Tattoos - For or Against?

[Edmond]

Hey everyone,

I'm currently doing a project for University where I've to communicate two arguments. I've chosen to discuss tattoos, for and against.

I'm personally quite bias because I love tattoos, and actually just got a new one. But I can understand there's plenty of reasons why people don't agree with them. Therefore I need input from you guys! Do you like them or hate them? As much feedback as possible would be awesome

[buttons]

i don't understand why people disagree with them
they're another person's choice (except in some culture) and they have different meanings in different cultures or subcultures
eg although they may be seen as deviant and unprofessional here they might be seen as a sign of maturity and strength anywhere else.
if something allows you to express yourself without harming others, then i don't see why not.

personally i don't find them all that attractive but that's my issue.

[Alkaz]

I have no issue with tattoos and people that have them. If you're that passionate about them and want to have them permanently inked on your body then kudos to you and I appreciate that. What I don't understand is when people who're covered in tattoos that are visible (and not just the odd one) kick up a fuss about it when it affects their employment opportunities. There are stereotypes of people covered in tattoos, good or bad, and it may not fit with the look a business has. For instance, I'm not sure how much I would trust a tattoo artist that didn't have a single tattoo, a hair dresser with bad hair, a scruffy air steward. I just wouldn't. People have to be aware of what they're doing and the potential impact it will have on different aspects of their life.

[Brad]

I am for them. I have them, and I see no physical problems with them. It's a form of art. An expression of one self. The ones I don't understand though are the ones who have foul language, or awkward tattoos (male & female parts etc.) Other than that. I love tattoos.

[Empired]

I will never want one as I don't want to be stuck with something on my body for the rest of my life. I just don't see the appeal. But if other people want to get tattoos then go for it.

[lemons]

i like tattoos which are artistic and not silly things like the name of your gf/bf and i think people who are covered head to toe in tattoos look disgusting

[Jssy]

I agree with @Headlines;

I have 4 tattoos now and only 1 is visible - on my wrists, I don't think I'd have anymore that would be visible outside of NHS uniform. I know that's the sector I want to work in so I base my tattoo placement choices around that. My wrist tattoo is only 2 butterflies so not offensive. I think tattoos are fine if not offensive, my uncle is covered in them as he does tattoos and he's a doorman so that area of work isn't strict about that. The NHS now accepts tattoos as long as not excessive or offensive and I think that is acceptable.

Tattoo's can be art if they're tasteful, but personally what someone does with their body is no business of mine, they live with the consequences of their decisions not me. As someone with tattoos and piercings, the one thing I have a problem with is people claiming discrimination because of their tattoos. You cannot compare when tattooing is a personal choice - something you choose to do to your body, than people who are discriminated on the base of race etc - something they didn't choose. It's ridiculous, you make the choices and you deal with the consequences if you struggle to get a job because of the choices you make. I have family covered head to toe in tattoos, and there's me with a few. I do want more like a shoulder tattoo and others that I can cover up so I can still appear professional.

[-:Undertaker:-]

I don't like tattoos in the slightest.

- Look tacky.
- Looks even worse as you age.
- Make you look dirty and in need of a good shower.
- Remind of me strange pagan/third world customs of body markings.
- Think of what you liked 5 years ago. Still like it as much? A tattoo would be permanent.
- A 1960s fad of 'rebellion' and individuality which turns out to be... the same as everybody else.

I'll never get one. But each to their own.

[Edmond]

All these replies are great, thank you so much guys you're all awesome

The more opinions the better!

[Empired]

I agree with @Headlines;

I have 4 tattoos now and only 1 is visible - on my wrists, I don't think I'd have anymore that would be visible outside of NHS uniform. I know that's the sector I want to work in so I base my tattoo placement choices around that. My wrist tattoo is only 2 butterflies so not offensive. I think tattoos are fine if not offensive, my uncle is covered in them as he does tattoos and he's a doorman so that area of work isn't strict about that. The NHS now accepts tattoos as long as not excessive or offensive and I think that is acceptable.

Tattoo's can be art if they're tasteful, but personally what someone does with their body is no business of mine, they live with the consequences of their decisions not me. As someone with tattoos and piercings, the one thing I have a problem with is people claiming discrimination because of their tattoos. You cannot compare when tattooing is a personal choice - something you choose to do to your body, than people who are discriminated on the base of race etc - something they didn't choose. It's ridiculous, you make the choices and you deal with the consequences if you struggle to get a job because of the choices you make. I have family covered head to toe in tattoos, and there's me with a few. I do want more like a shoulder tattoo and others that I can cover up so I can still appear professional.

Smart move. I know some people at sixth form who want to work for the Civil Service but are still getting visible tattoos because they say they can do what they like with their bodies. Sometimes you just gotta accept that this is the way things are and actually yes, a lot of people DO judge you for having visible tattoos. I'm sure not many people are going to be offended by a small rose on your wrist or a heart behind your ear but a lot of people, particularly middle aged and older, won't trust someone who is head to toe in tattoos as someone who looks what they would consider to be "clean". To be honest, if I went into hospital I wouldn't want someone completely covered in tattoos to be treating me. I know it's prejudice but if you're in hospital you're already going to be feeling vulnerable, you just want to feel like you're in safe hands.