Previous Next
Do you think more men or women get tattoos?
Asked at Massachusetts Street on September 3, 2006
“I think more women are getting tattoos than they used to, but overall I think men still get more.”
“I think a lot more college-age girls are getting them. More than the men.”
“Women, because it’s become more fashionable for women to have them.”
“I think it’s still men that get the most. Men tend to keep getting them, whereas women usually only get one or two.”
Related story
- 100 years ago: Automobile owners asked to help area veterans May 29, 2012 · 2 comments
- National group seeks repeal of 'Stand Your Ground' law in Kansas May 27, 2012 · 146 comments
- Sound Off: How can I check someone’s criminal record? May 28, 2012 · 7 comments
- On the street: How did you spend your Memorial Day? May 28, 2012 · 26 comments
- U.S. military sees new appreciation May 28, 2012 · 27 comments
- Kansas tax act most regressive in nation May 27, 2012 · 253 comments
- Sound Off: How much does the city’s transit system collect in fares compared with how much it costs May 27, 2012 · 130 comments
- Poll: Do you support Gov. Sam Brownback's income tax cuts? May 23, 2012 · 84 comments
- Remove politics, and redistricting map falls in line May 27, 2012 · 37 comments
- Tax gamble May 26, 2012 · 81 comments
- Thread of pain ran through Jackson’s career June 28, 2009
- Kansas tax act most regressive in nation May 27, 2012
- Friends mourn Lynn Bretz, former voice of KU May 28, 2012
- Kansas football scouring country May 29, 2012
- KU’s Elijah Johnson cautious at camp May 29, 2012
- Hilltop executive director Pat Pisani stepping down May 28, 2012
- City, county mull upgrade to emergency radio system May 28, 2012
- Book helps family heal after tragedy May 28, 2012
- Famed author takes on Kansas October 7, 2005
- Retreat offered for writers May 28, 2012
Comments
LJWorld.com doesn’t necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post. Read our full policy. Also, read about banned accounts and harassing comments.
trinity (anonymous) says…
blow it out an orifice, marion...i have three absolutely stunningly gorgeous daughters-and EACH of 'em has at least one tattoo! they're not obnoxious, weird, offensive tats, and some can't even be seen when wearing proper clothing (which they do, they don't dress like hoochies with pants down below cracks or tops cut to their navels). i am most proud&honored by the latest one all three of 'em got done; it's a beautiful work of art and a tribute to each other. and, i must say, "skin illustrations" rocks! beautiful work! :)
you know, i have no clue where you got the notion that *you* are somehow an authority on everything; i read that in most all your posts. but guess what? you're not.
irishblues (anonymous) says…
I think the preponderance of "new age" tatoos are tribal and actually do mean something to the owner. I was in my 30's before I got my first tatoo. I thought long and hard about what it should be. I selected tats that meant something to me, about me. By the time I got by third and last one, it was about me and my children. All three are small and cannot be seen when normally dressed for business. In otherwords, if I don't want you to see them you won't. Several people I know have religious emblems representing their faith. It's just a new way to express themselves. Even if they end up in a tatoo removal laser salon years from now. Some tats I've seen are absolute works of art, and some are the goofiest things I've ever seen on a man or a woman. I'm not the judge. My 20 somethings sons always say they want a tatoo. I remind them of the permanance and to select something they would be proud to show their children and grandchildren when they are 80.
classclown (Class Clown) says…
Women don't get those cute little tattoos anymore. Some of them can be rather outlandish. And I doubt I'll ever like seeing sleeves on a woman.
The one thing that bothers me about tats is how they've become a trend. People used to get a tatoo that suited them. Now everyone seems to get the same damn ones that everyone else has because everyone else has it.
They're not t shirts folks. These are something you'll have the rest of your life. Try a little originality. Don't just be another same ol' tattoo in the crowd.
Still, I'd rather see a woman get a tattoo than all those damn piercincs all over her face. That's just downright hideous.
Gootsie (anonymous) says…
I always thought I'd like one that has a symbol for family, as I love my children dearly and my honey too! But, not for me. I'm 80% coward and the other 20% is, well, coward!
