is not so permanent in the same way. However, for whatever reason, I place tattoos in the same category as self mutilation, particularly as they are there for a life time and so many will regret the impulse that made them get them in the first place. Does any small picture of a small bird on a leg or a shoulder delight the viewer? I am afraid it does the opposite for me and only detracts from the natural beauty of the human body.

Being a boring old judgemental grumpy fuddy duddy is much more fun. What's next, BAH HUMBUG?.

If you don't like it, don't get one. Fairly simple. My missus got monstrous tattoo on her back of various things signifying her double lung transplant. You'd see it and judge her for it, not knowing the significance of it. Why not take the time to talk with some people who've got one instead of sitting there judging like some old Worzel Gummadge.

How does it affect your day to day?. Personally, I'm not a fan of piercings, but to each their own.

a return to paganism. Secularism can't feel the god vacuum. It ends up being replaced by drugs, alcohol, permissiveness, body piercing, tatoos and anything else that comforts being that they don't really come from slime.

Speaking of judgemental hypocrites...

That's quite good runner. Very entertaining. 3 stars. BTW What do you think about the many pagan rituals undertaken at Christmas?

I like tramp-stamps. Nothing like a tattoo to show your lack of imagination and individuality.

http://thingsboganslike.wordpress.com/2009/10/19/3-tramp-stamps/

I don't mind most piercings, but I wonder sometimes if the objective is to make one more attractive. Certainly the piercings on one side of the mouth offend notions of symmetry being attractive.

http://www.faceresearch.org/students/notes/symmetry.pdf

'Now men and women are piercing their breasts and genitals in increasing numbers. I should like to know the psychological reason for this.'

It's a sex thing. Enhances clitoral and nipple stimulation, cunnilingus and fellatio.

Houellebecq,

I don't particularly like the Christmas pagan rituals although I so enjoy the food, family time and the fact that people tend to treat others a little more nicely.

StG

Read your own words and reflect.

Snake

You'll think I have mutiliated myself, but you may also take heart that the tatt I have writhing down my back is of a diamond back python I designed myself.

I have had it for 15 years now, have thought about getting another but I am happy with what I've got - can't seem to find anything I'd want forever like the snake. As the tattoo is on my back I don't scare the easily disturbed, unless I'm swimming. My partner thinks its a turn on - during the process of outlining the python and filling the colour, my partner was very happy to rub in the thick healing cream needed to treat the skin as it heals from each application of injected ink.

I had an eyebrow piercing for a while, but it used to irritate, so removed it. Do have pierced ears - 3 in one ear and 2 in another. Each to their own - I'm not harming anyone least of all myself.

StG

I quite accept that I'm an old fuddy-duddy. All I was trying to do was discover the reason people do it and express an opinion which is what this forum is all about, although I try not to use pejorative language as so many do here.

Actually I have asked a number of people, but most think it is offensive to ask except the few older ones who freely admit that it was a mistake made in the passage of youth. Somehow I can't see me asking a bikie !

Houeliebecq.

Thanks for that link to "tramp stamps" I thought some of the comments were hilarious.

Individualism - as expressed by those who rush out to get inked to ape celebrities.

Bogan birthmarks, “Arsch Geweih”- otherwise known as “Ass Antlers”, very funny.

Tat's, piercings and the like have been tribal, decorative, fashionable and fad's. So what. Had an earring most of my life and always wanted a tattoo. I was talked out of the tattoo by a friend who is covered from head to toe with tat's, he suggested that once you have one you are branded by certain parts of society with a prejudice and to be sure i wanted that.
Beside that, personal choice really.
Runner, quite bizarre but am used to that from you.

My partner thinks its a turn on,
Johnny Rotten,
Have you encouraged him to have a tattoo also ?

I've got pierced ears, and an ankle tattoo,
which was a birthday present from my son.
It's rather tame (celtic butterfly), but
I simply love it - and the colours are
stunning, and match my mane of red hair.

I've always thought that tattoing was one of
the oldest forms of creative expression and that
every culture has practised tattoing. Many people
regard tattoo marks as a sign of beauty. Some
people regard them as works of art, others have
them to express patriotism, devotion to loved ones,
or even religious convictions.

They can always be removed with lasers.

"They can always be removed with lasers."

