July 22, 2008
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Tattoos, Social Stigma and Women
I was just reading an article that indicated that almost as many women get tattoos as men.
The article suggested that more women get them removed because of social stigma issues related to tattoos. A study was done that showed women felt that it was impacting how they were perceived at work, school or in public. The study found “93% said having to hide the tattoos on occasion was a factor in theremoval compared with 20% of men. About 40% of women endured negativecomments at work, in public or in school compared with 5% of men.” Here is the link: Link
Do you tend to think tattoos say something about a woman’s personality?
Comments (152)
first?
I would not go that far except to say they don’t look very good. Some guys do believe that a woman who wears tatoos is an easy conquest.
It depends on what the tattoo is, how big or small it is, and where it is on her body (goes for men too) but as usual, there is a double standard.
Ultimately, yes tattoos say something about a woman’s (or a man’s) personality.
If it’s a tweety bird tattoo on her breast that probably means she is fat.
Or has very poor taste.
I’ve got a good friend who has big tattoos on her arms… And I thought that she would be scary, but it turns out she’s the nicest girl in my class. I miss her like crazy! Anyway. Tattoos on women aren’t common here.
Tattoos are meant to be a form of expression; so, sure. Of course it does. Just like clothing, or haircut, or whatever else about a person’s physical appearance says something about who they are.
If she is thin then she is wild in bed. If she is fat then she is just peacocking and only dates ugly guys.
Tattoos say something about anyone’s personality.
Yes, I really want one. I think tattoos are fine on women as long as they are tastefully done.
There’s a social stereotype on people with tattoos. They’re either hard-core, drug users, violent, moody, poor, under-educated, etc.
Sure, there are a few out there like that but the majority of us that have ink (myself included) are some of the nicest people that you’d ever want to meet.
Yes, there are certain places that you shouldn’t get inked depending on your job but we all accept that and still we get the work done and feel better about ourselves for doing it.
Tattoos don’t say anything about a person other than they enjoy having the work done and showing it off.
Depending on where it is, how big it is, and what it is of, it conveys a different message about the woman. I’d say women who have tattoos are generally bold and are speaking some message through their tattoo. Since a woman is normally judged by her appearance, it makes sense that she would get more heat for what she does to her body. Wish that wasn’t the case though.
Tramp stamp anyone?
Tattoos are awesome and when a chick gets a tattoos that fits her, it can be the hottest thing in the world. Tattoos can tell you a lot about the person who has them. That’s what they’re for.
Of course they do; that’s the whole point! I don’t really see them as much different than jewelry. Some are tasteful and discreet, some are bold and creative, some look cheap and kind of creepy.
I just think tattoos are unnecessary and ostentatiously ugly and at best distracting.
I think it depends on where it is and where they work. I think men and women will be criticized if they had a tattoo on their neck at a law firm or something.
A tattoo is jsut a way of expressing yourself..it’s just permanent body art.
I have a tattoo on my ankle. I don’t think it says a whole lot about me at all. It isn’t very big. It says something though, otherwise I wouldn’t have gotten it. I guess it says, I like mermaids and I think it is kind of sexy to have a tattoo on my ankle.
I would say that women who get tattoos are more likely to be risktakers and tend to be a little more outgoing, Then again, I may or may not be wrong.
Don’t mean to offend anyone, but when I was single, I avoided girls who had tramp stamps because I thought they were…well tramps. I really don’t see the point of getting a tattoo if you can barely even see it.
All tattoos are suppose to say something about your personality thats why you get them. I have four and while they are all in places I can cover them up if needed for professional reasons I usually dont. I think mine are well chosen, in good taste and look good.
Yeah, sure.
But usually you don’t know what it says until you know more about them.
Yes they do, they say: “Hi, I follow every trend”.
I just ad another one done and in a recent entry, I joked about the lower back tattoos girls get. I’ve heard them called Tramp Stamps, Easy Buttons, etc. Mine are covered by clothing.
I suppose they do, although thy don’t always say what people think they do. One of my dearest friends has a tattoo and wants more (apparently once you start it’s hard to stop). She’s a really sweet girl and not trashy, or easy, or too hard, or whatever the other stereotypes about ladies with tattoos are. I personally wouldn’t get one for myself because I don’t personally think they are very attractive, but I’d be careful of typing someone based on a tattoo or any other external feature, because people can and often do surprise.
ETA: I would advise a family member or friend of mine not to get one though, because there is a stigma attached, and it does give many people (and professionals) a negative impression. To me a tattoo is not worth risking a career or other prospects.
I have a tattoo and intend to get another. It took me years to decide to get one and at one point I’d picked one out and then changed my mind. I waited another 6 years until I got one.
I always recommend to anyone thinking of getting a tattoo to wear a temporary one and see how people react to it. If you can endure the negative comments with a temporary then you can endure them with a permanent.
Don’t waste the money if you think later you’ll get it removed.
@LightningRichy - I assume you mean the tat in the small of the back.
That’s what tattoos are for.
I think it’s unsafe to generalize or stereotype anyone based on appearance…..you need to get to know the person. But probably different personality types choose to get tattoos versus those who don’t choose to get them – it’s a personal preference thing, and means something different to each person.
Well, yes it does say something. A discreet tattoo of a flower says something quite different from, say, a large tattoo of a dragon on the back or arm. To a lot of people though, they equally say “trashy/unattractive”
yes, that’s the reason most would get it in the first place. they want to show the world or express something they’re feeling that’s happened in their life.
Sure they do… I odn’t think it says negative things though…
Well unless she has a swastika on her forhead or something!
