Why do people get tattoos? Is it just because it's the vogue?

[raccoon]

and if that's the case, there were plenty of people who got them before it was the vogue. Why did those people
get them?

[Neoma]

1. Boredom?

I dunno.

[sylveste]

11. alcohol,

at least that's my excuse.

[Neoma]

12. My husband got one.

His best friend's wife wanted to be a tattoo artist, so she used him as practice. They did it in a kitchen. His attitude was, "Yeah sure, whatever."

It's a dragon, and he puts no symbolism on it whatsoever. Doesn't hate it and when I ask if he likes he says, "I suppose." He's a rather mellow guy.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

16. Practice?

That's why God invented cats and electric razors. Tattoo practice.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

2. I suppose for the same reason anybody wants to "decorate" themselves

with jewelry, makeup, etc. Never cared to do it myself because it's permanent, but to each his own. Maybe that permanence is the attraction for some, but if you get your sweetie's name tattooed on yourself and later break up, it could be awkward.

[cliffordu]

3. I got my first one at 15...In 1966

I was in a boy's ranch for crimes against the state, mopery and all around dickish behavior.

It was a gang thing to get a tattoo.

In those days the only other people who had them were military guys, hookers and bikers.

I didn't know which I wanted to be.

I have a few others, and am thinking of getting more soon.

[gratuitous]

15. So, what did you decide to become?

A military guy, a hooker or a biker?

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

18. What, a guy can't be all three? Sheesh! nt

[cliffordu]

20. All three, actually......

Not all at once, of course......

[LeftinOH]

4. Because doing what everyone else is does is an excellent way

to express one's individuality.



Personally, I find most tattoos ugly. To each his/her own.

[MilesColtrane]

5. to project something about their chosen persona

Tattoos are permanent lifestyle accessories.

[Enrique]

6. some people think it looks good

I happen to disagree with them, but there's no accounting for taste.

The people I know who like tattoos are artistic people, which I am definitely not, so I don't have any illusions of being "right" on the aesthetics.

[Irishonly]

7. Got my first one last year

I did it because it was a fund raiser for our local Cancer Care Center. I have an itty bitty pink ribbon to celebrate almost 13 years of being free of cancer.

[polly7]

8. I have three, to memorialize certain people.

I was lucky enough to have a really talented artist, he came up with some really nice ideas. For me, they're like permanent jewelry. Especially because I've never been able to wear anything but plastic.

[Maine-ah]

13. that's how it is for me to.

Mine is for my Father who died 17 years ago. I have a new one in the works for my Mom, but I want that done before she leaves us.

[fizzgig]

9. i don't have any, but just about everyone i know does

it's just another form of self-expression or adornment. my husband has some really effing absurd tattoos, but it's something i love about him.

[ZombieHorde]

10. There are lots of reasons...

Vanity, to celebrate the life of a loved one who has died, spiritual reasons, group association, to impress someone, to cover a scar, prison survival, etc.

[easttexaslefty]

14. I have tattoos

because I think they're beautiful. Why else would someone get one?

[HopeHoops]

17. Some comedian said, "just think, in 40 years, nursing homes will be full of old women with tattoos"

I've got a small one (below the belt line) that's my wife's personal icon. I got it for our 13th anniversary (a long time ago in a town far, far, away). And no, I wasn't drunk at the time. I scheduled it. She loved it.

[hifiguy]

19. I don't get it at all,

but I am in my 50s. When I was a teenager the only people who had tattoos were sailors and hard-core bikers.

Frankly, I'd never put permanently on my body any art I would not want on my walls, where at least I could take it down when I tired of it.

But different strokes for different folks and all.

[Iggo]

21. I see it as a decoration, a projection of how they want to be seen.

Kind of like a permanent hairstyle, maybe.

[OriginalGeek]

22. I am heavily tattooed

in my mind.

I don't have a single dot of ink on my skin though.

I want some tatts but I just haven't figured out what I want the tattoo to be.

After Master of Puppets came out I was sure I wanted a Metallica tattoo. Boy I'm glad I was broke then.

Still thinking about getting a Napalm Death tattoo. They never once put out an album I hated. Not one song even. And Barney (their lead singer) is a good liberal atheist so that only endears me to him more. (Or is that endears him to me? no matter, I dig his politics and his music.)

But most likely I will start with my family crest/shield/badge or something else relating to my Scottish heritage. But I want it to include our tartan and I have been told tattooists hate to do plaid and especially when it needs to be accurate...

but I better figure out something soon...I'm sure I'm running out of time...lol

I do love tattoo art. My wife doesn't have any either but we have talked about getting some. I don't think she's too into it though other than something small and hidden. Mine would have to be reasonably hideable though - my company frowns on too much unconcealed art. (Although they have relaxed a little in the last several years simply becasue it's hard to get anyone in for an interview that doesn't already have some art.)

[hamsterjill]

23. Not me!

It's a personal decision, I suppose. I don't know why anyone would want one, but obviously some people enjoy having them, and that is their right. I don't like them at all. To me, it would be like wearing the same pair of shoes day after day after day after day...

[La Lioness Priyanka]

24. why do people get ear piercings? why do they wear make up?

why anything?

[jberryhill]

25. Because the ink stays in their skin

[kaitcat]

26. I wanted my first tattoo when I was 15 b/c I was dating a 21-year-old wannabe.

14 tatts, leathers, great beard -- no bike.

Anyway, I waited till my 21st birthday to get it -- a black big cat on my shoulder. Purty. Never regretted it.

I'm 48 now. About three years ago I could finally afford to get the Celtic anklet I wanted. I left space for wings up my calf that I didn't like and so didn't show up for the next appointment. But I love my anklet because I don't need a mirror to appreciate it and I've always had great legs.