Tattoos - A Wise Move or a Regrettable Blunder?
70I was just discussing tattoos with a friend today, and thought I might get your input on the subject. I’m 45 years old (May 4, 1965) and as yet don’t have a tattoo. Not that I haven’t thought about it. Had tattoos been popular in my early 20’s, I would probably be covered with them. That’s the age when I was the most reckless.
At that time, tattoos were still mostly for hard-core bikers and older gents from the WWII and Korean War era. There were plenty of rock stars who had them, but it was nothing like it is now. Seems like almost everyone has one these days.
From what I can tell, tattoos have pretty much taken over the planet. And I’m surprised how many different types of people have them. Youth pastors, store managers, and (gasp) accountants even have them. My son had a friend in Phoenix who got one as a present from his grandparents when he turned 16!
That kinda’ blew my mind. Not that I necessarily think that tattoos are all that bad. It’s just that how can you possibly figure out which image you want displayed on your body for the rest of your life when you’re 16? I mean, what if you get a Tweety Bird when you’re 16, and then you decide he’s not so cool when you’re 30, or 50, or 80?
I’ve always said that I would not hesitate to memorialize my kids with a tattoo if something happened to them, God forbid, but short of that I’m having a heck of a time figuring out something I’m passionate enough about to wear on my body for the rest of my life.
Because I have to give blood frequently (hemochromatosis, if you want to look it up), I’ve decided I probably won’t get one anytime soon. After you get a tattoo, they make you wait a year to give blood. Although I’ve recently heard that tattoo shops are going to be regulated by the government and the one-year blood ban may be lifted. Not sure if that’s gonna’ be a good enough catalyst for me to get one though.
I did have an idea one time to get a tattoo that said, “Tattoos are permanent and probably not a wise thing to do, since they don’t come off without surgery.” I love irony, and that’s pretty dang ironic. But I’m not sure how many tattoo wearers love irony, and I have a feeling that many people wouldn’t have gotten the joke, which means I would have had to explain it, and nothing is less humorous than a joke you have to explain. And few things are worse than having a crappy joke permanently affixed to your bod. Especially when you're a part-time, semi-famous comedian like me.
So I continue to live tattoo free, at least for the moment. If I’m struck by undeniable inspiration, I’ll take the plunge, but it’s gonna’ have to be something really cool.
Just thought of another one – a tat that says, “I did it.” And then people will ask “you did what?” and I’ll answer, “Got a tattoo” and they’ll say “where?” and I’ll say “Right here. It says ‘I did it’”. More irony.
I can almost see the blank stares now.
- Tattoos-The Pros and Cons of Having Tattoos
Firstly let me say that I do not have any tattoos. That may or may not surprise you, I guess. When I was young the only females in our City that had tattoos were the rather salubrious type of females. These...
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I have also thought of getting a tattoo. I have tried to give blood and have been refused because I have Cerebral Palsy(even AFTER I then explain that CP is NOT a blood disease). I also have a fear of needles, but could probably get past that too. I would only get one thing(my Mom's name). She passed away almost 12 years ago. So, my friend, if you think of something worthy enough to carry around for eternity- I say GO FOR IT!!!
Life is short!
Stan, I waited til I was about 26 before getting my first one. I'm glad I waited because I now have a few tats that mean something to me and since they reflect my beliefs and personality, they have brought up great conversations with people about spiritual warfare and my belief in God.
Having said that, I do have them in places that can't really be seen in professional workplace. In my opinion, people should get tats if they want, but they should definately give it some thought so they don't regret it.
What would your mother say? Maybe, "Over my dead body!" Take it from there, Stan.
OMG, Stan, you are only a semi-famous comedian! Wow, you had me fooled.
I am very glad to have my tat, but didn't get it until I was 29. It is something I like, and really doubt I will ever regret. Of course, I considered it for 17 years first. :)
I'm with ya, keep thinking I want a sunflower, but it's just so...permanent. Plus, I worked in a nursing home in college and saw a woman who had what was once a unicorn on her breast. Now it just looks like a really messed up giraffe. Gravity is not our friend.
I have tatoos and I don't regret it. It makes me stronger (on the inside)
got one today!!! do it!!!!
Tattoos used to be kind of a rarity a long time ago and so it was "cool" to have one. As you said, older gents, WWII and Korean War vets used to have them. So did just about every merchant marine. Now, almost everyone has one - so just think you are the rare one!
Bail Up - thanks for reading! maybe partially the difference between girls and boys. My son is 17 and I know he wants one.
Karen - i too have had my share of frustration at blood banks. They used to charge me to give it and then they would throw it away, even though it's perfectly good. As far as the mom tat, that would be a cool one. And all these years, I don't guess I ever know your had CP. I was never really sure.
Steve - I knew you had tats. You came to a place in your mind that I haven't reached yet, and probably won't. I just think about it sometimes. I think at 45 I'll just sit this one out. More power to you though!
Sheila - Funny! ya, you're probably right. One thing about mom though - She loves me something fierce, and would probably survive. I think I'm her favorite. Don't tell my siblings. (That was for my siblings to read btw.)
DRBJ - I have me fooled too - a legend in my own mind. Maybe someday the rest of the world will catch on. :)
Ivorwen - You are in the ranks of those who 'did it' and are glad. I guess I'm scared that if I ever did it, I would have wished for something else, or o have put it somewhere else. Or that my tattoo artist wasn't a beginner who was practicing on me.