But my first and only one would be about my family. I can't think of two other things that would come before them!
paladin (anonymous) says…
Nuts.
paladin (anonymous) says…
Ego.
paladin (anonymous) says…
Who cares?
biggunz (anonymous) says…
"Another good reason to avoid contact with people who have tattoos."
i think if you do your research and get your work done by a reputable artist in a good clean shop, you don't have to worry about that stuff.
Speakout (anonymous) says…
Beauty in every human being is not what is on the outside. I have seen many people construe beauty to only be what they look like. "Ugly" people may really be beautiful if we get to know them and appreciate their special talents or personality.
Tattoos are the ugliest things people put on their bodies and I have to agree with Marion makes one (male or female) look cheap. If you want to look cheap, get an expensive tattoo-A real tramp stamp.
I have seen people who can barely pay the rent, pay for a thousand dollar tattoo. How smart is that? Save your money, the fad will fade and you will look strangely funny. And what about when you get older, the beautiful tattoo will look faded, colorless and wrinkled, just like YOU!
jimincountry (anonymous) says…
Tattoos are ugly! Perhaps KU's women's studies program will find a remedy for the inferiority affecting women who think otherwise.
Dazie (Aileen Dingus) says…
I think, if it is given thought and care, a tattoo can be a beautiful thing. I have one myself, not that you'd see it when I'm walking down the street or at work. My problem with the "fad" of tats is this- who is going to hire you for a good job if you have a tat on your neck? Or if you're fully sleeved?
Piercings can be removed during the day, hair can be colored back to "normal" colors. But that Tweety bird on your jugular? It's gonna be there.
And then this- will Tweety mean the same thing when you're 50 as it did when you were 20? (if you recall, it was probably "Oh he's so cute!") When I got my tat, I waited years to find the right design. I didn't just wander in to my local tattoo parlor and say "Gimme a Tazmanian Devil right here." i put thought into what I knew would be with me forever. And it means the same now as it did 10 years ago. And it will be as important to me 20 years from now.
THINK before you ink.
Hah! I slay myself.
sunflower_sue (anonymous) says…
I happen to love skin illustrations...the good ones. It has to mean something and I think there is nothing sexier than a guy that has his babies tattooed on his arm. I went up to a guy at the indoor pool one day (couldn't help myself). I love art and this guy was probably 250 lbs and had the most gorgeous tattoo of his kids on his arm. He spoke with such pride when he showed me where his brand new baby was going to go. Rock on dude!
Personally, I have no tatts. I just don't feel the need to get one but if I did, I'd be like Gootsie and get my babies drawn where all could see. (Then I'd get one just for the hubby...);)
sunflower_sue (anonymous) says…
All that just being said, I guess I never answered the ?. Men. I still think more men get them. But then again???
Dazie (Aileen Dingus) says…
oh- I forgot to answer it too.
I'd say in a college town, more women get them, but in the real world? I'd say more men.
prospector (anonymous) says…
Due to Equal Opportunity regulations, I am required to say "the same".
-----------------------
I regularly change or move the pictures on the walls in the house for variety. Tattoos would be a lot tougher. I guess I could contract H-Lecter to cut and paste them for me. I think he might even do the work pro bono.
-----------------------------
I could only answer if I could do some research on this. To accomplish this, a "no pants/shirts" Labor Day holiday would have to be declared and I would sit downtown with a clipboard on my lap and a little counter borrowed from a night club bouncer/doorman. I should be dressed to avoid scaring small children nor do I have any tats, but I would comply for science and the fear of not fitting in. Find me to add your input or opinions. I will be the guy with zinc oxide from head to toe, unless anyone knows if a sunscreen with SPF 3000 is available. To narrow down your search for me, I will be wearing oversize sunglasses.
