I got my first tattoo (an American flag on my right shoulder) at 18 as a form of protest against a mother who raised us to despise them. Then the crest of my university after college graduation on my other shoulder. These weren't meant to be flashy, meaningless images but outward expressions of who I was. Then came Latin phrases on my forearms. I figured, "I can always wear long-sleeved shirts to the office." They were phrases embodying my morality and ethics (Truth and Justice).
After several long years going without, I have no desire to get any more. I understand the want to ink one's body as a form of social or parental protest, but to do so as simply a way to get noticed or to have an excuse to lift one's shirt or take off one's shorts is to be hopelessly lost in one's own mind. I filled my soul with the warmth of God and the love of a great woman, but that doesn't mean I was empty-souled before.
Stupid and immature? Okay, maybe. Avoid all contact? Well you might find yourself in a very silent sea of people in the near future, Mister Da. Some of us choose our tattoos wisely and realize that they're not only permanent but an expression of our own humanity.
A tramp stamp? Yeah, that serves no purpose, hence the name. But a woman who tattoos the names of her children on her body or a soldier who tattoos the names of his fallen friends on his body, are they equally inane in your eyes or do they represent thoughtful understanding of the meaning of this art form?
I used to be a very non athletic person, three years ago I began to run sprint Triathalons, I am working my way up to a Half Ironman, When I do that I will be getting a Tat on my right shoulder signifying my accomplishment.
Pardon my stupidity in posting to myself. Duh!
My post # 18 was a reply to your post. Please accept it as such.