tattoos and body piercing

Chat about anything your heart desires here, just be civil. Factual or scientific questions about philosophy go here (e.g. "When was Socrates born?"), and so most homework help questions belong here. Note, posts in the off-topic section will not increase new members post counts. This includes the introductions and feedback sections.
User avatar
Sy Borg
Site Admin
Posts: 14942
Joined: December 16th, 2013, 9:05 pm

Re: tattoos and body piercing

Post by Sy Borg »

Nonetheless, nerds will continue to dress as though they have more important things to think about, and that necessarily includes not following fads.
Steve3007
Posts: 10339
Joined: June 15th, 2011, 5:53 pm

Re: tattoos and body piercing

Post by Steve3007 »

Greta wrote:In scientific institutions one can see numerous examples of nerd rebellion - hair akimbo, unshaven faces, legs and armpits, khaki shorts with white socks and Jesus sandals, the too-small windcheaters, the too-short brown trousers ...
I guess someone should supply the punchline:

...and the men are even worse!

The Jesus sandals with socks thing is an interesting one. It's definitely part of a well defined globally recognised uniform. I used to work for a large technology company (British Telecom) and it was a well-known joke that BT engineers wore sandals with socks (sometimes keeping the sandals under the desk at work to slip into on arrival, as my boss did), had beards, drank real ale (and were members of CAMRA - the Campaign for Real Ale), did Morris Dancing at weekends, went to vintage car shows, knew every line of all the most famous Monty Python sketches by heart etc.
LuckyR wrote: Tattoos were out (only true rebels had them), now they are in (rebel wanna bes everywhere have them).
I don't think they're even a wannabe rebel thing anymore. I think they're just seen as normal, like having an earring. I've discussed it with a young guy I work with who's covered with them. He's the most conventional, law-abiding, morally upstanding, staid family man you could care to meet. I think nowadays it's only old people like me who cling to the stereotype of the tattooed thug mugging old grannies.
User avatar
Sy Borg
Site Admin
Posts: 14942
Joined: December 16th, 2013, 9:05 pm

Re: tattoos and body piercing

Post by Sy Borg »

Steve3007 wrote: December 11th, 2017, 5:14 am
Greta wrote:In scientific institutions one can see numerous examples of nerd rebellion - hair akimbo, unshaven faces, legs and armpits, khaki shorts with white socks and Jesus sandals, the too-small windcheaters, the too-short brown trousers ...
I guess someone should supply the punchline:

...and the men are even worse!

The Jesus sandals with socks thing is an interesting one. It's definitely part of a well defined globally recognised uniform. I used to work for a large technology company (British Telecom) and it was a well-known joke that BT engineers wore sandals with socks (sometimes keeping the sandals under the desk at work to slip into on arrival, as my boss did), had beards, drank real ale (and were members of CAMRA - the Campaign for Real Ale), did Morris Dancing at weekends, went to vintage car shows, knew every line of all the most famous Monty Python sketches by heart etc.
Thank you for that boom-tish moment, Steven :)

I personally don't like closed in shoes and have at times worn thongs (for feet) and socks at home when it's too cold to just wear sandals, so I suspect it's about comfort. Engineers do seem to be a particular breed - their boozy culture at university is legendary and, yes, often the beards. Python and Hitchhikers Guide lines seemed to be compulsory in universities generally.
User avatar
LuckyR
Moderator
Posts: 7914
Joined: January 18th, 2015, 1:16 am

Re: tattoos and body piercing

Post by LuckyR »

Steve3007 wrote: December 11th, 2017, 5:14 am
LuckyR wrote: Tattoos were out (only true rebels had them), now they are in (rebel wanna bes everywhere have them).
I don't think they're even a wannabe rebel thing anymore. I think they're just seen as normal, like having an earring. I've discussed it with a young guy I work with who's covered with them. He's the most conventional, law-abiding, morally upstanding, staid family man you could care to meet. I think nowadays it's only old people like me who cling to the stereotype of the tattooed thug mugging old grannies.
Well as I said before, it isn't about the tattoo, it's why do you feel you need a tattoo. Though I differ from you in that when I see a super tattooed up person, I don't think scary person, I think sad person.
"As usual... it depends."
User avatar
Rederic
Posts: 589
Joined: May 30th, 2012, 8:26 am
Favorite Philosopher: Bertrand Russell
Location: South coast of England

