Wanting Honest Answers, Regarding People with Tattoos...

Honestly (that's what you asked for!) I just don't get the whole concept of tattoos, or why someone would want to permanently alter their bodies in that way. But that's just me. And, clearly, I'm old :)

P!nk had a GREAT quote the day that Christina Agilera got arrested for disorderly conduct a couple months ago.

She was being interviewed and she said - 'yeah - everyone thought when you looked at Britney (Spears), Christina (Agilera) and me - that I was the troublemaker. Look...... no handcuffs!!!!!).

I thought that was amazing quote. Sums up the societal judgement and also the misconceptions!!!!!!
not always wrong - people who go against the grain are either
A. simply expressing themselves
or
B. True rebels who don't know boundaries - which can carry over to trouble.

Just my $0.02

I cringe at tattoes, even at my husband's. do i stereotype? well, i don't stop and make up my mind that person with tattoos is a criminal or something but i don't necessarily approach them.
i just don't like stuff in bodies. i just don't. i'm sorry :(

I don't know anyone under 70 years of age who thinks that tattoos = criminal! That cracks me up.

When I see a tat, it totally depends on the person. If I see them smoking a marlboro red with their 4 kids in the backseat of their 1999 minivan, roots three inches long and a tank top with bra straps showing, then I think they are trashy. But it really doesn't have much to do with the tattoo - more with the rest of the picture. =)

My first thought is to admire the work, if admirable.

My next thought is whether it LOOKS GOOD ON THAT PERSON. One can have a fabulous tat from a talented artist that just doesn't look good on them. That matters.

My last thought is they are either "mad at their dad" or really comfortable in their own inked skin.

If they are completely covered in tats, I assume they don't have a corporate job.

"A tattoo" is totally differant than "all tatted up" A tattoo I think they got a wild hair, had a wild night, there was something that meant so much to them they wanted to commemorate it, did it on a whim with a bunch of drunk firends, or whatever. It's a wink to a wild side. It's a pice of something personal andprivate to that person that remids them of a specific time and place. Not unprofessional or criminal - depending on tasteful placement.

Now, someone who is all tatted up, has them visibly all over, and in places that can never be hidden, like the neck, face, on hands, etc - I think they must work in the music industry or a bar or tattoo shop. The people that I have known personally that have a lot of tattoos or in obvious places usually do have a colorful past. Maybe aren't currently in the counterculture of drugs, but had been in the past.

and btw, how exhausting it must be to have the burden of representing all tatooed people! screw that. i thought that was part of the tat culture too - the flipping of the finger at confomrity and not caring what other people think? i am in a mixed marriage. do you think i spend time trying to convince other people that it's ok to mix? nah. i dont want to be the example, because i also dont want to be the cautionary tale if we mess up! cut yourself some slack girl. do good because you are good and just chuckle if people come around. screw em if they dont!

i'll be honest, i cringe inside. i know logically that tattooed people aren't any more/less likely to be good or bad people! and i don't steer my children away, or teach them that tattooed people are bad, and i'm not frightened of tattooed people - they are just not asthetically pleasing to me :)

For me it depends entirely on what the tats depict. If they are respectful and beautifully done, I like them. If they are vulgar, grotesque, or violent, that tends to give an idea of the person's personality. However, I also realize that because tats are permanent (unless lasered off) the tats someone displays may not reflect who they are today.

My little brother got a hideous skull and Celtic cross on his back--it is ginormous, creepy and NOT very well done...so everytime I look at it I think, "oh stupid kid!"

If I liked my body and was not always gaining then losing weight, I would probably get a memorial tattoo for my 4 brothers that my mom miscarried.

To be honest, super conservative pooking people scare me more. I literally coach myself out of negative thoughts when I see them. And I'm not particularly edgy at all, I just think when it's SUPER American Pie-esque, they're hiding something. But I know that's not nice, and I do correct myself mentally.

The only time people with tattoos annoy me, is when they over think their tattoos!!!! Not saying you are, but believe me, I know some people with tattoos that are a little too important to them, and always wondering what people "think of them". Probably because they got the ink to make a statement, so now they want to know what people think about it or something. One friend is like, "Oh, I hope I don't scare the people in here", or "Oh, did you see them staring, they were scared of me, they don't see many people with ink around here" I'm like, "Um. OK.". I know I never think about tattoos when I see them. Literally. Who cares?

My husband is covered head to toe. I have none. He's been a musician for 20 years and literally 100% of his friends have at least "tons of" tattoos if not entire covered bodies. Tattoos have been for the "normal" people now, not just the "rebels" for well over 20 years. When I lived in Los Angeles in the early 90s literally EVERYONE my age I knew was getting tattoos. I almost did too, but I was too broke. Now I'm glad, because they would have been dumb ones. My husband has ink from all the best artists world wide. When I visit him on tour, I'm literally the weirdo with no tattoos, and my husband MET me at one of his concerts where I stood out as a person with no tattoos. He approached because he said I didn't look like a metal chick (smooth opening line). AND, I actually love way heavier music than most metal chicks, as well as non metal (like my husband) so we talked about our diverse tastes in music all night as an ice breaker.

Tattoos are so mainstream, I can honestly say he and I both have NEVER suspected anyone making an issue of it. NO funny looks, no remarks, nothing. Our daughter goes to a small country Christian school. No weird looks at drop off or pick up. Sure, OCCASIONALLY someone will say, "hey are you in a band?" or something in a friendly way to him at a bar or whatever. You may be in an extremely conservative pocket, or maybe those other private preK moms are just snobs in general who don't like your clothes either. We live in a blue collar town adjacent to a very conservative town, and have lived many places before moving here (big cities, so maybe that's why it's never seemed particularly shocking to anyone we knew) and NO ONE makes an issue of it. No one is afraid to approach at the park, or shooing their kids away. Most guys aged 18-40 that I see, even out here in rural PA, have at least some tattoos, and plenty of women too. My Zumba teacher last night had a full sleeve and some on her ankles which was her only skin showing.

