I have been toying with the idea of having a tatoo for a while, and wondered what peoples thoughts were on them. It would be interesting to find out how many people have them and or piercings, and what and where they have them?:heyhey:

Had a tattoo. Regretted it. Its pretty harmless and has no names on it or such. Had it done many many years ago when I was drunk.

Never had a piercing. Seen lots. Never wanted one. As long as you are old enough to know all the ins and outs of piercings - the choice is yours. Some folk like them - others don't.

Reckon that overall - a tattoo is less dangerous, but that definitely is my own personal opinion.

Dragon

Have one done if you want one, sod what everyone else thinks.

I've thought about tattoos for a good few years but never had one.
I know a few people who have, some love em, some are going through the really painful and much more costly procedure of having them lazer removed.

I have a couple of piercings, my opinion was that when I am old and wrinkly I can take them out, you can;t do that with a tat.

Ditto, if you want one, then get one. Just make sure you think about what you want so you're less liekly to regret it. I've got a white one saying 'twin' in Elvish on my wrist. And a few ear piercings. As for tattoo's being less dangerous, I guess they're harder to get infected, but they're also much more permanent. I've retired piercings with nothing but a tiny scar left. Neither should be dangerous if you research your studio. :)

Stay clear of having partners names tattood unless you want laser treatment or lots of crossing outs. There is something a bit offputting seeing John with Mary tattood across his arm when his wife is called Shirley.

You can take earings out and such. You can cover up tattoos.

Have fun.

Dragon

Originally posted by nick2
Have one done if you want one, sod what everyone else thinks.

Iam not particularly bothered about what people think of me with a tatoo, I just wondered what the general consensus of opinion was. I dont know of many geezers having them done these days, it tends to be more a girl trend at the minute. In fact you dont see many lasses without tatoos these days, and belly buttons pierced too!

What do you think?:|

Lots of blokes having them done at body runes in darnall, or so I remember last time I was over there.

Reckon there are probably still more men having tattoos than women, but just guessing there.

Have a big tattoo done all across your back, over your stomach and down your arms and legs and you may get your money back in the long term by being a living exhibit.

Dragon

Personally, Im find them a turn on - on a man anyway! Just as long as they're not all over them. I once knew a bloke who was COVERED in them - all the way up his neck! It was 'orrible!!
But one or two strategically placed tattoo's would do it for me!
:thumbsup: ;)

Spidey:

I have two tattoos --- and I love them! Never regretted it. One is on my inner left wrist and the other is on my inner right ankle. Both readily visible, if I wear a skirt.

I do find them somewhat addictive... must be the endorphins generated by the pain! I'm looking forward to my next one (lower back), and starting to worry about limited body space.

A couple of things to keep in mind:

*Don't rush into it... find a design you really, really love and one that means something to you. I found my designs from a non-tattoo source on the Internet after much searching. I didn't want to use tattoo parlor flash.

*The tattooist I go to won't tattoo faces, necks or hands-- too antisocial, he says.

*Consider your employment plans: In the US, at least, some stuffy employers are biased against people who've been inked. My bosses haven't said anything, but I work for a newspaper.

*I agree with everyone else: Do NOT get a lover's name tattooed on you. If you must get a name or portrait, make it Mother.

Good luck! Let us know how it goes!

Hate piercings but love tattoo's :D A bit of a fanatic :blush:

[QUOTE]Originally posted by HappyHoosier
[B]Spidey:

I have two tattoos --- and I love them! Never regretted it. One is on my inner left wrist and the other is on my inner right ankle. Both readily visible, if I wear a skirt.

This is more like it, but I expected more ladies on saying where their tatoos are. Was hoping to here some saucy stories. Where's sugarnspice when you need her! I have a feeling she may have one or two tatoos or piercings!:D

ive had some about 18 years now, never regretted em, in fact i get recognised by em

if you get some, pick something thats personal to you, but with nobodys names on

I love tatoos and I'm in love with piercings. When I turn 18 I'll probably have my mom shaking her head at me cause I look like a sieve or something lol.

If you want a tatoo go for it but make sure you really want it and aren't going to regret it. Also maybe if you put it somewhere easy to hide.

Have a few piercings, not enough, lip, ears and belly button. Waiting till I'm older for my conch, snug and maybe a few more on my belly button...