Re: tattoos and body piercing

Post by Rederic »

It seems to me, that the whole point of having a tattoo is to exhibit it to other people.
Religion is at its best when it makes us ask hard questions of ourselves.
It is at its worst when it deludes us into thinking we have all the answers for everybody else.
Archibald Macleish.
Namelesss
Posts: 499
Joined: November 15th, 2017, 1:59 am

Re: tattoos and body piercing

Post by Namelesss »

There numerous reasons that people get tattoos.
1) Just another form of Self expression, a snapshot of that unique moment in Universal existence.
2) A memento of one's insights, travels, loves, deaths. Sometimes others see these and, if you like, you can share. Establish a friend/lover.
3) People who appreciate artwork are always willing to share their joys! Lets see you carry around a Monet as a conversation starter! *__- There are as talented and clever tattooists as there are any other practitioner of any other art, there are also the hacks.

Someone walked into the cafe in Paris and asked Picasso if he'd sketch a picture on the guy's back.
Picasso obliged.
The fellow immediately sallied forth to his local tattooist and the rest is history.
The fellow never had to 'work', merely expose his original Picasso to paying customers!
True! *__-
User avatar
Rederic
Posts: 589
Joined: May 30th, 2012, 8:26 am
Favorite Philosopher: Bertrand Russell
Location: South coast of England

Re: tattoos and body piercing

Post by Rederic »

It's also fashionable at the moment. I can remember when I was in my early teens,(the sixties), it suddenly became fashionable to have tattoos. Victims of fashion, it will pass.
Religion is at its best when it makes us ask hard questions of ourselves.
It is at its worst when it deludes us into thinking we have all the answers for everybody else.
Archibald Macleish.
User avatar
Kathyd
Posts: 59
Joined: June 21st, 2017, 3:43 pm

Re: tattoos and body piercing

Post by Kathyd »

LuckyR wrote: December 12th, 2017, 1:38 am Well as I said before, it isn't about the tattoo, it's why do you feel you need a tattoo. Though I differ from you in that when I see a super tattooed up person, I don't think scary person, I think sad person.
That's exactly how I feel about it too. Growing up, I noticed that the girls who did the piercings and tattoos were always the ones who were ugly and couldn't get any attention from the boys. I always viewed it as a desperate attempt to get attention, or perhaps a desperate cry for help. And I know that a lot of the girls that got piercings were also cutters, including my sister who ended up killing herself at the age of 19. It's really sad. :cry:
Steve3007
Posts: 10339
Joined: June 15th, 2011, 5:53 pm

Re: tattoos and body piercing

Post by Steve3007 »

LuckyR wrote:Well as I said before, it isn't about the tattoo, it's why do you feel you need a tattoo. Though I differ from you in that when I see a super tattooed up person, I don't think scary person, I think sad person.
If I'm being rational about it I don't think "scary person". As I said, I recognise the fact that that reaction is probably a function of my age and the attitudes that were common when I was younger. I'm displaying the usual human tendency to make snap judgements based on superficial appearances.

As with so many first impressions, the best way to correct misconceptions is to talk to people. Having done that, the anecdotal evidence seems to suggest that having tattoos doesn't particularly correlate with any personality trait. People seem to wear them for the same reason they wear particular clothes. If you're going to ask someone why they "feel the need" for a tattoo, you might as well ask them why they "feel the need" to wear a particular type of hat, or lipstick colour, or whatever. I think they would say they don't "feel the need", as such. They just like it.

Of course, the difference with clothes and makeup is that they can easily be taken off and replaced with different clothes and makeup.
User avatar
Sy Borg
Site Admin
Posts: 14942
Joined: December 16th, 2013, 9:05 pm

Re: tattoos and body piercing

Post by Sy Borg »

Kathyd wrote: December 19th, 2017, 10:46 pm
LuckyR wrote: December 12th, 2017, 1:38 am Well as I said before, it isn't about the tattoo, it's why do you feel you need a tattoo. Though I differ from you in that when I see a super tattooed up person, I don't think scary person, I think sad person.
That's exactly how I feel about it too. Growing up, I noticed that the girls who did the piercings and tattoos were always the ones who were ugly and couldn't get any attention from the boys.
A fair few of those girls would have been more interested in attention from other girls than boys anyway.