KS (anonymous) says…
In the not too distant past, some buddies and I were walking along the beach in Ft. Lauderdale FL. We all could not help but notice an extremely well built, very beautiful female walk by in an extremely revealing bikini. One of my friends commented that what made her so striking was that she did not have one tatoo. We all agreed. Maybe the gals think they are cute, sexy or whatever, but I can honestly say from the male point of view, they are ugly and most guys don't like them on women. Why mess up a beautiful thing?
ms_canada (anonymous) says…
I would really love to have a tat on my shoulder but I am too darn chicken to go get it done. My sister would have a fit if I did it.
But truly, I think men are more inclined to tats than women. Some tats are pretty but most men get ugly ones. The big question is why? Why? such ugly pictures. My nephew has his arms covered and I just hate to look at them. Fortunately he lives in Calif. and I in the north. Maybe thats why my sister would have a fit if I got one. She hates them on her son, too. Hmmmmmm. never thought of that before.
Berserk (anonymous) says…
I think girls need to stop getting the lower back tattoos, it's a giant symbol that screams i am a huge slut! look at the target i put on my lower back. Ankle tattoos are just completely distasteful. Roses, flowers hearts frogs geckos etc etc, all been done, be original.
I am all for someone who has one ounce of originality and gets a nice looking tattoo on some portion of the body that work attire does not reveal.
And guys.... get out of the skulls and daggers faze of your worthless little life... it's old and boring....
Gootsie (anonymous) says…
LOLOL! Prospector!! Have Hannibal cut and paste. incredibly clever!
Sue, love the "hubby tattoo." As his eyesight gets worse and our skin starts to sag, the tat would get bigger. All would be happy! ;)
mom_of_three (anonymous) says…
My aunt has a tatoo, and you don't see it unless she wants you to see it. I also have had a store manager who had several small tatoos on her body. One was small and above her ankle. You barely noticed it while at work.
I don't mine those. It's the ones which cover a large portion of the bodies, men and women, which I don't find attractive. But it is a personal choice.
I have thought about it before, something small and tasteful, but I hate needles. So I don't see it happening any time soon.
prospector (anonymous) says…
Gootsie,
Is there any input on the assignment I gave you at my 12:05 post yesterday? We must keep our thinking caps on for the sake of character.
RETICENT_IRREVERENT (Ronaldo Ignacio) says…
I don't know..
Almost a score ago, when I was forced, lured, and trapped into the bonds of holy matrimony, I had offered to have...
"property of (blank)" Tattooed across my bottom cheeks. Since I never had, will never have, and did not want a ring, I offered to have the butt tattoo. The offer was not engaged, no tattoo.
.
.
Half a score ago, we took a second "honeymoon". While in a town 9-10 hrs away from Lawrence (that some feel Lawrence should emulate), the spousal unit and I, had the Idea of getting corresponding tattoos. I would have 1/2 of the yin-yang symbol, she, the other half, tattooed above our hearts.
My symbol, the Yang, is happy, the brighter element, is active, light, masculine, upward-seeking and corresponds to the day.
My spousal units symbol, the Yin... is sad, the darker element, is passive, dark, feminine, downward-seeking, and corresponds to the night.
Together of course, The would provide the balance of life. good vs. evil, male vs. female, dark vs. light....
.
.
We ended up getting a yellow lab puppy...
.
.
Even after getting the puppy...3 days into our 10day "second honeymoon", my spousal unit asked me, "what's wrong"?...
I ended up driving for 21 straight hours, arriving back at our "second honeymoon" spot with 2 labs, 3 kids, and ourselves.
But no tattoos.
I do think that a properly applied, placed, and thought out tattoo on a woman's body can enhance her sensuality...
But I'm a feminist, sexist male chauvinistic pig.
And it has been pointed out, I like things on the "slutty" side.
beatrice (anonymous) says…
When it comes to tattoos, I am certainly conservative in my views. I prefer my art to be the kind that can hang on a wall. Of course, each of us should be able to make that decision for ourself. However, I've read that there are only two people who really care about your tattoos -- you, and the person not giving you a job because of them.
My favorite are the stories of people who get chinese characters about spirituality or love or such, only to find that it actually reads "sweet and sour pork."