I have one on my right upper arm. Quite large.
Got it to mark mark an acheivement that meant a lot to me and the design is uniquly mine.
I pity all those people I see with "celtic" tattoos they got cos has been (is?) fashionable.
In short think carefully about what you want in design!

Piercings make me queasy, and as for tattoos, well, they're acceptable for ex-convicts and the workshy.

Hiya,

My opinion is that tatoos look cheap and nasty on both men and women. There's nothing worse than when a girl bends down and you can see a tat on her lower back. I think they're slightly less distasteful on men, but only slightly!

There are only two people I can think of who look good with tatoos - Angelina Jolie and David Beckham. But they're both very beautiful individuals anyway!

But don't be put off by the opinions of others Spiderman. I might find any tatoo of yours revolting, but then again you might find my dress sense or hairstyle revolting! It takes all sorts to make a world so the only person you should please is yourself. But it's worth thinking it through carefully, because a tatoo is for life, not just for Christmas! And it may put off future employers/girlfriends ect.

As for piercings... I have only one - a stud in my tongue. Generally I find piercings pretty tacky too (especially belly buttons), but I had my tongue done years ago before it became the chav piercing of choice! Now I know it looks a little cheap, but it's very discrete because I have a very small stud, so I can't bring myself to take it out. I'm a huge wimp, especially when it comes to pain, so I guess it reminds me that I can be stong when I need to be!

Have fun at the tatoo parlour if you decide to go for it :thumbsup:

i love tattoos they are great the pain is addictive piercings are cool to i only have my ear done but have been toying with the idea of havin my tongue done and you all know about the implant thing (still not had it done tho )



the one and only teflon

used to have lots of piercings but the fun has gone out of it now.

Am planning on another tattoo perhaps two, have to decide exactly what I want. I have a nice pink unicorn on my should that my uncle paid for. Said if I was going to get one done he would rather make sure it were done properly and vetted the tattooists round about for miles before he settled on one.

But it's pinkish and it's a unicorn and i not sure I like it anymore. Been told it should cover quite well...i just have to endure the shoulder pain again...*ouch*


Moon

I had two Celtic tattoos about 10 years ago, one on each upper arm. I got them not because they were fashionable, but because I wanted to celebrate my Celtic (Brythonic) roots. I chose black ink because it looks best and is the most durable colour. There has been some debate about people having ethnic tattoos which may not be culturally appropriate, so think hard if you're considering this type (the tribal Polynesian designs and Japanese/Chinese characters come to mind).

I chose to have them so they are covered by t-shirt sleeves - I'd never have any on my lower arms. Some people like them on me, others don't - their call. The point is I love them and haven't regretted it for a second.

If you want one, talk to people who have them, do your research, and try to cast yourself 10 or 20 years in the future: will you still like them? Don't automatically go for "flash" (stock designs); have a look at designing your own, or have a look in books, for example.

Don't just go to any studio - take your time and talk to people who've had work done there. When you've had them done, look after them. UV radiation will degrade them - always put plenty of sunblock on them in the summer.

Reputable tattooists have a code of practice which provides for, among other things, no names, no faces, hands or necks, no drunks. There's a newsgroup called rec.arts.bodyart that I found very useful.

Above all, take your time and research things before committing yourself. If you decide to go for it - good luck!

This is my 1st post so hello everyone!!!!!!!!:D
I've got two tattoos, both on my stomach visible with a pair of v low waisted trousers on. Love them both, but intentionally had them in places possible to cover up for later in life when they may not be so appropriate!

My thoughts on tatoos are simple - and i cant spell it !

EWWW EWWW & OUCH OUCH !!!

Originally posted by Abdul
Piercings make me queasy, and as for tattoos, well, they're acceptable for ex-convicts and the workshy.

Very unlike you to make such a generalised comment!

I've got a tattoo, as have most of my friends (in fact, all of them I think) and every single one of us works full time, and have never been convicted of anything!

To the thread creator, go with what most people have said- Get one if you want one but think long and hard about it and make it unique.

