There’s a saying: you don’t put a bumper sticker on a Ferrari. The other day while walking with my wife in the city park (where you can encounter all manner of human riff-raff) a young man moved ahead of us; on the back of his exposed neck was the word “evolve.” I guess he was waiting for his turn to join the more advanced ranks. Don’t know why he had to advertise his low IQ and general lack of evolutionary standing, though. I also note that the US military is relaxing it’s standards on tattoos. Just another sign of the decline of discipline, and the non-serious nature of the services as they cater to Third World types, and those sharing their mannerisms. Are tattoos somehow important for “nation building”? I missed that training session when I was in boot-camp, back in the day.

Michael on December 15, 2009 at 1:41 pm

Desecration of the body is forbidden by Jewish law. The human body is on loan to us from G-d for a short time – its like G-d’s Temple and even the animal-like aspects of our human nature make us different since we can decide what we want to do to ourselves in the way the mere beasts never can. And how we live as physical beings says a lot about us – both to G-d and to people around us. What we say non-verbally (like in tattoos and what we communicate with facial expressions) or the lack of it, is its own message.

Taking care of ourselves is showing esteem for Our Creator and Father In Heaven.

NormanF on December 15, 2009 at 1:44 pm

Norman, you are correct.

That commandment is in Leviticus 19:28, and thus, it not only applies to Judah and the rest of the tribes of Israel, but also, the followers of Jesus Christ.

The problem with permitting tattoos in military service or law enforcement is interference with clandestine operations.

How do you conceal your identity during a top secret mission?

Tattoos increase the risk of discovery.

Also, in show business, having a tattoo will limit the roles an actor can apply for.

Thank you.

John Robert Mallernee on December 15, 2009 at 2:25 pm

I told my kids that I would contribute handsomely toward thier college tuition, but they would not get a cent if they got a tattoo. So far, so good. But, I’m ready to pull the plug the minute I see ink on skin that doesn’t come off when washed.

dm60462 on December 15, 2009 at 2:31 pm

it amazes me how people with tattoos/piercings seem incapable of realizing how they’re immediately judged by others (employers, for example) as damaged goods.

equally amazing is how they’re convinced that by “conforming” and “following” others by getting a tattoo achieves the opposite affect of announcing their individuality.

lastly, how sad that folks who get tattooed don’t have the most minimal vision that trends change so quickly in the near future. again – they will achieve the opposite of the hipness they covet when tattoo’s become undesireable fashion.

howardroark on December 15, 2009 at 2:35 pm

Dated a rather famous tattoo artist (she put the rose tattoo on J-Z’s arm). Her advice to me was NEVER get a tattoo. Nuf said.

Bob on December 15, 2009 at 3:37 pm

Aw, waaaaa freckin’ waaaaa to all of you who put us all in the same boat for having tattoos. Yeah, I was in the Corps and I got some tattoos. It was about 20 years ago since I got my last tattoo and I do not regret getting any of them. In fact, I am getting them recolored because they have faded over the years. But I also had a little foresight, and unless I wear a sleeveless shirt or no shirt, they don’t show.

So let’s say you have a good friend that you have known for a couple of years and has tattoos, but you never knew it because they were always hidden from you. Do you think different once you find out that person has tattoos? The same thing applies for all of you who are smoking nazis and don’t like us smoking cigars.

Jarhead on December 15, 2009 at 4:01 pm

Thanks Jarhead for the refreshing dose of sanity.

We all respect our brave military men and women right? Or do we only respect them as long as they aren’t tattooed?

No one is making anyone else go out and get a tattoo. And don’t give me a bunch of crap about having to look at them when you’re out in public – JUST LOOK AWAY! If you don’t like soemthing, DON’T LOOK AT IT. If you find tattoos so unavoidable and all of humanity just disgusts you so much (like the fatties)… than just stay inside. This country has bigger problems than tattoos and uglys …

EXAMPLE:

Someone else chooses to get a tattoo and the result: nothing changes for me except the scenery.

Someone converts to islam and kills a bunch of innocents and the result: well, now you have something worth worrying about.

