RawboneFunksta Posted March 28, 2016 Share Posted March 28, 2016 (edited) I often find that even those people who may be regarded as 'living beyond the pale' by mainstream society in the west are very judgmental about others and other issues. People who may have profile pictures of themselves with girls 30 years their junior still 'cock a snoot' at sex tourists, immigrants and tattooed people. It's almost as if they are waiting out there and are excited to finally be able to pass their supreme judgment on anyone different? If you imagine that living in Thailand under any circumstances is considered acceptable by 'polite' society, you are fooling yourselves. I have tattoos, naturally but far from hide them or regret I have them, I am happy I had them and here's why. The first tattoo I got was to celebrate a time in my life when having survived active service as a soldier, I changed my life and went to university and also settled down and had two sons. It's a big tattoo and is complex. The second Tattoo I had was to celebrate my completion of a Master's degree and the shades of black and white that marked my struggle to achieve it. The third tattoo was to celebrate my exposure to Thailand and the publication of my first book. Life changing events, all of them. It is simply not true that only 'low lifes' have tattoos. I know one guy who was a naval stoker who had tattoos all over his body and then he became a lawyer. I feel that there is a trend for more people to have tattoos as a FASHION statement today and there are more ridiculous tattoos around; pop stars portraits, random 'tribal' bands and tattoos and Disney characters. In these cases the appeal will wear thin as they mean little, on the whole, to the bearer. But that was not always the case. As far as tattoo bearers being 'faux hard-men' the tattoo culture has never been about proving anything to others except that the bearer has actually made a permanent choice in their life which, you will have to admit, takes courage. A tattoo used to say, 'This is what I am, I choose to mark the passages of my life in a way that mainstream society may not approve of. Damn the torpedoes". Like me, most tattoo bearers of my generation probably feel that mainstream society holds no allure and that being a sheep is the last thing they want to be. Most soldiers feel that society at once wants them to do the dirty job they will not do and resents them for it but simultaneously has a hard-on for soldiers . . . .whilst looking down on them and sneering. people who stepped out or up from their humbler origins were said by society to 'have gotten to big for their britches' . A lot of people mention it and the kind of mind-set that considers Intelligence to be the only virtue of value in a person is just a symptom of a poorly evolved and perpetually judgmental society. Lots of people who may not be intellectuals in anyone's estimation are wonderful, loyal, courageous, intuitive, generous tattoo bearers and human beings. When I see someone who has a shocking tattoo, say, a crucifix tattooed on their forehead or anything on their face I think, 'Well, at least they made a choice about their life'! They are not destined to be part of the 'once you clock in, you'll take any shit' brigade of soulless, interchangeable nobodies married to a fat wife they loathe secretly and living in the suburbs of a forgotten town. So here's to 'em, and may they receive the mental health counseling they will surely need at some stage or another? My tattoos have remained quite colourful, it's a bit of a myth that they turn into blue blobs . . . . that's a better description of ex-coppers! Edited March 28, 2016 by RawboneFunksta Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KarenBravo Posted March 28, 2016 Share Posted March 28, 2016 The sheep have all got tattoos now. Especially the young. You want to stand out? Don't get a tattoo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JemJem Posted March 28, 2016 Share Posted March 28, 2016 I often find that even those people who may be regarded as 'living beyond the pale' by mainstream society in the west are very judgmental about others and other issues. People who may have profile pictures of themselves with girls 30 years their junior still 'cock a snoot' at sex tourists, immigrants and tattooed people. It's almost as if they are waiting out there and are excited to finally be able to pass their supreme judgment on anyone different? If you imagine that living in Thailand under any circumstances is considered acceptable by 'polite' society, you are fooling yourselves. I have tattoos, naturally but far from hide them or regret I have them, I am happy I had them and here's why. The first tattoo I got was to celebrate a time in my life when having survived active service as a soldier, I changed my life and went to university and also settled down and had two sons. It's a big tattoo and is complex. The second Tattoo I had was to celebrate my completion of a Master's degree and the shades of black and white that marked my struggle to achieve it. The third tattoo was to celebrate my exposure to Thailand and the publication of my first book. Life changing events, all of them. It is simply not true that only 'low lifes' have tattoos. I know one guy who was a naval stoker who had tattoos all over his body and then he became a lawyer. I feel that there is a trend for more people to have tattoos as a FASHION statement today and there are more ridiculous tattoos around; pop stars portraits, random 'tribal' bands and tattoos and Disney characters. In these cases the appeal will wear thin as they mean little, on the whole, to the bearer. But that was not always the case. As far as tattoo bearers being 'faux hard-men' the tattoo culture has never been about proving anything to others except that the bearer has actually made a permanent choice in their life which, you will have to admit, takes courage. A tattoo used to say, 'This is what I am, I choose to mark the passages of my life in a way that mainstream society may not approve of. Damn the torpedoes". Like me, most tattoo bearers of my generation probably feel that mainstream society holds no allure and that being a sheep is the last thing they want to be. Most soldiers feel that society at once wants them to do the dirty job they will not do and