I'm not a fan of tattoos, and I chuckle at the fact that getting them used to be a sign of independance, but now, since everyone has them, they are just another sign of conformity. I think more girls are getting them than boys today, and tomorrow more girls will learn to regret having them than boys.
prospector (anonymous) says…
R-I
Wink Wink
So did she get that ring on your finger or does she lead you around with the one through your nose?
KS (anonymous) says…
When you all are about 50+, just think about what those "beauties" are going to look like? Did you ever see a "mass run of ink"? Ugh! It won't wash off either. Oh well, maybe they will fit in with the wrinkles? Hope you all enjoy them. I tend to think a little further ahead.
RETICENT_IRREVERENT (Ronaldo Ignacio) says…
Posted by beatrice (anonymous) on September 3, 2006 at 11:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"sweet and sour pork."
That could be about love... or at least lust...
RETICENT_IRREVERENT (Ronaldo Ignacio) says…
Prospector,
No nose ring...
The spousal unit has a predilection for "hot shot" shock prods...
H_Lecter (anonymous) says…
Would you hang the same picture in your living room forever?
Do you ever want to see grandma's "strategically placed tattoo?"
H_Lecter (anonymous) says…
Prospecter / Gootsie,
What a delightful idea to rearrange tattoos. Now that would be the work of a true master.
I didn't read the posts until posting.
hitme (anonymous) says…
The ultimate oxymoron is tasteful tattoo.
Tattoos are merely the evidence of
a) A night of excessive intoxication
b) Incredibly poor judgement
I realize that as long as these two factors, we'll always have tattoos.
nudist (anonymous) says…
I think girls are geting more tattoos now...very sad
I prefer skin that hasn't been permanently damaged on purpose.
Damian666 (anonymous) says…
Tattoos are the sign of the devil
Napoleon_Dynomite (anonymous) says…
I'm thinking a color tattoo of Mr. Hankey on the back of the upper thigh/lower buttock
hi dee ho
milkman_dan (anonymous) says…
I think that tattoos basically say, I'm not satisified with myself, I have low self esteem, and won't someone please notice me?
Real men/women just use a magnifying glass and the Sun!
rodneyking (anonymous) says…
people who get tattoos where they can't see them, only get them to show others. I agree w/OTTR, who wnts to see a lower back tattoo. Most people who get them aren't attractive in that area and if they are, why ruin it with a tattoo?
hottruckinmama (anonymous) says…
i have 2 tattoos. a hummingbird on my ankle and a butterfly on my back up by my shoulder. i've had them for about 5 years now. i'm proud of them and frankly don't much care what other people think. i have to admit i don't have any desire to have them on my arm like a guy but to each his/her own. have to also admit my mom about freaked out when i got them. but i think she has grown to not mind them to much over the years.
oldgranny (anonymous) says…
I think a pretty dainty flower or something like that is fine on a young woman or even not so young woman. I hate to see a young girl that is covered with them though.
thunderbuns (anonymous) says…
What about Gort?
"Gort, tattoo burata tik tu!!"
kosmo513 (anonymous) says…
I'm with Marion. It is a disgusting personal defacement of your body, man or woman. Both of my sisters got one on the same weekend. They came up to me simultaneously and were showing them off. I informed them that they now officially resembled trailer trash. Sorry folks, but this is one of my major pet peeves, along with the equally disgusting practice of body piercing. YUCK!!!!!
OTSSweeper (anonymous) says…
priapism, "German soldier"
very clever combination
biggunz (anonymous) says…
"If a person decides that he or she wants to get a tattoo, it's important to shop around before undergoing the procedure,"
"In order to avoid contracting hepatitis C, the consumer must make sure that the tattoo parlor uses a new batch of ink, and sterilized needles and tools on each customer. Most people wouldn't let just anyone cut their hair. So when it comes to piercing the skin, it's essential that the person who's doing it has your good health in mind,"
marion,
as you know the above quotes were taken from the links you provided. pretty much exactly what i stated...so go spread your doom and gloom somewhere else chump.
GreenEyedBlues (anonymous) says…
Marion,
Leave "primitive peoples", as you call them, out of this.