Dont Tread On Me on December 15, 2009 at 4:38 pm

I got a tatto to give me street cred, then I found out no one with any class would associate with me.

Pile On on December 15, 2009 at 5:28 pm

What do you think the average guy thinks when they see a girl with her undies showing and a tramp stamp? Thats right whore.Personally, I immediately think she needs a sheep dip.I would never ask out a girl with a tramp stamp.

And yes, Jarhead my attitude about you would change if I saw your tattoos. I would wonder how drunk you were when you had a momentary lapse of common sense.Why else would you opt for the 2 inches above your long shirt line if it did not matter?

You pro tat people need to understand that first impressions come into play with big time with tattoos. Like it or not that is the reality my friend.

ScottyDog on December 15, 2009 at 5:36 pm

I agree that tattoos do nothing but desacrate the body. It seems such a shame that so many celebrities these days sport those things especially the ‘arm sleeves’ (tattoos that cover pretty much the entire arm). I used to work in a unit of a hospital with geriatric patients with old tattoos and by the time someone is in their 70s, it begins to look smudged and unrecognizable.

Since toddlerhood, my kids have been brainwashed by my spouse and me to think that tattoos are discusting and not for classy people. So far, so good!

Bit of Trivia: Drea DeMatteo from ‘The Sopranos’ has many tattoos on her arms. She had to spend over 40+ minutes in a make-up chair just to cover those up. What a pain!

Lee in IL on December 15, 2009 at 6:15 pm

you are awesome Sir Norman…ink; its disgusting, not safe, not healthy, not original and never ok for work.

in this pagan culture its ok, safe and even fashionable.

anyone willing to abuse their body this way are warped. its not sexy or ok. I refuse to hire any young people or younger pple with ink. I dont even want it covered in makeup. It’s that much of a problem to ME.

I am that hung up this issue. My aunt and I are broken hearted that the now “18” yr old wants to get a tat. you know, that becoming an adult thing. we are SICK. I am sick.

lindapolver on December 15, 2009 at 7:05 pm

I could really care less if men tattoo themselves because I ain’t looking at them. As for women, then I will notice. Most tattoos are trashy. I would rather see piercings on a woman than tats. At least they are permanent.

CaliforniaScreaming on December 15, 2009 at 9:23 pm

‘aren’t’ instead of are permanent

CaliforniaScreaming on December 15, 2009 at 9:24 pm

Ditto once again, Jarhead

I got tattooed when I turned 18. Got some more in the Air Force, of course.
I wasn’t counting on going into a SOG.
They’re a personal thing for most people I know. I have to admit the women I’ve seen with them don’t always look good but some do.
A Karate master I’ve worked with for a few years showed his ink off one day and it only showed me that he had not only the good sense to become a good martial artist, but he also knew a very good tattooist. Perfect dragon, and hawk on opposite shoulders. Hell I like tats so much I got a half sleeve a couple of years ago and plan on more. I’ve been in rescue, restraint situations at work and after the fact have been favorably recognized BECAUSE of the sleeve. Funny that when I’m judged it’s due to my actions and reputation, not some uptight fart smeller, er, smart feller looking down on me for some tats. It’s still a free country.

Joe on December 16, 2009 at 1:42 am

THREE CHEERS FOR MRS. JACKSON!!!!!

Miranda Rose Smith on December 16, 2009 at 1:56 am

I watched the video again. I remembered-this is more than 30 years ago-how my mother crashed through the roof when my then-16 brother wanted to get his ear pierced.

Miranda Rose Smith on December 16, 2009 at 2:11 am

thanks for the lectures, pro-tat folks…

i could give a rat’s ass if you or anyone else has tat’s, and if i see them in public, there’s no need for me to “look away”… i’m not “afraid” of them as you seem to think people are. you must actually believe people think you’re tough or a hardass and your stupid tattoo’s are how you communicate this, huh?! ooooooo, a tattoo of an eagle or a skull with barbed wire wrapped around it… scary stuff, must look away!

someone else commented that tattoo’s are ok as long as the tattoo “artist” is talented (i’ve heard some of the most talented tattoo artists are in prison)… or the person wearing the tattoo is an accomplished martial artist (refer back to “tough guy” issues). yes, that changes everything, doesn’t it.

howardroark on December 16, 2009 at 9:13 am

Why do you people all feel the need to tell everyone what’s classy and what’s not? Who made you the fashion czar?