SFB - Ha! From a unicorn to a giraffe. I had a friend in high school who got a rose on her breast. She told us all on FB the other day that it was now long-stemmed.
Eternal - thanks for reading! I wish you would elaborate a bit more. Sounds interesting.
Mike - is this the 'mike' that I think it is? If so, what did you get? and where?
Sam - I've thought of this angle. Being unusual for not having one. I used to have an earring years ago when it was still cutting edge. I took it out when all the Jr. High boys starting getting them. If tattoos are about shock value, the shock is definitely gone.
You made me smile :D - sunflowerbucky has recommended you to a group of us, as someone worth reading. If you want to recommend anyone yourself, please feel free to do so :-)
De Greek - hey there! You're one of those semi-famous hubbers I hear about a lot. I'm honored to have you drop by. I always appreciate SFB's support. She's a sweetheart. I'm guessing you know Shadesbreath, one of my faves. And then there is the new up and coming Wayne Brown, who writes some cool moody stuff. I don't have time to read as much as I want to on here, but will check out yours asap. Thanks again for stopping by!
Hi Stan, I got my tattoo at 45. I will make no excuses, it was a midlife...excursion, lol, but only a tiny one, and so far I'm still enjoying it very much. I did give it careful consideration, however. I played with temp tattoos and hennas for many months before deciding to marry the thing. There are special papers and downloadable programs that allow you to make your own temporary tattoos. Take it for a spin, date it for awhile, so to speak. ~ Laura
How many days is it now, Stan? You know...that you have been tatoo-free? Here's a couple of ideas: "Token Tatoo" (on your upper arm in quotes). "No Tatoos!" with a circle and a crossbar through it in the traditional "No Anything" symbol. Then you could go more traditional and have this done on your back "I went to town and got drunk and all I have to show for it is this damn tatoo!". Good piece, Stan! WB
I had this cousin of mine who had a tattoo with a name of her long time girlfriend. But now that they are no longer acquainted with each other, I can't imagine how his new girlfriend would react knowing and seeing the name of his past lover.
I love tattoos but I decided not to have one on my body. Great hub
Lalesu - great suggestions. And thanks for stopping by and leaving your first comment on my hubs. It's always great to see new faces.
Wayne - I've been tattoo free for approximately 16,500 days so far. I'm liking the 'no tattoos' idea. Again, more irony. Great suggestions.
Borge - I just looked up the word 'oops' in the dictionary. There is a picture of your cousin there. Thanks so much for stopping by....(again)
I am also Tat free at 54 years old, but I always thought about getting one but like you said "what should it be".
I have recently regained my sobriety back into my life and I was toying with the idea of a tatoo of something about being sober or sobriety. I have to really think about it hard because you know it's forever.
Regrettable blunder!!!!!!!!
The Clean Life - Inspirational story! Congratulations to you and your sobriety. Your idea for a tat is as good as any I've heard. Thanks so much for stopping by!
BPOP - No, seriously, how do you really feel? :) Thanks as always for reading!
"I did it!" Now that's a great idea - I love it!
I've been wanting to get a tattoo that honors my kids but I'm waiting for finances to be less unavailable!
Lily - Yes, I think the kid thing is the best tattoo idea for a parent. I can tell you're into irony. If there were enough people like you in the world, I would definitely get the 'I Did It' tat.
Weeeeelllll, I may have to agree to disagree. I agree getting tattoes is not a GOOD idea when a person is young...youger than "I've made it in my career...I know what I have to wear and where to wear it so I'm good." I have a few tattoes....that can be hidden when necessary (keep your mind out of the gutter please). The last one I got was in memory of my horse, ben, who broke his back on a trail ride while roling away from me to avoid rolling onto me as we tumbled down a large hill. I should have died that day....unfortunately, he took it for the "team". I sat with him for 3 hours on a cold dark mountain singing "foolish games" by jewel and waited for him to pass. Ya, I took one for the team....I got a tattoo in his memory. that says "Engel Des Gottes Ben"...German for "Angel(s) of God...Ben" around his portrait. strangely enough it took me precisely 3 HOURS to get it. And the whole time I bit my lip and thought "this is nothing compared to what he went through". So, ya, some tattoes are goofy and silly....some not so much. At any rate....you can thank me later for the buzz kill.
Stimp - under the circumstances, I would have done the exact same thing. Have you written a hub yet about that experience? That would be a good one.
Thanks so much for reading and commenting!
Long ago a fellow could lose his primogeniture rights if he chose the incorrect tattoo.
"You must choose, but choose wisely."
Ni- I feel like I've lost my rights too, possibly. Maybe. What does the 'p' word mean again?
I have a memorial tattoo - a small half butterfly on my shoulder - my best friend has the other half - on the opposite shoulder - when we stand side by side its the whole butterfly - her girl loved butterflies. So I love mine:)
Real - the reason that you got your tattoo is probably the only reason I would ever get one...
Yeah, in general, I like to write on my paper, not my body:)
Bail Up ! 23 months ago
I have to agree with you Stan. I'm tattoo free and tried explaining this very same logic to my children in their early teens. They both begged for me to sign so they could get one. By the time my daughter turned 18 she was no longer interested. The same day my son turned 18 he was at the tattoo parlor inking his last name on his back. You win some, you lose some.