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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Me? I haven't found a message or art I want to display until I die.

The only one that even comes close is the semicolon. Which is an anti-suicide symbol. I think that is pretty important.

";" is a way to convey that message? Learn something new here ... day is early ... if I get my first tat later this afternoon ... that would be it too :)....

Right above

"No Regerts"

I thought the "Stone's Tongue" tat I saw on a bud's bicep was cool as hell 45 years ago too... but...

Pick something timeless imo....

Sasquatch is awesome ... just not on my leg :D

I know a lot of people with tattoos who are fine folks, but - and I'm not proud of it - seeing a tattoo on someone makes me wonder about their values and their decision-making. The question of "why" always crosses my mind.

My daughter-in-law has probably 20% of her body inked-up. It has cost her well over $12k. She has a great job and can afford it so she can do what she wants. I still wonder about her sense of value - like with everything you have, why is that so important to you?

On the other hand, I see people who can't afford a decent home or a decent car with tattoos, and I wonder about their values. Is having a tattoo so important that you spend money on that instead of tires for your car or a better apartment? You have kids, but you spend money on that? Why?

There it is. I'm not claiming there is any logic to my reaction to tattoos, and I'm not claiming to be better or smarter than inked-up folk, but I just don't understand it.

Offered up for consideration with a few minor changes ...

"Meat Bucket"

Timeless....

Post a pic JB :)!

that is maybe the most beautiful aspect of life. our individual choices.
I've seen some awful work, and I have seen some that made me ask total strangers to pull up their sleeves and show me the rest.



I made a promise to myself to not die a judgmental person...I am effed if I die tomorrow :D

Feed the need while you bleed.

hey...I hear the tramp stamp is making a comeback!!!

I did see a good one the other day..it was..I dont know what it was..but it wasn't any tribal thing like usual.

I don't have any tattoos, but this story is amazing! Rock on Targa!

Rock on Targa indeed!!!

Appreciate the story Targa and THAT is a very compelling reason to get one. A daily reminder that she is with you always. Bravo.

I have never experienced such a compelling reason. For me it a bit like buying that really awesome leather jacket I always wanted but I now have to wear it every day... forever. I'm just not there yet and I don't know if I will ever get there. You do you.

As I told every girl who asked back in the day.
Why would I mar this near perfect body?
Sweetheart; I'm the next version of Adonis