When our kids ask my husband why he has tattoos, he says, because he loves them like collecting art. When they ask why I don't have them, I say, I never could decide on any one thing I liked enough to keep forever. But they've never seen us discriminated against in any way, and we're not.

If anyone is secretly harboring negative thoughts against my husband for tattoos, he doesn't know it, and certainly wouldn't care about those weird squares.

Your mom is a dying breed of people who really thinks tattoos are for hoodlums. I'm shocked you've been judged, and MAYBE it's not always about your tattoos. People are stand offish to me at my daughter's school, and I hear lots of people saying people seem stand offish to them and it's hard to meet people. People are shy. But, if it IS about your tattoos, then thank goodness those bad eggs filtered themselves away for you, so you didn't have to befriend shallow people not knowing they were so superficial.

If there are any people judging you for it, I would not be the least concerned with their opinion or bend over backwards in any way. They are totally stunted. You don't have to impress anyone or prove tattooed people are nice. Some are, some aren't. Like anyone else. Free yourself, don't worry about what people think.

Most of the biggest crooks in the news are in 3 piece suits and crew cuts with no ink. Do they care what anyone thinks? No.

A lot of tattoos have a similar impact on me that the way someone dresses does... I don't automatically think they're a criminal or bad person at all but I don't really understand getting a lot of them so figure I might not have a lot in common with the person. So I likely wouldn't go out of my way to get to know them. Also, my job would never ever allow tattoos that are visible and as a mom, I'm not sure I'd want to have a lot because I'd worry my kids would want to go a step further then and get all sorts of piercings. And piercings I really don't like. Some people said they're more common than not but it must depend on the area of the country etc. It's very rare in our neighborhood for people to have any tattoos. One dad has some but that's it. Sorry to say but you asked - a lot of tattoos makes me think more blue collar as most white collar jobs won't hire someone with a lot. So I do stereotype... I happen to think a well built blue collar guy with a tattoo is very hot! But I tend to think a lot on women is kind of cheap looking... I'm a "less is more" thinker and dresser.

I am 34y/o...went to HS during the 'punk/alternative' stage, where kids walked around with colored hair and safety pins everywhere...grew up with actual drug addicts for parents...I have learned it is not about how you look on the outside, it's how you are on the inside that matters!

I will admit that the only time I have ever had a thought or judged people with tattoos is when they have tattoos on their face...then I wonder why they chose that and in that place, does that make sense? I don't automatically think they are bad people, I just wonder about what they were thinking to make them get one on their face!

I have 2 tattoos. My sister has 6. My BIL has a 4+ a whole sleeve. My BIL's lil' brother has a whole sleeve. My Father had (he passed away) several, most from his days in the US Army. My Mom has 4 (but all in hidden places). My cousins all have them. My husband is the only one in our age range who does NOT have at least 1 tattoo.

I always admire the art. Some of the most wonderful people I know are heavily tattooed and a good friend is a tattoo artist. I don't have any tattoos myself, but I wish I hadn't been such a needle freak! I'm such a pansy!

I know plenty of ink free neaderthals! :)

I usually assume that person is nicer and more open. They know what it is to be unfairly judged and tend to not be so judgmental of others. I would feel more comfortable making friends with the tattoo pierced moms than the ones with $1000 hand bags and shoes, they seem like they would be the judgey uptight scary ones I would want to keep my children away from! I guess some would call me backwards on this.

Well, in all honesty, I don't think "bad" of people with tattoos. Sometimes I think tattoos are actually cool. But when there are a lot of them, all up and down the arms and legs, I think to myself, seriously, who would hire this person to represent their company. I wonder how do these people pay their bills, when they are spending so much money on tattoos, they are not cheap. That might be wrong, but thought I'd answer honestly. Oh, and no I don't automatically think the people are rude or on drugs or anything. I realize that this is their "hobby" and what they like to do.

I have a tattoo.
It is just a tattoo.
Nothing more, nothing less.
It does not define me.
And I do not define others, because of it.

And gee, Alex O'Loughlin has tattoos... and boy is he lovely! As a person too. Not just to look at.

Hello,

I think people who get tattoos are interesting. They typically are quite intelligent, witty, and have a pretty great perspective on life. I find that they are more philosophical on life and reflective....and I dig it!

However, there are still the ones who do it because they have a lot of hate and anger and are expressing what they feel inside (tattoo's on the face, offending words and symbols)....and those folks....I stay clear of....I really don't want to take the risk of getting to know them. But that is the extreme.

In general, the tribal art, body manipulation....is typically done on someone who has something interesting to say. I appreciate it, but I also ask myself, couldn't they just paint it on some canvas, or write some poetry? Tattoos are for life....but I do like your humor playing "can you guess what that tattoo was?!" Funny! See...you're witty, just proving my point!

I would advise you to stop trying to prove people wrong (becasue it gets exhausting)....we can't make everyone happy but ourselves...so why seek their approval? Own it girl! You're a kind, thoughtful, powerful PTA mom who also has some cool meaningful tattoos.

S.

I admire nice tattoos and cringe over tacky ones. How's that?

Dh and I are both tattoed (though not heavily). He's a successful business man with a good salary. I'm a homeschooling mom to 5 kids. The most trouble we've been in have been traffic tickets - one for each of us in 17 years.

