Tattoo's are all right by me, but some people go to far?

[GiveMeFreedom]

I try not to judge people who have them. I do not have any and most likely never will, personal preference. However some folks push, what I think, is beyond normal. My opinion is not worth a lot, but I know I would not hang out or drink a beer with this guy. I am old fashioned I guess.



Here is where I found this picture. Seems a girl was disappointed with this guy after he tattooed her face with more than she asked for.
http://www.odditycentral.com/news/buy-3-stars-get-53-free.html

[undeterred]

1. I would think that jewelry might make it difficult to drink a beer, even with a straw.

[one_voice]

2. Hanging out or drinking a beer..

wouldn't bother me.

But I wonder what he does for work. Maybe owns his own tattoo place. I would imagine it would be difficult for him to find employment.

[randome]

3. He could always do porn.

[LibDemAlways]

6. You beat me to it. He must be self-employed.

When I see a young person with face tattoos and multiple face piercings like this guy, I can't help but wonder if he's going to wake up some day and say "WTF was I thinking?" I'm 60 so maybe it's just a generational thing with me, but the sheer excess looks like something he may regret in the future.

[one_voice]

9. Yeah..

I don't mind tattoos, all my brothers have them. My daughter has a beautiful one she designed on her shoulder. My nieces, nephews, my sister, all have them, but they have them in places where they're seen when they want them to be seen.

People that get them on their faces are really committed to body art, I think that's what it's called. Someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

Most people that have face tats and that many piercings are self employed. Often times doing that kind of work.

[marions ghost]

23. It is Body Art, definitely

--yourself as your canvas & sculptural medium. Also it constitutes group identity (we have so few ways to bond culturally). Also I'd call it performance art.

But how is it really different from what other people do to themselves (especially women) with silicone, botox, hairdos, makeup, haute coutour and lethal nails? Some pretty scary looks come out of regular beauty salons.

It's just a matter of taste.

[Ms. Toad]

36. The difference: Permanence.

As to aesthetics, I agree with you. I don't find either particularly attractive - but some do. That said, tattoos have a permanence that none of the things you mentioned do. All but one are entirely temporary (although botox takes a bit longer to work its way out of your system), and even silicone can be removed far more easily than tattoos.

[marions ghost]

50. True but

part of the lure of tatts is having the nerve to do it in the face of "permanence." You will carry it with you always, sure, but permanence is only an illusion anyway. So maybe that's part of it-- to create something that is more "you" than just plain old you. It makes me think of the way tombstones are becoming more decorative and personal --thanx to laser engraving but also because there is an urge to personalize.

[Ms. Toad]

52. The question was what is the difference

between tattoos and other appearance changing beautification - and that is the defining difference. It may be a difference you are seeking - but it is a stark difference. You are stuck with whatever you do in the way of a tattoo.

There isn't any difference in personalization - I can do that by shaving my head, or dying my hair purple, or even getting an eyebrow or tongue piercing, but those only become part of how I present myself to the world for as long as I still enjoy that presentation. I can create an elaborate single color temporary tattoo using henna - and relatively long lasting paints are also becoming available to create multi-color short term tattoos. And all but the large bore piercings are (or can be) temporary.

But - I have yet to see a tattoo that has that characteristic. As a parent, I can tell you that is a major distinction in terms of the range of choices I permitted my daughter as a minor. As long as it was temporary - she was free to be as distinctive as she wanted. She is now an adult - but still financially dependent because of health issues. And even though she is an adult (at 22) she does not yet have the mature reasoning about all sorts of things for me to financially support a decision about her appearance that she will be stuck with the rest of her life.

[marions ghost]

58. fair enough

I don't think parents should have to pay for something they don't support--and that goes for anything really. While of course I don't agree with using money as coercion, non-support of some optional pursuit is fine with me.

Plenty of time for a child to make their own decisions as an adult and pay for them.

[Ms. Toad]

59. Yeah -

We're struggling with how to handle money, given that we will likely be supporting her long into adulthood.