Personaly i love both tattoos and piercings.I not got any tattoos has i not seen one i would like to have for the rest of my life.I do have piercings and i have got bored with them so i took a few out,only couple i have in now that can not been seen,but least i know they can heal up and not have to cover up like a tattoo.On men i do like tattoos,i like to see the celtic type on men.On some woman it does look nice,my siss has many tattoos on her body some i like and some i dont.Might have one done like my mum did for her 50th that is a nice one,and she was the one that use to have a go at me and my siss for tattoos and piercings.I know it is a personal thing but too many tattoos like my friend has had i think spoils the look of someone IMO.

have had 9 piercings, no tattoos yet. i wouldnt worry about what other people think reali, only thing that has put me off having a tattoo so far thou is that everyone seems to have them!

Like anything, tattoo's and piercings are an individual choice.
Bit like Marmite I s'pose, you either love 'em or hate 'em.
I only have one tattoo, not on my back but on my forearm but it was my personal choice. I wanted a tattoo I could easily show and had my nose pierced about 20 years ago when I was punky, so I only tend to wear a nose stud when I go out now.
My sister has tons of them but not all visible.
But another factor is the expense, I know if I could truly afford them, I'd have loads but something else always seems to need paying whenever I have any spare dosh :)

I think you will find as many different opinions as there are forum members! Personally, I do not like to see tattoos on women, unless they are in a place you cannot normally see. As for piercings, they make me feel quite ill - I would not even have my ears pierced for all the coffee in Brazil. But it is all just a matter of opinion.

If you are having to ask pthers what they think before you have it done, maybe you dont really want it? Think long & hard first. xx

Well I have just had my 4th tat, I have got one on my wrist, ankle and upperarm and my latest being some ivy across the top of my sholders and back with 3 lillys in the middle.

I have also got my belly, lip, tounge nose and ears pierced.

A few poeple (ie mum and dad) was worried initiallybefore I had the various things done cos they didn't want me to look like a freak but even they think that they look tasteful.

Each one of my tattoo's or piercings mean somthing personal to me and as long as I like them (which I do) I am not bothered what anybody thinks.

'tis strange that people were branded, tattoed and shackled in the pleasant days of old; usually when they were about to be sold as slaves, incarcerated for the rest of their earthly or sent to the concentration camps.

Now it's a lifestyle choice :|

Well I don't care what you all think :P

It is freaky and it does make me queasy, and yes you do look like a buncha ex-cons, or (in the case of the ladies) a wannabee gangsta's beeyatch.

The whole idea of tatoos and piercings just screams CHAV CHAV CHAV

:loopy:

Yay - tattood females. Hide that skin.

Like I said though - no problem with the odd tattoo or three. Problem is when we copy people and have huge ugly looking tattoos spread all over the place.

Still - prefer tattoos to piercings.

Dragon

I have five tattoos and have had many piercings though most of them are retired now, only have ears and two lip piercings left.

My parents don't like them as they -along with many other people- think that i wont get a job with them. Fair enough, some places don't let you have them on show. But if you have them in places that are easily covered then i don't see a problem.

As for the ridiculous suggestion that the only people that have them are lay-abouts and cons... i'm in shock. That is such an old fashioned view!! I've come to accept the stigma that is attached to piercings and tattoos, but weighed that up against how much i wanted them and still like them.

If you want one, do it. you only live once and all that. Just think carefully and be sensible and you'll be fine.

Originally posted by sultana
I think you will find as many different opinions as there are forum members! Personally, I do not like to see tattoos on women, unless they are in a place you cannot normally see. As for piercings, they make me feel quite ill - I would not even have my ears pierced for all the coffee in Brazil. But it is all just a matter of opinion.

If you are having to ask pthers what they think before you have it done, maybe you dont really want it? Think long & hard first. xx

I knew there would be differing views on this subject, and that was the purpose of the thread, as with most threads. As I already mentioned, I am not bothered about what other people think of me having a tatoo, I just thought it would be interesting to find out peoples views. I cant say that these views have decided me one way or another, but thankyou everybody for some valuable advise and information!:clap:

If you're a female, then a thin patterned type across the bottom of the back (not just a little tribal thing in the middle, I mean all the way across) looks really good.

I was watching an "adult film" the other day, and one of the female "actresses" had one, looked amazing.

Originally posted by Abdul
'tis strange that people were branded, tattoed and shackled in the pleasant days of old; usually when they were about to be sold as slaves, incarcerated for the rest of their earthly or sent to the concentration camps.