Among other cultures, body embellishment is practiced for an entirely different purpose than the Western world.
Gootsie (anonymous) says…
WOW - great stuff! I wasn't able to get back here. Katie, a funnel cloud? hahaha!
You guys rock. I think I'll get a tattoo of OTS on my butt. But I also thought I could get B - O - B and only have to have two b's put on.
biggunz (anonymous) says…
"While we're on the subject, tell us, Oh Great One, just how a lay person determines the fitness of the "artist" in terms of health safety?"
in terms of services being provided, how does anyone determine who is "fit" to do the job? dentists, doctors, lawyers, mechanics, plumbers, electricians, etc, etc, etc?
i have several tats and alot of people i know have at least one. people talk and compare experiences and work they've had done. i know of a shop in lawrence that has a reputaion for not being as "clean" as it should be and i know people, myself included that don't go there.
cobratastic (anonymous) says…
dear marion..
is it acceptable that i have tattoos since i am part gypsy by blood?
thanks... your opinon means so little to me.
http://www.inkednation.com/images/use...
DanHenk (anonymous) says…
I'm a tattoo artist in NYC. I saw this article because it was on the tattoo website inkednation.com
In New York we are regulated by the Health Department, recieve regular inspections, spore test our autoclave, and every two years attend a several hour course on crosscontamination and proper sterilization techniques.
I went through several years of cancer therapy, and I can can declare for a fact that tattoo artists on the whole are way more steril than those in the nursing profession.
A bad tattoo can be bad art, and bad placement further accentuates this, but that's true whether it's a tattoo, or a giant fantasy airbrush painting on the side of a van. Everyone has different tastes, and no one, the workplace or the government, should attempt to regulate them.
A beautiful tattoo can be a piece of art. There are tattoo artists working now that are better than most commercial artists. I personally attended art school, am in galleries on a regular basis, and have done commercial illustration as well.
Do a little more research before you spout off your predjudices.
crazyks (anonymous) says…
I don't have any tattoos. I thought about it once, but I didn't do it.
Small tattoos don't bother me, but I don't like the big ones. And it's a stereotype, I know, but when I see guys with tattoos I think of thugs and gang members and drunks and such.
I think it's probably still more socially acceptable for men to have tattoos than women, so I think more men probably get them. But that could depend on what age group you're talking about. It's more common anymore with younger people.
I do, however, have pierced ears. That's it, though.
I don't understand tongue piercing or nose piercing. I saw a pic in a magazine once of a woman who I swear had huge bolts through her nipples. All I could think of when I saw her was PAIN.
crazyks (anonymous) says…
But then, come to think of it, talking about stereotypes, I won't date any guy who wears cowboy boots. Not anything against cowboys, just personal bad experiences.
Gootsie (anonymous) says…
Thanks Dan! Good to hear from you!
Jadia (anonymous) says…
Marion, you sound more like someone who prefers to hear them self speak as opposed to anyone who has a real opinion about anything.
I myself have four tattoos and have at least one more planned. Every one of them represents something significant in my life that I will never forget or regret getting a tattoo for.
And as far as the mentality of "those people" I think you need to do a little more research about that prior to taking a stand on something you don't get.
Oh and the whole, don't touch people with tattoos and read my literature about hepatitis c, read it yourself. The people that incur hepatitis c from getting a tattoo are either getting it done by someone who is not licensed, or doing a "homemade" tattoo. Do some research on those.
I get my tattoos done by a licensed professional and I do not have hepatitis anything. I'm probably a cleaner person than you.
So to sum things up, get off of your soap box, and take a real good look at the people that you are provoking (and yes they are real people just in case you wanted to blurt out some other article that does not mean did-a-lee-squat), you just might find something interesting underneath the "ugly" tattoos.
Thank you by the way to DanHenk that is a true comparison about the nursing world. Its funny how people can overlook the patient that dies of infection, or misdiagnosis (such as cancer) and not say anything, yet have so much nothingness to say about tattoos.
"thanks"
Jadia