The fact that we are willing (and at least at the moment able) to provide support - shouldn't mean that we control all of her discretionary spending. On the other hand, while I am clear that she has to make her own choices about behavior as an adult, there are things which I am willing to financially support (medical care, shelter, food, and some luxury spending), there are other things I am clear I am not willing to financially support/enable (risky sexual behavior {meaning life threateningly risky}, permanent body alteration, drug use, and all of the extravagant food choices which have little established connection to health).

We were doing remarkably well gracefully transitioning to parent-child roles until she was diagnosed her freshman year in college with a disease that means she is less than fully functional for the years leading up to a liver transplant (a separate reason to be concerned about tattoos). The best thing I did was to thoroughly research piercing and tattoo parlors before we knew she had a liver disorder and found one she loves which goes beyond state standards for health and safety - and she has returned there for her two additional piercings.

[marions ghost]

60. It sounds like you have the situation

well in hand. She's lucky to have such a Mom. I will make this prediction--there will come a time when she needs less help and she will tell you. Be ready for that hopefully joyous day.

Meanwhile, all best. I know a young woman having a liver transplant. It's not the hardship it once was. Keep her on an even keel health-wise. Yes, I see why you would not want tattoos. There are other forms of self-expression! Encourage the arts maybe, if she's inclined.

[Ms. Toad]

61. Definitely inclined.

She was heading for a dual major in arts and something that might more reliably pay the bills - when her liver disease started to make itself known, it scrambled her brain (so math/science where her talents are became much harder) - and a lot of art involves chemicals which aren't good for the liver. So we're not sure where that is going.

Unfortunately, we know dozens who have had transplants - some as many as 3. Her disease tends to come back & the disease itself puts her at risk for at least 5 cancers & anti-rejection drugs increase the consequences of missing the early stage...so no picnic. I'm hoping she can limp along until she can grow her own liver and not have to mess with the anti-rejection drugs. Grow-your-own is about 7 years out, still.

She'll definitely tell me when she needs less help - she does now occasionally when I forget and start taking over the doctor's visits and - other than the GI/liver related health stuff - she's pretty much managing the rest of her health. It's just a very different dance when a graceful movement toward being peers gets yanked back into very heavy parent-child roles just so she can survive.

Thanks for the good wishes. We can obviously use all anyone can spare!

[marions ghost]

62. Still, I would encourage the arts

Yes you want to stay away from toxic substances --but in art there are many non-toxic media, including photography, watercolors, colored pencils, paper, fabric--plenty of safe materials. Just stay away from fumes, glues, spray paints, oil-based media, certain pigments, etc--I know you know all that, but just to state the obvious here.

I'm a believer that arts are good for the spirit and can be helpful in the healing of physical and mental issues.

I send all positives for the eventual growing of livers to help your daughter. Do whatever you can to lower your own stress too, Mom. Give this situation the gift of time.

[Ms. Toad]

64. The challenge she ran into

is that even though she was able to find non-toxic equivalents for paints (the last class she tried to take). The oil based paints themselves were fine, but the thinners weren't - she managed to find a non-toxic thinner, but the ventilation was inadequate so she had to be in a separate room from the other students who were using the toxic thinners. It took them weeks to accommodate her - and because she missed a couple of weeks, and was then isolated, she missed out on the interactions that were important to learning, and ended up dropping the class. And to major in art she needs to have some of the classes where she will face this challenge.

(Of course, the ventilation should be adequate for all students - not just ones who need to avoid them for specific health reasons.)

Here's an example of her art from high school:



She knows art is good for her soul. She told me when she was 2 that she was an artist (not that she was going to be, but that she already was). And the first counselor she went to after being diagnosed told her that she needed to stop doing art because it was making her depressed (without any discussion about the role art played in her life). That was the last visit she had with that counselor.

But the artist in her has been silent for a while - I hope it awakens soon. Other things are, so perhaps art will follow.