Well, really, I think men experience some social stigma as well, but on average are less likely to care. Women tend to be more self-conscious about how people perceive their appearance, so that probably factors into the tatoo removal as well.
uh…
I think everything you do to your body and put on your body says something about you.
@saintvi - I agree-but most that I have seen show poor judgement and lack of planning (ie-what that tat’s gonna look like when they hit 30, 40, etc) women’s skin is much thinner than mens and tat’s just don’t stand the test of time on women like they do men. also most women don’t realize that if they get all those pretty colours, they have to be re-inked every few years.
I find that in the world of bellydance, a form predominated by women, a tatoo often shows what style of dance you participate in, their religious beliefs, or places that they have danced. So yes they do indeed say something about the person wearing them.
However, getting a tatoo is something that should be carefully scrutinized because once it is on there, it’s on there! It is easy to say that you will still love your tat when you are 80 but are you really being honest or are you just saying that to try and convince yourself? As expensive as they are, it seems wastful to get one and then have it removed later.
tattoos are typically considered a mescaline thing. It is expected and accepted for men to have them. When a women gets a tattoo it supposedly say something more about her because it is unexpected for women to have tattoos. It is a cultural issue and it is changing.
@maje_charis - I agree with the first staetment as men with tatoos are often seen as “thugs” or have somesort of criminal background. My brother can most definetly attest to what you are saying as he is the most badass looking guy with all of his tatoos and piercings but is actually very nice and friendly. People just precieve him as something he is not.
depends on the job and the industry. i’m in corporate office, hell, i run the damn company. and i have 3 tattoos. as long as i do my job, and damn i do my job well, they better bloody shuddup and not say anything.
it is all depends on the designs. I for one, got three tattoos. one hidden and two are obvious on both of my wrists. So far I have not had any negative comments about it, rather i get a lot of good ones!
like i said, depends on the designs. if it was really stupid ugly kind like naked women on women, or skulls with bloody knives, then yah that shud be likely to get bad or wrong attentions.
but if it was like the picture shown, that is beauitful. once again, designs really does tell a lot about a person.
it is all about the designs…
@sarahb_86 - I read once about a young college-aged woman who wanted to get a tattoo until her grandmother got a temporary one to show her what it would look like a few years down the road.
I think a lot of people think that they know something about a woman who has a tattoo… that she’s got a wild side, that she’s trashy, or that she had bad judgement once upon a time. I don’t think the tattoo itself necessarily indicates those things; but perception is reality for a lot of folks. If I ever decided to get one, it wouldn’t be where people could see it.
@saintvi - That is actually kinda funny. Mostly because I now have a mental image of MY grandma walking around with a tattoo.
I think women who get tattoos DO spend more time in deciding what to get — so definitely I think when they decide it shows their personality. I change my mind so often, I wouldn’t be able to decide.
I have a tattoo, and it is always covered unless I’m wearing my bathing suit. I have been debating with myself on getting another one because the ideas that I have would be put on much more visible places.
I definitely think size plays into it, girls with huge tattoos are more likely to be thought of as trashy, girls with dragon or skull tattoos might be more apt to be judged as hardcore.
My tattoos would be small and simple, but I am still taking my time to decide on them because I may try to work for the government in the future. If you think that your tattoo may cause problems with job prospects in the future, just wait it out.
Other than potential employers, I really couldn’t care less about what people think my tattoos say about me (which would probably be that I’m a hippie).
I’m not sure they say as much about the personality of a woman, as they do about her ability to express herself.
At my age, it makes me laugh when a person gets a glimpse of any of my tattoos unexpectedly, and suddenly, their perception of me changes. You can see the re-evaluation of you going on in their eyes.
Yes, to a small extent.
Yes, but I don’t agree with it. I currently have 7 tattoos, and I’m only 19. I’m also getting another next month. I’ve always had to endure negative comments towards them, but it’s not something I’d change just for other people. Both of my parents are covered in tattoos (almost literally) and both have said it’s a bad idea for me to get them. I’d rather not let other people’s views run my life, and what I do with my body.
Tattoos tend to imply you have a bit of a wild side…even if you try to keep it hidden.
Of couse, that also depends of the size and location of the tattoo. If you have a quarter-inch heart in a hidden location, it may not mean much…perhaps you just wanted to do something a bit rebelious (which goes back to having a hidden wild side).
It’s more acceptable for guys to wear tattoos because they are meant to be strong and protective. Girls, however, are meant to be more pretty and sweet at times – a tattoo does not give a girl this image.
I love mine. And, I plan on getting more. They’re so addicting.
i have a small one the size of a fist on the back of my neck
its of a dragon and i’m chinese born in the year of the dragon
my hair covers it most of the time and i have to hide it from my grandma
i’m not sure about them telling personalities
but in this time and day, its more acceptable
maybe not with the boss because they are older
but i see a lot of 30 year old women with nice tattoos in obvious places
friends will say “omg that’s so cool…i want one too but i don’t know what to get!! does it hurt??!?!”
it really depends where it is i guess
i’m just afraid of what my future mother-in-law will think of it
sometimes i think about what i tell my kids or grandkids
or imagine if they go “hey grandmama…i wanna see your tattoo again!!”
Anything we do appearance-wise leads to assumptions make about us. And yes, since tattoos are self-expression, I do think they say something about PEOPLE in general (not just women). Only I’d never claim to know exactly WHAT they say about that person.