Angelina Jolie would not agree with that. With all of her money and the cream of the world's cosmetic surgeons available to her, the obvious scars and ink remain. Covering up with more extensive and darker tattoos is the 'solution'.

Johnny Rotten I like the sound of your tattoo.

Cornflower is right- most laser removals of tattoos end up with worse looking scars.

I don't mind tasteful tattoos, but I worry about the health practices of some tattoo parlours.

The only tatts I dislike are the names of current lovers that people have tattooed lovingly into their flesh- only to be lovingly dumped by them the next week!

Tattoo artists make plenty of money trying to tattoo something else over old lovers/ex partners names! The area often looks silly after the changes are made.

Imagine having a loving moment with your partner, and then they find themselves staring at the name of your ex chiseled onto your body? Lol.

Although I had a pierced ear for a few years when I was younger, I don't have any tatts or piercings now. However, I know lots of people of various ages who do, and I can't see that it's any of my business to judge them on what they do to alter their bodies for aesthetic purposes. It's not really my cup of tea, but it's not my body either.

Obviously, people derive some kind of personal affirmation, belonging or recognition from tattoos and piercings - as people have done in all societies since time immemorial. What's the big deal?

"What's the big deal?"

Just another beat up for people to use to judge others, CJ.

One of the worse things that people do is tattoo the name of a lover on themselves, I have a mate who covered his ex girlfriend's name with roses and he looks bloody ridiculous.

To Individual

(who obviously isn't so effin 'individual' seeing as he makes assumptions about people).

I did indulge in some experimentation in my youth (and there a plenty of men who should fess up to same) I am in a stable hetero relationship now - women have always been my first preference, but some men were simply... irresistible. May you choke on your morning cornflakes.

Isn't it funny how young peoples 'wish list' has changed over the generations.

Gone are the days of wanting to buy a house, turn it in to a home, settle down with the one you love and raise a family.

Tats are fast becomming another reason why so many can no longer afford a home, as they so often have their deposit for their homes on their bodies. Trouble is, the bank won't lend on these assetts.

It's a free country and one can do as they like, but 'please', don't come complaining about housing affordabillity or the rising costs of every day living, after you have spent tens of tousands on tats.

I must admit to being a bit sexist about tattoos and don't mind them on men but used to think they ruined a woman's body, however I have changed my mind after seeing some very delicate and beautiful art-work on some co-workers over the years (mainly in their twenties).

Maybe I am just getting used to seeing it and it is more commonplace. Just goes to show we are all conditioned in some way even if we don't always realise it straight away.

Foxy I always thought if I ever got one on my ankle it would be a butterfly or a celtic symbol of some sort. However I am a bit of a wuss for pain so probably won't make it anytime soon. :)

I thought Christianity's rituals originated from paganism and if fact is why Easter and Christmas are celebrated in line with pagan festivals. Kneeling in front of a wooden cross is very much a ritualistic act as is splashing water on one self.

Dear Pelly,

I can assure you it doesn't hurt one bit,
just tingles - and is absolutely fun!

I've never regretted my celtic - ankle butterfly -
and my son thinks it suits me, and looks
fantastic! I wanted one on my back - but
I've changed my mind. I may have it done
somewhere else instead - I have to think a bit
more about it...

Or I might just leave things as they are.
Depends on my mood...

My advice to you is - do it!
It does look great!

Hi Snake.

Mixing with many 18-23 year old females via my children and work, in which many of them have tattoos [not mine at this stage thankfully], I have been enlightened as to the various reasons [for tattoos].

Symbolic or fashion accessory or flavour of the month/year.

Some of the girls go through a stage of displaying crosses on their arms, ankles or at the top of their crack just above the hipster jeans or pants, for either visuality or symbolising. Some girls decide to tattoo there also for lack of visuality when working [ie they are not visual on their arms, chest or legs].

Some of the girls I know have designs visual at most times, as a symbol that is representative of a meaning only to them [ie a family members name or sign, or a boyfriend or spouse's name or sign, a butterfly representing change] etc.

Similarly, when sailors in the 60's and 70's mixed with their peers acquiring tattoos, a similar wave appeared this century with teenagers [I come across more girls than boys] 14yrs - 20yrs hounding parents for both tattoos, belly and nose rings & studs. I talked my daughter out of them all, off and on for 2 years, between the ages of 15-17, particularly in relation to her part time modelling career. She is now grateful and has no desire or inclination to do either. A passing phase.