So, with the discount they give too students at my town, I decided on a tatoo, specifically on my calf.
So, recently I shaved my head, it is nice and shiny.
I showed my friend the Aquila im getting he said "Are you trying to look like a Racist?"
So, Im wondering, is an Aquila that bad? will people take it out of context?
Failing that, What about a Tau Empire symbol?
Or White Scars?
curran12 wrote: Just so I'm clear, you're getting this on your calf, not your head, right? Cause yeah...head tattoo...
Anyway, yes, the aquila is a bad idea because it is far more commonly associated with other things than 40k.
What he said.
When people (normal people, not nerds like us) see this:
They think, because they have no fething clue what that is (or have never picked up a damn history book), this:
And that gets their nickers in a twist. Add shaved head to the mix and you have the nazi alarms going off everywhere. If you're anything but white, though, you're probably fine.
EDIT: I would probably advise you not get a tattoo of a symbol form 40k. Might lose interest at some point, and then the tat will be something of a waste. Get something logical. Like your girlfriends name. That could never go wrong.
ScootyPuffJunior wrote: Don't get a tattoo, especially one from a place that gives a discount to college kids.
It isn't that odd around here. The local game store gives 20% off. And they are reputable.
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Stonebeard wrote: advise you not get a tattoo of a symbol form 40k. Might lose interest at some point, and then the tat will be something of a waste. Get something logical. Like your girlfriends name. That could never go wrong.
What if, because I do like gaming, a pair orpeople flaming d20
Choose a shop based on their work. Never go by price. You have to live with what you have inked on you. I went halfway across my state to get an ex hollywood guy to work on my moto tattoo.
Discount tattoo, which later becomes full price regret.
Don't get a gaming tattoo, it's dumb. If you grow up one day or decide that you don't like the company you are branded for life.
If you get a tattoo get something that matters to you on a person level and make sure it isn't a piece of advertising for somebody else. Otherwise you may as well just get a tattoo of the coke or pepsi logo.
Also at a glance the Imperial Eagle looks like a Nazi symbol to people not familiar with 40k. If somebody assumes you are a white supremist, it can lead to arguments, loss of your job, create fights with gang members, etc. Really bad idea. It's best to place tattoos in areas that can be covered up, as visible tats are still received negatively by a lot of potential employers.
Also, GW have major issues with GW related tattoos. They see it a huge breach of their copyright, IP, trademarks, whatever etc. I've heard many, many stories of employees being fired for getting them or potential employees being shown the door immediately. This includes those that don't even work in customer facing jobs.
Compel wrote: Also, GW have major issues with GW related tattoos. They see it a huge breach of their copyright, IP, trademarks, whatever etc. I've heard many, many stories of employees being fired for getting them or potential employees being shown the door immediately. This includes those that don't even work in customer facing jobs.
Yeah, I wouldn't recommend a GW tattoo at all. Ask yourself this:
Do you love the Imperium enough to have a reminder of it permanently etched into your skin, for the rest of your life?
If the answer is 'yes', you have a lot of growing up to do and therefore probably shouldn't get the aquila tattoo.
If the answer is 'no', you probably shouldn't get the aquila tattoo.
My best advice, if you MUST get a gaming-related tattoo, is to make it as generic as possible so you're not super embarrassed about it in later life. Something like a D6 can look cool and still symbolises your love of gaming.
Friend of mine got an eagle tattoo'd on his stomach when he was travelling in Thailand and had dropped to about 8 stone. Ten years later of working in an office job and it has now expanded into a chicken.
The process for removing a tattoo is also more painful, and more expensive, than having one added (I'm also having to go through the removal of something I thought was a good idea when I was 18)
I would definitely think long and hard about it (especially considering the subject matter, and how your tastes tend to change through younger adult-hood).. At least you haven't just got it done when you were drunk, which is a positive step I suppose!
I have thought about an Aquila tattoo once or twice. I have no problem with it being a gaming brand that'll be forever- I have been playing 40k for just over 20 years, which is longer than 50% or more of current players have been alive, and is two thirds of my life besides. Painting gaming models has been a huge part of my personal expression since age 12, and a tatoo would be along the same lines.
It's not that big a deal if you are prepared for the outcomes of having a tatoo. And if it's in a easy to hide place, who cares? My wife is a school teacher and has had two tattoos for her entire career. Everyone knows about them, including her boss and the kids, but they are respectfully out of sight.
I would never get a tattoo, most of the reasons are already covered.
Its a permanent commitment to what is likely a fad. Its an icon highlighting your short sightedness and slavery to ephemeral cultural tropes.
If you want a tattoo make it art, not an icon of something specific but an artistic piece that doesn't require recognition.
Either that or something describing your own roots, tribal or national tattoos are ok.
Tattoos represent a connection that is to last for ever, so a faith, or national identity are ok, a sports team so-so a girls name or a cultural fad, no-no.
It so ties you in with the love you forever chav meme, when forever is definable as 'until my little mind drifts elsewhere casually'.
I was young when I got my tattoo, 20 I think. I got it for all the wrong reasons, but I'm still glad today that I had my head on right when I picked it out.
I look at it this way. If you are going to get a tattoo, something that becomes a permanent part of your body, it should be something that you can always look at, and have pride in it. Something you'll never be ashamed of.
I got the USAF Symbol put onto my right shoulder. That way it'll be one of those things my kids and their kids can ask me about, and I can explain to them that it's there to remind me about the commitment I made to my nation for such a large part of my life.
What would the GW Aquila mean to you? What if you stop playing the game in 5 years? What would you tell your kids about it 20 years from now? "This, oh, it's just a fictitious symbol from a game I used to play."
If that's cool with you, then awesome. That's not the type of thing I want on me though.
curran12 wrote: Just so I'm clear, you're getting this on your calf, not your head, right? Cause yeah...head tattoo...
Anyway, yes, the aquila is a bad idea because it is far more commonly associated with other things than 40k.
This. The iron eagle is an icon of white supremacy / neo-nazism.
People could easily mistake the aquila for an iron eagle.
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dogma wrote: I seem to recall you wanted to lose a large amount of weight, if so any tattoo is a bad idea.
Not necessarily on the calf. The calf is not an area that gains a lot of weight or loses it quickly, thus the skin doesn't stretch much. Belly, chest, arms, back, quads... sure, with you 100% .... calves ? Nah. He's pretty safe. I mean... disclaimer... if you're looking to lose 2 bills, then yeah, hold off until the weights off. But even 40-50 pounds of weight loss shouldn't affect your calves enough quickly enough to grossly distort the tattoo there. I think you're safe.
Note about the only places i would say this would be hands (which i dont advise anyway unless you're in prison), forearms (still dont advise it but at least you can cover that up), calves and feet. Everywhere else other than the head or neck (which i personally think make even the nicest person look like a sketchy criminal) is going to be massively prone to stretching with large swings in weight.
That said if weight loss is a goal ; reward yourself with the tat after the weights off. This will keep you motivated.
To the subtangent of the conversation about whether or not to get them and how:
I have 5 and still love them all. I would get more but for time.
When getting a tattoo if price is a consideration you're worried about, then you might not want to be shopping for tattoos. I know in college its hard, but you don't want to pick a tattoo artist on price alone. THe fact they offer discounts to colleges does not scare me though, that's actually pretty smart on the part of the shop, especially if its a fairly pricey school (means lots of parental care packages and money flowing into students, more likely than not).
Ask to see the artists personal portfolio of work. There should be 20-30+ pieces in it, preferably they have several portfolios like this available for perusal. Tell them what you're roughly in the market for, plus or minus some design tweaks, and they should be able to give you a ball park quote. As long as its not too much tweak the design however needed, and then ask for a final quote (a simple "So based on how we changed it up, is the last price you gave me still good ? "). Then either pull the trigger or don't.
Remember to tip your tattoo artist. It's a personal service. I typically tip about 20-25% as long as i'm happy with the result (which i always have been, and don't be shy to ask them to touch up things you're not happy with either).
hotsauceman1 wrote: So, with the discount they give too students at my town, I decided on a tatoo, specifically on my calf.
So, Im wondering, is an Aquila that bad? will people take it out of context?
Taken from dakka articles page, embarassing moments in 40k...
Spoiler:
Red_Lives wrote:
My tattoo cock-blocked me once. I have an imperial eagle tattoo on my upper back that goes from shoulder to shoulder. Needless to say its usually 100% covered by shirts that i wear.
So I'm at her place we start making out on the couch, I'm 100% sure I'm going to round home i take off my shirt she sees my tattoo and thinks I'm a Nazi. Now it is quite difficult to explain to a woman that the black eagle on your back is in fact not a symbol of Nazi oppression but fanatical devotion to a game of little plastic men.
So yea... She just threw me out in a fit of rage, since i was unable to explain the tattoo to acceptable standers (i didn't think she believed me) so i just shamefully walked away and left.
Make of that whatever you will, but don't say i didn't warn you
I have quite a few tattoos (including a full leg sleeve and quarter sleeve on my arm) from a long stint as an angsty teenager followed by four years in the Marines. To be honest, I'm not quite as excited about them as a 32 year old as I was when I was 22. I don't hate them (yet), I just don't really notice I even have them anymore.
My advice on tattoos boils down to one simple rule: Do not get any tattoos that cannot be covered up by a short sleeve shirt and a pair of jeans!!!!!!!!! Luckily my angst filled youth era ended before they spread this far down my arm.
Some other things to know if you do go down this road...
1. Get whatever you want. With the exception of forehead swastikas, there really is no such thing as an "appropriate tattoo". You are just as likely to regret or lose interest in the Mona Lisa etched across your back than a flaming 20 sided die. Making a decision on what you want does not require deep introspection or soul searching. It's just a tattoo. That being said, the aquila might be veering close to the aforementioned exception...which leads me to
2. People will ask you what your tattoo is and what it means. Complete strangers will bend down to eye level and scrutinize your work as if you are a goddamn mobile art gallery. Be prepared to explain to these people what they are seeing. If explaining Warhammer 40k to nosy strangers might annoy you, I would suggest putting it somewhere other than your leg.
3.Know that once you get one, you WILL get another.
Best place for tattoos in my opinion...on the inside of your arm. Discreet yet somewhat visible if you want it to be. Is very protected from the sun so will stay colorful much longer. Make sure you look at a person's portfolio before you let them draw on you!! While the content of a tattoo does not really matter to me in the long run, a shoddily done piece can be a nightmare.
A friend of mine finally decided to get a tattoo after years of thinking about it. He opted to allow a fairly new artist to draw an insignia with a star on his forearm. The piece was looking nice up until the star was three quarters of the way done. This is when the artist realized that in no way were his lines going to achieve any kind of symmetry, so he just fudged the rest and said "sorry dude". Wish I had a picture.