I have 7 tattoos myself so I’m a bit biased. However, my opinions on a person with tattoos all depends on where the tattoos are located on the body and what exactly the tattooo is. As a person who loves the art of tattooing for exactly what it is, art and self expression, I can just tell when a person has a tattooo just for the “fad” of it. You know the type, the girl who has a cutsey cool lower back tattoo, the strategically placed sexy tattoo to entice a lover, ect. All such tattoos are nothing more than fads that the wearer will more than likely regret and probably will get removed. Thus when that type of person starts getting flak on the job or at school for their tattoos they easily succum to the pressure. However, those who have tattooos because they truely love the art of tattoos, well, they will not succum to the pressure. They understand that tattoos are not everyone’s cup of tea and take the neccessary precautions, i.e. for men: make sure their business shirts cover up the tattoos, for women: make sure their tattoos can be covered up by their work clothes, and for all: if at all possible, make sure they get all job where tattoos are not looked down upon. They also know when they get their tattoos that they will be automatically judged by certain people and that’s ok with them. They live with it. They do not compromise their opinions, beliefs, passions, and desires just because of someone else’s misguided opinions of what art should be. One can just tell when a person with tattoos wear the tattoos because they love the art of it all or is doing it for the fad of it all. You just know… at least I can.
Sure they do. Isn’t that the point?
The fact that someone has a tattoo says nothing about them, except, of course, that they have a tattoo.
Tattoos say something about anyone’s personality. I think that’s the general idea.
I guess. I personally have never been a fan of tattoos. On me that is. I know for a fact that I would grow tired of it and later wish it wasn’t there. I’ve thought about something small. Like my name in Japaneses symbols, but I rather not have ink on my skin. At the same time, I don’t think people should be so quick to judge someone just because they have a lot of tattoos. Some people automatically think for the worse when they see someone with so many. A tattoo doesn’t make a person. Depending on what the tattoo is….I’d probably think a little oddly of it if someone walked passed me with a bunch of nude females and skulls on his arm. Which, that HAS happened. The guy was really big and scary look’n. Ha ha
tattoos, like body piercing’s on men and women reflect who they are, and make thier personality stand out. I think that anyone should be able to get a tattoo without having to think that in a couple years they have to remove it do to a job. I have one on my wrist and one on my shoulder, I don’t think I’ll ever remove because they both reflect who I am.
yeah i think it does, it just can pinpoint the exact words that it says…. or generalization.
I’m turned off if they’re visible and large on women.
Most tattoos should show a woman’s personality, since tattoos are usually an expression of one’s self. Some woman (and men) get meaningless tattoos and those, to me, just seem so….bleh. I’d rather see tattoos that mean something.
For me, I have no ink at all because of the profession I have chosen…but I have all my tattoos planned out that I would want to get. Each of them has a specific meaning that relates to me, and they express me as an individual.
@LightningRichy - The point of getting a tattoo shouldn’t be whether or not you can see it. You shoudl get a tattoo for yourself, not for anyone else. Hidden or shown, that ink first and foremost should be for YOU.
My tattoo doesn’t really say anything at all. I considered having it removed, but with my luck the scar would be far worse. I rather like it now. It always makes me laugh when people find out that I have one. They are just so incredibly shocked. And then too, if I did have it removed, it would be like admitting that I’d made a mistake or something. We can’t have that now can we.
I would like to add to mine that tattoos can also be a way of reliving oneself from other more distrucive habbits. My cousin has depression and used to cut herself on a daily basis. She started getting tattoos and piercings and it relieved her of need to cut. It may not be the best therpy but I would much rather see her go out and get a tattoo cut herself to pieces.
@A___Beautiful___Disaster - I agree %100 with you on the last part. It is not a mistake if you find some sort of enjoyment out of it. It a weird sort of way that says something.
i have a female friend in nursing course and is very passionate about nursing have tattoos.
i have 7 tattoos and i’m not a biker chick, i’m not a tramp and i’m not scary… i just think that they are cool and look interesting… all of mine except for one can be covered up but i rarely do… i’m getting another one…
Does it say something about your personality? Sure, just like what kind of clothes you wear does… a lot of times tats are just that and have no hidden meaning…
Depends on the tattoo and where its at.
Xo
I have two tattoos and plan to get more. I loooove my tattoos, but I have had to cover them up in occasion or wear clothing that covers them fully. As a future teacher, the last thing I want is for my students to see them or to have an interviewer judge me for them. I also currently work in a library and while they never say that they have to be covered up, I do not like showing it off in a professional atmosphere.
It’s not that I am ashamed of them or even want to cover them up. I just know how hard it is for women to be seen as serious professionals. The last thing I need is some old fart thinking I am an office whore because of my shoulder tattoo.
As for my personality, I dont know about that. Personally, I got them done because I believe tattoos are beautiful and symbolic. I chose to get mine down after major events have occured like graduating high school. I am a romantic and I believe that life should be documented. This is just my unique and artsy way of doing so.
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Oh, and as for my personality… it is way outside my zone to have one. I am terribly shy and very conservative in how I dress and act. I do no drugs, drink only during social occasions, and hate clubs and bars. I didn’t get it to show my personality, per say. I didn’t get it to rebel either. I got it because it was something I always wanted to do and it would be a permanent reminder of what I had gone through and what my future will be.
The Irezumi tattoos denote a private comradery between brothers and are only shown to eachother in private — they are mostly full body tattoos that you can’t see if the guy is wearing a suit, or even just pants and a shirt. I’ve taken this stance with my 12 tattoos. They’re not to show off. They are there for me and whoever I decide is cool enough to see them. I can wear shorts and a tanktop and they are still hidden so, no worries at my job. I win!
No.