My grandfather would probably flip to know that all 6 of his grandchildren are tattoed, lol.

Just because they have tatoos does not make them bad ppl. I have a friend that is loaded with them. On one side he has devil tats and on the other is angels and such. He told us that his tats represent the good and bad in his life. He is the most polite person you could ever meet. He also holds open doors for ppl and he would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. At first ppl look at him kind of strange but when he says "oh let me get the door for you ma'me or sir" their outlook changes and they thank him whole heartedly.
I used to work with a kid (and I say kid cause he was alot younger then me) who had his hair colored every color under the sun (yellow, blue, orange) and had tats and facial piercings. He looked mean and tough on the outside but once you got to know him, he was the sweetest person you could ever meet. Kind hearted, polite and always wanting to help.
I have 2 tatoos and I have 3 earrings in each ear. My MIL always commented on that and judged me for it. They are a gold cross with a red rose wrapped around it and the other is 3 roses, pink, yellow and blue. They are very tasteful. But because they are tats she didn't like it. Or she would make comments to others like, " I know someone else that doesn't have their ears pierced." They would look at me and I would tell them its not me.
I am sure that you heard the old saying " Never judge a book by its cover" That is how ppl express themselves. I never judge anyone by the way they look. I am a pretty good judge of character. If I don't like you the first time I meet you then I will never like you. But its not because of the way they look it's the way they come off. I mean look at all the bikers. Not all are bad. I have seen them ride for childhood cancer and other charities. I mean would you judge someone if they had a deformity or had scars? Ppl are too quick to judge without knowing who these ppl really are. It bothers me, but that it todays society and I say that is their loss.

Ok R., I read ALL 45 posts, just to make sure I wasnt going to be the ONLY one,,lol..and Im not, but Im certainly in the minority here.
I dont like tattoos. I dont know why anyone wants to do something that is so hard to take back later. I dont know why they would do somethng that can so drastically impact their ability to get a job. Some are really ugly, childish, vulgar, and discusting. I just dont think they are so well thought out for the most part.
BUT,, BUT,,
I think some are beautiful! Im amazed at the artistic ability some show. I hear the stories of the meaning behind some while watching Miami Ink and LA Ink, (yes I like these shows) and can understand why they choose the tattoo they want but still wonder why they dont have that sentiment put on a tshirt, or frame it and hang on a wall in their house instead.
And I see so many heavily tattooed people working in mainstream businesses and shops and have realized the world is changing and I am not seeing tattoos the way most see them now. Im working on it tho!
When I was little the only people I saw with tattoos were really old men who had been on a ship in the Navy and had really hidious smeared blurry bluish half naked ladies on their calves. Then when I was slightly older it was the dreaded Hell's Angels type. We were all lead to beleive they were dangerous and would rather stab us or have their way with us women folk and steal all our stuff. So you can see how I grew up worried about being around people with tattoos.
BUT, Im better about it and dont think that now. But I so still wonder what most people are thinking when they get one that is huge, and cant be covered easily with clothing. Its going to be there forever and what if they really change their minds later in life. When you get your boy friends name tattooed across your chest 2 weeks after you met, its not such a smart idea. Maybe having a tattoo of your childs name is reasonable. They will always be your child. I do have one question for all the tattooed people who say they get them "for themslves".. If you get them for yourself, why do you put them places you cant even see them?

I have 11 tattoos and half of them cannot be hidden easily. (1is of 4 sea turtles as a representation of my family on my wrist and 1 is of a rose on my ear. very hard to hide.) In my wedding pictures, the photographer did one set of pictures with all my tattoos showing and did another set where she went in and photoshopped them out. I was part of the drug subculture and that is when I got the first half of my tattoos. Once I got sober i got the second half and i will say that i like the second half much better. I am also one of those people who will go out of my way to let someone go before me (especially if it is someone staring at me) or thank a soldier or things like that. i get a lot of complements on my ear all the time, ie that is crazy, so cool, what an interesting place and of course did that hurt. (no it didn't hurt) Some of my tats I got when I was young and totally regretted them. The sober ones I haven't regretted at all. My husband also has 12 or 13 tattoos and no he is not a thug. My children go to a private christian school and I think that in the beginning i was ashamed of them or worried about the judgement of the other parents and would ostracize my self from them. Once I got to know them it didn't matter. they don't care. Tattoos are much more mainstream now than before. The church I attend has over 15,000 members. One of the Drummers who plays regularly during service has sleeves. He is a great man of God. I think people are too quick to judge these days and you miss out on a lot of good people when you do.

PS ----> I am a Vice President of a multi- milliondollar corporation.

I try to look at the art but I'm afraid they think I am just staring. I have two tattoos, but they are understated and you can only see one of them. Those people that judge are the same people who judge EVERYONE by how they look. They don't just judge the tattooed people. You don't need to go overboard to prove you are a good person. You certainly don't need justify yourself to strangers, especially those that are judgmental.

Plus, I'm confused, why would your mom think this way if you are heavily tattooed and she KNOWS you - why would she have that attitude?

I don't think people with tattoos are criminals. I know so many people that have them that are not even close to being criminals. I stated in an older post (I think it was your?) that I find tattoos silly and that I think people get them for attention.

The other day I was thinking about a some family members that have really big tattoos and why they got them and my viewpoint has changed a little. I know some people that have gotten them to pay homage to a living or dead loved one. So I now see that it's also just some people's way of expressing their love and affection and some are simply trying to express who they are. I would still discourage my children (and anyone that asked me for advice) from getting tattoos, but I think I understand it a little better now.