I have spent way too much money of tattoos and as a result have had good and bad experiences. Some I wish I had thought more about before getting and found a decent artist. As such I now have scars on my arms over which I have had to have a solid black cover up, not what I wanted, and limited my choices. I still want more but am making sure that I am spending time on deciding.
Your first post where you ask if not this then what about this, or this shows to me you are not ready for one. I second what many have said and do not get a 40k symbol. If you want gaming, the dice are a great idea as they have other meanings attached to them other than love of gaming.
As for my next, I want a Hanya mask to continue with my Japanese theme. (Koi and dragon so far).
Get a tattoo if you want, but don't do it on a whim. Spend a good 2 or 3 months honestly contemplating on what you want.
I have 6 tattoos and have never regretted any of them. I've also chosen to get them all (back, chest, both upper arms, and calf) in places that I can cover in just a t-shirt and jeans because I plan on going to work in a professional field and know the stigma exists.
Also, price shouldn't be a factor, but more the reputation of a place. One of the tattoo shops in my town is fairly overpriced, but has a reputation for doing gak work and offering little privacy to the customer.
The only thing I'd be worried about is the aquila does look kind of like a Nazi symbol, but if its what you want, then go for it.
Not necessarily on the calf. The calf is not an area that gains a lot of weight or loses it quickly, thus the skin doesn't stretch much.
That depends on the exercises being done, but that is another thread.
Very true, and fair. In general if we're just talking mild weight lifting and cardio to drop fat, i think you could agree with my statement... yes ?
On the other hand, if you have any kind of design which is detailed and symmetrical, any type of stretching or shrinking in either direction is going to have an affect on that design.
I've got a couple tattoos and I'd say a few things.
1- Take some time to think about it before you do it.
2- Don't do a gaming tattoo.
3- Explore the potential ramifications of a given design first. The double-headed tattoo is mostly indicative of nationality (possibly "nationalism") for Serbia, Russia and a few other nations. Do you want to be associated with Russian foreign policy? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double-headed_eagle 4-Price is never a good reason to get a tattoo.
5-Far better to have people ask you to explain what you're tattoo is then have a tattoo with mixed messages that you will find yourselves having to un-explain.
Maybe I'm slightly old-fashioned, but I think tattoos should have some intrinsic meaning more than a game. Search your family history and explore your deepest beliefs and you'll find alot of great tattoos ideas that you'd be much less likely to regret in a decade or two.
Researching a Tattoo design can be quite edifying also. I enjoyed the research at the library picking the rune style and metalworking pattern that I used for a band around my forearm that reflects family ancestry and contains my name and my wife's name.
Ok, weight and price aside, lets say i do get a Tattoo and I want it to be gaming
What about a Twenty Sided Dice? Or maybe a Dragon?
Or maybe a Star Wars Imperial insiqnia.
hotsauceman1 wrote: Ok, weight and price aside, lets say i do get a Tattoo and I want it to be gaming
What about a Twenty Sided Dice? Or maybe a Dragon?
Or maybe a Star Wars Imperial insiqnia.
Heck, I know multiple people who have gotten math equations tattooed on themselves. I really don't think you're going to have much to worry about as long as you get it done by a competent artist. Check the place online, any tattoo shop worth considering will have a website with lots of pictures demonstrating the work of each artist that works there. Look for style of tattoo you like and overall quality. Also they should have an interior shot. The business end of a well run tattoo parlor should look a lot like a dentist's office.
If I was going for gaming related tattoo I'd consider the AdMech symbol (and in fact I had plans to get it at one point). It looks impressive enough on its own and I wouldn't be too worried about any connotations about it. Plus even if you decide to not be interested in 40k anymore it is still a pretty impressive piece of work as far as I'm concerned.
hotsauceman1 wrote: Ok, weight and price aside, lets say i do get a Tattoo and I want it to be gaming
What about a Twenty Sided Dice? Or maybe a Dragon?
Or maybe a Star Wars Imperial insiqnia.
Think long and hard on this Sauce. If your getting a tat then it should be something pf significant importance that happen in your life.
I suppose if your tattoo has a significance to you, there is less chance that it will become irrelevant to you at a different stage in your life, as your tastes (and what you think is 'cool') change.
I disagree when people say it shouldn't be a gaming related tattoo because it isn't "deep" enough.
It all depends of the person, I mean, the 40k universe has what, 30 years now? If someone loved the IoM for 30 years and still enjoys painting little plastic men you think that's not a good enough reason?
The only thing he should be aware of is the social stigma: at least remember to do it where you can easily cover it up.
hotsauceman1 wrote: Ok, weight and price aside, lets say i do get a Tattoo and I want it to be gaming
What about a Twenty Sided Dice? Or maybe a Dragon?
Or maybe a Star Wars Imperial insiqnia.
I don't think you should get any tattoo until you decide you want a specific tattoo, and not just the idea of a tattoo.
Wow, would you believe something good actually came out of an internet article comment section... this made me laugh so hard I could do nothing for about 30 seconds.
If you can't decide on something fully, 100%, don't do it (for tattoos). Those stay with you. Sounds like you're throwing hobby interests out there and asking what others think; not what you think. Are you super serious hardcore about one of those things? If so, that's the one you go with. Kudos to doing a bit of "research" first with the Aquilla/Iron Eagle. I had no idea myself, I would have said it's harmless.
If I was going to get a tattoo, it would either be Deadpool's face or the Heart&Skull design of Alkaline Trio. But since I'm not 100% sure, I've avoided it: it's with you forever or it's painful to get rid of. Think long and hard about it. I've been debating for 10 years now whether I want to or not. Which probably means I won't.
Eilif wrote: I've got a couple tattoos and I'd say a few things.
1- Take some time to think about it before you do it.
2- Don't do a gaming tattoo.
3- Explore the potential ramifications of a given design first. The double-headed tattoo is mostly indicative of nationality (possibly "nationalism") for Serbia, Russia and a few other nations. Do you want to be associated with Russian foreign policy? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double-headed_eagle 4-Price is never a good reason to get a tattoo.
5-Far better to have people ask you to explain what you're tattoo is then have a tattoo with mixed messages that you will find yourselves having to un-explain.
Maybe I'm slightly old-fashioned, but I think tattoos should have some intrinsic meaning more than a game. Search your family history and explore your deepest beliefs and you'll find alot of great tattoos ideas that you'd be much less likely to regret in a decade or two.
Researching a Tattoo design can be quite edifying also. I enjoyed the research at the library picking the rune style and metalworking pattern that I used for a band around my forearm that reflects family ancestry and contains my name and my wife's name.
I disagree with the second statement. Some of the coolest tattoos I've seen have little more meaning than "holy gak, that's cool". Don't get me wrong, if you want to get a tattoo that has meaning or sentimental value, than go for it, but I don't think it should be a requirement for it to have some deep message. Otherwise, I'd be down about 5 tattoos
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hotsauceman1 wrote: Ok, weight and price aside, lets say i do get a Tattoo and I want it to be gaming
What about a Twenty Sided Dice? Or maybe a Dragon?
Or maybe a Star Wars Imperial insiqnia.
I do know that if you wore an Aquila in public at something like GenCon, a good portion of 75,000 people over four days would know what it meant.
It's funny how much of this thread is about people judging other people's standards of what they think is cool to them, which is what 95% of tattoos are a representation of.
At least having a 40K tattoo would mean more to me than a guy who's generic Chinese symbol for "hope" might actually be translated as "bread".
Technically the Aquila is actually Roman, and shouldn't be drawn to something like the Nazi Party..... but the average person probably coasted through their History classes in high school and (possibly) college, and probably won't appreciate that tattoo.
There's also cooler tattoos to get then the symbol of a fictional organization. Maybe look up your family's heraldry and get a tattoo of your own personal Coat of Arms instead.
hotsauceman1 wrote: Ok, weight and price aside, lets say i do get a Tattoo and I want it to be gaming
What about a Twenty Sided Dice? Or maybe a Dragon?
Or maybe a Star Wars Imperial insiqnia.
If you are asking for us to chime in on what design you permanently mark onto your body, you probably should stick to henna.
curran12 wrote: Just so I'm clear, you're getting this on your calf, not your head, right? Cause yeah...head tattoo...
Anyway, yes, the aquila is a bad idea because it is far more commonly associated with other things than 40k.
What he said.
When people (normal people, not nerds like us) see this:
They think, because they have no fething clue what that is (or have never picked up a damn history book), this:
And that gets their nickers in a twist. Add shaved head to the mix and you have the nazi alarms going off everywhere. If you're anything but white, though, you're probably fine.
EDIT: I would probably advise you not get a tattoo of a symbol form 40k. Might lose interest at some point, and then the tat will be something of a waste. Get something logical. Like your girlfriends name. That could never go wrong.
It's a discount store in Auckland. Temporary tattoos only, they've had them for years, they're probably made in Asia somewhere, not sure about the peace symbols.
hotsauceman1 wrote: Ok, weight and price aside, lets say i do get a Tattoo and I want it to be gaming
What about a Twenty Sided Dice? Or maybe a Dragon?
Or maybe a Star Wars Imperial insiqnia.
If you are asking for us to chime in on what design you permanently mark onto your body, you probably should stick to henna.
My suggestions for tattoos:
The Kanji for "idiot".
The Bible verse that forbids tattoos.
A birth mark.
Oh wow, sick burn dude
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welshhoppo wrote: I once met a guy who that the 8 sided star and For the Dark Gods tattooed on his arm.
I was like, hey that's a warhammer tattoo.
Yes and no. It's actually from the Eternal Champions stories.
I forget the name but a friend of mine (with no 40k or warhammer knowledge at all) got a very similar tattoo and I believe it's a philosophy of chaos/anarchy or something.
I don't think tattoos need to be something significant, people saying that seem a bit...elitist? If it's something you find cool and don't think that'll change, and you're getting it done somewhere discrete then it really doesn't matter what it is really.
However I do agree that the fact you're asking other people what you should get seems a bit like you aren't ready for the commitment of a tattoo. You need to be sure.
Azza007 wrote: One thing I do hate is how the Nazis perverted (right word?) the swastika as it doesn't originate in hatred.
Generally speaking, their misappropriation of cultural symbols is the least of the reasons to hate them.
This is a bad idea, for numerous reasons. In college, you are probably at the most fluid time of your life. Statistically speaking, you don't know what you will like, long term at this moment.
When getting a tattoo, if it has a large chance of causing you to look like a white supremacists- avoid it. Likewise with any gang associations.