“Judge not, lest thee be judged” anyone???

Dont Tread On Me on December 16, 2009 at 9:39 am

For those of you who think that we are low life, classless people for getting tattoos, guess what? I don’t care! As for people thinking differently of me, more than likely in the negative when they find out I have tatoos, well guess what? When a lot of people see my “U.S.M.C” tattoo, more than likely I will get a positive response. And this isn’t street cred BS.

Jarhead on December 16, 2009 at 10:54 am

Anyone named howard must be a slack jawwed jerk. I doubt you’d look a tough 12 year old in the eye for more than half a second, troll.
I would love to see any of the anti tattoo crowd go into Brock Leznars gym and tell him that he’s an uneducated soft on. With or without your college degree. Brock Lesnar is the current UFC Heavyweight Champion and he went to college wrestling. All American Champ.

Joe on December 16, 2009 at 10:57 am

I don’t call them “tats” I call them “toos”. Because that’s the reason most get one. They want one “too”.

Rick on December 16, 2009 at 12:34 pm

Debbie you are just getting worse and worse. Not to mention your tightassed commenters.
While you prudish, and YES you are prudish Conservatives call those with tattoos low class and criminals, once again you all fail to realize (or care less) that the VAST MAJORITY of current military servicemen and recent veterans of the War on Terror HAVE TATTOOS.
This post has proven one thing to me quite clear. While you Conservatives are the most hawkish ones who are all gung ho for putting us in Iraq, Philippines, Horn Of Africa, Afghanistan and African Sahara, you are the same ignorant uptight, prudes are the first ones to turn your back on and attack (just like your liberal rivals) any servicemember who dares to get a tattoo, or even worse be an Atheist.
Sure you Conservatives will run your fat yap moaning about the SEALs getting railroaded but guess what? A majority of the SOCOM NCOs have tattoos. Oh no perish the thought. Marcus Lattrell has a HUGE SEAL tattoo on his body, is he a low life scumbag too? I guess according to you Conservatives he must be. In the end you Conservatives including you Debbie don’t give a damn about the military. Your comments say it all as far as I am concerned.
Things I have seen written in comments by Conservatives on here, American Thinker & Real Clear Politics.
1. VA Disability is just a welfare program and it should be eliminated. (I see now, Conservatives sat on their ass watching the war on TV and now because you want to lower your taxes you are perfectly willing to let those who come back injured suffer without any support just because it will cost you a couple dollars.)
2. Only scum and low class filth get tattoos. Marcus Lattrell who earned the Navy Cross is not a hero Navy SEAL in your eyes he is just filth because of ink.
I could go on and on but this is the last time I will ever post here and the last time I will ever come to this site. I am beyond sick and tired of you Conservatives backhandedly bashing the military. I am also beyond sick and tired of the real reason you all are bashing Islam. You bash Islam because you are a Christian or Jew and because of that you HATE anyone who is not a Christian or Jew. Many times over I have read the comments bashing on Atheists just as hard as you all attack Muslims. As an Atheist at least I am against Islam and Sharia law because of logic, reason, and HONESTLY seeing how Islam is a death cult intent on destroying the west.
When it really comes down to it you all hate anyone who is NOT Christian or Jew. You hate on religious grounds.
While you all consider any Atheist to be some leftwing kook what you fail to do is use common sense. All that makes someone an Atheist is that they do not believe in a deity and they do not belive in your fantasy.

So it is obvious that you only support “certian” troops. The sad truth is that ONLY other veterans and servicemembers care about their brothers and sisters. Being a Conservative with a yellow ribbon sticker on their car means nothing because of the actions and words that come from those same Conservatives are much different when it comes to really caring about the troops. All lip service, just like the liberals but at least the liberals can be honest in the first place and at least say they hate us out loud, you Conservatives just stab us in the back with a smile.