Today, those with all over tatts are akin to those in the old days who simply had tatts. Tattoos are now average, no longer the mark of the rebel. So, how to mark oneself as a rebel today? More tatts and piercings than other people, as always, just that the bar has been lifted :)
User avatar
LuckyR
Moderator
Posts: 7914
Joined: January 18th, 2015, 1:16 am

Re: tattoos and body piercing

Post by LuckyR »

Greta wrote: December 20th, 2017, 5:10 pm
Kathyd wrote: December 19th, 2017, 10:46 pm

That's exactly how I feel about it too. Growing up, I noticed that the girls who did the piercings and tattoos were always the ones who were ugly and couldn't get any attention from the boys.
A fair few of those girls would have been more interested in attention from other girls than boys anyway.

Today, those with all over tatts are akin to those in the old days who simply had tatts. Tattoos are now average, no longer the mark of the rebel. So, how to mark oneself as a rebel today? More tatts and piercings than other people, as always, just that the bar has been lifted :)
I am two steps ahead, I will be the true rebel fifteen years from now when the kids of the all over tattoo dudes rebel by having no tattoos.
"As usual... it depends."
User avatar
Sy Borg
Site Admin
Posts: 14942
Joined: December 16th, 2013, 9:05 pm

Re: tattoos and body piercing

Post by Sy Borg »

LuckyR wrote: December 21st, 2017, 3:30 am
Greta wrote: December 20th, 2017, 5:10 pm
A fair few of those girls would have been more interested in attention from other girls than boys anyway.

Today, those with all over tatts are akin to those in the old days who simply had tatts. Tattoos are now average, no longer the mark of the rebel. So, how to mark oneself as a rebel today? More tatts and piercings than other people, as always, just that the bar has been lifted :)
I am two steps ahead, I will be the true rebel fifteen years from now when the kids of the all over tattoo dudes rebel by having no tattoos.
Like all the old blokes with short hair in the late 70s and 80s who, like the punks, disco boys and new romantics, rejected hippie fashion?
User avatar
LuckyR
Moderator
Posts: 7914
Joined: January 18th, 2015, 1:16 am

Re: tattoos and body piercing

Post by LuckyR »

Greta wrote: December 21st, 2017, 3:38 am
LuckyR wrote: December 21st, 2017, 3:30 am

I am two steps ahead, I will be the true rebel fifteen years from now when the kids of the all over tattoo dudes rebel by having no tattoos.
Like all the old blokes with short hair in the late 70s and 80s who, like the punks, disco boys and new romantics, rejected hippie fashion?
Alas, I have unfashionably long (70s hippie, not crazy long 60s hippie) hair now.
"As usual... it depends."
User avatar
Sy Borg
Site Admin
Posts: 14942
Joined: December 16th, 2013, 9:05 pm

Re: tattoos and body piercing

Post by Sy Borg »

LuckyR wrote: December 21st, 2017, 3:57 am
Greta wrote: December 21st, 2017, 3:38 am
Like all the old blokes with short hair in the late 70s and 80s who, like the punks, disco boys and new romantics, rejected hippie fashion?
Alas, I have unfashionably long (70s hippie, not crazy long 60s hippie) hair now.
I cannot judge as I sit here with my old om design t-shirt, frayed around all edges :)
Namelesss
Posts: 499
Joined: November 15th, 2017, 1:59 am

Re: tattoos and body piercing

Post by Namelesss »

LuckyR wrote: December 21st, 2017, 3:30 amI am two steps ahead, I will be the true rebel fifteen years from now when the kids of the all over tattoo dudes rebel by having no tattoos.
Two steps ahead in la-la land!
That was exactly what Ötzi's mother said when she saw his tattoo!
Don't Know Ötzi?
He's that prehistoric fellow dig from the ice, ... the guy with the tattoos.
And folks are still getting them.
You'll never have to concern yourself with your tattoo free 'rebellion'...