I think some tattoos are pretty, but for the most part, not really. I think when you get a tattoo, you’re trying to tell the world something and show them something about your personality.
i think a lot of ppl look down on women with tattoos
but i really want a tattoo and wat i worry the most about is what my parents will think
being that they are the typical asians, i think they’ll flip out!
Well, fuck, maybe it’s because they’re putting them in slutty ass places like above their asscrack of like a dick pointing down saying “This way please” or some shit.
@Kestryl - Absolutely! I’ll just second what you said.
@pink_lemon_princess - Congratulations for being first. I want to be first here too..
Yes. And I would love to get a tattoo..
It depends on what the tattoo is. If she has a two sleeves depicting Satan and his minions, I might hesitate to approach her. However if a chic has a cute tattoo of a flower on her ankle I wouldn’t think anything of it.
I still want one.
You’d still talk to me if i did, right??
*hugs*
Men with tattoos are precived as tough guys. Women with tattoos are either sluts or biker lesbians.
I love my tats. They’re my artwork. And I’ll get more if I can. If a small portion of closed minded welps see something sinister, that’s their perception. Otherwise, it’s a form of body art–no worse than piercings.
I have a tattoo.
I’m not easy, fat or uneducated.
So no, tattoos don’t really say much about people’s personalities.
When I was younger much younger I decided to get a tattoo and then another one. But with the thought that I would work in a professional enviroment. So they are hidden and only my loved one and I know where they are at. I do think that society has a bit of a stigma but I think so many people are getting them it’s becoming almost no big deal.
From first impression it makes women or men look bad ass or tough. It gives you the feeling you don’t want to mess with them or they will mash you into tiny little pieces.
Isn’t that what tattoos are supposed to do?
And I don’t mean having one in general- I mean whatever type of tattoo the woman had.
My French teacher’s niece (I met her on a trip to France. Kind of an obscure example, I know) has a tattoo of a green butterfly on her lower back. She got it when she was a teen in her rebellious phase and made sure that it was green, because green is the color that can’t be removed.
I thought it was sort of badass that she was so bold in her beliefs, even if it was just teen rebellion.
She’s now like thirty something.
I just did a post on tattoos and if I got a tattoo then I’d get it in a place were noone could see it.
Well, isn’t that the point of a tattoo? To make a statement about who you are? Yes, I think they do. Do I think it makes a negative statement? Absolutely not.
for sure.
that doesn’t mean I won’t get one.
Sure. So does my motorcycle. So does the fact I own my own house and that I work at a professional job and that I teach children drumming in my spare time. What of it?
I do think that tattoos say something about a person’s personality. And I do make fun of women (and men) who get crappy tattoos.
I am beginning to like tattoos and would like a couple to remember the wonderful 80′s artists of music but have not gotten one yet. I just dont care to see tattoos all over anyones body.
@Chesschick01 - Yikes…that’s like saying posing in the all-together…is okay…as long as it is “tastefully” done. What’s tasteful about being nude? Tattoos: Have you ever thought you won’t be “young” all your life? The skin gets wrinkled and sags, short of a surgical body re-do…and so does the tattoos. Have you ever imagined being a grandmother and your grandchildren saying, “yeah! can’t miss my grandma in a crowd…she has the tattoo(s) “wherever.”
As to your question Dan. A tattoo automatically labels you.
Not really. You have them or you don’t.
I can’t wait to get mine.
I think any tattoo says something about the person, isn’t that sort of the point? Does it show an artistic side? A love for their children or family? Is it cute and fun?
I would love to get a tattoo of a triquetra since I am a Christian and it is, in my opinion, a beautiful depiction of the trinity. However my husband would rather I not get it. Which has always bummed me out.
Yes and no.
I like to believe there are very ignorant women who go out to get tattoos because it will make them look “cool”. Otherwise, I think there are people, who are like me and look at it with meaning and artistic value. I always say “your body is a canvas, if you paint it with meaning and sentimental value”. When i have a tattoo, I would like to remember the the reason for that tattoo and think about how much it meant to me. Not regret ever getting it.
I’ve always thought of tattoos as outward representation of inner scars.
well I’d hope the tattoo had some meaning
or a reference to her personality,
but sometimes it could’ve just been spontaneous
I think tattoos on anybody are a sign of insecurity.
yeah, but it isn’t necessarily negative
I receive only positive comments about my tattoo. But it is exceptionally hot.
Most girls get dumb tattoos. Hearts, flowers, butterflies, dolphins.
But no one can see mine unless I show them, so. Maybe that makes a difference.
I think we all secretly want a tatto, some of us just have more balsl than others. i am on eo fthose who didn’t have the guts to do it.
I suppose so. I think tattoos are distasteful if you don’t position them properly. I work at a waterpark and see tons of people with multiple tattoos everywhere. Some of them I don’t understand, like a Tweety Bird!? The tramp stamp also seems to signify something…
If I were to ever get a tattoo, I’d get one on my ankle or somewhere where I could hide it if I need to. And I’d get something that I wouldn’t mind when I’m 80.
Yes
As for what, that varies greatly.
@GrapiesWordsofWisdom - lol, I actually sent in a half nude shot for Dans boob campaign,I enjoyed doing it and i think my photo was tastefully done. As for being old and having tattoos, I used to work at a nursing home and i found the tattoos on some of my residents interesting,even if they were a bit saggy
Tattoos tell story’s..some sad/some happy. And I think it’s a sad day when people can’t look past the skin of people and see who they are on the inside…some of the nicest people i have met have tattoos.
whats the margin of error
It speaks on their personality sure. But I wouldn’t think she’s a monster for having one, no matter how big or small.