Now it's a lifestyle choice :|

Well I don't care what you all think :P

It is freaky and it does make me queasy, and yes you do look like a buncha ex-cons, or (in the case of the ladies) a wannabee gangsta's beeyatch.

The whole idea of tatoos and piercings just screams CHAV CHAV CHAV

:loopy:

how can they scream chav chav chav? the 70s / 80 / 90s it was mostly skinheads, goths, punks and metallers etc that had tats or piercings :P

Well I'm not particularly "Chavvy" but I love my piercings

Originally posted by spiderman
I have been toying with the idea of having a tatoo for a while, and wondered what peoples thoughts were on them. It would be interesting to find out how many people have them and or piercings, and what and where they have them?:heyhey:

was going to have one (tat) a few years ago but circumstances meant I didn't. I never really that definite about what I wanted since.

I'd say unless you are 100% dead set on a design don't do it.

Never had peircings as I'd look a tit!

i'm deffinately getting a couple of tattos, a crab (i'm cancerian) and a moon, the kind with proper shading and stuff ('cos im ruled by the moon)

i saw this (http://www.totalknockoutproductions.com/tattoos-crab.html) and decided i want one lol rather extreme though isnt it

BIAB

I have a tattoo on my inner thigh. Its a snake and its tongue just reaches my ....................... ooops;)

Originally posted by buxomhussy
I have a tattoo on my inner thigh. Its a snake and its tongue just reaches my ....................... ooops;)

Nice name, nice tattoo ;)

Originally posted by buxomhussy
I have a tattoo on my inner thigh. Its a snake and its tongue just reaches my ....................... ooops;)

Does the snake do IT for you then buxomhussy!?:D

But of course!!!!!

Originally posted by Abdul

The whole idea of tatoos and piercings just screams CHAV CHAV CHAV


How can it scream chav- people have been having tattoos and pierceings for hundreds of years- people used to do it as a way of showing there bravery or to map there life stoy- depending on which culture you look at, nowdays people do it for pleasure and most of the time what they have done means something to them, it certainly does not scream 'chav' to me - which is a modern word and only invented in the past few years.

I am about to have one with a latin quote from my fraser scottish coats of arms with latin words on my back- i hardly concider this chavvy? this is who i am and the tattoo will only confirm this as a part on me- i will be a fraser forever and the tatoo will be there forever too.

Originally posted by buxomhussy
But of course!!!!!

I have noticed that you only registered today. WELCOME, and please carry on as you have started buxomhussy ( the mind boggles) ! :clap:

dont have any & dont want any.
daughter has a cute lizard that start in the small of her back & up her hip& side, looks quite arty.
dont know what it'll look like when shes 80 , but i wont be here so doesn't matter.

i do have a thing for pierced nipples though, on ladies of course.

i hate it when people say "but it will look a bugger when your older"

when im older i will have lived my life, i won't care if i have a tattoo on my shoulder or not- its not like im going to be showing off my body everywhere!!!!

Originally posted by scottf
i hate it when people say "but it will look a bugger when your older"

when im older i will have lived my life, i won't care if i have a tattoo on my shoulder or not- its not like im going to be showing off my body everywhere!!!!

Good point - I quite agree :clap:

Originally posted by scottf
i hate it when people say "but it will look a bugger when your older"


My mum said that, "what will people think when you're 60 ?" I said that people won't be looking at me when I'm 60 so it won't be a problem.

well ive never actually said it to anyone, although i have published i have though about it.

theoretically though if people are concerned about there appearance & feel that a tatto enhances their appearance, will it not psychologically affect people as they get older if the visual affect is not the same.?

it is amazing the number of older people with tats who do regret them now, although at the time they loved having them.

Originally posted by Abdul
...The whole idea of tatoos and piercings just screams CHAV CHAV CHAV...

Dude that's our heritage you're slagging off. There have been bodies found preserved in peat bogs in UK with tattoos, actually to a similar pattern to some more modern "tribal" tattoos (part of mine is designed along same lines).

King Harold (the geezer that got one in the eye from some Frenchman) was tattooed, Darwin has written a study on tattoos, & it was actually banned in 787 by some church council for being too pagan :hihi: (which with our legal system probably still technically stands), which caused it to go "underground" & be seen as something worn by criminals & pirates...

