Tattoos of your organization

[mccoyred]

Originally Posted by dekeguy

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If a young woman was legally married and her husband was killed in Iraq that would make her a widow, NOT an unwed mother.

If a young woman found herself pregnant by a man she loved and he failed to stand by her then I would look down on him, not her.

I would argue that there are some things which are of their very essence good or bad. If you think about it for a moment I am sure you can come up with quite a few. However, this has little or nothing to do with tatoos. My question was about why, not about good or evil. My observations over the past several years lead me to conclude that tatoos add extra baggage to those who have them and send a message that does not play well in professional and other circles.
I don't think pointing out a simple fact of reality is being holier-than-thou. Rather, I think this falls under my original question about the lemming-like following of a transitory fad and then the predictable need to defend this action. Knee jerk defensiveness suggests a need to justify a questionable action. "Methinks the lady doth protest too much"!

I am sorry if you think I am being holier-than-thou. My purpose was to present my observations and experiences, identify the simple fact that tatoos are viewed rather negatively in professional circles, and to ask why their current popularity particularly among women who are arguably much more savvy about appearances and the images they project.

Technically, she IS UNWED (death did them part). Maybe it wasn't the best example.

BTW, your observation is an OPINION, not a FACT. I am sure that you know the difference, right?

[Blue_Blood]

First, I don't understand why people keep calling tattooing a "fad"...Tattoos have been around for longer than just about anyone on this site has been alive... Last time I checked, I "fad" was something that came on really fast, was popular for a short time, and then died out really fast...Tattooing has been going on for thousands of years.

Second, a few of the greeks on our campus went to a convention with many other greek organizations and they felt so out of place. Apparently, if you don't like tattoos, don't come to Oklahoma. I believe almost every member of my chapter has a tattoo that refers to Sig Tau in one way or another. My members felt like people were looking down on them or whatever because we all have tattoos.

Third, its ridiculous to outcast someone because of what we have on our skin. Many tattoos today are gorgeous, especially some of the greek ones I've seen. You don't see many naked women on the forearm anymore like you did in the 60's. Many members are doing things like letters, crests, flowers.

In closing, tattoos are just one way that many people use to express pride in what they belong to and have earned. As for myself, I don't care how horrible my tattoos look when I'm 70 years old because I have them because I am proud to be a Sig Tau. When I am old and wrinkly and my tats are the same way, I want to look at my worn out skin and be able to think "no regrets", "mission accomplished." I live by a popular phrase: "Live as if you will die tomorrow, dream as if you will live forever." That's how I want to remember my life. Plus, theres a lot of years to enjoy your letters while they are pretty from age 18 to age 50+.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by Blue_Blood

First, I don't understand why people keep calling tattooing a "fad"...Tattoos have been around for longer than just about anyone on this site has been alive... Last time I checked, I "fad" was something that came on really fast, was popular for a short time, and then died out really fast...Tattooing has been going on for thousands of years.

Tattoos as tribal or cultural practices have been around forever.

In the West, tattoos among sailors and the like have been around 100+ years, and in Western culture were traditionally viewed as lower class.

Tattoos on college students and as part of popular Westermn culture is a phenomenon of the last decade or two. How popular they'll stay remains to be seen.

I'm glad you like your tattoos. Enjoy them. No one is "outcasting" you. But I'm always amused when someone is surprised that they just might be judged on appearance.

[DrPhil]

Raise your hand if you hate the recent mohawk fad despite the origins and history of mohawks.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

Raise your hand if you hate the recent mohawk fad despite the origins and history of mohawks.

You mean, that Mr. T dude???? Yeah, that is some ancient history there ferrrr shurrr!! He started it ALL! (This is dripping in sarcasm. I know DrPhil knows this but others might not.)