I think the problem is when they jump on a bandwagon..where they get it on their lower back..trying to have the tattoo of a stripper. It’s horrible though..negative comments to the women who give birth to life.
Those people should go to hell.
Great post.
What is the male equivalent for “tramp stamp”?
i think they do. I have one (for now) and its part of my personality. Its Chinese for love faith wisdom and believe. I feel that those are four things you need in life. If some one wants to think bad about it let them. I can tell them what it means. It took me 6 years to research the correct meanings of them and get it. Just because you cant read it doesn’t mean its bad. its a good meaning. I have people ask me all the time what it means and not in a bad way. only bad thing I got from it is when my dad found out about it and told me “you know your going to have that forever!”
I think it depends on the tattoo and the person…. If you’re going to get a tattoo, make sure that it symbolizes you in a way…
It makes some girls look unique and sexy, and then some look sleezy and skanky… So it all depends on the tattoo/person
I think gender is no reason to hesitate on getting a tattoo. I’ve got a couple and the only negatives i have heard are from my conservative parents.
If your getting a tattoo thats visible people are going to see it weather your a male or female. The only thing you should consider is weather or not YOU like the tattoo.
If you do get something extreme expect extreme reactions.
yes, but not bad things. I want to get a tattoo but i’m already thinking about where it can be that I am able to hide it. (I plan on being a teacher).
I always figured what you choose to ink on your body for life makes a big impression about who you are. As well, some people have preconceived notions about what those who get tattoos are like and if you don’t want to be judged to an extent by your tattoo, don’t get one.
yes…
I have a small tattoo on my wrist. Yes i am 17 my mom lety me get it. My best friend had terminal cancer and we got matching tattoos when we were 15. She is gone now but i will always remember her and our tattoos. So i think tattoos are great on men or wemon and i am getting another one.
I actually am just scared about the arm that the tattoo is being applied to. It looks orange on my computer. Is it one of Captain Kirk’s old space girlfriends or what?
Of course!!!!
I think that’s more something with the older generation. give it 10 years and tatoos will be pretty passe.
No. They’re just pictures, though most of them do have sentimental value to the owners. But otherwise, they should not mean anything to others.
i talked to remy the morning of the day she got her xanga tattoo and tried to talk her out of it. wonder if she wishes i had been successful.
It all depends on where it is and what it is, as everybody has said.
I have one tattoo, and the thing is that you wouldnt know it was there unless you were my doctor and needed to see me naked, or already have me in bed. (its on my side… on the ribs right below where the band of my bra sits) It has meaning, and it wasnt something i just woke up one day and said “i want to get a tattoo!”.
i hate when people think a girl is trashy simply because she has tattoos. in no way am i trashy. so again… it all depends.
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Interestingly enough, Benjimon may have a point.
No not really not anymore, I did for a while ad then my cousin who is a female got tattoos all down herarm that she did herself (she is a tattoo artist) and after I realized that just because she hd a skull on her didn’t mean she was different from the same sweet person I knew, so I did for a while but then my mind was canged. Just becaue a woman hasa tattoo doesn’t mean she’s a “biker chick” or anything like that……
only that she’s badass. I want one.
A tattoo should be a symbol of a person’s character/personality. It should represent who they are or what they stand for. I guess tattooed women are negatively looked upon because they’re supposed to be viewed as “feminine” and “dainty”. Tattooed women do not appeal to “society’s standards” but fuuuck that! I’ve got a tattoo and it’s quite big on my back. I’m very proud of it and wouldn’t take it back for anything.
I’m rambling! That’s just my opinion.
a tattoo says a lot about anybody’s personality, not just a woman’s. after all that what a tattoo is for, to express personality. kinda a dumb question this time around.
i sure hope so. Usually people get tattoos for a symbolic meaning. But then again you have those nimrods who get them cause they are “cool” so whatever.
My body is a canvas.
I believe tattoos do say a lot about an individual but I do not believe it is necessarily a bad thing. I think that the negative stigma just stems from old views and they seem to be irrelevant and unfounded. A tattoo tells a story not a personality trait or class level that seems a bit ridiculous to me.
yeah i would like to get one, but i don’t think it says anything about personality, tattoo is just like jewelry.
ABSOLUTELY…. there is a reason that they call them
TRAMP STAMPS…
As a manager for a large company that pays very very good for their positions, and that is much in the lime light, and very conservative… if an applicant walks through the door with a tramp stamp… the interview is over before it starts… 3 questions and a thank you… NEXT ! ! !
Call it harsh, but it is absolutely not the thing we want portrayed our front line visible people… and you may make the ignorant statement, “well I would not want to work for you anyway”… well their lining up at the door… and there are tons of tramp stamps in the line… they put them everywhere you can see… it is amazingly stupid…
Now I am expecting the question about men… they are usually smart enough to put them places that can’t be seen… most of the women put them in stupid places that can be seen…
Use your brain… keep them in locations that when the itsey bitsey bikini goes on the tattoo can be seen… and if you are to fat for a bikini… your probably to fat for an exposed tattoo…
@huginn - well said.
In my case, my tattoo helped me come to terms with those inner scars. Sort of wear them like a badge of honor, if that makes any sense.
@bicycling - hateful much?
I just want to correct you, a tramp stamp is a lower back tattoo, not any visible tattoo on a woman.
Why so angry about tats anyway? Art is art, even if you stick it on your arm.
I can understand disliking a Tweety Bird tat or a “Baby Girl” tat, but these days, body art is really getting better. I thank Sailor Jerry and even Ami James for that.