[marions ghost]

65. Wow how did I know

she's an artist? I feel psychic That is totally awesome. She has definitely got It (I have a degree in It so feel qualified to say). You were so smart to get her away from that know-nothing counselor who said it feeds depression. Yes, in art you feel. And if the feelings are sometimes negative you work through that to the other side where you can own those feelings, not negate them. Which of course is why art is good for people who may need to wrestle with challenging issues. Duh. And her piece here is all about that! I'm sorry she had a discouraging time with the painting class. What's the option with acrylics or watercolors? Artist are doing the most amazing things with ye olde watercolors--it's wrong to see it as inferior to oils. I think as long as you are careful handling certain pigments, you're OK. Maybe she could work with another art teacher who would let her choose her own media? There are classes that do not deal with solvents whatsoever. And you're right, these solvents are good for nobody. I have a friend in her 50's who paints all the time and she has had to switch from oils to acrylics because of health issues from breathing the solvents all these years. I think daughter could work around theses issues. But when she's ready, when she's ready. Right, you can't push. Just encourage.

Thanks for posting that. I really see a strong artistic soul there. Inspiring.

[Ms. Toad]

67. I didn't get her away from the counselor

She came home and told me the counselor was an idiot. Told me why, and we started looking for someone who had a clue.

Generally, art therapy is pretty mainstream - so for a counselor to declare generically that art deepens depression tells me she was not paying attention in school. But beyond that, as my daughter pointed out, people use art differently - she uses it to center and work things out, and to give her peace in the middle of the very chaotic emotional life that was dumped on her with her diagnosis. Others may get trapped in it and it may draw them deeper into depression. The distinction between the two is not one you can make without asking "What does art mean in your life?" - and it may not be a distinction you can make for several visits.

The piece I posted is one of my favorites. Much of her high school stuff was limited by the assignment specifications. This one was one where she was much freer to let herself be creative.

[marions ghost]

68. Exactly

in general art is good (some cases maybe not but can be evaluated). The counselor should have known that. Your daughter is smart. She will be OK. We are a long way from tattoos. This is the much more important question. How will she get some art back in her life?

She has the kind of interest and ability that is hard to deny. It will happen, given the gift of time. Since art is so time-consuming--it also helps with the problem of getting ahead of oneself. It helps expand time. Teaches patience and how to pace things.

I am going back to work now. But enjoyed the chat &

[Ms. Toad]

69. Definitely long beyond tattoos -

. . . unless she wants to turn the piece I posted into a tattoo but I've enjoyed the chat as well.

[R B Garr]

74. I had a Triple AAA tow truck driver tell me they were going to drop him

because they had gotten complaints about his tatoos. He was wearing long sleeves when he helped me, so they were pretty covered up, but people apparently saw them and called about him.

[Nye Bevan]

4. No, that is fairly understated and tasteful.

He may want to remove one or two of the larger piercings prior to a job interview, however.

[LisaL]

41. His job is to be a tattoo artist.

He probably needs to put more in for interviews.

[NCTraveler]

5. I really don't see what this individual is going for.

Doesn't look like artistic expression as I see no theme or direction.

Doesn't look like some form of individualistic expression as there is nothing new there. Just a whole bunch of what people are already doing.

To each their own and I hope he likes it.

[YarnAddict]

7. Tattoos

I guess I have a commitment problem. Can't think of a single sentiment, name, or picture that I would want to make a permanent part of my body. Can't imagine someone in their teens or 20's being that sure of anythign.

Athough--I know a young woman who had a stillborn baby, whose name is tattooed on her chest, but I see that a little differently.

[arcane1]

30. I am SO glad I didn't get tattoos in my 20's!!! No telling what I would have chosen.

I don't have any in my 40's either, partly due to that same problem you have. But wow, back in 1989 when I was in a metal band and loved horror movies, I would probably be walking around with some guitar-playing skeleton drawn on me somewhere.

[MadHound]

8. At this point it is each generation trying to outshock the previous one

Late sixties into the early seventies, it was shocking for a young man to get a tattoo. Late seventies, early eighties, it was shocking for a man to get an ear pierce, or a woman to get a nose piercing. We've just continued from there, from single tattoos to multiples to entire body inked, from an ear pierced to a nose pierced, to multiple piercings anywhere on the body.

I think in the next twenty or thirty years, the daring shock value thing is going to be to have no tattoos and no piercings*GASP!*

[Scuba]

13. Bingo.

[Blue_Tires]

15. +1000

Even high school girls have their cleavage all inked up now...