Oh and I sometimes stare at tattoos because I am trying to figure out what it is or what is says. At least you don't get bothered by people staring. It's silly for people to have their tattoo visible, but not want or expect others to look at it. I've seen some that are so unbelievable/crazy/racy that I was caught off guard. :)

So - to be COMPLETELY honest... when I see someone with tattoos on the foreams (wrist up), hands, neck, upper chest and breasts... my first reactions is both: "oooh those are nice" (unless they are horrid tattoos) and "those people definitely don't plan on having high paying jobs..."

I don't think they are into drugs, drinkers, criminals, etc... just that they didn't think first before getting the tattoos - - so many jobs are not hiring people if they have visible body modifications, including tattoos. Yeah - you can hide them with band aids and ace wraps - but that looks so ugly and tacky.

I have 15 tattoos... but unless you see me with a low cut or backless shirt/bathing suit - you'd never know. I find back, ribcage and upper arm tats on men VERY sexy... been trying to talk my husand into getting a shoulder cap tattoo.

Well from your moms generation that probably fit the profile of someone wearing a tattoo. Now tattoos have come full circle. People of every social,ethic,status have tattoos. Now I treat all people with kindness and teach my chidren the same. However my husband and myself detest tattoos. I hae told my children I don' t like tattoos and I hope they never get one.

I'm a yes and no.
Yes I judge them off the bat. I have been around biker gangs most of my life because of my uncle, so if I see any tattoo pertaining to gangs I immediately become a bit more cautious. I've seen some of these men angry, and its scary.
At the same time, my ex was largely into the punk scene and had quite a few tattoos. They may not have been tasteful or attractive to all, but I loved them because they were an outward reflection of himself. I did not judge him on his tattoos, was just confused when I saw the one on his leg for the first time. Still have no idea what it is, looks like some octopus monster thing with tons of eyes.
I also plan to be pretty much covered in tattoos. I think they are a gorgeous way to outwardly express yourself. All have good real meanings, and I am more about quality than quantity.
I also judge pretty fast on tattoos based on what it is. One of my uncles friends in the gang had a naked woman tattooed on his hand. Needless to say I didn't talk to him much. Also, quality. Sometimes, I've noticed that people with a lot (Not one or two, the thing on my exs leg was horribly done) but whole sleeves that look unprofessional and are loosing color/ink, I tend to avoid them. It makes me think of my uncles friends, who often has whole sleeves of terribly done tattoos.

Also, I plan to be a video game designer, and anything that helps me come off as more creative will help me in the long run :) All of my tattoos are designed solely by me, and all ideas are my own

I am torn on this one. My Sister in law has a TON! And she is the biggest prude out of all of us. She doesn't smoke, do drugs, barely drinks alcohol, isn't mean or a criminal (not that we all do those things, but you know what I mean). She is just obsessed with them. BUT, I do think that I automatically question why they have so many. :)

I have a few tattoos. I like two of them, and I really want to get my third redone. It wasn't properly done the first time. I don't (insert blanket statement) like or dislike all tattoos. I don't like or dislike all paintings either.Tattoos, like other artistic mediums, might be technically well done but still not my taste.

Do I define myself by my tattoos? Not at all. Most of the time, I forget they're there. Do I define others by their tattoo/s? I notice tattoos/lack of tattoos and notice what they are of. I also notice a person's physical features and the way they aesthetically present themselves. Do I make pre-judgements and assumptions based on appearance (with or without tattoos)? Yup. Then I catch myself (hopefully!) and ask myself WHY and HOW I'm doing it. It's the, "Whoa, I just thought that. Better check myself, 'cause I don't know that person's story, and we're ALL valuable," game.

Tattoos, like all other body alteration, are not to everyone's taste. I don't create my image for other people, I do it for myself. I like the way I look, and that feels good. It's for ME. If someone doesn't like it, that's just fine. I'm picky too, and how others present themselves wouldn't be right for me. To each their own.

Am I the stereotype of someone with tattoos? Maybe. I have a past. Some of it's pretty neat; lot's of adventures; some wild experiences. Some is pretty sad and sordid. I get to learn from it all. Does that make me a stereotype? I'm not sure. It's just my life, and I have some tattoos ;-)

Tattoos are sort of the norm where I live. I've grown very accustomed to them. I don't care for them and wouldn't get one, but I know enough great people with tattoos not to judge them based on that.

nope, I don't judge anyone by the tattoos they have unless it's a swastika or some other indication that they are into something that can hurt me. If you were to judge me by my appearance you would surprised and shocked at the things I've went through and done in life. If you were a stereotypical type of person you would probably match my biography with a person with tattoos and piercings. Of course like anything else they can be downright ugly and poorly done but that has nothing to do with a person's character.

And as far as being old with tattoos I'm not worried about it because there will be a whole generation of people with those same wonky looking tattoos. Being a judgmental, believing all stereotypes type of person must suck because you miss out on some really great people.

I am not a very judgmental person period. I have one tattoo, it is on the back of my neck, it is a small butterfly, I got it when I turned 30, my birthday present to myself...a reminder that I still have dreams left to fulfill I suppose...
I am artistic so if they are well done and attractive tattoos it makes a difference, I am a bit put off by the face full of piercings and the ear gauge things cause me a bit of discomfort. I do not understand the desire to totally cover yourself with tatts and body piercings...it did scare my 3 year old son to see a man who was covered in tatts and piercings and the huge ear gauges...my son thought he was a monster and no matter how I tried to convince him otherwise he was visibly upset...the guy thought it was hilarious...so I just thought what I would guess most moms would think when viewing that...yep, that is gonna look super cool when you are 40, 50, 60...and how in the heck is he ever going to get a job?