I think tattoos can be a beautiful ornamentation on someone’s body. Whether it’s permanent jewelry or something meaningful, you shouldn’t judge someone for it.
otta_valdez…
One thing I find interesting about people today… if you take a firm stand on something… doesn’t matter what it is really, just a firm stand… all of a sudden you get… “dude, why so hateful” and the bottom like is, you can define a “tramp stamp” as what you want and you can “wear it as a badge of honor” in the middle of your forehead if you want… I really do not care… and as a person… I am ok with that and usually just mark it off as immaturity… and immaturity is not an age thing as I see 60 year old people with tats in places they have no business showing… do I really care… NOPE… and am I angry… NOPE… but… one of the problems we have in society today is the mentality that we have to all hug, get along and that if I have a rule that says “NO TATS PERIOD”… you can’t just move on down the road and apply somewhere else… no I am supposed to change my rule… bottom line is that the original question was …
Do you tend to think tattoos say something about a woman’s personality?
I say absolutely, and it is something that I choose not to hire… not angry, not hateful… just firm in my stand, extremely successful as a company, and making more money and sales than we ever dreamed and have no intention of changing this rule… hopefully well get to the point where this fad like all the other silly fads… will move on down the road and the worst thing that will come out of this with… is a bunch of old and wrinkled butterflies and unicorns somewhere down the road…
im not sure about personality, but it certainly has a negative affect on looks.
to me, the female body is naturally beautiful, and a tattoo is like putting graffiti on a mountainside. the male body on the other hand is not, and needs all the help it can get. that being said, i wouldnt get a tattoo unless it was to memorialize something very significant. a tattoo without meaning to me is just a waste.
I dont know but I always wanted one!
Tramp Stamps & Slag Tags.
tattoos look great on women: (in some cases better than they do on men)- i love my tattoos and no one judges me by them well except to say im an idiot for getting a name lmao but yet people who have tattoos can be the sweetest but some people are narrow minded and stereo type them its not fair- especially employers
all tattoos say something about your personality. that’s the point of a tattoo. you’re supposed to get them to express something about yourself. they do not, however, say that you are a slut or trashy. that is ridiculous.
ok well I love tats… I want a few in the next few years… but I wouldn’t get them to where they are seen and depending on what it is and the place.. but I see no problems with tats… I have my lip pierced and no one but old people who dont understand complain about it… I believe that tats and piercings are becoming way to common … especially with women. lots more nose rings and belly rings in the work place… so no.. I do not see any problem with tats… and that they are just a piece of self expression… why get them removed when the reason you got them was to express your pursonality?
everyone is getting tattoos these days, it’s not as outrageous as it used to be. i think the problem spot for women is the “tramp stamp,” a tattoo right above the pants line on their back. it’s easily exposed and draws attention to their ass, which is why it’s so frowned upon.
also, tattoos can cost a shitload of money. it’s not just poor, stupid, uneducated people who get those really large designs. it takes time and planning and they’re not just slapped on like smaller tattoos. you really can’t stereotype people based on their tattoos.
Well, I’m a woman with three tattoos, and people [especially at my church] are continuously commenting on my tattoos and judging me for having them. [Christians? Judging? Never.. *rolls eyes*]. But yeah.. i mean, certain types of people get tattoos, certain types of people don’t.. .. but you can’t judge someone’s character or personality simply on whether they have decorated their skin or not.
I believe that we are all free to do what we choose with our bodies. And if a tattoo on me offends someone, they will just have to get over it. If someone doesn’t like me or thinks I’m a terrible person because of my tattoos then I don’t want to be associated with that person to begin with. But I definitely think it’s human nature to make assumptions about someone who has tattoos all over their arms, legs or whatever when you first meet them. Even me who has several friends who have tattoos scattered all over their bodies (one of my close friends even owns a tattoo shop). But usually my assumption is -wow; that person is probably a really laid back easy going free spirit.- And I like that.
@bicycling - everyone is entitled to their own opinion but you don’t have to be so mean about it. not all women are stupid about placing their tattoos. don’t make such broad generalizations. it doesn’t say much about you.