[Marrah_G]

10. Old story, the girl ended up admitting she lied

Her family didn't like the tattoo.

Anyone who gets a tat knows they draw things out and go over everything before they ever touch you with ink. They want you to love it, they want you to tell your friends.

[Jenoch]

17. A few years ago a guy

in Chicago was not satisfied with his tattoo. The tat he got on his chest said "Chi-TONW".

[LisaL]

45. Since then he tattooed his name in huge letters on a face of another girl he just met.

They are planning to marry.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/man-tattoos-his-girlfriends-face-the-first-1586449

[Marrah_G]

46. Everyone has their own vision of what art is

Hope the marriage lasts or his soon to be wife is going to regret that decision!!!!!!!!!!!

[LisaL]

72. Either way she is stuck with his name in huge letters on her face.

[Gidney N Cloyd]

11. He looks like a complete idiot.

[nolabear]

12. COuldn't he get a more interesting set of glasses? Throws off the whole look.

[uppityperson]

35. That was my first thought also. Needs better glasses.

[HappyMe]

14. Well, that's completely unattractive.

[Marr]

16. Twenty years ago, he would've just had a sleeve.

But tattoos-- even a full sleeve-- have become about as common and meaningless as a GAP t-shirt now, so the people who want to shock have to go a whole lot further.

[Bake]

18. I would think he might have trouble actually drinking a beer ...

Given all the hardware ...

Bake

[lumberjack_jeff]

31. Thinking the same thing here.

Aesthetic choices which interfere with functionality (like speaking, drinking from a cup or blowing ones nose) don't impress me.

[Gemini Cat]

19. The guy looks like a moron.

He'll regret that in about twenty years. Probably sooner.

[pansypoo53219]

20. makes the mullet look good. hell, bring back mohawks.

[Sen. Walter Sobchak]

21. It can be useful that some people telegraph to the world that they are irresponsible.

For instance, when my dad got tail ended by a 909er woman with "trust no bitch" (it is the title of an Eazy E diatribe) tattooed on her neck, I suspected immediately that she might not have insurance...

[logosoco]

22. I sure hopw this guy likes it...he has to look at it for the rest of his life.

When I see him, I don't see art as much as I see practical problems. Eating must be very hard. He probably had to learn how to speak again. What happens to his nose if he gets a bad cold? Has he ever seen the neck of an older person? That skin changes a lot with age and exposure.
Edited to add.. I have a tattoo. I got it about a year ago when I was 47. It is above my ankle. So far one of the few spots on my body that has not gotten wrinkly or saggy!

[marions ghost]

24. Tattoos aren't about the future

they're about Right Fing Now.

You can do a whole thesis on why people do this. It's tribal. It's rebellious. It's fun. It may make people who judge themselves unlovely feel more sexy. It's a badge of courage. It's a way to honor someone else. It's a test of your family's love & loyalty. It's cool. It's artistic. Why put art on your walls when you can have it on your body? Why put flames only on your tailpipe? I think it's fascinating. Generally I compliment people on them (unless it's a really terrible job).

The only reason I wouldn't have one is because I get tired of visual things being the same and am always changing up my environment and I'm sure I'd get tired of a tattoo, no matter how good it was. I don't like the permanence of them. But I think it's fine for people who want them.

My only advice would be --pay to have a really GOOD tattoo artist do it, if you're going to do it.

[KitSileya]

25. I have a tattoo there too.

Above my right ankle. I got it 13 years ago, and it has a specific meaning for me. Even tho' it's just a small (1" high) white rose that I picked from the tattoo parlor sketchbook, to me it's a reminder that I'm a survivor. Back then I used to buy myself a white rose every other week to remind myself, but after I got the tattoo on my leg, I'll never be without one. I just told a friend that while I don't think about it much these days, I doubt I'll ever regret it.

Afterwards, I toyed with the idea of getting others, but I was certain that it had to be something that I couldn't not have, if you know what I mean, and I always gave myself a 6-month waiting period to see if I still wanted it, and I never did!