R.,

I love tattoos. If I see a heavily tattooed man/woman I usually will talk with them and admire their work. I have a few tattoos myself but most consider me to be the more crunchy granola type mama--attachment parenting, extended breastfeeding, vegetarian etc. I try to not judge people based on how they appear. I judge them by their character and what they do. Most tattooed people are really nice and welcoming. Of course there are exceptions, but there are exceptions in anything!!! Gl

M

I don't have any tattoos and as of right now I don't have any interest in getting any. That said, some of the nicest people I've EVER met have a tattoo. A dear friend - seriously one of the sweetest, smartest, best Mom's I've ever met - has her back covered (she's an artist). So no, I'd never judge someone with a tattoo.

I don't have any tats, never will since I am terrified of needles. I can barely handle my annual flu shots and pap smears, yet alone anything else. I cannot understand where all these people muster up the courage to get tatooes!:) Many of my friends and relatives have them. Some got them as a symbol of rebellion, others because they like a certain thing like Tinkerbell. I have to agree with some of the posters that it is rare for people not to have tatooes. Do I think the stereotype when I see tats....unfortunately, yes, BUT I do give people the benefit of the doubt. Never judge a book by its cover.

I guess it depends where you live. I live 10 minutes from Berkeley and 20 minutes from San Francisco so NOTHING shocks me (or my kids!) I certainly wouldn't judge you based on your tattoos or steer my kids in the other direction.
Even so, in my own little (wealthy/golf course-NOT gated!) community a tattooed mom, or dad, is a rare sight. I imagine you would get some stares here, though like I said, we're used to it in the greater bay area, I think most people would probably think, wow, ok, and then move on :)

When I think of someone 'heavily' tattoed, my first thought is 'biker.' I don't think of people heavily tattoed as either good or bad. I do wonder why someone heavily tattoed would want to cover so much of their bodies and like someone said in an earlier reply I personally don't find it becoming. A few small nicely located tats look amazing on the other hand.

Honestly: ambivalent. I don't do it but it's not for any reason AT ALL except that if I was to mark myself permanently, it'd have to be something that I'll never grow out of or change my mind about......and I change my mind all the time. ONCE I drew a tatoo that I would be very happy with, but was working 104 hours a week (NOT an exaggeration---the company was over the time period they quoted when getting the contract, so they were losing $1 million a day until that unit got started up). By the time I finished that job and "recovered" from it, the excitement had died and I never got around to it. Not gonna lie, I do judge people, but I judge them by their attitude, actions, and how they treat people, and nothing more. There are goons and thugs that I feel tattoo themselves because they're hiding behind the art or they're trying to prove they're tough. Not impressive at all. There are people who are self loathing and I'm not sure why they do it---to hide? as penance? a distraction? There are some people who live a lifestyle I don't want anything to do with. But my best guy friend of 20 years has 6 tattoos, and they commemorate things and people in his life that mean something to him. I had a friend who was heavily tattooed (2 sleeves, his full right chest, a large one on his back, and both calves) and heavily pierced (everywhere) but one time he thought I was drunk and walked away and wouldn't speak to me for the night. (I was NOT drunk, was just being silly with my girl friends). He is dead set against all alcohol and drugs and wouldn't touch them or have anything to do with someone else who was involved in that. He's a vegetarian, exercises regularly, is a foreman at his job, and a very gentle father. But.....he may look kinda scary to some mainstream people. Not sure what he does it for, don't really care. I did a lot of piercings but grew out of them. I liked them because there was no commitment to them and I could experiment, get attention, express whatever mood I was in at the moment, but could remove them as I wished. My grandpa was a marine and tatooed (of all things, his social security number is one of them????) and he's a good man, always has been. Tattoos don't define a person. And I wouldn't be stand offish if I met you, unless you acted in a way that justified me doing so. Sometimes we're not aware of what unconscious signals we give people (chip on the shoulder?)...sometimes a signal we read could be misread or misunderstood and someone being shy could be construed as a snob. I just take people for who they are. Ink, piercings, hair, or lack of all 3 mean nothing to me. Some people look STUPID with tattoos in my opinion, or put them in a place that isn't becoming to them, while others are quite attractive that way and I couldn't imagine them any other way, lol. The artwork itself, the content itself, is something I look at though. There are things that some people put on themselves that are a total turnoff, and there have been people that were quite sexy or interesting because of what I saw. Just depends. No black and white answer as to how I feel about "tattooed people" because a tattoo doesn't define someone and one person getting a tattoo can be a polar opposite of another person getting one. No one person is going to change my opinion about another person.
Btw: judging strictly from your pic, you're a cute couple and I wouldn't think anything of hanging out with either of you.

I can appreciate good tattoos as an art form, but I would never get a tattoo. I haven't ever wanted O.. My husband has a USMC tattoo and he regrets it in a way....
Would I judge you or "steer my children away"? No
Are some tattoos done only for shock purposes? You betcha.
I just have to wonder how well all these tattoos will translate to 60, 70 and 80 year old seniors!

The first thing I think of when I see a tattoo is how much that must have hurt! Then I imagine the itching, oozing, etc., that goes with tat's and think that person is so much braver than me! I love to wear the temporary ones and it's funny to see peoples reactions when I say it's a temp - they act like i've dissed all real tatted people! I dont see a "type" I just see the pain!

