Seriously? I didn’t ever think I’d be writing this about people in this city, but come on. I was on the receiving end of four rude comments today about my tattoos. Yes, I have ink in my skin, but it’s not like it’s pictures of dicks or vulgar phrases. I get tattoos when something of significance happens in my life. So why is it such a big deal to random people on the street? To the older woman with the blue coat, actually, I was raised in a Catholic home, and I still got tattoos. To the guy who told his kids I was a skin head, I’m not, I only shave my head because of male pattern baldness, and to the third individual, you’re really not worth the time to explain anything to.
—Tattooed, but neither rude nor crude.
This article appears in Oct 22-28, 2009.
Nothing wrong with skin heads…there’s a good history lesson there. Tell those kids to Google “traditional skinhead”, “SHARP” or Ska and Reggae.
I am a big fan of tattooing as an art form–especially when it is done extraordinarily well.
But having said that, I must point out that if you are old enough or confident enough or just plain determined enough to get a tattoo or two of your very own, why on earth would you care what other people think? Can’t you make decisions for yourself and leave it at that?
Ya know, kiddo, tattoos have been around for a very long time—like, since even before Grunge! Even before the 60s! Not too many people are honestly that shocked by them today, unless they are from an extremely sheltered or conservative background.
I suspect the OP likes to play the rebel where it really isn’t warranted: “Hey, old ladies on the bus, look at all my tattoos! Hey, what are YOU lookin’ at you old bag ?!?!?!” And then this: Waaahhh! That old lady criticized my choices!!! She doesn’t think I’m cool !!!! Pout. Sulk.
And, like I have told a few asiring artists on here before . . . YOU put yourself out there, YOU deal with the response.
And for god’s sake, if you are going to cover yourself with full-body portraits of psychotic clowns or Celine Dion you have to expect that some people are going to have some questions or comments.
And, please, give the old ladies a break, huh? Why the hell do you expect someone like that to be totally up-to-the-minute with every trivial hipster-doofus thing you like to do?
Find a more appropriate audience for your your “rebellion” and your personal expression. Like friends your own age.
Are your tattoos on your face? Because how would people see your tattoos on a day like today?? brrrrr
If they are on your face, why would you choose your face? (Just curious)
RubyJane: So by your reasoning I can comment on how fat/skinny cute/ugly you are?? Or the clothes you’re wearing? Just because his tattoos are visible, it does not give you or anyone else the right to comment or criticize them.
OP: Keep on rockin’ your tattoos with pride man!! All of mine have significant meaning to me as well and they are no ones elses business. Some people are just ignorant arrogant assholes who think that they have the right to say something about your tattoos. Don’t let these sublimated assholes get you down!
RubyJane, this is the first time I have disagreed with your comments. I have to agree with Never Wrong on this one. Tattoos are a form of expression just like your hair, your clothing, etc. It makes no sense to say that you can critizice someone for their choice of tattoo and not for their clothing, hairstyle, or even their physical appearance (i.e. weight).
Let’s be realistic. Everyone judges everyone. I’m not going to pretend like so many others that I don’t have automatic, unfiltered perceptions. Added to that, I also recognize that while I may have initial perceptiong of someone, it does not necessarily make it true. Therefore, who is anyone to criticize others for any of the items mentioned above? I don’t think its fair to say that you must expect to be openly judged for one thing (i.e. tattoos) and deserve respect and privacy for others (i.e. clothing, hair, physical appearance).
I have 27 tattoos and not one of them mean a thing to me.
Just an observation but when I see skin like Miles’ I just a assume the person has a real hate on for themselves. I mean to have a few major events in your life reflected in some art form you proudly wear on your body is one thing but it seems quite self-deprecating to “deface” your own body over and over and over again. Even with the most artful eyes too much is simply that.
Miles:
Unless you wrote an ex-girlfriend’s name 27 times on your body;
or you blindfolded yourself, spun around and let your finger rest on your choice;
or you got the alphabet with an question mark at the end;
or you were held down in prison by a big guy named Alpha while his bitch Francis marked you up,
then you selected your specific tattoos for some reason (even if your tattoos are simply 27 lines that represent your 27 victims).
It’s true Kay, I cut myself too and stick all kinds of shit in my face. I’m all dead inside. You can read all about it on my twitter page. Follow me: “Miles the Twit”
Miles the Emo?
Say it ain’t so, friend!
Hey all—fair enough.
I don’t think that everybody should endure being needlessly criticized. Everybody does of course have the right to dress and adorn themselves and express themselves as they like.
That’s why I pointed out at the very beginning that I am a fan, and I do support (and enjoy) many kinds of bodily art and decoration, tattoos and piercings included.