Once you have your design picked out, find an artist that specializes in that style, and make an appointment for a year or so from now for your first tattoo. As you become more experienced, the window can shorten. This is your buyer's remorse time. Place a picture of your soon to be tattoo somewhere you'll see it every day, like a mirror or your door.
About a month before your appointment, tape that sucker to your prospective tattoo location for a day, or a week.
ScootyPuffJunior wrote: Don't get a tattoo, especially one from a place that gives a discount to college kids.
Excellent advice. I knew a guy that got one of the crappiest Marine tattoos I ever saw. The thing was big, had an egg shaped earth, flesh colored land masses and Easter egg blue oceans. The Eagle looked like a squashed chicken. He was not pleased, but there it was, big as life on his upper arm.
I would say do some research on the outfit you want to get one from to make sure they are hygienic and have some good artists. I would hasten to add put some serious thought on what you want to have, since it'll be a bitch to remove if you decide down the road you don't like it..
I've played by the rule that if I like a tattoo design, I'll save up for it if I like it 6 months later. If I still like it when I have the money to get it (usually a few months), then I'll get it.
I have none, my wife has 1.
But I am currently in love with a design, and she's been wanting one, and since we never took a honeymoon, we are gonna drive out to Area 51 to get them. Make a whole vacation out of it
I think tattoos are super lame. They are so common now, not getting one is actually the more "original" thing to do.
Jihadin wrote: If your getting a tat then it should be something pf significant importance that happen in your life.
Ergh, tattoos with "meaning" are the lamest by far. As if the tattoo serves some hidden purpose besides, just wanting a tattoo to look "cool" (and possibly announcing underlying self-esteem issues).
Here is how to talk to someone with a "meaningful" tattoo and validate their existence...
You: Oh hey I like your tattoo!(This is the moment the tattooed person has been waiting for, that they sat through hours of needle poking for. They get to tell someone the meaning!) Them: Thanks, it means a lot to me, I got it to remember... [insert cliche tat "meaning" from the list below] *A: A friend or family member, *B: A gang, team or unit they were in, *C: Something political, (The meaning is often solemn. Extra points if someone died tragically.)
You: Woh! That's deep, I never knew that about you. Them: Yeah, I don't like to talk about it. (So they just got it permanently etched into their skin where people will ask about it endlessly). You: You seem really interesting. Them: Yeah, you have no idea what I been through. You: So what are you up to now? Them: Nuthin much, you?
And that is the thing about tattoos. It's about appearing interesting, which requires so much less effort than actually being interesting. An interesting and tragic tattoo is the one you got behind your ear in a nazi concentration camp, or to mark how many sessions of radiotherapy you've had. The butterfly on your shoulder to remember grandma died is not interesting, that's just you being a poser. Why not just remember it, instead of whoring out poor grandma's tragic demise in public to leverage attention.
If you want to get a tattoo with purpose, get a times table square, or a subway map. Unless you're that guy from Memento, no one needs a tat to "not forget".
EDIT: I'm leaving "children's names" off the list, because my parents always needed to stumble through every name in our family before they remembered mine, so clearly that one does serve a purpose. But you need to get it somewhere visible like a hand, for quick reference whilst shouting at them. Otherwise it doesn't count.
Kilkrazy wrote: If you want to go to Japan you should avoid being Tattoed.
You probably won't be allowed to go into a public bath or onsen spa.
Or a capsule hotel. The reason I don't have a tattoo yet is mostly because of this.
Still, I heard they pretend not to notice when it's a gaijin and has one or two parts of the body covered in bandages (ofc I can't confirm this)
Huh, really? Didn't know they were so dumb about tattoos. Then again, it's Japan, they are dumb about a lot of stuff.
Not dumb at all, actually.
Tatoos are associated with Yakuza
Holy Roman Empire losers. Ha! They wish they could be as cool as the Byzantines.
But yeah, a big eagle like that, unless old fashioned like wanna-be Holy Roman Empires or awesome Byzantines, is probably not a good idea.
Smacks wrote: I think tattoos are super lame. They are so common now, not getting one is actually the more "original" thing to do.
Jihadin wrote: If your getting a tat then it should be something pf significant importance that happen in your life.
Ergh, tattoos with "meaning" are the lamest by far. As if the tattoo serves some hidden purpose besides, just wanting a tattoo to look "cool" (and possibly announcing underlying self-esteem issues).
Here is how to talk to someone with a "meaningful" tattoo and validate their existence...
You: Oh hey I like your tattoo!(This is the moment the tattooed person has been waiting for, that they sat through hours of needle poking for. They get to tell someone the meaning!)
Them: Thanks, it means a lot to me, I got it to remember... [insert cliche tat "meaning" from the list below]
*A: A friend or family member,
*B: A gang, team or unit they were in,
*C: Something political,
(The meaning is often solemn. Extra points if someone died tragically.)
You: Woh! That's deep, I never knew that about you. Them: Yeah, I don't like to talk about it. (So they just got it permanently etched into their skin where people will ask about it endlessly).
You: You seem really interesting. Them: Yeah, you have no idea what I been through. You: So what are you up to now? Them: Nuthin much, you?
And that is the thing about tattoos. It's about appearing interesting, which requires so much less effort than actually being interesting. An interesting and tragic tattoo is the one you got behind your ear in a nazi concentration camp, or to mark how many sessions of radiotherapy you've had. The butterfly on your shoulder to remember grandma died is not interesting, that's just you being a poser. Why not just remember it, instead of whoring out poor grandma's tragic demise in public to leverage attention.
If you want to get a tattoo with purpose, get a times table square, or a subway map. Unless you're that guy from Memento, no one needs a tat to "not forget".
EDIT: I'm leave "children's names" off the list, because my parents always needed to stumble through every name in our family before they remembered mine, so clearly that one does serve a purpose. But you need to get it somewhere visible like a hand, for quickly reference whilst shouting at them. Otherwise it doesn't count.
Yeah, screw people for wanting to do something for themselves. I obviously play PS3 and 40k just to seem more interesting because I don't know how to be interesting myself.
Have you ever thought maybe people get tattoos because they like them and aren't trying to impress others, or do you think people are as small minded as yourself?
djones520 wrote: I was young when I got my tattoo, 20 I think. I got it for all the wrong reasons, but I'm still glad today that I had my head on right when I picked it out.
I look at it this way. If you are going to get a tattoo, something that becomes a permanent part of your body, it should be something that you can always look at, and have pride in it. Something you'll never be ashamed of.
I got the USAF Symbol put onto my right shoulder. That way it'll be one of those things my kids and their kids can ask me about, and I can explain to them that it's there to remind me about the commitment I made to my nation for such a large part of my life.
What would the GW Aquila mean to you? What if you stop playing the game in 5 years? What would you tell your kids about it 20 years from now? "This, oh, it's just a fictitious symbol from a game I used to play."
If that's cool with you, then awesome. That's not the type of thing I want on me though.
Cannot agree enough. I got mine at 20 as well. I admit I rushed it (got it the day I EAS'd,) but, it has meaning to me as I am proud of my short service in the USMC. When you get a tattoo, it's probably best if it is a dedication to someone or has personal meaning.
I have mine to remind me that the service changed my life, repaired me, and provided the gateway to an education.
jreilly89 wrote: I obviously play PS3 and 40k just to seem more interesting because I don't know how to be interesting myself.
You don't seem very apt at constructing relevant analogies either. Did I not like your tattoo enough? Oh no! Someone who doesn't think my tattoos are "so cool"
Have you ever thought maybe people get tattoos because they like them and aren't trying to impress others
Yes, I've considered it at length. But why get a tattoo on your shoulder or back, unless it is for other people to see? People who aren't trying to impress others on some level -- it's a beautiful idea, but sounds about as likely as the Loch Ness monster being real.
or do you think people are as small minded as yourself?
That should really be "AND do you think people are as small minded as you?", otherwise you are falsely suggesting that those are the only two mutually exclusive possibilities in the universe, which they are not.
AND yes! I expect people to be at least as small minded as me, and well beyond. I expect some people to shock me with the shallow depths of their small mindedness, and I know that they always will. There is nothing especially big-minded about tattoos anyway. Tramp stamps are not some glorious path to enlightenment. They are basically a fashion trend, and IMHO they stopped being cool a long time ago. Around about the time people with tattoos started being school girls and trendy estate agents, instead of actual pirates.
Given what I knkw of hotsauce (from the get a date thread mostly), I have to say that this is a really bad idea probably being done for really had reasons.
My best advice is wait, wait until you finish school, have a stable job, and you can honestly say that you want a tattoo for the sake of the tattoo, and not because you think itll make girls want you or because itll make you look more badass while wearing your leather biker vest.
chaos0xomega wrote: Given what I knkw of hotsauce (from the get a date thread mostly), I have to say that this is a really bad idea probably being done for really had reasons.
My best advice is wait, wait until you finish school, have a stable job, and you can honestly say that you want a tattoo for the sake of the tattoo, and not because you think itll make girls want you or because itll make you look more badass while wearing your leather biker vest.
...................Ahhh........Thats not really it TBH.
Get a small pair of dice tattooed above your crack, nothing turns the ladies on like a male version of a tramp stamp.
Or get something practical like I did, got a tape measure tattooed on the side of my penis that way anytime I need something accurately measured within three inches I can always just pull out my junk. On a cold day it doubles as a melee range key for warmachine.
I'm also considering some additional body modification to implant a pair of googley eyes over my balls so I can be a hit at all the parties.
jreilly89 wrote: I obviously play PS3 and 40k just to seem more interesting because I don't know how to be interesting myself.
You don't seem very apt at constructing relevant analogies either. Did I not like your tattoo enough? Oh no! Someone who doesn't think my tattoos are "so cool"
Have you ever thought maybe people get tattoos because they like them and aren't trying to impress others
Yes, I've considered it at length. But why get a tattoo on your shoulder or back, unless it is for other people to see? People who aren't trying to impress others on some level -- it's a beautiful idea, but sounds about as likely as the Loch Ness monster being real.
or do you think people are as small minded as yourself?
That should really be "AND do you think people are as small minded as you?", otherwise you are falsely suggesting that those are the only two mutually exclusive possibilities in the universe, which they are not.
AND yes! I expect people to be at least as small minded as me, and well beyond. I expect some people to shock me with the shallow depths of their small mindedness, and I know that they always will. There is nothing especially big-minded about tattoos anyway. Tramp stamps are not some glorious path to enlightenment. They are basically a fashion trend, and IMHO they stopped being cool a long time ago. Around about the time people with tattoos started being school girls and trendy estate agents, instead of actual pirates.
You know, I actually considered debating this like an intellectual, but you seem to not really care for that and are pretty much just "trolling". So I'll respond to you in the manner I'm sure you're accustomed to.