Good to see you listening to the Christian church Abdul, well, either that or racial stereotyping, take your pick...

**Goes of to design big Gothic writing tattoo that says CHAV CHAV CHAV, coz some muppet will have it done! :heyhey:

I guess it depands where you have the tattoo.
if your arms are covered or you have hate wrote on your knuckles, then i guess it looks a bit chavvy.

Originally posted by willman
theoretically though if people are concerned about there appearance & feel that a tatto enhances their appearance, will it not psychologically affect people as they get older if the visual affect is not the same.?


I think the kind of people who panic about losing their hair or having a few wrinkles as they get older will regret having a tattoo, but if you're at ease with your body and accept that you will look older as you get older then I don't think it will be a problem for you.

I have a phoenix up my left thigh, so unless you share a changing room or swimming pool with me or I choose to show you, you are very unlikely to see it. It's not there for others- it's there for me. It's a symbol of me rising from the ashes that have been caused by my cancer, and my body has lots of scars from my operations, so I think that I'm entitled to decorate it with the odd pretty picture that I like to look at too.

My piercings are there for me too. Apart from my ears none of them are visible to others, and that's how I like it. They are to do with where I am right now, and I like the fact that when it's no longer where I am I will be able to remove them and they'll effectively disappear (I know that they'll leave scars, but nowt in comparison to the surgical scars I have)

Originally posted by nick2
I think the kind of people who panic about losing their hair or having a few wrinkles as they get older will regret having a tattoo, but if you're at ease with your body and accept that you will look older as you get older then I don't think it will be a problem for you.

I'm actually looking forward to getting grey and wrinkly. More specifically I'm hopeful that I'm going to live long enough to be grey and wrinkly, and I would wear my wrinkles with the same pride that I wear my scars.

I have seven tattoos at the moment and three piercings.

-two custom Japanese masks, done at Feline, on either side of my stomach, stretching from my trouser line to just under my armpits.
-tribal design on my right forearm
-A copy of the tattoo Jin has from Tekken 3 on my right arm
-The number 220 on my left tricep
-and the corresponding number 284 on my right tricep.
- a picture of Tetsuo from Akira clutching his head in pain on my chest

I have a small stud through my nose and horseshoes through both nipples.

I plan to stop as soon as I hit ten tattoos, mainly because two of the designs will leave me with very little un-inked skin left.

My only gripe with tattoos are people who get flash designs done. I couldn't imagine picking a design of a wall in a parlour. Other than that, let people do what they want to their body; it's theirs after all.
But then swallow tattoos and spiderwebs on the neck still look tacky.

Always try to wait at least a year after settling on a design before you actually get it done. If you still want it after a year, then get it done.

Originally posted by hoba
But then swallow tattoos and spiderwebs on the neck still look tacky.


no offence but you say this yet you have a character from tekken on your arm???

strange?

Originally posted by medusa666
I'm actually looking forward to getting grey and wrinkly.

getting grey is quite fun, in the hair and beard (not that I'm implying you have a beard :) ), it looks distinguised, elsewhere it just looks weird.

Originally posted by spiderman
[QUOTE]Originally posted by HappyHoosier
[B]Was hoping to here some saucy stories. Where's sugarnspice when you need her! I have a feeling she may have one or two tatoos or piercings!:D

Saucy stories = Hell yeah!

Tattoos & Piercings = Nope!

I don't have any tattoos and the only piercings are my ears but I have a friend who has a "personal area" pierced.

"no offence but you say this yet you have a character from tekken on your arm???

strange?"

Actually, I don't have a character from Tekken on my arm- I have a copy of that character's tattoo. Less tacky in my opinon, although I nearly wanted to die when I met someone else in a club who had the same idea as me.

Originally posted by hoba
"no offence but you say this yet you have a character from tekken on your arm???

strange?"

Actually, I don't have a character from Tekken on my arm- I have a copy of that character's tattoo. Less tacky in my opinon, although I nearly wanted to die when I met someone else in a club who had the same idea as me.

aaahh i see, not very original but not as bad as having the caracter on your arm. is it on the same place?

Originally posted by scottf
people have been having tattoos and pierceings for hundreds of years

Originally posted by steev
Dude that's our heritage you're slagging off.