I see a person with tattoos as a person, period. I don't make any assumptions as to what kind of person they are or what their life is.
I have known some of the foulest people that fit the straight laced goody two show looking stereotype. I have known some of the sweetest most wonderful people who look like the evil, junkie, criminal, horrible stereotypes. I have friends and family that span the entire spectrum. I get to know the person not the clothes, body art or other outward appearances. We treat everyone with respect unless they do something to loose that respect.
I hate stereotypes! They have no bearing on what is real. People really need to stop perpetuating lies and falsehoods.
I love a well done tattoo :)

I think before I got my own tattoo, I would make assumptions about heavily tattooed people too, but not quite that negatively. Just that making the choice to get sleeves and ink that is very visible and distracting is a statement -- perhaps about being on the fringe of society, or rejecting standards or expectations. it's a rebellious act in a way, so I would assume that the person might show other signs of rebellion, not about drugs or crimes, but maybe just in terms of their personality. And then I met a great friend and good mom who had tons of tattoos, and she was rebellious by restricting TV and adhering to a very organic diet!

After getting my own single tattoo on my chest, I now marvel at people with heavy ink. Not only did they find great art they were willing to live with forever (It took my years to choose my own one tattoo) but went through the pain again and again. On your neck?!?!? OUCH!

I have a lotus and vine on my ankle that I drew and had tattoed when I was 17. I also have an open hot pink star on my lower lower lower abdomen. I plan a few more, but I'm not in a rush.

I love tattoes that are tasteful and done well. I have no problem with people who have body art and I often admire. :)

In spite of the fact that tattoos have become much more mainstream, I know that they still throw off many people in my generation (60-somethings) because when we were growing up, tattoos were intended to be symbols identifying the wearer with crime, rejection of authority, or even a general "up yours" attitude toward other people. That tends to make people defensive.

I shop at natural food stores and coops that are highly inclusive, and many of the employees are young people with tattoos and piercings of every description. I have come to see these as artistic expressions and statements about 'tribal' or age-group connections and fashion, and I have even complimented some on exceptionally impressive tattoos. But as I get to know the young people who have them, they are often also recovering from abusive parenting, and choose this painful and sometimes disfiguring means of proving to themselves and their parents how separate, courageous, and individual they are.

So, depending in part on the particular tattoo and the attitude/body language/dress/hairstyle of the person wearing it, I can find tattoos attractive, curious, amusing, repellent, fascinating, and sad. Sometimes several of those reactions at the same time. They can still mean "up yours" to society at large, and I think much of (older or upper-crust) society still reacts as if they do. I personally assume the best about anybody wearing a tattoo who is not making a point of being rude or offensive. Mostly, they are just people like everybody else.

Well if I see them on a guy- I think its pretty hot. And i think they are cool on women too. I have one small tatt that no one would ever know about. If my husband liked them more, I would get more, but he's not a huge fan. I would never steer my child away from someone with them. I think they are hot and that's about it. I really don't give them- or people with them- a second thought,

For me, its more the setting of you displaying them, then why you have them and what they mean to you.

My BIL got married a few years ago. There was one bridesmaid and one groomsman. The bridesmaid wore a halter dress that was gorgeous until she turned around and her shoulder-to-shoulder tattoo was on full display. I found it very distracting through the ceremony.

Last month I was at a wedding were all 3 bridesmaids and the bride had tattoos. All 3 bridesmaids had a small tattoo on their neck just below their left ear. All different just in the same location. Was that a requirement? No wonder I wasn't asked!! Anyway, I wasn't bothered or distracted by those, because they were all standing with their right side to me. When they took the pictures, all of the girls were again standing to the right, so the tattoos weren't in the pictures.

Now, if I'd seen the same 4 girls on the beach or out shopping, I wouldn't have been bothered by them at all.

My husband has a tattoo, my sister has a tattoo, my cousins all have tattoos, my uncles...nephews. Wait, I think my parents and I are the only ones who don't! It's really not a big deal to me at all, unless it's a violent or vulgar image in which case I choose not to look at it.

When my great-nephew died last year, my cousin designed a beautiful memorial tattoo that my husband, BIL, and two nephews both had added to their existing art. I wouldn't get one but don't think differently of others who have them!

I grew up with a dad who has a body full of tattoos, so I'm not phased. He is a kind man, great father, hard worker. It has never impeded him in his life, people have always loved him. I'm sure there are people who judge him, but if they get to know him they no longer would. If they don't get to know him, their loss. I myself have 2 tattoos. Only one is visible (and in a place, that can't sag:), and it's small. I don't think I've ever been judged, because of it. If I have, I didn't notice!

I have 3 tats. I do notice the older generations looking at my kinda funny. I don't care though! I am a great mom! A little color does not change the way I treat my child. I am also one of those people that are really nice and do things that you do. People are so worried about judging others they don't see the real issues going on around us.

I do not judge until I know the person. I would never keep my kids away from someone only because they have tatoos. I've even thought of getting one myself. When my kids turn 18 and they want one, I'll go with them to get it. In my church, there are a lot of people with tatoos. They were amazing people! Of course there are some people (with OR with out tattoos) that are not very nice either. But, I always try my best to not judge until I know them

I don't judge people based on their tatoos. I personally don't have any but I've admired some on people. I've asked questions when I see a particularly beautiful one and people have always been nice about it. Without generalizing too much, I might say that very tatooed "biker" type people tend to be the "live & let live" type of people. I don't think they do drugs unless they are spaced out or something. Having said that, my oldest nephew got his first tatoo a few years ago after thinking about it for at least a year. It's a beautiful cross with a bible verse under it. After that, he got some not so well thought out ones and a partial sleeve on one arm. His Mom (my sister) told him that people WILL judge him based on his appearance - right or wrong, that's what happens. He's now applying to be a NJ State Trooper and I think he might be thinking some of the tatoos weren't such a good idea. There is nothing disrespectful about them - as a matter of fact - many of the images are biblical/angels, etc. I think he just regrets getting so many in a place where everyone can see them. Luckily, with a long sleeve dress shirt on, you can't see any of them.