My gripe was more at the attitude of the OP, which seems more typical of an immature person than a person confident in their own choices.
By all means he should not be harassed because he has tattoos, but by the same token he should not expect nobody to notice.
I find it a very teenage attitude: to adopt an attention-seeking behavior (“look how different and unique I am!”), or a “rebellious” (but often very conventional) style of dress, but then complain that people respond negatively, or worse, don’t “get” where they are coming from.
Again, NOTHING against tattoos—fully in favour, in fact.
But not very impressed by yet another tedious wannabe hipster rebel, who can’t handle the reality of their supposed “nonconformity.”
Personally, I say rock on with whatever art you want.
For me, however, it is unbelievable turn-off. I don’t judge you, I just won’t date you.
But then again, you probably won’t date me either.
tattoo’s are a fashion statement. the intention of a fashion statement is to draw attention. mission accomplished?
RubyJane: Again your assumption makes you sound like a tool. As you already pointed out, tattoos have been around for thousands of years. So why do you assume that the OP is trying to “rebel” or is “seeking attention”?? Once again, tattoos are a personal choice and have nothing to do with attention seeking. People can notice his tattoos all they want, but they have no right to say anything to him about it. By your rationale, if you were walking down the street in a pair of Lululemon pants, I could comment on your ass. Because obviously you’re seeking attention. It couldn’t possibly be the fact that you find them comfortable and like wearing them. And you would have no right to be upset if I were to make a comment, because your attitude would be more typical of “an immature person than a person confident in their own choices”.
never wrong just shit all over ruby hahaha
Sorry gang…very much NOT emo…no tattoos either. My joke was only meant to illustrate HKM’s point that most people get tattoos because they mean something to them. If you feel strongly enough about something to have it etched in your skin forever, I respect that. I’m too conscientious of how (bad) they are going to look if I make it to 70.
so ml you wouldn’t date anybody with a tat…really even if everything else about the person was primo…i can see if was an homage to kiss or that bruce frisko guy
Yeah Paingirl, I totally admit it is shallow and foolish.
Honestly I have broken off a relationship after finding out they had a tattoo, and they were pretty primo.
It has totally ruined porn for me as everybody, nowadays, has ink!
Back to the 80’s and 90’s stuff for me!
Tattoos and the reasons for getting one, or more, are personal choices. I know. I personally chose to be tattooed. That does not make me flawed. Tattooing is a form of self-expression, in my case represented with tasteful, feminine art that is only visible when wearing sleeveless clothing. People’s reactions range from one end of the spectrum to the other. That is their choice. The one’s with a better sense of social etiquette don’t comment audibly.
hey at least your honest…i don’t know you well enough to call you shallow or foolish and even though i have a warm body to sleep next to(dog) i think you would find my tats right some purty
Hey never wrong,
I have no problem with people doing as they please—I’m all for individuality. But not so much a fan of a certain kind of fashionable and safe “individuality” that teenagers and undergraduate students like to indulge in.
Not meaning to presume that the OP is in that category—I don’t know the person and therefore can’t know his motives or intentions. Seriously, I hope his tattoos are amazing and beautiful.
It’s just that I have seen a LOT of over-earnest wannabe hipsters act like total babies when their supposedly “unique” individualistic choices are questioned or criticized.
I mean it’s one thing if a stranger just comes out and insults a differently-looking person for no reason—there’s no excuse for that—but quite another to complain that old ladies (C’mon! Old ladies???) aren’t hip to whatever it is that is their scene.
To put it another way, would the OP be HAPPY if the old ladies WERE smiling approvingly about his tattoos? I can’t imagine that anyone would want or need such approval.
I didn’t mean to imply that the tattoos ONLY meant “rebellion” (that’s certainly not why I got mine), but surely if a person is setting themselves up as a dramatically unique and different individual, he should have the courage of his convictions and not worry so much about what the so-called “ordinary” people think.
Again, BIG FAN of unique individuals. NOT a big fan of delicate precious flowers who wilt under the slightest whiff of scrutiny.
Tattoos are a waste of money. I just use magic marker to write “Born To Lose” on my chest.
RubyJane: Again you’re arguing a totally off topic point. Did you even read to original post? The OP was essentially harassed by 3 or 4 random people on the street. You’re essentially condoning the actions of these people. Other than tattoos and a shaved head, there is no indication that the OP stands out in any other way. You’re basically saying that if a person looks different from what is consider the “norm”, then they’re setting themselves up to be criticized and it’s ok for any random person to do so. Just because they’re “old ladies” they can criticize him for his choices? So because he was pissed that a father told his kid that the OP is a “skin head”, he’s a “delicate precious flower who wilts under the slightest whiff of scrutiny”?? Sticking to your convictions is one thing, but putting up with public criticism and prejudice is another matter.
