Infinity symbol inside of an absolute value Tattoo

[nismaratwork]

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.

 

[Cyrus]

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

Good lord what a horrible tattoo!

 

[Saladsamurai]

Tattoos are for sailors and Marines.

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

Just slayin'

 

[KalamMekhar]

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.

 

[VeeEight]

Good lord what a horrible tattoo!

I know, there's no proof in sight!

 

[nismaratwork]

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.