@cre13… I absolutly love this question and it to me has made an awesome point… and to me it is the point of which I can not stand about the current trend of our society… 1. wemon get tattoos and 90% of those that get them statistically say that they have them removed because of negative comments… yet lots are getting them… then the next bunch do the same thing and get them removed because of negative comments… bottom line is that it does not matter if 10,000 people say (my favorite whine of people today) “Thats not faaaaaaaaaaaaaiiiiiiirrrrrr….. (sic)…women are judged when they get a tattoo… and employers discriminate (depending on the location and extent). And that is just a fact… fair or not…
2. when I said it was stupid… I stick by my guns on this one… and I define blazingly stupid as a person that goes out and gets a really off the wall probably offensive to many picture all accross their shoulder, down their arm and showing around their cleavage… then that moron goes into a very conservative company where people are dressed really nice and shown up in a silk shirt and says… are you hiring… now come on people that is just blazingly STUPID… like me getting a tattoo of a completly nude woman on my forarm and then applying as a pastor’s position in a conservative church… (as Jeff foxworthy would say… Dude, here’s your sign)…
3. and finally… it amazes me about society today that you can take a firm stand on somthing that is really a personal preference… and if it steps on anyones toes… you are hateful or not fair or a bunch of other things…
If a woman showed up and had the titanic tattood across her bum… and the life boats were tattood down both legs and she had a nice outfit on and I was not able to see any of her tattoo carnage… I could care freekin less… just do not let one of the survivors be showing… or you ain’t getting the freekin job… nothing personal, not angry, not hateful… just plain old not interested in you as an individual working for my company ! ! ! ! and thank god we still live in the good ol US of A….. this to me was an awesome question… and very telling…
@bicycling - Wow, I really wish I would have read your comments here before I responded to your private message to me. LMAO remember that little comment you made to me in that private message about I would be the first person you would hire? LMAO! I’m 5’0″, 250 pounds, with 6 of my 7 tattoos are visible. So inspite of you liking what I had to say about this subject here in Dan’s blog. I guess my fat ass with visible tattoos everywhere would not be up to par in your company then. Oh well. That’s ok, really. I’m the type of person who would never work for anyone who is that judgemental about another person’s appearance. See, I’m a free spirit. I want to be able to get tattoos wherever I damn well please. I’ve also been known to do wild things with my hair, color it wild and crazy colors and even shave it all off. So you see, I’m one of those adults with balls, as you put it, who would tell you and your company to go fuck itself. But I do agree with you, that if anyone who wants to work in places like your company better really think twice before getting a tattoo or at the very least a visible tattoo. Don’t go and get a tattoo and then expect that you will be able to get a job anywhere you want. That’s not real life. But those of us who are true body modification enthusiasts… we salute you with the middle finger sir. lol
@bicycling - Tattooing is NOT a fad. It’s a form of body modification that’s been around since… my god… since the Neolithic times. It’s been found in many cultures around the world. The purposes for them vary greatly from identification to spiritual symbolism. For heaven’s sake, will you please educate yourself on this subject before you start running off at the mouth?! Now I agree that certain types of tattoos are indeed modern fads, i.e. lower back tattoos on females and upperarm tribal tattoos on males. As I stated in my first comment one who truely understands and loves the art of tattooing can spot such fad followers a mile away. Those are the people that end up regretting their tattoos and getting them removed. But your blanket statement about tattoos in general being a “fad” that’s just plain ignorant and wrong, dude! Educate yourself, please!
@bicycling - Oh btw, sir, if your company is THAT conservative, they wouldn’t want a Pagan and a Witch like me. Not with me wearing all my pentagram jewelry on a daily basis. lol
@LadyValkyrie37 well, like I said in the message to you… at least you have enough common sense to know that your choices will effect your ability to get a job at some places and not getting a job at others… which is much better than the people that think they can do what ever they choose, and it not effect their employability…
You said it best when you realize right off the bat that we are coming from two completely different angles… my place is not where you want to be… and you move down the road… and we are both good for that… rather than try to get the job and then whine about fairness and whatever, thinking that I am actually going to change… cause neither one of us are going to change… we may totally disagree and do so emphatically… and that is ok…
However, regardless of what you think… tattooing today is no less a fad then disco and cowboy boots have been in the past… cowboy boots have been around for a very long time… but there are those that are wearing them because it is who they are… and they have been doing so for probably well over a hundred years… but we no longer have every person out there wearing them 24×7 because that was a fad… just as tattoos have been there for centuries, but today we have every teen-bop getting them on the down side of 10-12 beers and on a bet… then paying hundreds or thousands to remove a drunken mistake… there will always be tats out there and there will always be people that like them and do not… that part will never change…
And by the way.. I am well informed on this subject, as I am a research nut… and there has been a estimated 300-400% increase in the mean amount of tattoo parlors around the country and up to 1000%+ increase in parlors in the high tattoo area’s… ie LA, Datona, etc… And that my friend is a fad… if you will educate your self on the subject by doing a little surfing, you will find that even the tat kings and queens are wondering the fads longevity…
BRYAN ROURKE
Journal Staff Writer… states from his research of surveys that…
Now, 18 percent of adults are tattooed — – 21 percent of men and 15 percent of women. But age and education are the greatest tattoo determiners.
The more education you have, the less likely you are to have a tattoo: 21 percent of people with a high school education vs. 10 percent of people with college degrees.
The younger the adult, age 18-24, the higher the likelihood of a tattoo, 29 percent. For those older than 65, it drops to 4 percent.
So a disproportionate number of young adults pushes up the overall percent of adults with tattoos to 18 percent.
The number-one reason people get a tattoo — 44 percent according to the survey — is to express individuality. That’s followed by 32 percent of people who said they had no particular purpose.
“That’s the ‘because’ category,” Barnes says. “They just said ‘because it seemed like a good idea at the time.’ When you think of it, that’s a tremendously honest answer. That suggests it’s a fad, which is subject to whimsy.”
But this fad, Barnes says, is different from other fads. The involvement remains long after the interest has passed.
Dr. Yoash Enzer, a cosmetic laser surgeon in Providence, reports performing a 10-fold increase in tattoo removals during the last decade.
“I see a lot of young people who want to start a family and don’t want their children to see a tattoo,” Enzer says. “That’s a common one. I also see a lot of people who have the name of a boyfriend or girlfriend tattooed on their body and that person is no longer their boyfriend or girlfriend.”
The worst cases, he says, are the ex-spouses of tattoo artists “who are horrified by what they did to themselves.”
For about $100 you can get a tattoo. Depending on its size, color and age, it can be removed for $300 to $3,000.
I will still say it, regardless of our differing opinions… and they are certainly different… but I totally respect the fact that you have thought it through, made your decision… and got your tats and are totally at one with them…
So I salute you back with the single finger salute and commend you on your resolve to move on down the road with your tattoos in tact….