O: Servicemen have tattoos?! Wow, who knew? Uh, thanks for the tip. But if you look at my post and the others like it on tattoos, I say that it’s tattoos on women I’m concerned with. On guys, it’s not as bad. And yes, I’ve noted in many posts that servicemen have tattoos. Hardly the same thing or point I’m making here, which was apparently lost on you. FYI, there is no yellow ribbon sticker on my car and I don’t even like Real Clear Politics (which has criticized me and stolen my ideas, etc.) or American Thinker (which also ripped off some of my work). And I’ve never said that VA Disability is a welfare program or should be eliminated. Don’t hold me responsible for the brain-numbed idiots and morons who comment or write on those lame, aimless sites. Do I blame you for what everyone in the military does? DS

OEF & OIF Navy Combat Veteran on December 16, 2009 at 1:28 pm

What is a sheep dip?

I got a small tattoo on my back years ago of a cross and flowers because I wanted to express myself (I am an artist) and it was done for tribal traditions so I think everyone automatically assuming it is low class is just wrong. May be perceived that way but if you look into history and origins you will see interesting facts. I have changed my mind about having one because it is just a blur of ink now and hope to get it removed but I don’t judge others and you shouldn’t either. Especially our veterans, it is almost a right of passage for them and we love you no matter what you have on you, REMEMBER THAT! I like the SEALS frog tats…

CJ on December 16, 2009 at 1:46 pm

There are some people who need to get over themselves, it seems way too many of them seem to think they are the purveyor of what constitutes class and intellect….you are not. I fully respect anyone’s prerogative on this issue as long as it applies to them, (i.e. why or why not “They” would get a tattoo) you have a lot of cajones to pass judgment on other people especially in most cases since you would barely know anything about them. I’m sure some could ramble incessantly on about people they know very well who have tattoo’s and are morons, or cretins, I’m sure we all could do the same perhaps more so about people who have none at all. A persons class has nothing to do with pictures or marks they have chosen to have placed on their body…are there those who chose crazy, horrible, or inappropriate tattoo’s? Of Course. Just as there are those people who do feel they need to compensate for things in the their makeup by getting expensive cars, or like Joe Biden who likes to pretend he’s smarter than he really is by quoting Poets, Authors, and luminaries throughout the ages (more often than not incorrectly)
When someone is as bourgeois as that, thinking that their opinion is the only correct opinion, when they think that they are better than someone else, or certain groups of people have more class or intellect than others, it’s really more of a reflection on their own class. Jesus Himself didn’t judge by outward appearances or even by the Sins they had committed, and for those responders who get so judgmental and have to try throwing Leviticus around please stop. That was Old Testament and Hebraic law, and if you are a Christian you need to refresh your theology Christ died for us to complete that law, so if you are telling someone they have to follow the Old Blood Sacrifice laws, then you are denying Christ’s ultimate gift to all who choose to believe. That being said if you choose to try to follow the Law which God himself said was not able to be fulfilled satisfactorily by humans go ahead, this body is a piece of rotting flesh, and will be even more so in the grave, and honestly believers will be able to argue about things like this forever until Christ returns….the only thing we need to agree upon is His death for our sin.
(please don’t come back with circular arguments about the Bible, I am ordained, which means nothing in this discussion except that I do know this tattoo debate backwards and forwards Biblically)
The bottom line is, every person is entitled to his own opinion on things, that only means at the end of the day “you” really believe you are right, it doesn’t mean that for any given topic any of us are. (sometimes yes….sometimes nope, thanks for playing the Home Game)
But in reality the classiest people and many times the wisest people are those who realize they have the capacity to be wrong again and again, and even if they are right reserve the need to judge someone until they have had the chance to know them individually, not just “people like them”

ciao
chuck

Chuck on December 19, 2009 at 3:45 pm

Truman Capote interviewed over 100 serial killers and murderers and there was only ONE thing they ALL had in common. THEY ALL HAD TATTOOS.

DAN on October 8, 2010 at 3:50 pm