Nanny boo boo, tattoos are cooler than you. That and you're a limey Brit, so you're opinion is of little importance
jreilly89 wrote: You know, I actually considered debating this like an intellectual, but you seem to not really care for that and are pretty much just "trolling". So I'll respond to you in the manner I'm sure you're accustomed to.
Nanny boo boo, tattoos are cooler than you. That and you're a limey Brit, so you're opinion is of little importance
Indeed, someone who discusses false dichotomies and Boolean logic, probably doesn't care for intellectual conversation /sarcasm. Although, I'm quite glad you didn't try to engage me on that level as you have the way of an uncouth tattooed oaf about you Sir! No match for a learned English gentleman like myself.
But jokes aside... It is easy to just call someone a troll when you don't agree with them. But I'm not a troll. I just genuinely happen to think tattoos are lame and tacky. I don't really see what there is to debate about that. It is a matter of personal taste. I also think that flares are lame, as are Twilight movies, and Justin Bieber music. Obviously, some people feel differently and enjoy them, and that's fine. I don't think tattoos should be illegal or anything. People should be free to make their own choices, and I should be free to say their choices are lame.
Hotsauceman1 is making a choice now that might affect him for the rest of his life (or at least until that new tattoo removing cream hits the shelves). I think he deserves to hear both sides. I'm not alone, there are lots of people who have tattoos and regret them for example. Better to hear scathing comments about your tattoo now, rather than later, when it doesn't wash off.
Personally, if someone must get a tattoo, I would commit and go big, rather than get a half assed little one. But I don't suggest that idly, it is a big commitment, it might affect the kind of job you can get, and how people treat you. It could have a huge impact on your life, for better or worse.
But for god sake, don't get a GW tat! Cluing people in that you play with soldiers defeats the whole purpose of trying to look cool.
I'm in the no tattoo club, but I mean, a nice classy face tattoo goes a long way towards leaving an impression on everyone. Not necessarily an aquila, but perhaps a servo skull on the side of the head or something. Ooh, what about getting one of those full head tattoos that makes YOUR skull look like a servoskull? You could even do some of those things where they embed studs and stuff subdermally in places appropriate for a servoskull.
You will note, it looks nothing like a GW aquila. It is an homage, not a direct reference (alongside some other symbols, etc).
Best past part is that its alltogether so vague that even people familiar with GW, etc dont usually catch everything (if anything at all), and if theyre completely unfamiliar... well then I get to make gak up. Best was the one girl whonasked me what it meant and I told her how it represents how two-faced the US is and how even though they say justice is blind, it isnt etc etc etc. She was eating out of the palm of my hand and kept saying "oh my god, thats so deep". In retrospect I prolly coulda fethed her, bit I was having too much a good time fething with her instead
BrookM wrote: I guess it depends on the type of tattoo worn by a certain type of.. character in Japan.
Spoiler:
No, Tattoo has stigma in Japan, it is associated with Yakuza yes, but they don't differentiate if you have a tattoo lots of places will let you not in or you cannot become a member.
The eighth pointed star of chaos was my first Tattoo
hotsauceman1 wrote: My friend just gave me another idea
"No Mercy, No Respite, No Forgiveness"
But you are all right, I should think about this.......
The way you are flip floping on what to get, is reason enough to not get one, wait until you are more mature or you are going to regret it.
The design i wanted on my arm was my choice for 10 years before i put in on me arm.
BobtheInquisitor wrote: Chaos omega: Love the aquila and the mando? skull, but why Captain Cutler?
Haha, a couple reasons I wont go into, it was originally supposed to be something else but I changed it (for reasons). I will say that I do actually own one of those helmets though
Jehan-reznor wrote: wait until you are more mature or you are going to regret it..
To play devils advocate a little. I think tattoos are more for young people. They look better on young people, if you are going to get one I think it would be better to get one while you're young, and can make better use of it showing off and flirting. If you wait until you are more mature then it might not be worth it. After all the mature thing to do would be to save your money and put it in an investment plan (yawn).
Sure you might regret it when you are older, but by the time people hit 45 they probably regret most things they did when they were younger. You might also regret not getting a tattoo, and then get one at 45 to kickstart your midlife crisis with. Become the creepy old guy desperately trying to hook with college girls to recapture his lost youth...
Jehan-reznor wrote: wait until you are more mature or you are going to regret it..
To play devils advocate a little. I think tattoos are more for young people. They look better on young people, if you are going to get one I think it would be better to get one while you're young, and can make better use of it showing off and flirting. If you wait until you are more mature then it might not be worth it. After all the mature thing to do would be to save your money and put it in an investment plan (yawn).
Sure you might regret it when you are older, but by the time people hit 45 they probably regret most things they did when they were younger. You might also regret not getting a tattoo, and then get one at 45 to kickstart your midlife crisis with. Become the creepy old guy desperately trying to hook with college girls to recapture his lost youth...
Tattoos do have a purpose- they work well for military vets. One of my dad's friend's who's probably in his seventies now had a jaguar IIRC from when he served in Korea or Vietnam (can't remember which, probably Korea). Even with his wrinkly old man skin, it still looked good and could even growl when flexed. The only real problem with a non-garish tattoo is how your skin is going to age ~30 years down the line or more. Like the eagle that turned into a chicken.
I'm going to agree with the general consensus of the thread and suggest you hold off, while I'm personally okay with tattoos for the sake of ink and art, vs. tattoos having a personal meaning (sure all of mine having a meaning but never mind that) you are collaborating with an artist to create a permanent piece of art out of your body, that is not an endeavour to be taken on a whim. Really think through the details of what you want and how you want it. Should the aquila have the wings up like chaos's piece in more of a flare? What kinds of textures and details do you want? Really work it out in your mind's eye, sketch it or have a friend sketch it for you. Then set it aside for a month. If you come back to it in a month and you still think it's a good idea then you're good to roll.
I'd also like to reinforce that placement is absolutely vital. I really prevaricated about getting my large calf piece because it would be a highly visible piece of ink. So think about the work environments you're likely to be in, the jobs and careers you want. I work with a lot of ex-military, tin can sailors and the like, and you know what? For the most part they don't give a feth about my ink, but I also dress in most professional environments so that no one knows I even have tattoos. My boss at my wargaming job didn't know I had ink till about three months after I started, he was talking about tattoos, and I mentioned that I'd taken a nap getting my shoulder blade piece done and he was surprised that I had multiple pieces. As time goes on the stigma's going away in work settings, but it's still something you need to think about.
ScootyPuffJunior wrote: You're being called a troll because you're being purposefully making insulting, inflammatory remarks... you know, like a troll.
No, I'm being called a troll because I had the audacity to draw attention to the cliche' reasons people claim they got tattoos (To remember, to remind etc...) versus why people actually get tattoos, which is often (deep down) as a means to draw some attention to themselves, flirt, start conversations about themselves (their military career) etc... I don't think this makes them bad people, it's quite a normal human impulse, but there are lots of other ways to be interesting that don't involve permanently marking your body. And it is a far cry from the "cool" rebellious image they are trying to portray. In fact it raises a lot of interesting questions about body image, conformity and self esteem. You might say that is insulting, but then we know you have tattoos. I say it is true (for the majority of people) and just slices a bit too close to the nerve, which makes you uncomfortable.
I have collected some quotes from just this thread, which I think show that my "bloviating" as you put it, was actually spot on.
djones520 wrote: I got the USAF Symbol put onto my right shoulder. That way it'll be one of those things my kids and their kids can ask me about, and I can explain to them that it's there to remind me about the commitment I made to my nation for such a large part of my life.
Lots of deep sentiment here, but if we look past that, he is still ultimately saying that he got the tattoo so that people will ask about it, and he can talk about himself.
Eilif wrote: Far better to have people ask you to explain what you're tattoo is then have a tattoo with mixed messages ... but I think tattoos should have some intrinsic meaning more than a game. Search your family history and explore your deepest beliefs.
He acknowledges that part of having a tattoo is people asking you about it, and you getting to explain. Then we get back into the "meaning" thing, which is just an afterthought when the decision to get tattooed has already been made. This proves that the proposed meaning is inconsequential to the action.
Stormwall wrote: I have mine to remind me that the service changed my life, repaired me, and provided the gateway to an education.
Again, this is a deep sentiment, but I'm not sure what it really has to do with getting a tattoo. Doesn't seem like something you're likely to forget. And wouldn't something like supporting a serviceman's charity be a more productive gesture than just drawing on your arm?
chaos0xomega wrote: Best was the one girl whonasked me what it meant and I told her how it represents ... etc etc etc. She was eating out of the palm of my hand and kept saying "oh my god, thats so deep". In retrospect I prolly coulda fethed her
Heh, this is almost word for word my mock conversation. Good for you chaos0xomega, this is a man who knows what tattoos are for and how to use them to almost get laid. I would not have been so easily impressed as 'that one girl', but then I'm probably not your type.
ScootyPuffJunior wrote: So just knock off the bloviating, you aren't impressing anyone and you aren't as clever as you think you are.
No post would be complete without that mandatory insult would it? Few people are as clever as they think, it's something to do with cognitive bias. But even if I were half as cleaver as I think I am, I'd still be clever enough to spot the sad irony of trying to force the word 'bloviating' in where it doesn't apply. Who is really the one trying too hard to impress here? I didn't go permanently changing my skin to look different for other people.
There is no shame in wanting a bit of attention, or wanting to change yourself, but please don't insult my allegedly mediocre intelligence by denying it.
ScootyPuffJunior wrote: You're being called a troll because you're being purposefully making insulting, inflammatory remarks... you know, like a troll.
No, I'm being called a troll because I had the audacity to draw attention to the cliche' reasons people claim they got tattoos (To remember, to remind etc...) versus why people actually get tattoos, which is often (deep down) as a means to draw some attention to themselves, flirt, start conversations about themselves (their military career) etc... I don't think this is an especially bad thing, it's quite a normal human impulse, but there are lots of other ways to be interesting that don't involve permanently marking your body. And it is a far cry from the "cool" rebellious image they are trying to portray. In fact it raises a lot of interesting questions about body image, conformity and self esteem. You might say that is insulting, but then we know you have tattoos. I say it is true (for the majority of people) and just slices a bit too close to the nerve, which makes you uncomfortable.
I have collected some quotes from just this thread, which I think show that my "bloviating" as you put it, was actually spot on.
djones520 wrote: I got the USAF Symbol put onto my right shoulder. That way it'll be one of those things my kids and their kids can ask me about, and I can explain to them that it's there to remind me about the commitment I made to my nation for such a large part of my life.
Lots of deep sentiment here, but if we look past that, he is still ultimately saying that he got the tattoo so that people will ask about it, and he can talk about himself.