@bicycling - sir, what is the definition of the word “fad?” The definition is “a practice or interest followed for a time with exaggerated zeal.” Notice the phrase “for a time.” As I’ve stated already the art of tattooing has been around since the Neolithic times. Since the mid 1800′s the art of tattooing continueally grew more and more popular in Europe and America reaching an all time high in popularity right now in the 21st century. Now I don’t know about you sir, but I don’t think the word “fad” is a correct term especially in light of that phrase “”for a time.” Leg warmers in the 80′s were a fad. They tried to make a come back in stores like Hot Topic but it’s just not sticking. That fad is over. Bell bottoms were a fad in the 60′s and 70′s. They were replaced with skinny jeans in the 80′s. In the 90′s Bell Bottoms came back as “flares.” Now in the 2000′s skinny leg jeans are back. Those are all fads… they come and stay for a time… then go away. Tattooing has never went away. It’s only become more and more popular because more and more people are letting go of all those old preconceived notions that tattoos equal bad people and bad things. Also as I said before, there are some who get tattoos just because… not because the piece has deep meaning… they just do it on a whim… those people do it to be part of a “fad” that really doesn’t exist. I know it sounds weird, but it’s true. It’s a fad to be a part of a fad, so why not get a tattoo. it’s like a right of passage at 16 or 18 years old. Those people are ignorant and do NOT love or understand the art of tattooing nor do they appreciate body modification. Those people end up getting their tattoos removed. Those people end up being the ones who come into your company wanting a job. My beef with you sir, is that you judge all of those with tattoos with those blanket statements that you’ve made above. I may be wrong here but I really do think that you personally have issues with tattoos and those who have them. Yes, you can cover it up with all that crap about your successful, tattoo free, ultra-conservative, company, however, you reek of someone who personally hates tattoos and harshly judges those who has them. Do you have religious reasons for disliking tattoos so much? I used to be a Christian and I know what the Holy Bible says about tattoos and piercings. I really am curious as to why you have so much personal hatred for tattoos and those who have them.
@bicycling - Oh and btw who in the holy hell is “BRYAN ROURKE” and where exactly did you get that article?
@LadyValkyrie37 Google the guy… he is a reporter… I Googled and yahoo’d “increase in tattoo’s” and in 15 seconds came up with a half dozen articles buy other people that show compelling statistics that regardless of your opinion… it is in a possible fad stage right now… and has been before… (like during WW2 and Vietnam) we won’t know for sure for a few more years… however… it does not require that something disappear off the face of the earth for it to be classified as a fad, that is to short sighted of a view… if you have something that is consistent for a hundred years… and then there is a surge in popularity for a year or a decade and then that item slides back to its former popularity… it my friend was in a fad state by definition… the clothing industry sees this all the time…
And to say that I hate tattoos is exactly the point I was initially saying that drives me nuts about society today… I absolutely do not hate tattoos… I have a brother that we nickname “Harley man” both he and his wife are covered, and he is totally at peace with his tattoos… I have a sister in law that has a “tramp stamp” and her husband has them all over… they run a motorcycle ministry that is very successful…
What makes me crazy about people today and it seems like a lot of people today have an attitude that I have to accept, in my business the fact that you choose to have them all over yourself and because your proud of them (or I am a bad person), I am supposed to be sensitive and care… I do not hate you or your tattoos… and truthfully the thing that I liked the best about you is that you seem to be a peace with your looks, weight and all… but do not sit there and tell me I have to condone, accept or employ someone that does not meet my criteria… as long as I do not violate any laws of equal employment.
And you brought up earlier that you are 250 pounds… that my friend is your business… but I hope you would not try and look me square in the face and tell me that you are not discriminated against because of your weight, because I would have to tell you that you are not speaking the truth… I know that one for a fact… I was over 350 in the past and not have gotten down to under 190 and people treat you totally different… they look at you different and your are discriminated against by being that heavy… it is just a fact of life that you choose to live with… and to me that is your choice…
BUT ! ! ! ! If I owned a Golds Gym… do not come in and ask me if you can have a job as a trainer…. I would tell you “honey go and loose a 125 pounds and hit a stair master for 6 months and come back and talk to me…. cause my customers do not want a heavy person telling them how to lose weight and stay in shape…. they want a person who is in shape and living it… telling them how it is done… it would just plain old be bad for business… but that does not mean that I hate heavy people or chubby people or whatever you want to call them… you don’t see 250 pound people selling exercise video’s cause no one would buy them… but that does not mean that we are “ALL” discriminating against heavy people… it is just not a good business decision… it is however, “your choice”…
It is exactly the same thing with tattoos… my brother in law, and brother know that they would not work in my business… and we joke about it all the time… they have great jobs… and we all get along just fine at Christmas and thanksgiving… and if I and my wife die… they will laugh all the way to the bank… and say “Good old brother bicycling… wouldn’t hire tattoos and Damn I am glad… cause now I am freaking rich….”
Wow I loved this question…. it was lots of fun… but for me… I have to go and ride my bicycle… so I am outta here… you tatoo’d folks have fun… and in a couple of decades… we will know based on a surge in laser tattoo removal or not… weather it was a fad or not… I personally will put my money on the following:
Yes it was a FAD… that will die off in a period of time
There will be TONS and TONS of tattoos being removed because of humiliation, tired of being discriminated against, and drunken stupidity…
There will always be discrimination of Tattoos, and obesity
Morbidly obese individuals (exceed Ideal Body Weight by 100 pounds or more) will still have a hugely increased risk of heart disease, liver disease, diabetes and other issues…
I personally do not think any of these things will change much in the near future… sorry…
yeah… but i don’t know exactly what it is…