Perhaps the true rebellion of Loving and not judging others? *__-
Post Reply

Return to “Philosophers' Lounge”

2023/2024 Philosophy Books of the Month

Entanglement - Quantum and Otherwise

Entanglement - Quantum and Otherwise
by John K Danenbarger
January 2023

Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul

Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul
by Mitzi Perdue
February 2023

Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature: How Civilization Destroys Happiness

Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature: How Civilization Destroys Happiness
by Chet Shupe
March 2023

The Unfakeable Code®

The Unfakeable Code®
by Tony Jeton Selimi
April 2023

The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are

The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are
by Alan Watts
May 2023

Killing Abel

Killing Abel
by Michael Tieman
June 2023

Reconfigurement: Reconfiguring Your Life at Any Stage and Planning Ahead

Reconfigurement: Reconfiguring Your Life at Any Stage and Planning Ahead
by E. Alan Fleischauer
July 2023

First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough

First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough
by Mark Unger
August 2023

Predictably Irrational

Predictably Irrational
by Dan Ariely
September 2023

Artwords

Artwords
by Beatriz M. Robles
November 2023

Fireproof Happiness: Extinguishing Anxiety & Igniting Hope

Fireproof Happiness: Extinguishing Anxiety & Igniting Hope
by Dr. Randy Ross
December 2023

Beyond the Golden Door: Seeing the American Dream Through an Immigrant's Eyes

Beyond the Golden Door: Seeing the American Dream Through an Immigrant's Eyes
by Ali Master
February 2024

2022 Philosophy Books of the Month

Emotional Intelligence At Work

Emotional Intelligence At Work
by Richard M Contino & Penelope J Holt
January 2022

Free Will, Do You Have It?

Free Will, Do You Have It?
by Albertus Kral
February 2022

My Enemy in Vietnam

My Enemy in Vietnam
by Billy Springer
March 2022

2X2 on the Ark

2X2 on the Ark
by Mary J Giuffra, PhD
April 2022

The Maestro Monologue

The Maestro Monologue
by Rob White
May 2022

What Makes America Great

What Makes America Great
by Bob Dowell
June 2022

The Truth Is Beyond Belief!

The Truth Is Beyond Belief!
by Jerry Durr
July 2022

Living in Color

Living in Color
by Mike Murphy
August 2022 (tentative)

The Not So Great American Novel

The Not So Great American Novel
by James E Doucette
September 2022

Mary Jane Whiteley Coggeshall, Hicksite Quaker, Iowa/National Suffragette And Her Speeches

Mary Jane Whiteley Coggeshall, Hicksite Quaker, Iowa/National Suffragette And Her Speeches
by John N. (Jake) Ferris
October 2022

In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All

In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All
by Eckhart Aurelius Hughes
November 2022

The Smartest Person in the Room: The Root Cause and New Solution for Cybersecurity

The Smartest Person in the Room
by Christian Espinosa
December 2022

2021 Philosophy Books of the Month

The Biblical Clock: The Untold Secrets Linking the Universe and Humanity with God's Plan

The Biblical Clock
by Daniel Friedmann
March 2021

Wilderness Cry: A Scientific and Philosophical Approach to Understanding God and the Universe

Wilderness Cry
by Dr. Hilary L Hunt M.D.
April 2021

Fear Not, Dream Big, & Execute: Tools To Spark Your Dream And Ignite Your Follow-Through

Fear Not, Dream Big, & Execute
by Jeff Meyer
May 2021

Surviving the Business of Healthcare: Knowledge is Power

Surviving the Business of Healthcare
by Barbara Galutia Regis M.S. PA-C
June 2021

Winning the War on Cancer: The Epic Journey Towards a Natural Cure

Winning the War on Cancer
by Sylvie Beljanski
July 2021

Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream

Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream
by Dr Frank L Douglas
August 2021

If Life Stinks, Get Your Head Outta Your Buts

If Life Stinks, Get Your Head Outta Your Buts
by Mark L. Wdowiak
September 2021

The Preppers Medical Handbook

The Preppers Medical Handbook
by Dr. William W Forgey M.D.
October 2021

Natural Relief for Anxiety and Stress: A Practical Guide

Natural Relief for Anxiety and Stress
by Dr. Gustavo Kinrys, MD
November 2021

Dream For Peace: An Ambassador Memoir

Dream For Peace
by Dr. Ghoulem Berrah
December 2021