Eilif wrote: Far better to have people ask you to explain what you're tattoo is then have a tattoo with mixed messages ... but I think tattoos should have some intrinsic meaning more than a game. Search your family history and explore your deepest beliefs.
He acknowledges that part of having a tattoo is people asking you about it, and you getting to explain. Then we get back into the "meaning" thing, which is just an afterthought when the decision to get tattooed has already been made. This proves that the proposed meaning is inconsequential to the action.
Stormwall wrote: I have mine to remind me that the service changed my life, repaired me, and provided the gateway to an education.
Again, this is a deep sentiment, but I'm not sure what it really has to do getting a tattoo. Doesn't seem like something you're likely to forget. And wouldn't something like supporting a serviceman's charity be a more productive gesture than just drawing on your arm?
chaos0xomega wrote: Best was the one girl whonasked me what it meant and I told her how it represents ... etc etc etc. She was eating out of the palm of my hand and kept saying "oh my god, thats so deep". In retrospect I prolly coulda fethed her
Heh, this is almost word for word my mock conversation. Good for you chaos0xomega, this is a man who knows what tattoos are for and how to use them to almost get laid. I would not have been so easily impressed as 'that one girl', but then I'm probably not your type.
ScootyPuffJunior wrote: So just knock off the bloviating, you aren't impressing anyone and you aren't as clever as you think you are.
No post would be complete without that mandatory insult would it? Few people are as clever as they think, it's something to do with cognitive bias. But even if I were half as cleaver as I think I am, I'd still be clever enough to spot the sad irony of trying to force the word 'bloviating' in where it doesn't apply. Who is really the one trying too hard to impress here? I didn't go permanently changing my skin to look different for other people.
There is no shame in wanting a bit of attention, or wanting to change yourself, but please don't insult my allegedly mediocre intelligence by denying it.
You're right, 4 people's post on Dakka = mounds of evidence. All bow down before Smacks obvious superiority, he is clearly the smartestest of all the hipsters!
Smacks, the one flaw with your theory (as it applies to me) is that most people never see my tattoos, because the only time you would see them is if I was wearing shorts, which I wear maybe 3 times a year (when I go to the beach), if Im lucky. I didnt get them to get girls (in fact Ive slept with exactly zero girls since getting them), I got them because I like the idea of tattoos and the artist managed to capture my ideas well enough in artwork that I felt comfortable permanently marking myself with them. In fact a very good friend of mine didnt even realize I had tattoos until it came up in conversation while we were discussing some work he wanted to get done, lol. The fact that I CAN use them to attract womenfolk (or screw with their heads) is really just icing on the cake to me lol
BrookM wrote: I guess it depends on the type of tattoo worn by a certain type of.. character in Japan.
Spoiler:
No, Tattoo has stigma in Japan, it is associated with Yakuza yes, but they don't differentiate if you have a tattoo lots of places will let you not in or you cannot become a member.
It used to be the same way in the Soviet Union. The only people with tattoos were mafia and criminals. Since the 90s, tattoos have become more popular, but there is still a lot of negative stigma attached to them.
Funnily enough, eight pointed stars are also used as far-right symbols.
I don't think people should be getting a tattoo. There is a significant risk you will regret it later, and tattoos are hard to remove. Better not take the risk imo. Also, what is 'bloviating'?
jreilly89 wrote: But guys, look at how trendy he is. He doesn't have tattoos and thinks they're lame, therefore making him the superiorest hipster!
How are those intellectual conversational skills coming along?
You're right, 4 people's post on Dakka = mounds of evidence. All bow down before Smacks obvious superiority, he is clearly the smartestest of all the hipsters!
I did not say 4 posts constituted "mounds of evidence", why don't you try refuting something that I did say, if that isn't too difficult for you? The posts I picked were nearby "examples", never meant to be statistical evidence. You deliberately trying to conflate the two just makes you look dishonest, desperate, and your position look weaker. I'm going to term it argumentum ad butthurt.
The fact I was able to find examples so readily, just shows how common they are. I'm sure if I had the time and resources to conduct a proper study, I could no doubt find thousands of examples, but I don't need to do that. Finding examples from right under your nose makes my point well enough for this conversation. You trying to limp off with the goal posts makes it even better.
chaos0xomega wrote: Smacks, the one flaw with your theory (as it applies to me) is that most people never see my tattoos, because the only time you would see them is if I was wearing shorts, which I wear maybe 3 times a year (when I go to the beach), if Im lucky. I didnt get them to get girls (in fact Ive slept with exactly zero girls since getting them), I got them because I like the idea of tattoos and the artist managed to capture my ideas well enough in artwork that I felt comfortable permanently marking myself with them. In fact a very good friend of mine didnt even realize I had tattoos until it came up in conversation while we were discussing some work he wanted to get done, lol. The fact that I CAN use them to attract womenfolk (or screw with their heads) is really just icing on the cake to me lol
You aren't really the focus of my scorn anyway, because you don't seem to be under any illusion that your tattoo has some pretentious "deep" meaning for being there. You like it, it attracts girls, that is honest enough. The fact that you were also sensible enough to put it where you can cover it for work etc, is also unsurprising. I don't think that is a flaw in my idea. Me saying that tattoos are primarily to look at, is a no brainer. And suggesting that they are for other people to look at (not just for yourself) does not have to mean all people all the time. Even if it were only your wife that sees it, it is still an outward statement for other people on some level. That doesn't mean it can't also be for yourself, I expect it is a mixture.
Sirlin gives a great example of it in this article, which is a good read. I could probably be more concise in my writing sometimes, and use fewer adverbs, but bloviation is not something I do. I think Scooty was just using it to cash-in on a high-sounding word, hence the irony.
Sirlin gives a great example of it in this article, which is a good read. I could probably be more concise in my writing sometimes, and use a fewer adverbs, but bloviation is not something I do. I think Scooty was just using it to cash-in on a high-sounding word, hence the irony.
I think one could make a compelling argument that's exactly what you've done in this thread.
stanman wrote: Get a small pair of dice tattooed above your crack, nothing turns the ladies on like a male version of a tramp stamp.
Or get something practical like I did, got a tape measure tattooed on the side of my penis that way anytime I need something accurately measured within three inches I can always just pull out my junk. On a cold day it doubles as a melee range key for warmachine.
I'm also considering some additional body modification to implant a pair of googley eyes over my balls so I can be a hit at all the parties.
My fave post of the tread. You sir are one funny melon-fether.
After chaosomegas post i think i had the stupids, i looked at the picture and though "why would you get a tatt that continued from one leg onto your forearm and then onto your other leg"
Sauceman I'd wait, at least a year before getting a tat and that's after deciding what to get. Oh and don't get that "no respite"thing thats just corny as crap. I carved my own tat when i was 15ish , it's the number one reason i don't have a real tat now, explaining what it meant was ridiculous.....and bloody well still is.
cincydooley wrote: I think one could make a compelling argument that's exactly what you've done in this thread.
And yet no one has...
Regardless, critiquing my command of English would be off topic, and an attack on me, rather than my opinion. Anyone could chime in any time and try to explain why tattoos are not a form of vanity, but all I'm seeing here is deflection, and thinly veiled insults: "you are small minded", "you are not as clever as you think", "A compelling case could be made (but I'm not actually making it)". There is no substance there. Your post is 16 words which end up saying nothing at all. And you call me verbose...
jreilly89 wrote: But guys, look at how trendy he is. He doesn't have tattoos and thinks they're lame, therefore making him the superiorest hipster!
How are those intellectual conversational skills coming along?
You're right, 4 people's post on Dakka = mounds of evidence. All bow down before Smacks obvious superiority, he is clearly the smartestest of all the hipsters!
I did not say 4 posts constituted "mounds of evidence", why don't you try refuting something that I did say, if that isn't too difficult for you? The posts I picked were nearby "examples", never meant to be statistical evidence. You deliberately trying to conflate the two just makes you look dishonest, desperate, and your position look weaker. I'm going to term it argumentum ad butthurt.
The fact I was able to find examples so readily, just shows how common they are. I'm sure if I had the time and resources to conduct a proper study, I could no doubt find thousands of examples, but I don't need to do that. Finding examples from right under your nose makes my point well enough for this conversation. You trying to limp off with the goal posts makes it even better.
chaos0xomega wrote: Smacks, the one flaw with your theory (as it applies to me) is that most people never see my tattoos, because the only time you would see them is if I was wearing shorts, which I wear maybe 3 times a year (when I go to the beach), if Im lucky. I didnt get them to get girls (in fact Ive slept with exactly zero girls since getting them), I got them because I like the idea of tattoos and the artist managed to capture my ideas well enough in artwork that I felt comfortable permanently marking myself with them. In fact a very good friend of mine didnt even realize I had tattoos until it came up in conversation while we were discussing some work he wanted to get done, lol. The fact that I CAN use them to attract womenfolk (or screw with their heads) is really just icing on the cake to me lol
You aren't really the focus of my scorn anyway, because you don't seem to be under any illusion that your tattoo has some pretentious "deep" meaning for being there. You like it, it attracts girls, that is honest enough. The fact that you were also sensible enough to put it where you can cover it for work etc, is also unsurprising. I don't think that is a flaw in my idea. Me saying that tattoos are primarily to look at, is a no brainer. And suggesting that they are for other people to look at (not just for yourself) does not have to mean all people all the time. Even if it were only your wife that sees it, it is still an outward statement for other people on some level. That doesn't mean it can't also be for yourself, I expect it is a mixture.
Why? There's literally no point in argiung with you, as it's pretty obvious you've made up your mind about tattoos and have resorted to trolling. Rather than bother, I'll take a page from your book and resort to trolling as well.
cincydooley wrote: I think one could make a compelling argument that's exactly what you've done in this thread.
And yet no one has...
Regardless, critiquing my command of English would be off topic, and an attack on me, rather than my opinion. Anyone could chime in any time and try to explain why tattoos are not a form of vanity, but all I'm seeing here is deflection, and thinly veiled insults: "you are small minded", "you are not as clever as you think", "A compelling case could be made (but I'm not actually making it)". There is no substance there. Your post is 16 words which end up saying nothing at all. And you call me verbose...
And the award for trying to cash in on high-sounding words goes to....
Smacks maybe you should stop picking fights man, you make good posts when your not attacking people (or retaliating) . Thats 3 people who your planning to have a random argument with, surely one at a time is enough.
Oh and sauceman if you get the aquila and you go to gaol , least you know the aryan brotherhood will take you on (and probably a big bla...brother named sammy.)
cincydooley wrote: I think one could make a compelling argument that's exactly what you've done in this thread.
And yet no one has...