Burning witches atop Pendle Hill in Lancashire was very much part of our heritage too.

Should that tradition also be resurrected :help:

Originally posted by Abdul
Burning witches atop Pendle Hill in Lancashire was very much part of our heritage too.

Should that tradition also be resurrected :help:

Only if they were bad witches!

Originally posted by spiderman
Only if they were bad witches!

You're right.

Let's send children up the chimneys instead :D

Originally posted by Abdul
Burning witches atop Pendle Hill in Lancashire was very much part of our heritage too.

Should that tradition also be resurrected :help:

of course not but you are saying that they are a chavvy thing to have- i am justpointing out that they have been doing thme for hundreds of years!


BUT- im with you on the children/chimney thing- teach them some respect ;)

Originally posted by Abdul
...Should that tradition also be resurrected :help:

Only on cold nights...

Anyway, I'm forgetting, sitting there grumbling is also part of our heritage, it doesn't just have to be weather related does it?

:clap:

i have loads of tatoos and hate them now i feel as if i am wearing the same cloths everyday.
the only 1 i like is 1 of my little lad who died . i have his name tattooed over my heart................bless him

"aaahh i see, not very original but not as bad as having the caracter on your arm. is it on the same place?"

Had to have it on a different arm, on my right instead of the left.

On an unrelated note, one which is completely off topic, how can I add quotes to a post? I have checked the help topics but cannot seem to find it...

Originally posted by hoba
"aaahh i see, not very original but not as bad as having the caracter on your arm. is it on the same place?"

Had to have it on a different arm, on my right instead of the left.

On an unrelated note, one which is completely off topic, how can I add quotes to a post? I have checked the help topics but cannot seem to find it...

At the bottom right hand side of the post is a little box with the word 'QUOTE' in it...... just click on this and Bobs your uncle!:thumbsup:

Originally posted by spiderman
At the bottom right hand side of the post is a little box with the word 'QUOTE' in it...... just click on this and Bobs your uncle!:thumbsup:

is it as simple as that then?

Originally posted by hoba
is it as simple as that then?

You've got it! by jove, you've got it!:clap:

Don't feel the need to comment on the chav thing as most people seem to have said what I would say already. The gender thing is interesting though. What difference should it make whether youre male or female? Body art is body art. I am female and I have a half sleeve, a head tattoo, inner lip, inner calf and work has just commenced on my full sleeve. I plan to get my chest tattooed, extend my full sleeve up my neck, behind my ear and onto my head, have my thigh tattooed and we shall be starting my full back piece next year once my sleeve is completed. I am also pierced and very soon to be implanted and and tongue-splitted in the not to distant future. I think my mods make me look damn sexy and Im not alone in that :)

I have a pink unicorn on my shoulder....it is nice but it isn't really me. My uncle paid for it for my 18th and said I couldn't choose anything black....which ruled out all my previous options.

A friend of mine is designing me one to go across my lower back and also one to cover the unicorn on my shoulder.

I have had my nose pierced too. But because of working in an office (and them not liking it in) I took it out and never bothered to have it re done. I have three holes in each ear and that is about as adventurous as I get.

I do like good tattoos. When they are well designed and done by a good tattoist they are loverly.

I think if you choose carefully then tattoos are great.

Moon

Say it again - you folks - its your skin.

Personally - big tattoos on females make them look a mess. I hear there are vacancies at the carnival for a new painted lady. Only jesting ... I think.

But small tattoos are okay. Something about females with big tattoos and how when a female sees one lass with it done she has to follow suit and join the club. I guess for some its like trying to regain lost youth; for others its to annoy; for others its cos they want to be sheep; and then there are those who actually do it for the artiness of it. Not met one of those yet.

Just do not like tattoos.

Dragon

If you want one, fine, its up to you.

Ive never had either because I dont want to look like a scrubber. I dont find them attractive on men either.

Once again, its down to personal choice, so its fairly pointless you slagging me off for my opinion.

I have got my ears done 4 times in one ear (one at the top) and 3 on the other but I dont have my earings in all the time. I sometimes just have one in.

I have got my navel peirced which NO ONE will EVER see until iv lost weight

I used to have my nose peirced when i was at school- regret having that done.

