Mumsnet Talk

I've been thinking about getting a tat for my 40th but just had a weekend away and was amazed by the number of tats on display. I try not to be judge people but I can't help judging a little if it looks like people have had them done just for fashion. Not everyone wears them well. Soz.

So if I go for it I'm going to make sure it's where only me and dp can see it.

ps OP go for what works for you. The idea in itself isn't pretentious but I agree if you went off the idea so quickly because of this thread then you should probably think about it a while longer.

The fact is people do judge others and make assumptions based on those elements of appearance that are a choice.

It doesn't matter if people on this thread don't agree with that, they will still do it.

In defense of Tansie - she was mainly highlighting the societal preconceptions associated with tattoos. I thought it was fairly obvious tbh. You can dismiss it, brush it under the carpet, cite all your academic achievements whilst simultaneously appointing yourself "ink" devotee of the year if you wish... But it still doesn't alter the fact that human beings, by and large, are very judgmental. We all (including all you "open_minded" ink devotees) make snap judgements about others based on everything from the type of property an individual might own, to the vehicle they drive, to the clothes they wear etc etc. Perhaps you take an entirely impassive, nonchalant view of these preconceptions and don't give a "flying fuck" about what others think... If so great. On the other hand, if you have your hopes pinned on a career in some front of house role, say the reception at some salubrious five star hotel (whilst sporting a medely of facial/neck/hand tattoos) don't expect to get beyond the interview stage... And if you're immersed in the dating scene, be aware that some folk aren't especially enamoured by them.

I'm also aware that tattooed folk dont form one homogenous lump... That the demographics are diverse... I don't however believe that the number of professionals getting them even remotely outstrips the number of perma-tanned, lary, wide boys/girls popularizing "ink" these days. And sadly the latter camp tars everyone else by association.

In defense of Tansie - she was mainly highlighting the societal preconceptions associated with tattoos.

No she wasn't.
She was explaining how she and her "professional" collegues, who are supposed to be in an open minded/non judgemental profession, judge people on something as simple as having body art.

There has been much criticism of the Nursing profession leaving aspects out of their training that is standard with, say social work and for a Nurse to admit that they not only judge but guive a lesser service is disgraceful.

She seemed to be linking it in with "those less intellectual", if anything a person working in social care should be striving to be able to communicate fully with all members of the public and should not be giving a tier system of care.

Staff like her are one of the reasons that all LA's etc had a easy read system for those less able, as professionals couldn't be trysted to be bothered to take the time to explain things fully.

To sum her up, if you are less inteligent etc and have a tattoo, you are doubly screwed.

I find it shocking that she would admit that, i am not shocked that it happens as i support people to access lots of services and have seen it, but hoped that those doing it are not self aware and so don't look to remove their bias.

We are not talking about "society" or average people, here.

I think the worst aspect of big, all consuming tattoos is how they look on older, saggy, less than perfect bodies. You might think you look cool now but you are going to look ropey as fuck once you hit 50.

I'm a massive tattoo fan, I think they're great. But I also respect other people's right to think they are awful. Everyone is different.

I agree with the posters saying that tattoo's should mean something to you, getting a pretty picture because you "liked the look of it" will quickly wear off and you will regret it.

I also don't think that people should be judged for having tattoos, especially in the workplace. It's a form of discrimination and hugely unfair. However, I think that intelligent people will recognise that not everyone favours tattoos and get theirs where they are easily hidden by a shirt sleeve, collar, hair, etc.

I have three tattoos. A crucifix at the bottom of the nape of my neck (sort of between my shoulders), a small lotus flower behind my right ear and a sentence down the left hand side of my body. It starts underneath my armpit, level with the top of my breast and travels all the way down past my ribs, waist, hip and finishes at the top-ish of my thigh. It's very narrow, just long. All my tattoos mean something important to me and I would never regret them but they are all easily hidden by clothes and wearing my hair down.

*tattoos not tattoo's

'I think the worst aspect of big, all consuming tattoos is how they look on older, saggy, less than perfect bodies. You might think you look cool now but you are going to look ropey as fuck once you hit 50.'

I plan on looking a bit like this lady when I'm old I think she looks lovely.

I also don't think that people should be judged for having tattoos, especially in the workplace. It's a form of discrimination and hugely unfair. However, I think that intelligent people will recognise that not everyone favours tattoos and get theirs where they are easily hidden by a shirt sleeve, collar, hair, etc.

You said that intelligent people will hide them. So the person who has them on display is unintelligent? Judging them for that isn't discrimination.

Yes, well there's no accounting for taste. And her tattoos are reasonably new and bright, and presumably of the moment, whereas yours will be blurred, tired, stretched and dated, like a really old, naff outfit that looks past its best.

And I 'plan' on looking like Jane Fonda at 75, but it doesn't mean it'll happen!

I judge.

You said that intelligent people will hide them. So the person who has them on display is unintelligent? Judging them for that isn't discrimination.

The person who has tattoos on his face is not a person likely to seek employment in a professional career are they?

I've worked for the same company for 5.5 years and when I first started I had no tattoos. I then got one when I was 17 and then 2 more last year at 21. Of my three tattoos, one is visible if I wear my hair up. I would have been very upset and would have felt discriminated against if my work colleagues acted differently against me once I got my tattoos.

If I was going for a job interview I would make sure my tattoos weren't visible as I am aware people judge them. I certainly wouldn't get one I couldn't hide (i.e. on my face!) because I know it would most likely hinder my chances of a new job, should I ever want or need one.

Oh and if you were wondering, I work in the construction industry as an Assistant Building Surveyor. A highly professional career choice and a male dominated industry to boot. Didn't stop me getting tattoos, just made me conscious of where I had them.

I know 3 mh nurses who have tattoos on their faces, one also has ball bearing things under the skin on his face ( and other places)

Yes, well there's no accounting for taste. And her tattoos are reasonably new and bright, and presumably of the moment, whereas yours will be blurred, tired, stretched and dated, like a really old, naff outfit that looks past its best.

But the beauty of tattoos is that you can get them touched up if they fade a little (and you can minimise that by looking after them) and that you can change them to keep them fresh. No need for body art to become shabby and dated.

Plus tattoo techniques and the ink that they use have come a long way since your gramps got his in the 40s.

I saw this facebook group and thought of this thread.