Regardless, critiquing my command of English would be off topic, and an attack on me, rather than my opinion. Anyone could chime in any time and try to explain why tattoos are not a form of vanity, but all I'm seeing here is deflection, and thinly veiled insults: "you are small minded", "you are not as clever as you think", "A compelling case could be made (but I'm not actually making it)". There is no substance there. Your post is 16 words which end up saying nothing at all. And you call me verbose...
A form of vanity? like designer clothes, brand goods, or a sports car? I wonder how old you are? Tattoo's in the west have become a fashion item, when i was young it was still associated with criminals, biker gangs, rock musicians, so why have i one because, it is going against conformity and because i like it.
And i really don't care if other people don't like it, it is their problem not mine.
cincydooley wrote: I think one could make a compelling argument that's exactly what you've done in this thread.
And yet no one has...
Regardless, critiquing my command of English would be off topic, and an attack on me, rather than my opinion. Anyone could chime in any time and try to explain why tattoos are not a form of vanity, but all I'm seeing here is deflection, and thinly veiled insults: "you are small minded", "you are not as clever as you think", "A compelling case could be made (but I'm not actually making it)". There is no substance there. Your post is 16 words which end up saying nothing at all. And you call me verbose...
A form of vanity? like designer clothes, brand goods, or a sports car? I wonder how old you are? Tattoo's in the west have become a fashion item, when i was young it was still associated with criminals, biker gangs, rock musicians, so why have i one because, it is going against conformity and because i like it.
And i really don't care if other people don't like it, it is their problem not mine.
But, you CAN'T have your own opinion, Smacks said so!
I'm a classically trained oil painter and studied art in Italy and I think of tattoos as art. Turning your skin into a canvas for art is pretty awesome and don't worry about what anyone else says. Though, depending on what kind of employment you want you should make sure it's not in a place that would show it off. My brother and sister in law have tattoos that nobody will see because for them they're deeply personal and only for each other. (A cancellation of the vanity theory.) People get tattoos for various reasons and to launch blanket statements of vanity is ignorant at best.
If you really needa get one just go with the inquisition symbol. I dont think it will be mistaken for anything tooooo offensive unless you are a heretic already. but really let it go and think on it later. or just get it over and done with and deal with the consequences
cincydooley wrote: I think one could make a compelling argument that's exactly what you've done in this thread.
And yet no one has...
Regardless, critiquing my command of English would be off topic, and an attack on me, rather than my opinion. Anyone could chime in any time and try to explain why tattoos are not a form of vanity, but all I'm seeing here is deflection, and thinly veiled insults: "you are small minded", "you are not as clever as you think", "A compelling case could be made (but I'm not actually making it)". There is no substance there. Your post is 16 words which end up saying nothing at all. And you call me verbose...
A tattoo can be a symbol. Be it something special to them, to identify one's self (the good military vet example or the more sinister gang iconography), can be cultural or religious, and indeed sometimes just I think that it looks cool.
Now is it one of the most risky decisions? Indeed. They are a pain to remove and many will grow to regret them especially as the body begins to deteroiorate. I would agree against the aquila tattoo partially due to the possibility of equating it to nazis but also due to the risk of one regretting it, particularly from a shop that discounts and an individual that changes their opinion and is planning to lose weight.
I shall admit that some do it for attention but so do others do it for expression. Personally I have none but I've desired to have a dragon tattoo on my back. The reason is the pathetic because I think they are cool which is an opinion I sincerely doubt will ever change at this point and as somebody that has geeked over them since toddlerhood. It isn't for attention. I specifically want it on my back for that. The only things holding me back is that I want to become a bit more fit before getting one and its importance being low on my list of things to care about.
ScootyPuffJunior wrote: You're being called a troll because you're being purposefully making insulting, inflammatory remarks... you know, like a troll.
No, I'm being called a troll because I had the audacity to draw attention to the cliche' reasons people claim they got tattoos (To remember, to remind etc...) versus why people actually get tattoos, which is often (deep down) as a means to draw some attention to themselves, flirt, start conversations about themselves (their military career) etc... I don't think this is an especially bad thing, it's quite a normal human impulse, but there are lots of other ways to be interesting that don't involve permanently marking your body. And it is a far cry from the "cool" rebellious image they are trying to portray. In fact it raises a lot of interesting questions about body image, conformity and self esteem. You might say that is insulting, but then we know you have tattoos. I say it is true (for the majority of people) and just slices a bit too close to the nerve, which makes you uncomfortable.
I have collected some quotes from just this thread, which I think show that my "bloviating" as you put it, was actually spot on.
djones520 wrote: I got the USAF Symbol put onto my right shoulder. That way it'll be one of those things my kids and their kids can ask me about, and I can explain to them that it's there to remind me about the commitment I made to my nation for such a large part of my life.
Lots of deep sentiment here, but if we look past that, he is still ultimately saying that he got the tattoo so that people will ask about it, and he can talk about himself.
Eilif wrote: Far better to have people ask you to explain what you're tattoo is then have a tattoo with mixed messages ... but I think tattoos should have some intrinsic meaning more than a game. Search your family history and explore your deepest beliefs.
He acknowledges that part of having a tattoo is people asking you about it, and you getting to explain. Then we get back into the "meaning" thing, which is just an afterthought when the decision to get tattooed has already been made. This proves that the proposed meaning is inconsequential to the action.
Stormwall wrote: I have mine to remind me that the service changed my life, repaired me, and provided the gateway to an education.
Again, this is a deep sentiment, but I'm not sure what it really has to do getting a tattoo. Doesn't seem like something you're likely to forget. And wouldn't something like supporting a serviceman's charity be a more productive gesture than just drawing on your arm?
chaos0xomega wrote: Best was the one girl whonasked me what it meant and I told her how it represents ... etc etc etc. She was eating out of the palm of my hand and kept saying "oh my god, thats so deep". In retrospect I prolly coulda fethed her
Heh, this is almost word for word my mock conversation. Good for you chaos0xomega, this is a man who knows what tattoos are for and how to use them to almost get laid. I would not have been so easily impressed as 'that one girl', but then I'm probably not your type.
ScootyPuffJunior wrote: So just knock off the bloviating, you aren't impressing anyone and you aren't as clever as you think you are.
No post would be complete without that mandatory insult would it? Few people are as clever as they think, it's something to do with cognitive bias. But even if I were half as cleaver as I think I am, I'd still be clever enough to spot the sad irony of trying to force the word 'bloviating' in where it doesn't apply. Who is really the one trying too hard to impress here? I didn't go permanently changing my skin to look different for other people.
There is no shame in wanting a bit of attention, or wanting to change yourself, but please don't insult my allegedly mediocre intelligence by denying it.
You're right, 4 people's post on Dakka = mounds of evidence. All bow down before Smacks obvious superiority, he is clearly the smartestest of all the hipsters!
I am so mad I am shaking. I did it for NO attention. I had to learn to walk, jog, and then run again you little snob. It confounds me to my core that you think it acceptable to randomly pick apart four people like a total ass. Who are you to judge a personal life? As for charity, I already work with the VFW, local Wounded Warrior cook outs (not like the scammy national Wounded Warrior,) and the local American Legion. You do the brits a disservice! I practically destroyed my hip in service. My tattoo is for myself and my platoon. It is tastefully hidden. I NEVER reveal it. Ever! I see it only at night when I lie down to sleep! I am going back to college so I may be a PT and fix other veterans, in the vain 20% oddball chance that the service (Natty Guard,) will take me back as an officer candiate with my 8 year degree I am so furiously working on. If that fails I already have connections so I can become a State Trooper in Virginia. I wish to help and serve people. It was the reason I enlisted. It was to do good. That tattoo is a personal reminder that each day when I wake up in pain like some old fething man due to hip and knee pain, to carry on with my life for myself and for my family. Because if I don't my girlfriend will have a much harder time getting her citizenship (ie: income wise. She is Swede, not hispanic before you even attempt to profile me.) So there. That is as good of an argument for a piece of art on you as I can think of. Furthermore, I commented in good faith to help a Dalkanaut decide if this was a wise choice. I would tell him to hold off.
You are a troll wanting a rise. Well you got one, I hope I don't get fething baned for this. Blocked for sure. Go pick fights and find other pawns you malcontent angsty I apologize in advance but, I feel like this was a random attack and it is abad day for me as I got in wreck on the way to school today. Sorry to clog the thread with personal stuff but, obviously a tattoo is very personal if it has meaning. Jesus. I can't believe some people are so angsty and cynical on a website for toy soldiers. (Something the service also gave me a fond love for.) Last words on it. I got it the day I EAS'd to celebrate, and I also got it because I raised my right hand to serve just as all the other amazing veterans on this forum did.
Edit: Came across to strongly but, I still think this point stands. Mods do what you wish, though I do personally love this website. Also removed more persinal tidbits.
ScootyPuffJunior wrote: You're being called a troll because you're being purposefully making insulting, inflammatory remarks... you know, like a troll.
No, I'm being called a troll because I had the audacity to draw attention to the cliche' reasons people claim they got tattoos (To remember, to remind etc...) versus why people actually get tattoos, which is often (deep down) as a means to draw some attention to themselves, flirt, start conversations about themselves (their military career) etc... I don't think this is an especially bad thing, it's quite a normal human impulse, but there are lots of other ways to be interesting that don't involve permanently marking your body. And it is a far cry from the "cool" rebellious image they are trying to portray. In fact it raises a lot of interesting questions about body image, conformity and self esteem. You might say that is insulting, but then we know you have tattoos. I say it is true (for the majority of people) and just slices a bit too close to the nerve, which makes you uncomfortable.
I have collected some quotes from just this thread, which I think show that my "bloviating" as you put it, was actually spot on.
djones520 wrote: I got the USAF Symbol put onto my right shoulder. That way it'll be one of those things my kids and their kids can ask me about, and I can explain to them that it's there to remind me about the commitment I made to my nation for such a large part of my life.
Lots of deep sentiment here, but if we look past that, he is still ultimately saying that he got the tattoo so that people will ask about it, and he can talk about himself.
Eilif wrote: Far better to have people ask you to explain what you're tattoo is then have a tattoo with mixed messages ... but I think tattoos should have some intrinsic meaning more than a game. Search your family history and explore your deepest beliefs.
He acknowledges that part of having a tattoo is people asking you about it, and you getting to explain. Then we get back into the "meaning" thing, which is just an afterthought when the decision to get tattooed has already been made. This proves that the proposed meaning is inconsequential to the action.
Stormwall wrote: I have mine to remind me that the service changed my life, repaired me, and provided the gateway to an education.