[kestrel91316]

26. I think there might ba psychological issue or three there.....................

[alcibiades_mystery]

27. Yo, that's my accountant!

[benld74]

28. How the HECK can he ever blow his nose?

[deutsey]

29. If they do a remake of "Moby Dick"

this guy's a shoo-in for Queequeg:

[VanillaRhapsody]

32. how does he keep from drooling all over himself with all that hardware in the bottom lip?

[Ms. Toad]

39. My what a difference perspective makes...

I have a daughter who has to have regular MRCPs ...(fancy MRI) and an annual surgery, so when I see metal - I think, "How hard would it bee to remove the metal, and is it healed enough that it can stay out long enough to carry out the procedure - and do I have the stomach to poke and prod it back through the appropriate hole as she is waking up if it is too recent to be out until she can get home and do it herself . Cartilage and tongue were the last two in that category; belly button this summer - 7 months old and not healed, max of 3 months until it has to be out for anesthesia.

[jmowreader]

33. The customer in that story told so many lies

The I fell asleep and this is what he did to me one was the best...anyone who's been tattooed over bone knows you do not under any circumstance sleep through it.

But yeah, that dude just screams "I am a tattoo artist!!!"

[onethatcares]

34. I think

the salt and tequila removal method is not going to work on those.

[Sheepshank]

37. When he tries to blow his nose all the snot shoots out of the sides

Lesson: don't stand next to this guy during cold and flu season.

[darkangel218]

51. oh shit, youre right!!!

Maybe has plugs for his nose holes?

[Robb]

38. I'm not into it...

...but I'll admit to being jealous of the lifestyle he must have that lets him get away with it.

[Coyotl]

40. Grammar Police: "too far"

[DevonRex]

55. Oh thank god. The apostrophe in the title is driving me crazy.

There. I feel better now.

[Coyotl]

56. One step at a time

Let's not overwhelm people with the really difficult stuff

[DevonRex]

57. I kept wanting to ask, "Tatoo's what are all right by you? And where

else would they be (whatever they are)? And who the hell is Tattoo, anyway?

[hobbit709]

42. That person will never get a day job.

[LisaL]

43. He is a tattoo artist. That is his job.

[hobbit709]

48. a long, long time ago I thought about getting a tattoo.

But I liked the ability to disappear without any "distinguishing characteristics"

[Marrah_G]

47. He is an artist....this is his day job

[cbayer]

44. HIghly recommend the documentary "Erasing Hate"

http://www.erasinghatethemovie.com

[Posteritatis]

49. No interest in tattoos or piercings myself, but more power to him.

I also don't buy the story for a minute, not least because I remember when that story came out a few years ago. She backpedaled on the claim, which she made to avoid getting in trouble with her folks or something.

[GoCubsGo]

53. To each his own, I guess.

I don't understand the attraction to tattoos, in general...

[Matariki]

54. This guy lived near me. Saw him in my local Lowes one day.

people were pulling out their phones and snapping photos and he was very friendly and kind of cool imo.

[LisaL]

71. Cat man is no more.

http://now.msn.com/dennis-avner-the-cat-man-might-have-committed-suicide

[Matariki]

75. I know. I saw that when looking for those photos of him.

It's sad when people suicide.

[Iggo]

63. I'm not so sure about that...and maybe.

[Ikonoklast]

66. Not my body. He is free to express himself as he sees fit, as long as he's harming no one else

who cares?

[Tree-Hugger]

73. Hey man

Let your freak flag fly!

That's not my taste. Still, it's not my body. I can't make any suppositions as to his job or his ability to work or his character based on his body art. As long as he is not murdering, raping, robbing, voting republican or hurting people in any other way, I couldn't care less if he wants to doodle on his face and poke himself full of holes.

I am barely tattooed, but I plan way more for the future. I have had plans for some tattoos for quite a few years. I'm just waiting for the money to get them done.

[Orsino]

76. Too far for you?

"Beyond normal?" I rather suspect that that was the freaking point.

[VOX]

77. The Pequod is looking for a few good harpooners...

Heathens preferred. See Captain Ahab in New Bedford.