I have got a tatoo on my right shoulder of the flowerpot off green days album, kerplunk. and before u say 'you will regret having that done when u dont like green day anymore'... i dont, so far, think that day will ever come, and if by some chance it DOES happen- i can just say 'its just a flowerpot with a dodgy face'. to me- it looks good whatever is represents

Before any more people go making ridiculous assumptions about why people get inked, might I direct you to a book called 'In The Flesh: The Cultural Politics Of Body Modification' by Victoria Pitts.
It saddens me to think that even in such a culturally diverse city as Sheffield, there exists such a vast amount of small-minded bigots (and they all seem to want to post in these threads!).

Part of original post by badhairdo
---I am also pierced and very soon to be implanted and and tongue-splitted in the not to distant future. I think my mods make me look damn sexy and Im not alone in that :)
Badhairdo... Implanted and tongue-splitted? Can you explain this please? Implanted with what? And is it literally splitting the tip of the tongue?

I'm not being critical, what you choose to do is your own busines and none of mine...

But I AM very curious, firstly about what it entails and also your reasons for doing it... You say that you consider that it makes you look sexy... Is that the only reason, or are there others?

Feel free to ignore this post if you so wish, as I say, it's really none of my business! ;)

Originally posted by badhairdo
Before any more people go making ridiculous assumptions about why people get inked, might I direct you to a book called 'In The Flesh: The Cultural Politics Of Body Modification' by Victoria Pitts.

wouldn't that involve them reading???

Bic0... I am more than happy to answer posts, my last post was aimed at those whos views are fuelled by ignorance. Tongue spitting is pretty much as you say. It's usually done as far back to the point where the fraenum (the webby bit underneath) joins the tongue. Implants are when the jewellery is inserted under the skin. It is more permanenet thatn pierceing and would require surgery to remove them. There are two types.. transdermal and subdermal. Transdermals protrude from the skin and should be made of high grade titanium. Subdermals do not exit the skin and are made of silicone, teflon or other bio-inert substances.

Aesthetics are only the tip of it for me. I have far deeper reasons for modifying myself. One of the main reasons being exhibiting some kind of control over my body. The society in which we exist exerts so much control over our lives, telling us what to eat, what to wear, how to feel etc that the only thing that is truly mine is my body, and I am free to with it as I wish, and they have even tried to legislate against that (research Intellectual Property Rights and the human genome and also have a look at the outcome of 'operation Spanner' in the '80s). Body modification, for me, is also a method of exploration.. overcoming fear and understanding pain, feeling the different highs and finding my limits. It is a very liberating thing and makes me a stronger person.

Moon... couldn't have put it better myself!:thumbsup:

Think seriously about it before having it done. It took me 4 years to decide and I don't regret having it done even though it shocked some people in my family. They've got over it now.
End of shift, you do it for yourself.

:thumbsup:

Originally posted by meumeu77
Think seriously about it before having it done. It took me 4 years to decide and I don't regret having it done even though it shocked some people in my family. They've got over it now.
End of shift, you do it for yourself.

:thumbsup:



Good advice :)

Maybe we should start a thread with forumers' tattoo pics?

:)

sounds like a good idea.

Badhairdo... Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions... I now know a little more about the technicalities of it all.

Your reasons are interesting, I share your feelings about society to a certain extent but would never contemplate doing the same as yourself.

You talk about understanding pain... I understand pain just fine! It hurts! ... In fact it's the reason why I believe in the faith that I do, it forbids me to experience unnecessary pain, it's called The Path of Devout Cowardice and I'm a confirmed follower of it! ;)

In all seriousness though, the insight into your reasons, I find fascinating, with them being so alien to my own thoughts on self-expression, my thanks to you for explaining them.

Regards, Bic0...

Bic0.. you're very welcome! To be honest, pain is nothing compared to fear. I find fear to be a very limiting emotion and it's very empowering to place yourself in a situation where you are faced with fear, and to overcome that. And with that said, I must point out that I have the utmost respect for each and every one of my clients.. I know exactly what it feels like to place your trust in someone with a sharp, pointy instrument of pain! In all honesty, I only allow the some of the UKs top piercers to go anywhere near me with a needle or scalpel, and I intend to be included in that category some day:P

I got my first tattoo when i was 15, got chinese symbol on shoulder, got my second one when i was 16, that was a tribal design on bottom of my spine, then just before my 18th birthday this year i had the "swfc" owl on my stomach, not having any more EVER as they hurt too much, dont like too many tats on a girl and i dont think lads like lasses wi too many either,

saying that though,.... bloke LOVES them, hes had 5 in the space of around a year and half....mad 'ed!