Again, this is a deep sentiment, but I'm not sure what it really has to do getting a tattoo. Doesn't seem like something you're likely to forget. And wouldn't something like supporting a serviceman's charity be a more productive gesture than just drawing on your arm?
chaos0xomega wrote: Best was the one girl whonasked me what it meant and I told her how it represents ... etc etc etc. She was eating out of the palm of my hand and kept saying "oh my god, thats so deep". In retrospect I prolly coulda fethed her
Heh, this is almost word for word my mock conversation. Good for you chaos0xomega, this is a man who knows what tattoos are for and how to use them to almost get laid. I would not have been so easily impressed as 'that one girl', but then I'm probably not your type.
ScootyPuffJunior wrote: So just knock off the bloviating, you aren't impressing anyone and you aren't as clever as you think you are.
No post would be complete without that mandatory insult would it? Few people are as clever as they think, it's something to do with cognitive bias. But even if I were half as cleaver as I think I am, I'd still be clever enough to spot the sad irony of trying to force the word 'bloviating' in where it doesn't apply. Who is really the one trying too hard to impress here? I didn't go permanently changing my skin to look different for other people.
There is no shame in wanting a bit of attention, or wanting to change yourself, but please don't insult my allegedly mediocre intelligence by denying it.
You're right, 4 people's post on Dakka = mounds of evidence. All bow down before Smacks obvious superiority, he is clearly the smartestest of all the hipsters!
I am so mad I am shaking. I did it FOR NO ATTENTION. I had to learn to walk again you selfish little snob. You do the brits a disservice! I practically destroyed my hip in service. My tattoo is for myself and my platoon. It is tastefully hidden. I NEVER reveal it. Ever! I see it only at night when I lie down to sleep! I am going back to college so I may be a PT and fix other veterans, in the vain 20% oddball chance that the service (Natty Guard,) will take me back as an officer candiate with my 8 year degree I am so furiously working on. If that fails I already have connections so I can become a State Trooper in Virginia. I wish to help and serve people. It was the reason I enlisted. It was to do good. That tattoo is a personal reminder that each day when I wake up in pain like some old fething man due to hip and knee pain, to carry on with my life for myself and for my family. Because if I don't my girlfriend will h4avr a much harder time getting her citizenship (ie: income wise. She is Swede, not hispanic before you even attempt to profile me.) So there. That is as good of an argument for a piece of art on you as I can think of. Furthermore, I commented in good faith to help a Dalkanaut decide if this was a wise choice. I would tell him to hold off.
You are a troll wanting a rise. Well you got one, I hope I don't get fething baned for this. Blocked for sure. Go pick fights and find other pawns you malcontent angsty I apologize in advance but, I feel like this was a random attack and it is abad day for me as I got in wreck on the way to school today. Sorry to clog the thread with personal stuff but, obviously a tattoo is very personal if it has meaning. Jesus. I can't believe some people are so angsty and cynical on a website for toy soldiers. (Something the service also gave me a fond love for.)
Also here it is for refrence Hotsauce. I wasn't going to post it as it is for myself to enjoy but, after that wall I owe it to you. I consider it tasteful, and it is rather small since I struggle with weight issues now that I am out of the service.
O 7
I feel your pain. I've got arthritis despite a mere twenty years of age and had reconstructive bone surgery on my feet. I swear I can feel my joints creak when the temperature dips.
Every time it gets cold I live in agony. Sucks as I live on mountain and when I go to Sweden it is even colder. I know your pain but, ouch. Feet issues would suck!
Oh to add to the discussiom again. Tats can cover surgery scars. Oh and since you quoted that, I did edit it Since he is so keen on throwing charities up. Another thing, the report function doesn't work on a phone.
jreilly89 wrote: Why? There's literally no point in argiung with you, as it's pretty obvious you've made up your mind about tattoos and have resorted to trolling. Rather than bother, I'll take a page from your book and resort to trolling as well.
You wouldn't know because you didn't try, I actually soften on issues all the time, but I am never moved by insults and false reasoning. The only person trolling here is you. Which, if I'm honest, is actually far less grating than having to read the dismal affronts to reason that you consider points.
jreilly89 wrote: But, you CAN'T have your own opinion, Smacks said so!
Again this isn't like anything I have said. Here is something I have said earlier in this topic:
"I don't think tattoos should be illegal or anything. People should be free to make their own choices"
Pretty much the opposite of the lie you are trying to perpetuate about me. Why is it you keep leaning so heavily on dishonesty in your posts? Is it because the truth bothers you?
Jehan-reznor wrote: Tattoo's in the west have become a fashion item, when i was young it was still associated with criminals, biker gangs, rock musicians, so why have i one because, it is going against conformity and because i like it.
You like it? As in: you thought it would look good on you?
Stormwall wrote: I am so mad I am shaking ... you selfish little snob. You do the brits a disservice! ... You are a troll wanting a rise. Well you got one, I hope I don't get fething baned for this. Blocked for sure. Go pick fights and find other pawns you malcontent angsty
You need to calm down. No one was questioning your devotion to service, or the injuries you sustained. The only part I question is what drawing on yourself has to do with any of that.
Stormwall wrote: I did it FOR NO ATTENTION ... I NEVER reveal it. Ever! ... Also here it is for refrence.
lol, yeah I'm sorry budy. I thought you were one of those people who uses his tat as an excuse to talk about his service career and injuries. That was bad of me, I am sorry and ashamed.
StarTrotter wrote: Personally I have none but I've desired to have a dragon tattoo on my back. The reason is the pathetic because I think they are cool which is an opinion I sincerely doubt will ever change
Why is that pathetic? I certainly don't think it is. The part I find pathetic is masquerading that "I thought it looked cool" behind some pretentious made up reason, the "reminder" being the most worn out trope of them all.
Apology accepted, you beat me to the ignore button. I have no career to really discuss as it was ended via injury. I apologize too as I got really mad and it is childish, for that I am sorry. However, you really should apologize to the people you singled out, not me. I am just here to make sure Hotman doesn't get a tat he regrets. I regret this one sometimes, and another times it lifts me up.
If you still question the tattoo, reread what I wrote. I gave about 50 reasons. Main one was motivation for myself going through Physical Therapy and I am proud (and full of regret concerning,) my short career. I have avoided this subject till now as tattoos/my injuries are identifying features. I don't want my personal life on here.
My biggest apology is to the vets on dakka. All it takes is one vet to feth up and then they're all judged. Vets have bad enough stereotypes against them, I don't need to get mad and defensive and add to it.
Sorry all, embarassed now.
Edit: Gotta stop apologizing before someone labels me an apologist.
Stormwall wrote: Apology accepted, you beat me to the ignore button. I have no career to really discuss as it was ended via injury. I apologize too as I got really mad and it is childish, for that I am sorry. However, you really should apologize to the people you singled out, not me. I am just here to make sure Hotman doesn't get a tat he regrets. I regret this one sometimes, and another times it lifts me up.
If you still question the tattoo, reread what I wrote. I gave about 50 reasons. Main one was motivation for myself going through Physical Therapy and I am proud (and full of regret concerning,) my short career.
I wasn't really trying to single anyone out. All I was trying to do was post some examples to show that people do get tattoos with the intention of showing them to other people. Which I hope you would agree isn't a bad thing? But I made it sound like a bad thing because I contrasted it against more noble reasons. I am actually genuinely sorry I upset you, I can tell your unit meant a lot to you. I certainly wouldn't want to to take that away for you.
No I get it. There locals around here are found of tattooing their Grandmas intials/name on their arms in a band, and talk about how amaxing she was when asked. Or they do it for a free beer. They only get mad when you bring up the fact they hadn't visited their Grandma in 5-6 years and they were the ones who put her in one of the awful abusive local nursing homes. I can agree with you in that regard.
Like everything in OT all subjects have two sides, like a coin.
Jehan-reznor wrote: Tattoo's in the west have become a fashion item, when i was young it was still associated with criminals, biker gangs, rock musicians, so why have i one because, it is going against conformity and because i like it.
You like it? As in: you thought it would look good on you?
I like it because i like it. Is it something alien to you to think that someone could like it to put an image they like on them?
Literally every person who has come into my game room, after seeing the enormous Imperial Aquila flag hanging on my wall, asks if it's a Third Reich flag.
I then explain its origin, and the conversation ends.
Jehan-reznor wrote: I like it because i like it. Is it something alien to you to think that someone could like it to put an image they like on them?
No, it is not alien at all, it makes perfect sense to me. However, the statement: "I like it because I like it" makes less sense. That is just circular reasoning, which I think glosses over your real motivations for liking it and wanting it on your body. The reasons people like things are many and complex, but our decisions are often driven by evolutionary factors such as finding a mate, being accepted by a group, attaining status and respect. These things play a subtle (but often important) part in all our decision making.
As Stormwall has said: "no one puts a tattoo on if they don't like it". But why not, if it is just there to serve a purpose? The truth is people do care about how they look and how they are seen by others. That is our sense of vanity. Vanity is not all bad. It is a useful and necessary part of our psyche, which protects us from being ridiculed and ostracized.
So for you to say that you put something on your body (permanently), and you gave no thought whatsoever as to how it might be perceived by other people. In fact, that never crossed your mind until I brought it up just now? Well then I would say you are a liar. But I hope it will not come to that. I think you will agree that vanity did play some small part in your decision. That does not mean you are a vain person. I think vanity plays a part in all our decisions (mine included). I don't think that is unreasonable, is that so difficult to acknowledge?
MWHistorian wrote: I'm a classically trained oil painter and studied art in Italy and I think of tattoos as art. Turning your skin into a canvas for art is pretty awesome and don't worry about what anyone else says. Though, depending on what kind of employment you want you should make sure it's not in a place that would show it off. My brother and sister in law have tattoos that nobody will see because for them they're deeply personal and only for each other. (A cancellation of the vanity theory.) People get tattoos for various reasons and to launch blanket statements of vanity is ignorant at best.
I'm also a classically trained artist, I do life drawing sometimes 3 days a week, and work as an artist. In fact some of my artwork is tattooed on people (ironic). I agree that tattoos are art because they are a type of illustration. But being a canvas for art does not make one an artist by extension.
If you read back through my posts, you will see that before you posted, I had already addressed the case where a tattoo might only be seen by your wife, and noted that it is still an outward statement for another person. This does not cancel out vanity at all. How you are perceived by a lover is perhaps the most important job vanity does. People do choose to get tattoos for various reasons, but those reasons will usually boil down to self-image in some form or another (even if it is to cover scars). The idea that people with tattoos get them without considering self image is absurd, and stating that people "just like" something is just avoiding asking why they like it, which again links back to self image.
A meaningful message between lovers isn't vanity. I don't think we agree on the definition.
