It seems like everyone's got a tattoo these days. According to a poll I saw, 16% of all adults have a tattoo.
I thought of 4 categories of tattoos--divided by purpose...
1) "Corporate" Tattoos
e.g. Hells Angels and Navy SEALS
These tattoos have been around for a while. A lot of biker gangs got their start as motorcyclists in the US Army in WWII. So although you get the "I Love Ma" tattoos, you also get tattoos that identify you as a member of a group, be it military or gang.
2) Anti-Establishment Tattoos
e.g. hippies and punks...and yokels
I associate these tattoos with the hippie movement and, later, with punks and Eurotrash. This tattoo's purpose is to say, "I will not conform."
3) Religio-Cultural Tattoos
Of course this would include Maoris and Central Asians living in the states. But this would also include crosses and such, among the local-born.
4) Artistic Tattoos
I suppose it could be argued that ALL tattoos are "artistic". But I think there are tattoo purists, and that their sole purpose is to make an artistic statement. I suppose these are the people you find in Tattoo magazine: their entire body covered with design after design.
...I think the new fad for tattoos would be a sub-category under Category 2. I don't know if all the people getting tattoed these days are subversive of society. It's more an attempt to stay young. So, in a way, their posers. In another way, they're dallying with rebellion. I think that's why you see middle-aged ladies getting little tattoos on their breast, or ankle or on the middle of their back. They're trying to keep up with their daughters.
I go back and forth on tattoos: Sometimes I want to rush out and buy one and other times I'm glad I haven't done so. I'd probably regret it. 
Three things have held me back: 1) I haven't decided on a design I'd want, 2) I'd disappoint my wife and family, 3) my church frowns on them.
If I were to get tattoos, I'd want an "om" (the meditation syllable) and something written in Arabic--though what, I don't know.
7 years ago
6 comments:
O Sassy One, om is the symbol for meditation. But it is also the symbol for creation, the oneness of God, and harmony between the self and the universe. It is being at rest. (And if there's anything I know about, it's sitting still...)
I think after all the ups and downs with my faith, peace is something I've really come to appreciate.
Sounds like someone needs a bucket of cold water next time she's in the shower... :)
Well, J -- if you did ever get one, I like the "om". Not only does it have a great meaning, but it's also a beautiful symbol (artistically).
For many years, I wanted a tattoo -- and the only things holding me back (barely) were the pain, the permanence, and the reasons you just mentioned. But one day, my reason changed, and it hasn't been so hard to resist now. If you're curious, ask me sometime why.
By the way, I love the way you two "bicker like little sassy old people" on your blog.
Yeah, Chrissa's a little sassy woman. And old ...old, old, old...
I am totally interested in knowing your reasons! I'll call.
My reason is solely the crippling fear of getting sick and tired of the tat'. I don't think I'll ever find anything I'll always want emblazoned on my butt cheek.
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