Also if anyone is wanting to get one and people tell you "it doesnt hurt" do NOT belive them, they are lying, lmao, it blummin well kills!!!!

:hihi:

you can now put your tattoo picture on here if you wish!

http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?s=&threadid=74117

Originally posted by scottf
of course not but you are saying that they are a chavvy thing to have- i am justpointing out that they have been doing thme for hundreds of years!



Originally posted by steev
Dude that's our heritage you're slagging off. There have been bodies found preserved in peat bogs in UK with tattoos, actually to a similar pattern to some more modern "tribal" tattoos (part of mine is designed along same lines).



It appears I owe scottf and steev a belated apology. I was watching Gladiator a couple of weeks back, and what did I see? Russell Crowe as Maximus wearing a SPQR tattoo on his arm.

I do know that Gladiator was acclaimed for its accuracy and attention to detail in recreating the historical scenes of the film, so I am happy to take back my comments about tattoos being worn only by ex-convicts and the workshy :)

Read more on tattooing in Roman times here (http://www.exovedate.com/the_real_gladiator_one.html)

S.P.Q.R., the letters of the tattoo worn by Maximus, was an abbreviation for an oft used Latin phrase whose English translation is "the Senate and People of Rome".

The Latin word for "tattoo" was stigma, and our modern meaning of stigmatize, as a pejorative, has clearly evolved from the Latin. It was slaves, gladiators, criminals, and later, soldiers, who were tattooed, as an identifying mark.

Upper class Romans did not partake in tattooing, which they associated with either marginal groups, or foreigners, such as Thracians, who were known to tattoo extensively. The emperor Caligula is said to have forced individuals of rank to become tattooed as an embarrassment.

In late antiquity, the Roman army consisted largely of mercenaries, they were tattooed in order that deserters could be identified.

Originally posted by steev
Good to see you listening to the Christian church Abdul, well, either that or racial stereotyping, take your pick...


Neither; just my own standards of taste and decency :thumbsup:

go for it...ive got 7 tatoos...on my back..shoulder..wrist..foot...spine..and 2 on my fingers....they arent these big tatoos they are very feminine...flowers e.t.c but i will say that i do believe they can be very addictive when you have one you will want more...i took my nan 4 one last year and she is 73....thats what you call girl power...just go for it,

I've got a bellybutton piercing and a tattoo on my back in the kidney area of an ohm.

Bellybutton piercing is now stretched beyond recognition from having 2 kids, but I dont regret it as I dont fancy showing my tummy off anymore anyway.

Tattoo, beware where you have it, mine was perfect for me as it is so easy to cover and if I want to show it occasionally (heaven forbid with my stretchmarks) I can.

My mate had a great big one on her shoulderblades, she had to have a wedding dress and jacket that covered her tattoo, and it wasnt the one she would have liked. Tattoos and wedding dresses just dont look quite right together, so be aware of the fact that when you are older or on certain occasions you may wish to cover it without restricting yourself too much.

I don't mind tattoos when they are fresh and nicely coloured and a reasonable size. Having said that, I hate to see them on women (call me old fashioned or narrowminded if you wish) and I don't think much of the variety that proclaim allegiance to a particular football club, or even Mum! When the owner gets older and the tattoos go that weird blue black and the skin is all wrinkly then, frankly, yuk!

As for body piercing, well, I suppose you could term my pierced ears that but I only have one hole (and a little one, not like those metal polos you sometimes see) per ear. I quite like nose piercing but found that you could have just as much fun with a stick on gem and none of the pain! I always wondered if you start to resemble a blowing whale when you got a cold :hihi:

I really dislike other body piercing though, especially tongue piercing. I always end up fascinated by this weird waggling metal thing in peoples mouths when they are talking, and I completely lose track of the conversation!

I am with Bic0 though - I was young when I had my ears pierced and it hurt like hell! I am now also a believer in the Devout Cowardice cult