I work opposite a tattoo parlour, and I see the people come and go. I think 'occasional' tattoos are passé, and I much prefer the full-on art worked tattoos. The tattoo artists themselves in the parlour are lovely, but I have no respect for that portion of their customers who are obviously out of work, living off my taxes, and spending them on tattoos (my BIL included). If I saw a mom with great artistic and serious tattoos I would not steer clear, and I don't think that heavily tattooed people are necessarily degenerates.

Honestly, when I see an inked-up person, I think to myself, "Wow, that person is really comfortable with who they are." or "Open-Minded." I never think criminal, neanderthal, thug, etc (unless I see them acting that way, which happens also- but there are lots of thugs without ink too).

Truly, I'd rather not make life harder for myself by welcoming stereotypes that are hard to overcome, but I guess I care a bit more about what people think of me than I would like to admit to. The real reason I don't have ink, though, is because I know it hurts! I'm kind of a pansy like that! My husband has a tattoo and plans to get more, and I could not be more attracted to it, it's very HOT! (Nothing like some sexy muscular tattoed arms! Yum!)

I think like anything different, (like homosexuality, for example) it takes the masses a while to accept it. I think tattoos have come a LOOOOONG way in society- it used to be quite a shock to find out someone had ink that you wouldn't expect, now it's pretty much mainstream.

My initial reaction is usually "Hello, prisoner 839042. I'm sure you're a very nice person." Mostly I can't figure out what tattoos are unless someone explains it to me. I won't sit there and stare at it long enough to figure it out myself. I wonder if the person is in a gang or what. Most of the colorful ones look very cartoonish and silly to me.

Now that my honest answer has been laid bare....I always try to give everyone a chance and endeavor to get to know them. But with extensive tattoos I have an additional internal obstacle to get over first.

I don't mean any disrespect and honesty was asked for.

if i see a tat on the back right above the buttocks i think tramp stamp. :) it doesnt bother me.....my mom got her 1st one at 45 and now is addicted to ink. Im saving up to get me an arm band. So tattoos dont bother me.

I think its more the norm to have them then to not have them now...
one person told M. a story of how he went to a bar and it was all people tattoed and dressed very sterotypical and he was in work clothes and very preppy. so this hot girl walks over, punk rocker kinda girl, super pretty and tells him hes the most punk guy in the bar and wants to take him out b/c he's the only one that doesn;t conform....i like that styory
anywho i like tattoos on people...still havent got one...dont judge people with them, although sometimes they make them more attractive to M....(or not if done horribly)

Honestly, it depends on the tattoos.

A guy was at a family resturaunt, wearing a ripped open tank top with armholes down to his bellybutton. He was covered in large, brightly colored tattoos of naked people in sex positions, with very large images of private parts (both make and female) all over. My 5 year old was staring at this pornographic images and asking me questions about it. Naturally, I thought this man was a disgusting, perverted individual.

Do I think that of all heavily tattooed people? No, I don't. But if they are covered in racial hate marks, filthy images, drug images and brazenly walking around half naked in a family atmosphere to show them off, then yes, I am going to think they have little concern for others or modesty.

I don't bow down to people thinking their art is amazing (even if it is), trying to prove my point that I'm cool with it. Brown nosers make me a little sick. And this is coming from a person who has tattoos.

HA, funny! I've lived in Huntington Beach for a very long time. Tattoos are the norm around here, so it rarely catches my attention. However, when I see a Mom with full sleeves, piercings, etc. I tend to check her out :) LOL! But, not in a bad way AT ALL, just out of curiosity. PS: I have a large tattoo that encompasses my entire lower back.

I have many tattoos and I'm down to 2 piercings. One in my lip and one on my tragus.

I always admire other art. I love mine.

I have been turned down for an in home daycare because of wrongful judgement by the caretaker.

Some people surprise me. i.e.- The neighbors surrounding our home. We have a lot of retirees and the one other couple that live behind us (across the alley) are strict Polish Catholic. EVERYONE in our neighborhood is Polish.... We are the only non-Polish along our entire block I think. However, not one judged my husband and I... Dispite our tattoos and old car in the garage that we work on together... Or the fact that I'm not very feminine. The neighbors behind us have 2 little girls... One close to my daughters age. They play together all the time.

Then it goes the other way. Where you wouldn't expect to be judged based on the other persons age or what-have-you and still being looked down upon.

I don't know why but when I see someone with sleeves I automatically assume "badass". Not bad person, just someone that starting a fight with would probably be a bad idea. I am sure there are some great big wimps with sleeves, so I am not sure why I think that way. :)

As far as steering clear from people with tattoos, that would make me a total hypocrite, being I have two of my own. I look more for subtle signs that want to make me steer clear, facial expressions, the way they walk or move, a general feeling of ill will. I lived in a rough neighborhood for most of my childhood, after you live in it for so long you learn to pick up those things.

I don't have any myself, but ONLY because I can't nail down *what* I want or *where* to put them!!

My husband is about as straight-laced as they come: IT Analyst, father of 3, rarely drink, has never done drugs, etc AND he's got a huge back tattoo, and one on each shoulder - we're planning his half-sleeves.

I think tattoos are great, if they're meaningful and well done (I saw one of the '16 and pregnant' girls got her daughter's face tattooed on her WHOLE stomache - the tattoo was horribly done and looked aweful). I always try and see *what* the art is when I see other people that are inked because I'm curious; I sure hope no one is ever offended!

