Tattoo Dos and Don'ts: Finding Your Tribe
Depending on your location and culture, tattoos can be perceived as anything from a mark of high status to a symbol of criminality.
Archaeological evidence suggests that tattoos have existed since the dawn of humanity. As such, tattooing is one of the oldest forms of personal expression and predates many other forms of style, including clothing. In many cultures, tattoos have carried deep significance. Native American spiritual traditions and Māori culture, for example, incorporated tattooing into rituals and rites of passage, particularly for young men.
Historically, tattoos served three principal purposes:
An indication of social status.
A kind of talisman, believed to possess healing properties and benefit both body and soul.
Tattooing differs from most forms of consumption because it involves a permanent and voluntary alteration of the body. Nevertheless, one can still possess style and class while using tattoos as a form of self-expression and a way to communicate individuality. For some, tattoos also serve as a public display of masculinity.
Many tattoos have represented affiliation with a particular group, clan, tribe, or community. Ultimately, tattoos often function as symbols of self-concept and self-control, providing a window into the wearer’s identity for both themselves and others.
Although tattoos are not directly connected to materialism, there appears to be some relationship between personal values and choices regarding tattoo placement and design. Tattoos are often described as being like “babies” to their owners. If you decide to get one, think of it as a piece of clothing that you will wear for the rest of your life.
Before heading to a tattoo studio, I believe it is wise to be inspired and well informed:
Find a design that genuinely means something to you. Since it will be permanent, choose something you truly love.
Research your design thoroughly before committing to it.
Find a reputable tattoo studio that follows proper safety and hygiene procedures.
Follow all aftercare instructions carefully.
Get tattooed on your neck, hands, or face. These are generally not the wisest locations.
Tattoo areas that may be especially sensitive unless you fully understand what to expect.
Get a tattoo while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or peer pressure.
Get a tattoo simply to impress other people.
Is It Okay for a Gentleman to Have Tattoos?
However, in the words of Jimmy Buffett, a tattoo is often a “permanent reminder of a temporary feeling.” It is worth asking yourself whether you are making a lasting decision or simply following a trend.
Personally, I struggle to reconcile the traditional image of a gentleman with tattoos. I respect conventions, though I do not believe one must be bound by them. While tattoos have become increasingly accepted, I am not convinced they are generally considered “classy.”
From a traditional perspective, some would argue that a tattoo is always a “don’t” for a gentleman. A man may be noble, educated, and polite, but certain people may judge him differently at first sight. A gentleman also understands that different situations call for different appearances. Visible tattoos can limit one’s ability to present a more formal or conventional image, and in some contexts they may appear out of place.
Others would argue that adults pay substantial sums of money, endure pain, and accept the risks of infection or allergic reactions in order to place permanent images on their skin. Visible tattoos may also affect career opportunities in certain professions, although attitudes continue to change over time.
The discussion also raises questions about personal behavior and values. Some researchers at the University of Miami have reported that individuals with tattoos were more likely to report a higher number of sexual partners. However, correlation does not necessarily imply causation, and such findings should be interpreted carefully.
I cannot discuss tattoos without mentioning the Old Testament law that prohibited them. The reason for this prohibition is not explicitly stated, but many scholars believe tattooing may have been associated with pagan religious practices, idolatry, or superstition.
Ultimately, I do not believe that getting a tattoo is inherently sinful. However, the content of a tattoo can certainly be immoral. Whether it is the name of an ex-girlfriend, an obscene image, a curse word, a flaming skull, a nude figure, or a demonic symbol, the design itself may carry moral implications depending on one’s values and beliefs.
If you cannot imagine wearing a tattoo at age fifty or seventy, you may want to reconsider. As skin ages, tattoos can fade, stretch, and lose their original appearance.
Personally, I do not find tattoos particularly attractive. I have no tattoos myself, although I do have a scar on my face. I simply cannot think of anything that I would want permanently displayed on my skin for the rest of my life.
I hope you approach this topic with an open mind and that we can discuss it in a civilized and respectful manner.
Thanks, as always, for reading.
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