You know what you remind me of? In Donnie Darko where they simplify all human emotion into "Love" and "Fear." I feel that that's what you're doing. Your view of motivations is way to binary and simplified to be accurate.
MWHistorian wrote: A meaningful message between lovers isn't vanity. I don't think we agree on the definition.
Vanity is a difficult thing to discuss honestly. I'm not talking about excessive vanity as a character flaw, merely a natural human trait. Most people seem to go out of their way to pretend they don't care what people think, and aren't trying to impress anyone. Even though people who receive disfiguring injuries often take many years of counseling and soul searching to come to terms with their appearance, and truly adopt a carefree attitude. So I find it difficult to accept someone at their word when they claim not to care about how they look.
I don't know enough about the people you mentioned to discuss them in any meaningful way. But I expect they chose tattoos that they were comfortable with and found aesthetically pleasing, rather than disfiguring. I don't see why anyone would get a tattoo in order to look worse, so it follows that they must have intended the tattoos would augment their appearance in some way.
If you aren't comfortable calling that vanity, then we can agree to disagree. I would even be happy to concede that issue, since people with 100% private tattoos represent quite a small group. Most people seem keen to share tattoos when prompted. Many have posted their tattoos in this thread.
MWHistorian wrote: You know what you remind me of? In Donnie Darko where they simplify all human emotion into "Love" and "Fear." I feel that that's what you're doing. Your view of motivations is way to binary and simplified to be accurate.
Oh sneaky edit.... You mean the pedophile antichrist guy? And there was me thinking someone might want to have an actual discussion without trading slurs and insults.
There is nothing simple or binary about what I am saying. I don't see how it bears any resemblance to the love/fear pseudoscience from Donie Darko. What I do see is a bunch of people refusing to admit that they might have gotten tattoos because (on some level) they wanted to look a bit cooler.
Interestingly, one of the best ways to tell if an idea has any merit is by its ability to make predictions. Since I was able to accurately describe so much before hearing it, I already feel vindicated. Stormwall even described my dead Granny trope as something happening in his town, Chaos0x's 'this one girl' fit the mold of my "Wow you're deep" ego stroker. And other people have posted things which I find amusing, but I'm not going to dredge up now for fear of brusing more egos. How could I have known these things unless they are (as I have been pointing out) typical, and following a predictable pattern. So if a few people want to claim they are different and atypical, then I suppose it is no big loss. Perhaps they are different, or perhaps they are generic and in denial. Either way I feel I'm content to follow Blocklist's advice and drop the issue now.
I got tattoos for the same reason I picked up smoking: so I can impress the high school girls when I'm loitering across the street in my Camaro with some Steely Dan blasting.
MWHistorian wrote: A meaningful message between lovers isn't vanity. I don't think we agree on the definition.
Vanity is a difficult thing to discuss honestly. I'm not talking about excessive vanity as a character flaw, merely a natural human trait. Most people seem to go out of their way to pretend they don't care what people think, and aren't trying to impress anyone. Even though people who receive disfiguring injuries often take many years of counseling and soul searching to come to terms with their appearance, and truly adopt a carefree attitude. So I find it difficult to accept someone at their word when they claim not to care about how they look.
I don't know enough about the people you mentioned to discuss them in any meaningful way. But I expect they chose tattoos that they were comfortable with and found aesthetically pleasing, rather than disfiguring. I don't see why anyone would get a tattoo in order to look worse, so it follows that they must have intended the tattoos would augment their appearance in some way.
If you aren't comfortable calling that vanity, then we can agree to disagree. I would even be happy to concede that issue, since people with 100% private tattoos represent quite a small group. Most people seem keen to share tattoos when prompted. Many have posted their tattoos in this thread.
MWHistorian wrote: You know what you remind me of? In Donnie Darko where they simplify all human emotion into "Love" and "Fear." I feel that that's what you're doing. Your view of motivations is way to binary and simplified to be accurate.
Oh sneaky edit.... You mean the pedophile antichrist guy? And there was me thinking someone might want to have an actual discussion without trading slurs and insults.
There is nothing simple or binary about what I am saying. I don't see how it bears any resemblance to the love/fear pseudoscience from Donie Darko. What I do see is a bunch of people refusing to admit that they might have gotten tattoos because (on some level) they wanted to look a bit cooler.
Interestingly, one of the best ways to tell if an idea has any merit is by its ability to make predictions. Since I was able to accurately describe so much before hearing it, I already feel vindicated. Stormwall even described my dead Granny trope as something happening in his town, Chaos0x's 'this one girl' fit the mold of my "Wow you're deep" ego stroker. And other people have posted things which I find amusing, but I'm not going to dredge up now for fear of brusing more egos. How could I have known these things unless they are (as I have been pointing out) typical, and following a predictable pattern. So if a few people want to claim they are different and atypical, then I suppose it is no big loss. Perhaps they are different, or perhaps they are generic and in denial. Either way I feel I'm content to follow Blocklist's advice and drop the issue now.
Tattoos that hold a significant emotional message to only be shared with their close loved one isn't "too make them look better."
Also, you like to cloak yourself with the victim card and take insult where none was said or intended. More people subscirbed to the binary theory of motivation than the Patrick Swayze character. It was the stupid philosophy I was discussing and how it's similar to your stupid philosopy. You ascribe all motivation to vanity, with I don't agree with, many people have shown other motivations which you ignore because it doesn't fit your simplistic beliefs and you discuss people's motivations that you can only speculate at and think you've proven yourself beyond a shadow of a doubt.
I think humans are more complex than that and can get tattoos for the love of the art. (one of many examples.)
MWHistorian wrote: Also, you like to cloak yourself with the victim card and take insult where none was said or intended.
I was joking. Although comparing my opinion to that vile new age psychobabble is quite offensive.
You ascribe all motivation to vanity
No I don't. Just part of the motivation pertaining to body modification.
Stormwall wrote: And that logic about getting them to look cool or to prompt conversation is gone the minute you factor in that the tattoo never sees the light of day.
I don't really want to argue about this any more mate. With respect, I don't know you very well, yet I have already seen your tattoo and heard about your injury in service. I'm sure you don't go flashing it everywhere, but you have in fact shown it here, and we have had a conversation about it. So please lets not be too hasty to call other people's logic flawed. Please don't feel you have to make excuses, I'm sure the circumstances here were exceptional. But I'd rather just not talk about it anymore. I'm done with this topic now.
Scars are the whole resin I got my legs tattooed. Have had tibial osteotomies on both legs which have left 6 inch scars down my knees. The tattoos take away from the scars and after getting them I could wear shorts again as I no longer felt the need to over up the scars, which I saw as hideous.
And that logic about getting them to look cool or to prompt conversation is gone the minute you factor in that the tattoo never sees the light of day.
True, but in my experience most men get tattoos in places that will often see the light of day* unless they dress in a very particular manner. And I don't think Smacks every said that vanity was the only factor.
Ouze wrote: I got tattoos for the same reason I picked up smoking: so I can impress the high school girls when I'm loitering across the street in my Camaro with some Steely Dan blasting.
"I keep getting older, but they stay the same, yes they do."
And that logic about getting them to look cool or to prompt conversation is gone the minute you factor in that the tattoo never sees the light of day.
True, but in my experience most men get tattoos in places that will often see the light of day* unless they dress in a very particular manner. And I don't think Smacks every said that vanity was the only factor.
*Shoulder, calf, upper back, forearm, etc.
No, but 99% of Smacks argument has been that people get tattoos for vanity reasons, even if they also have a noble reason.
So for you to say that you put something on your body (permanently), and you gave no thought whatsoever as to how it might be perceived by other people. In fact, that never crossed your mind until I brought it up just now? Well then I would say you are a liar. But I hope it will not come to that. I think you will agree that vanity did play some small part in your decision. That does not mean you are a vain person. I think vanity plays a part in all our decisions (mine included). I don't think that is unreasonable, is that so difficult to acknowledge?
Some scary gak have quite a bit of meaning. (that is not strickly for vanity sake. (more like a warning))
From earlier in the thread: "People do care about how they look and how they are seen by others. That is our sense of vanity. Vanity is not all bad. It is a useful and necessary part of our psyche, which protects us from being ridiculed and ostracized." -- Smacks
Where worse than prison to end up ridiculed and ostracized? Not wanting to appear weak is just a different aspect of not wanting to appear flawed.
In general if we're just talking mild weight lifting and cardio to drop fat, i think you could agree with my statement... yes ?
Not really. The calves can change pretty quickly as the muscles contained within are not only important to many exercises, but day-to-day life.
Okay.
I disagree, i think the calves are some of the most resistant to change body parts (along with forearms) without concentrated, concerted effort to resculpt them, as compared to say, the biceps (i was going to say arms, but you can over train your triceps super easy if you're not careful which will stymie progress), latissimus dorsi, or pectorals but i think its pretty clear we're not going to agree on this, which is cool.
I think what the OP can infer that maybe he should lose the weight before he makes any tattoo decisions. Or that the internet isn't a good place for advice like this, because people aren't going to agree. I'd talk to my tattoo artist, or my trainer, or better yet, my trainer with lots of tattoos.
Edit: aaannnnd.... just caught up with the rest of the thread. Man did this go downhill quick. This is why we can't have nice things in OT people!
In general if we're just talking mild weight lifting and cardio to drop fat, i think you could agree with my statement... yes ?
Not really. The calves can change pretty quickly as the muscles contained within are not only important to many exercises, but day-to-day life.
Okay.
I disagree, i think the calves are some of the most resistant to change body parts (along with forearms) without concentrated, concerted effort to resculpt them, as compared to say, the biceps (i was going to say arms, but you can over train your triceps super easy if you're not careful which will stymie progress), latissimus dorsi, or pectorals but i think its pretty clear we're not going to agree on this, which is cool.
I think what the OP can infer that maybe he should lose the weight before he makes any tattoo decisions. Or that the internet isn't a good place for advice like this, because people aren't going to agree. I'd talk to my tattoo artist, or my trainer, or better yet, my trainer with lots of tattoos.
Edit: aaannnnd.... just caught up with the rest of the thread. Man did this go downhill quick. This is why we can't have nice things in OT people!
Not that I actually care too much. Lesson learned.
Then again, it's Japan, they are dumb about a lot of stuff.
This will keep you motivated.
I apologize in advance but, I feel like this was a random attack and it is abad day for me as I got in wreck on the way to school today. Sorry to clog the thread with personal stuff but, obviously a tattoo is very personal if it has meaning. Jesus. I can't believe some people are so angsty and cynical on a website for toy soldiers. (Something the service also gave me a fond love for.) Last words on it. I got it the day I EAS'd to celebrate, and I also got it because I raised my right hand to serve just as all the other amazing veterans on this forum did.
