really this thread has just confirmed some of my worst suspicions about peoples attitudes towards the tattooed and pierced. i, personally don't get tattooed or stretch my ears because it gives other people an opportunity to forget their manners and gawp at me.
I started getting extensively tattooed when my ex buggered off because it was a way of controlling my appearance and modifying it in a way that he disapproved of when we were living together. it is one of the few things that i actively do for myself - it may be seen as a way of conforming to an 'alternative lifestyle' but i can categorically state that my tattoos are unique because i designed them myself. I'm not an identikit crusty. my tattoos have personal meanings to me, from times and places to people who have passed.
I certainly don't go out of my way to insult people who conform on the outside to what someone else has decided is attractive in a woman, although personally I don't necessarily like what they may choose to do to their hair, nails, make up etc.
tattoos can be seen as conforming in a way because they can have indigenous meaning - marking a passage into puberty, marking one as a member of a particular tribe - since people could draw they have used symbolism in permanently adorning their bodies - it certainly isn't a new or faddish thing. what is a recent development in the UK at least is the amount of women getting tattooed - some tattooists state around 70% of their clientele are women.
i wouldn't reject someone on the basis of how they look or how they choose to appear to others and I've hopefully taught my children to have the same outlook.
so, for the record
back of neck, my daughters name in hebrew over a pink flower with flames. half back piece of poison ivy (my mums name was ivy and i love comics) two stars at my wrists to represent my two boys. flames, cartoon daisies and thick black tribal on my right forearm. big sunflower on my right bicep ( saw a van gogh exhibition on holiday in chicago - reminds me of my chicagoan friends) purple orchid with ivy for my mum and strawberries ( I'm english living in glasgow, so it reminds me of being english) chameleons and cherubs, plus an anatomically correct black heart on my chest. half left upper arm of two reclining mermaids for my dad (he had one and i wanted to go better) 1/2 lower left forearm based on gregory mcphails 'wicked' ( I'm an avid reader, this is one of my favourite books) nautical star on my right hand - I'm from a naval family. modern art green and purple swirls on my right foot. heart with wings on my right ankle to remind me not to be bitter. tiny wee skull and crossbones of my left ankle, self done.
I've probably missed some!
now, i choose to keep my counsel on most of the following; botux. cosmetic surgery in general, especially breast implants. hair extensions, fake tan. false nails. liposuction. these are arguably painful and intrusive ways in which people 'better' themselves. i see no difference between those procedures and tattooing, other than tattooing was there first.
sorry that was so long. complimentary bazooka joe tattoo transfer for anyone who got that far!