I never considered a tattoo, even when I was in the Army. Probably 75% of the people I work with have multiples, some pretty cool but nothing I would get.

I work with a few "Bettys" that have the rockabilly multiple tats going on. I just think later in life they may regret it but not my business.

We had a receptionist that had a "tramp stamp" across her back that said "Matt". Her fiancée would come and visit her and I would always say to him "Hey Matt, how's it going?" or some other greeting. Later I received a wedding announcement and found out his name was "Jeff". I thought , dude, if it was me I'd at least pay some cash to have that thing covered up ASAP.

Saw this one the other day.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1719876225.jpg

I offered these images by way of illustration. Unsurprisingly, the significance of these gentlemen's tats were completely lost on you and, therefor, the point I was making.

Not all tats are just for "fun". Some tats have meanings. Very deep meanings. In the illustrated cases, the first are, of course, MS 13 gang members. The second is one of the most notoriously violent Hells Angles ever, and that's saying a lot.

Some of these guys tats are specific to their gangs (or, in the case of the HA, euphemistically reared to as a "club"). Not all of them, but some of them. Some are only earned through murder, others through other exceedingly violent acts. If you know how to "read " them, they can serve as a warning - as they are meant to do.

I'll never judge someone by their innocuous "fun" tats, or tats that have some sort of a non-violent meaning to them. So, no, my "privilege" is not showing, just good old common sense and caution. You could do with a little more of both, and a good deal less ignorant righteous indignation.

None of the ones you have shown would ever elicit any judgement from me. Except for one - I love the Sasquatch tat. Well done, sir.

I think that Big Vinny died from internal injuries shortly after a fight with “Irish” Mike O’Farrell of the California HA. Who knows what it was about…HA business. “Irish” had a legendary reputation as a tough dude and of course died a violent death himself. If you care at all about this kind of outlaw history, follow George Christie on social media or buy one of his books. :)

If I’ve got a statement to make, I just wear the appropriate tee shirt.
As my opinions or statements change with time, I just a different shirt.

High School book I had back when the man on the cover and his tattoos were as rare as the carnival coming to town. Now, it's all commonplace... And once it's common, where's the statement?

https://pictures.abebooks.com/isbn/9780553105575-us.jpg

Was also made into a movie starring Rod Steiger.......

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