I have one tattoo and I’m saving up for my next. If I had the money, I would have a lot. But they’re expensive.
Ruby, I’m the OP, and I’m not in highschool, nor am I an undergrad. It was a bad enough day for me as it was, and I really didn’t need the vocalizations of these people to make it worse. I get tattoos for me, and normally I wouldn’t care what other people think, but with the rest of the shit that had piled up, it got to me, and really, old women get away with a lot of ridiculous shit simply because too many people have the same way of thinking about them as you.
Jamesk, I agree, as long as they are real skinheads, and not nazi wannabes, but with the way the guy said it, he meant the latter.
Never Wrong, thanks.
Paingirl, I’d love to see your tattoos.
NW, you know I don’t support such hostility and abuse—if the OP had ONLY mentioned the father mistakenly telling his child that the guy was a skinhead I would have been the FIRST to rush to his defence.
But there is a tone in the original post that irks me, revealed by his inclusion of some older lady in the list that makes me think he is being overly sensitive about this whole thing—IS he the bold individual he claims to be, really? Or is he (perhaps) just yet another one of those boring non-individuals with a chip on his shoulder, thinking that the whole world “just doesn’t understand poor little me.”
Bitching about direct abuse and insult is justifiable—and commendable. But adding that old ladies don’t get why people have tattoos is just whiny. And THAT’s the part that makes me want to tell the guy to grow up, be a man, and just get on with being whoever it is he wants to be. Or wear a 3-piece-suit if old-lady approval is so important to him.
SO, yep, today I am perhaps guilty of projecting my own bitchiness back onto the board . . . I have just dealt with FAR too many bogus “individuals” in the past few months who seem to equate “being their own person” with being an asshole. Not feeling very sympathetic today to those with self-inflicted “problems.”
Johnny Tattoo…….me me pick me! You didn’t answer my question….where are your tats that they were visible on a day like today?? I’m freezin over here and thinking of revealing my tattoos on a day like today makes me even colder…(-;
i have to put up with my age group asking are they henna and when i say no they never say anything but oh and walk away…or my all time favourite “you don’t look like a tattoo kind of person” yeah and i don’t look like a serial killer either
LOL. Wow you must’ve taken a route traveled exclusively by ignorant fucks. I feel bad for you dude. I did get a kick out of imagining the dad leaning down to his kids “Kids, that guy is evil, because he has defiled his skin with the devil’s ink! REPENT!”
paingirl: Ummm… you do have tattoos, so does that mean you’re serial killer too? Because that’s the impression that I’m getting. 😛
Ever see that weird dude around with his entire face tattooed? Good luck with that guy ever getting a real job.
i have 5 tattoos=5 people…just joshing…i have foiled lots of petty crimes but i haven’t kilt anybody…yet
Sebastian, there are 2 guys I know who have tribal artwork on their face…both are tattoo artists and I think I’m being conservative in saying they ink in about 40K a year, pay into EI (like folks with real jobs), have health plans and RRSP’s…how more “real” should their job’s be dude?
lorilulu, my hands are tattooed, and it wasn’t all that cold out when I was about.
RubyJane, any “tone” that you received through the original post wasn’t just from the way I wrote it, the way you read it plays a part as well, so maybe you came into the reading with a prejudicial mind, thinking that someone bitching about tattoos is going to inherently be immature. I’m not saying that this is the case, just saying that it could be, so you can stop calling me “whiny”. Also, I haven’t stated that old women do not understand why people have tattoos, you came to that conclusion about my beliefs yourself.
I love the old My Dog Popper song where the guy is trying to convince his friend to get a job as a bouncer because he’s a skinhead – he replies “I’m not a skinhead” – and the guy says “It’s OK, no one will know the difference because you’ve got a shaved head!”
People with tattoos often work as artists and artisans. Quote a few of the people I know with tattoos on their faces are tattoo artists…
There are actually people who still think tatoos are no-no? Really? Come on. Do these people live in some sort of opaque bubble world where everything is beige and soft? Sorry, even if you’re old, you need to grow up…
Wow, if a tattoo is a ‘fashion statement’ I’ve got mine on the WAY wrong part of my body.
Wayne’s World quotes were cool nearly 20 years ago, kay. Time to move on; maybe you can use some Will Farrell of Jimmy Fallon even.
I’m quoting Wayne’s World? How d’ya figure that, Fat? English is often spoken outside of Hollywood to communicate, ya know?
The two of you watch Wayne’s World??
Where the fuck am I.
Shwing!!!
