Infinity symbol inside of an absolute value Tattoo

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the idea of getting a tattoo featuring the infinity symbol inside of an absolute value. Participants explore the mathematical implications, personal meanings, and cultural perceptions of tattoos, particularly in relation to mathematics and identity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the mathematical correctness of the tattoo idea, noting that the absolute value of infinity simplifies to infinity.
  • Another participant asks about the personal significance of the absolute value of infinity to the individual considering the tattoo.
  • Some participants argue that the concept is redundant since infinity is already positive, suggesting that a tattoo should have deeper meaning.
  • There are humorous suggestions for alternative tattoos, including the Gamma function and various mathematical symbols.
  • Several participants reflect on the permanence of tattoos and whether they will still be appealing in the future.
  • Discussion includes cultural perspectives on tattoos, with some asserting they are primarily for sailors and Marines, while others argue that tattoos serve various social functions across cultures.
  • One participant mentions the Yakuza tattoos in Japan, highlighting the cultural significance and the hidden nature of such tattoos.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions, with no clear consensus on the appropriateness or meaning of the tattoo idea. Some agree on the redundancy of the mathematical concept, while others emphasize personal significance and cultural context.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss the implications of tattoo permanence and cultural meanings, but there are unresolved questions about the significance of mathematical symbols in personal expression.

  • #31


KalamMekhar said:
Tattoos are for sailors and Marines.

That... is a very interesting point of view. I think that tattoos tend to be for any group which seeks to form a lasting bond, or at least evidence of one. Military organizations are not the only ones to conform in this way. Tattoos are also used to separate oneself from a culture, or enter a subculture. There are many reasons to get a tattoo, although I'm not vouching for the wisdom of any of them.
 
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  • #32


Max™ said:
[PLAIN]http://news.bmezine.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/eulers-identity.jpg[/QUOTE]

Good lord what a horrible tattoo!
 
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  • #33


KalamMekhar said:
Tattoos are for sailors and Marines.

Pretty sure there are many cultures that would disagree with you on that. :rolleyes:

Just slayin'
 
  • #34


nismaratwork said:
That... is a very interesting point of view. I think that tattoos tend to be for any group which seeks to form a lasting bond, or at least evidence of one. Military organizations are not the only ones to conform in this way. Tattoos are also used to separate oneself from a culture, or enter a subculture. There are many reasons to get a tattoo, although I'm not vouching for the wisdom of any of them.

In otherwords, be "anti."

Ur so kewl wit ur tatz bro, so hardcore and gangsta.
 
  • #35


Cyrus said:
Good lord what a horrible tattoo!

I know, there's no proof in sight!
 
  • #36


KalamMekhar said:
In otherwords, be "anti."

Ur so kewl wit ur tatz bro, so hardcore and gangsta.

That is the view of one particular culture, where in others it is a matter of fitting in, showing group identity for practical purposes and more. Then, you have cultures and religions which forbid them outright. A social indicator that is universally recognized as merely descriptive within a culture is hardly "anti" that is "pro-social". There can still be an element of "see how cool I am" if your tattoo shows your prowess as a warrior, or some other quality, but that is rarely all.

I would ask you to consider the phenomenon of Yakuza tattoos in Japan, where the custom has a (perceived) spiritual element and... here's the interesting bit... they are made to be hidden. Imagine, you get a massive and painful tattoo that is a genuine work of art, but it is completely unacceptable in every culture but your particular sub genre, and you spend the vast majority of your time hiding it beneath the clothing that IS stereotyped to show "I am Yakuza".

In that case, the tattoo shows a depth of commitment, because now the only society that will accept your markings is the family you've joined, along with the pain, spiritual elements and more. Tattoos can serve as boasts, but also genuine warnings or badges of rank, such as prison tattoos from North America to Russia.
 

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