Aren’t tattoos a form of self-mutilation prohibited in Judaism? I can’t help but notice that few if any Jews have tattoos (of the “voluntary” variety).

There is NO Santa Claus on March 13, 2009 at 1:07 pm

A simple philosophy passed down from my paternal grandmother rules in this house.
“If you get a tattoo- don’t come home.”

MarySJ on March 13, 2009 at 1:28 pm

As a grandfather of two precious girls I can tell you that Toys R Us is going to hear from me.

Greg Goss on March 13, 2009 at 1:50 pm

Maybe I’m too old, but I never thought the low-rise jeans with the tramp-stamp and thong view was attractive.
I was attending a wedding and most of the bridesmaids had tattoos on their shoulders. I felt like Clint Eastwood in “Grand Torino.” It made me shake my head and growl.
I like the Reese Witherspoon in “Walk the Line”, or the Naomi Watts in “King Kong” look.

Rick on March 13, 2009 at 2:49 pm

I love Ghost Hunters but get sick to my stomach when one of the “Hunters” is shown. His tattoos are absolutely sickening.

MdDeeDa on March 13, 2009 at 3:05 pm

*Aren’t tattoos a form of self-mutilation prohibited in Judaism? I can’t help but notice that few if any Jews have tattoos (of the “voluntary” variety).
Posted by: There is NO Santa Claus at March 13, 2009 01:07 PM*
It is specifically forbidden in the Book of Leviticus: Lev 19:29. Since it is part of what is called Natural Law, Catholics are also bound by it and cannot get tattoos. It goes against the Fifth Commandment. The body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.
Here is a great article about why Catholics cannot get tattooed:
http://www.latinmassmagazine.com/articles/articles_2002_SU_Joseph.html

Gabe on March 13, 2009 at 3:25 pm

Every time I see the tramp stamp it reminds me of what Vince Vaughan’s character said in Wedding Creashers, “Might as well be a bullseye.”

Jeff_W on March 13, 2009 at 4:03 pm

Yeeech…. Jewish law forbids mutilation of the body. That’s why Jews are not allowed to sport tattoos, pierce their bodies or cut their skin… which would forbid men from shaving! It goes to the idea the human body is a temporary covering for the soul and G-d owns both since we are created in the Divine Image. We are simply its custodians and should treat what we have with respect same as we owe it to G-d. Human vanity is one of those foolish indulgences that betray us. Don’t we deserve better? Sure. And so does our Father In Heaven!
Shun those tattoos!

NormanF on March 13, 2009 at 5:07 pm

Yep, Santa_Claus. Another reason Jews have nothing to do with it is because the Nazis forcibly tattooed every Jew in the death camps with a number… a human being transformed into a piece of meat short of all human dignity. Its the same reason Jews won’t contemplate cremation because of what the Nazis did to murder millions of Jews. Jews don’t do those things because their enemies did it to them and that exactly why such practices are shunned in Israel. I’m speaking of the entire Jewish nation.

NormanF on March 13, 2009 at 5:16 pm

The other thing I think in general that deserves a comment is about judgment. We live in a society that is frowned on. But a society that avoids it avoids dealing with the great questions of life. I think Debbie’s larger point is less about tattooing that about what it says its about us. We’re a culture that defines deviancy down and looks for what it can get away with. Instead of being a culture than shuns it and praising people for setting a good example for us and telling us to walk in the straight and narrow.
Debbie does that and deserves praise. That’s not something a lot of people wouldn’t do so I’m setting a good example. Its called being judgmental. Debbie, never ever apologize for it!
Heh

NormanF on March 13, 2009 at 5:34 pm

Again Debbie you hit the nail on the head when it comes to American culture. Your take on the culture is better than any conservative out there.
America in its last throes. I saw this same tramp display the other day in another market. I just shook my head. Right next to the “Homies” collection which glories Lowriders and Cholos. So many people don’t raise their children, they are just spectators in their lives. Obviously there are great parents but they are fewer and fewer each generation. Why be a parent if you are just going to be a spectator? Do society a favor and don’t procreate. Undisciplined children will become society’s problem. I really don’t give a damn about people raising their children, but they become blood-sucking vampires after my tax dollars when their life go awry. So unfortunately we are all dragged in. Where is the guidance and instilling the values so children won’t even consider buying such trash?
Sexualizing children is so bold. Teens send “sext messages” (texting their private parts) now and is common from recent studies. Thong panties for little girls. Boys with pants sagging. Those children are not yours anymore they are society’s children with the parents as a convenient ATM. Parents who want to be “cool parents” or friends to their children are trash parents. Bill Ray Cyrus included.

californiascreaming on March 13, 2009 at 6:09 pm

The Romans used to say there is no accounting for taste. A society with no standards doesn’t have anything to pass down to future generations. Our is one that indulges the present with scant regard for tomorrow. Disrespect for the body is akin to expressing disrespect for G-d. And people don’t look up to parents, teachers and authority figures with the same esteem they once did. So why should we surprised that people have little respect for themselves? These things do go hand in hand more than one might think and we need to do something about it instead of averting our eyes from what is going on in the culture.

NormanF on March 13, 2009 at 7:08 pm

Looking at your picture (I assume Debbie Schlussel is the pouting bleached-blonde in the top right-hand corner?) I think it’s fair to say that you telling me, a tattooed young woman, that I look easy, is more than a little hypocritical.

MrsEdwards on August 3, 2009 at 7:39 am

I don’t have any Tattoos but I think the way everyone is commenting on here is wrong; Tattoos have been around for thousands of years and will only grow in popularity in years to come. You all are not God and should not judge someone else for what a person does or don’t do to their bodies. The Bible says In the book of Matthew chapter 7 verse 1 “Judge not, that you be not judged”. Verse 2 “For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the same measure you use, it will be measured back to you”. so be careful what you say about others.

Michelle on October 1, 2009 at 10:07 pm

I have a lot of friends with tattos. A small one placed somewhere discreet is OK but personally, I would never get one. I’ve always been taught that tattoos are for low-class, trailor-trash types. Don’t think I’d want a doctor, attorney or teacher covered with tattoos. In some cultures, tattoos are considered art, a rite of passage or even an occupational calling card but I still think they’re trashy.

Rainyalaska on January 4, 2010 at 5:41 pm