Oh, no. Because there aren't ANY people out there without tattoos who are troublemakers, drug addicts and criminals. lol

Although, I do tend to judge people based on appearance so I'm probably not one to throw stones - eg, if you look wealthy I assume you're not going to "get" a middle-class chump like me, so just go back to your mansion and eat lobster:^) Kind of the same thing, only in reverse, I guess...

I am 62 and grew up in an era when only sailors and thugs wore tatoos (thugs like Hells Angels). I am aware that's no longer the case, and I dearly love many people who have them, but to me they are ugly, and seem "low class". My friends who have them think they're beautiful or cool and they aren't low class people. But to me and to most of my friends and neighbors of my era, they are never attractive - rather, the are de-tractive. They take away from the natural beauty of a person, especially a woman. But also men.

Honestly, I have a ton and I don't feel judged whatsoever. I think everyone is unfairly judge at one point in their lives. Tattoos are so widely accepted and popular now. It is quickly becoming an issue of the past.

I don't have any tats myself, but as far as other people having them, I guess it just depends. I like to look at the art, but I don't like to see just a bunch of misc. Tats covering someone. To me, you should only get a tat if it has real meaning to you. I don't steer clear of people with tats, or treat them any different. I do think it looks rather od on women to have full sleave tatoos, but other than that have no issues. It bothers me much more if someone reaks of cigarettes. Tats or no tats.

yes, I have a tattoo, and I also have an 19month old. Yes, its great to stop the MADDNESS, and move on...I placed mine on my right buttock because I know that is just for me and my spouse to look at and it will hardly ever see the sun now after the fact that my body has totally changed after having my 1st one and planning on # 2 soon in the near future. So there u have it. Good luck on your responses and may you find happiness in each one :)

I've never felt a stereotype about tattood people. I used to think it was trashy looking but it didnt mean the person was not nice, just not "refined, or classy" But now, SO many different people each one different from the other so at least in my part of the country the stereotypes are broken. I frequently look around on the beach and feel like I'm the only one without a tattoo! Maybe that IS my uniqueness! When I think about getting a tattoo, i think I don't like the way some tattoos look very faded, is there a way to prevent that? Are newer techniques better? black no color would hold up better but not as pretty. I'd want it to look new forever. and I like to look at people's tattoos when they are very detailed but dont want to stare rudely! Very hard for me!

I usually think cool tats and even though I shouldn't . . . I assume she is a crunchy mama.

I usually stare at the art. I'm an artist, so I like to see the art. My husband has one tattoo, but is thinking about getting more. We are friends and acquaintances with people that have several tattoos. I know fellow artists, and a lot of them tend to have tattoos, and my husband is a rock musician, so, honestly, a lot of people that come to shows or are fellow musicians tend to have tattoos, too. Sure, there are people outside those descriptions that have tattoos, too...

I don't have tattoos, and I don't even have my ears pierced! No real exact reason why not, cause I'm not against them.

Now, I have wondered WHY SO MANY on other people. Like, if you are covered, I just wonder why. If anything crosses my mind I feel like their may be something "off" about that person. But I don't consider myself "normal" nor do I consider all other people I associate with as "normal". Normal is boring. I don't consider tattooed people as on drugs or rude. I've known too many that aren't on drugs and that are very nice. (I don't consider pot a drug, btw, fyi).

If I had to choose to approach an up-tight looking mom over a tattooed looking mom to introduce myself first to? I definitely choose the tattooed mom.

I have one tattoo, a band around my upper right arm, with vines sort of morphing into snakes. It's my original design, and I love it. Tats are reasonably common where I live; mine very seldom raises eyebrows.

When I see other people with tats, I'm generally impressed and feel a sense of connection with them. As a tattooee myself, though, I do reserve the right to feel a teeny bit opinionated about tats that I think are cheesy or not very original (Disney characters, sports logos, etc.). I try not to think badly of the person, though; I just don't get that sense of kindredness.

One weird thing about me is, I wanted a tattoo, I got a tattoo, no further wish for tattoos. Same thing with children. I desperately wanted a baby, I had my beloved (only) son, and that was it. No wish for further children. I definitely think I'm strange and perhaps a bit lacking in this respect.

Oh, and funny one-liner: When I told my grandmother I was getting married, first thing out of her mouth? "Oh good, Does that mean you're getting that tattoo removed?"

I dont judge but it sparks interest and i want to get a closer look. Especially if they have kids. As for the people who comment about them being for life and what its going to look like when your old and saggy. Old saggy skin is gross anyway might as well make it colorful!

Its funny you ask this question but who stereotypes nowadays? There are ppl I work with who have tons of tattooes in which I had no clue until it got warmer out and layers of clothing began to shed. If I had to go by stereotype of someone with tattooes I would be doing it to myself bc I have a very large one on my left arm with my immediate family's names and recently just had an addition to our family and just posted on Facebook ideas of what to get with the new baby's name for my right arm then I am getting my belly button pierced and the new baby ears pierced soon.

Like I said if I had to stereotype then the company I work for would be stereotyped as well. I mean literally if I had to place everyone's (co-workers) tattoos together there would be a gallery at Con-way Freight!

Well for one most people that I have met that have been covered in tattoos are very harmless and very innocently sweet genuine people.

I for one have 3 tattoos. One covers my upper back/shoulder blades. All my tattoos have meanings. My son's name/birthdate with state flag where he was born on left ankle, irish 4 leaf clovers with the irish clauddaugh ring as a symbol of love and marriage for my husband (he has celtic heritage) and the one on my back is 4 butterflies that symbolize myself and my 3 siblings all with our birthstone colors and going from biggest to smallest (oldest to youngest).