Dino, I haven’t seen Wayne’s World since it played on the big screen. No desire
I’m not late to the kay bashing/stalking/lynching party, am I???
Hi kay. Hi dino. Hi miles, you tattooed hunk you…
PS No Fallon. Please, for the love of fuck, no. jimmy. fallon. ugh.
hi qwerty… they’re just getting started but everybody got spanked by Andy this week so we’re keeping things a little low key. Where ya been? Still in CowTown?
spanked?? do tell!
yup, still sweating my ass off one day and freezing said ass off the next… you know the drill.
okay maybe not everybody but Fat did and I did. I’m sure it’s killing him to contain himself but he is (almost deserves a pat on the back). I just find I type “fuck” a little less often and I’ve backed off some of the bitches that fancy themselves victims all the time… my favourite pastime… surely my restraint won’t last on LTWWB
No snow here. Not even a flake, qwerty.
I am having this entire thread tattooed on my back tomorrow afternoon.
no doubt i have tatts all over and i quess i got them in prison and when i shave my head in the summer ( because its great to keep your head clean in summer ) i’m a skin head ? Quess so – but remember these people including kay are immature people lacking education and or knowledge . Right it off at that and fuck them
Somewhat oddly, I find that everyone with a shaved head and multiple tattoos looks the same to me…especially if they have that little ’90’s style goatee as well.
Odd, that. Before “grunge”, the only goatees were on Civil War colonels and the odd hypnotist…
And wtf is with all these young dudes with beards and no moustache?! Is this a Halifax/Nova Scotia thing? Look, unless you’re driving a horse and buggy through the Pennsylvania counryside, adressing your troops at Gettysburg or scouring the seas for the great white whale, you look ridiculous…
I hate how it is the same 10 douche bags who comment on bitches.
I’m sure there’s nothing at all to the stereotyping over skin heads and tattoos… no, it MUST be a lack of education and maturity in onlookers and bitches. Perhaps, the masses decided to make up some image of an “undesirable” and it just spread… by osmosis! Yeah, that’s it! Sure. You should see what conclusions the masses jump to when they see a guy in a dress! Or when a father is observed kissing and cuddling his daughter on the back of a bus! Or when the obese help themselves to a chocolate bar. Wow. You tattooed, skin heads have it easy since the fall of the Soviet Empire and Nazi Germany but you shouldn’t be surprised if the fathers of daughters point you out as example of what NOT to do to your body and as example of what is NOT attractive in seeking a successful mate BECAUSE of where those stereotypes originate.
Fuck ’em if they can’t take it but don’t be surprised when your appearance causes a normal reaction of revulsion in others. Your appearance is not their “fault”
Liverpool FC: Then just read the bitches and not the comments. Pretty simple solution for a pretty simple person.
PS> Liverpool FC is a farce!! Manchester United for life!!
Whaaaat. I didn’t get an immature vibe from the OP, it’s probably more respectful than it could have been, given the situation. It just sounds like they got a lot of crap from people and they weren’t very accurate in their judgments. I only have 1 small tattoo but I’ve gotten it too (not to the same extent at all, but sometimes people can’t help themselves, tattooing makes them so anxious to express how terrible it is).
We all got spanked by Andy this week? I thought it was just me and my pseudo-racism. And I’m not talking about the happy spanks, either. Ooh!!
And you know what Liverpool FC, we aren’t the ‘douche bags,’
We are the Knights Who Say NI.
Run off, now, before we all start saying Ni.
hey i didn’t get spanked…i want a spanking
Dino Jr., an Ellen Page wannabe email address, and a Monty Python fan…what the hell?
And what’s that paingirl, you want a spanking eh?
What the hell to you! The Ellen Page ”wannabe” email address is purely coincidental. I was actually notified of it a couple weeks ago. Yes. I watch Monty Python. Big deal?
Get in line Paingirl. Get in line….
And before you call BS, I rode ponies on my birthdays from age 5-10. My dad rented out horses…now that I think of it…that’s probably where that tick bite came from…
Oh really, then you should know that the singular form is “pony” not “ponie”.
I created that address years ago pal…
Tattoos are too cool! But fuck I hate cartoons as tattoos!
Make it a real work of art, you deserve that, you’ll be living with it a while.
Dino needs a Marlboro!
Nah, Dino needs a two on two POND HOCKEY game!
Dino: We changed things up while you were away. We are no longer the knights who say Ni! We are now the knights who say…
Ecky-ecky-ecky-ecky-pikang-zoom-boing-mumble-mumble…
Lydia oh Lydia I just met Lydia, Lydia the tattoed lady, she’s got eyes that tantalise……
She’s done some of my work.