resents them for it but simultaneously has a hard-on for soldiers . . . .whilst looking down on them and sneering. people who stepped out or up from their humbler origins were said by society to 'have gotten to big for their britches' . A lot of people mention it and the kind of mind-set that considers Intelligence to be the only virtue of value in a person is just a symptom of a poorly evolved and perpetually judgmental society. Lots of people who may not be intellectuals in anyone's estimation are wonderful, loyal, courageous, intuitive, generous tattoo bearers and human beings. When I see someone who has a shocking tattoo, say, a crucifix tattooed on their forehead or anything on their face I think, 'Well, at least they made a choice about their life'! They are not destined to be part of the 'once you clock in, you'll take any shit' brigade of soulless, interchangeable nobodies married to a fat wife they loathe secretly and living in the suburbs of a forgotten town. So here's to 'em, and may they receive the mental health counseling they will surely need at some stage or another? My tattoos have remained quite colourful, it's a bit of a myth that they turn into blue blobs . . . . that's a better description of ex-coppers! I've enjoyed reading your post, except the part that I put in bold; in that line, sadly there is unnecessary negative generalisation and bias. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pgrahmm Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 I often find that even those people who may be regarded as 'living beyond the pale' by mainstream society in the west are very judgmental about others and other issues. People who may have profile pictures of themselves with girls 30 years their junior still 'cock a snoot' at sex tourists, immigrants and tattooed people. It's almost as if they are waiting out there and are excited to finally be able to pass their supreme judgment on anyone different? If you imagine that living in Thailand under any circumstances is considered acceptable by 'polite' society, you are fooling yourselves. I have tattoos, naturally but far from hide them or regret I have them, I am happy I had them and here's why. The first tattoo I got was to celebrate a time in my life when having survived active service as a soldier, I changed my life and went to university and also settled down and had two sons. It's a big tattoo and is complex. The second Tattoo I had was to celebrate my completion of a Master's degree and the shades of black and white that marked my struggle to achieve it. The third tattoo was to celebrate my exposure to Thailand and the publication of my first book. Life changing events, all of them. It is simply not true that only 'low lifes' have tattoos. I know one guy who was a naval stoker who had tattoos all over his body and then he became a lawyer. I feel that there is a trend for more people to have tattoos as a FASHION statement today and there are more ridiculous tattoos around; pop stars portraits, random 'tribal' bands and tattoos and Disney characters. In these cases the appeal will wear thin as they mean little, on the whole, to the bearer. But that was not always the case. As far as tattoo bearers being 'faux hard-men' the tattoo culture has never been about proving anything to others except that the bearer has actually made a permanent choice in their life which, you will have to admit, takes courage. A tattoo used to say, 'This is what I am, I choose to mark the passages of my life in a way that mainstream society may not approve of. Damn the torpedoes". Like me, most tattoo bearers of my generation probably feel that mainstream society holds no allure and that being a sheep is the last thing they want to be. Most soldiers feel that society at once wants them to do the dirty job they will not do and resents them for it but simultaneously has a hard-on for soldiers . . . .whilst looking down on them and sneering. people who stepped out or up from their humbler origins were said by society to 'have gotten to big for their britches' . A lot of people mention it and the kind of mind-set that considers Intelligence to be the only virtue of value in a person is just a symptom of a poorly evolved and perpetually judgmental society. Lots of people who may not be intellectuals in anyone's estimation are wonderful, loyal, courageous, intuitive, generous tattoo bearers and human beings. When I see someone who has a shocking tattoo, say, a crucifix tattooed on their forehead or anything on their face I think, 'Well, at least they made a choice about their life'! They are not destined to be part of the 'once you clock in, you'll take any shit' brigade of soulless, interchangeable nobodies married to a fat wife they loathe secretly and living in the suburbs of a forgotten town. So here's to 'em, and may they receive the mental health counseling they will surely need at some stage or another? My tattoos have remained quite colourful, it's a bit of a myth that they turn into blue blobs . . . . that's a better description of ex-coppers! Good post... A little baited, prickly ,barbed & very defensive - both sides have been....Not sure why it's the us against them thing - but suppose it always will be.....It's a polarizing topic.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pgrahmm Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=465342627000421&id=226985220836164 A tattoo how to..... Sorry - but IMHO I do not find them flattering (very unflattering) on this gal.....But she does & that what this whole topic is about..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GuestHouse Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 A tattoo artist's view. http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/mar/28/secret-life-tattooist-art-narcissistic-selfie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raro Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 I removed a post with messed up quote marks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KarenBravo Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 A tattoo artist's view. http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/mar/28/secret-life-tattooist-art-narcissistic-selfie Good article. Pretty much sums it up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bangsaenguy Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 How did so many narrow minded people wind up on one forum? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Berkshire Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 A tattoo artist's view. http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/mar/28/secret-life-tattooist-art-narcissistic-selfie Interesting. But it seems that his definition of tattoos going "mainstream" seems to be that more people are doing it, which I don't agree. (he also expressed his dread with this development, which is to say why get a tattoo anymore if everyone's doing it.) Tattoos used to be a social statement. Now, it's just a fashion statement. Having said that, I just read an article in the NY Times about an anti-gang raid, and this was the photo accompanying. Notice anything? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BritManToo Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 (edited) Mainstream Thai hooker, mainstream Thai gang member, mainstream Thai religious male. Not sure it's going, or ever been, mainstream with any other Thai nationals. Only my ideas on Thais with tattoos, different foreign cultures look at them in different ways. Edited March 29, 2016 by BritManToo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KarenBravo Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 I guess it depends when you grew up. In the 1960's and 70's, the only people that had tattoos were seamen, prisoners, gang members and hookers. This is precisely why tattoos became popular. For the shock value and to stand out. Now, if you're under 30 years old and you don't have a tattoo, you're in the minority. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary A Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 I have a small to medium size tattoo on my left fore arm. I came from a drunk session while on leave from the US Navy in New Zealand. I don't regret it. It reminds me of my Navy days and what a beautiful country New Zealand is. At one time it was an eagle but after 50 years it is difficult to recognize. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rancid Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 I'd thought about getting one but so mainstream now that it would just seem like bleating along with the crowd. In fact especially back home so common now that I think the next wave will not get them just so they can be different. My kids think that way at the moment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pgrahmm Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 With them always tied in to the REAL outlaw side: MotorCycle/street gangs - turf & international gang affiliations.... Prison tats..... Marking/branding by human traffickers ...... Sexual preferences designation - signals.... Escapism - some countries will not accept people with tats for the military as they see it as a flawed character attribute.... Some "religious" symbols..... It can designate some seedy aspects of life - and groups.... Mainstream - not yet - whether it is a trend, money making driven advertising industry that will cap/tap out - who knows.... Of the guys/westerners that I do know that are heavily tatted almost all have a "loose cannon" agression trigger hiding somewhere in their personalities & you never know when it's going to come unwound..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mogandave Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 Tattoos are a sign of rugged individualism. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KarenBravo Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 Sorry, but, when housewives and accountants are getting them, I think we can assume tattoos are now firmly in the mainstream. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mania Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 https://www.facebook.com/Tattoomodelsearchcom-692004554216942/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eclipse Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 Tattoos are a sign of rugged individualism. Tattoos are a sign of being a t-w-a-t Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
namatjira Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 Make a good tattoo that....."<deleted> that " Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mogandave Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 Tattoos are a sign of rugged individualism. Tattoos are a sign of being a t-w-a-t A rugged individualistic t-w-a-t thank you very much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Asheron Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 Tattoos are a sign of rugged individualism. Tattoos are a sign of being a t-w-a-t Another sign of being a t-w-a-t is being judgemental. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rgs2001uk Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 Tats, so passe. Body modifications, brandings and insertments are where its at these days. Pamela Anderson barbed wire crosses, Ce;ltic crosses, George Clooney style markings, and tribal markings are so old skool. Might look kool on KSR, dont forget your sak yant and elephant hair bracelet. Yes in farangistan gone mainstream, here in Thailand, no chance. Check out the girls next time you are in, ING, UOB, Aberdeen, or HSBC Premier lounge. Check out the staff next time you go to a hospital, gov't office or govt building. The LoSo will be tatted up, the HiSo wont. How many have spent time in a locker room after 18 holes and checked out the Thai men? Yes you may see the odd sak yant, but it aint on display, their career would be over. Next time you are at Immigration, check out the tats on display by the staff. Horses for courses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Social Media Posted March 30, 2016 Share Posted March 30, 2016 Dont like them personally, but to assume someone hasnt got one, just because its not on display is wrong. I have known plenty of females who have them but you would never know unless they were undressed. In the small of their back, on the hip etc, and more intimate places. So those Bank staff, hi-so etc you mention, dont bet on it. I never understood it, why have one if you then hide it, I asked one girl, she said I like it, subtle, and think its pretty, but dont think its right to publicise it, thats "cheap" and could be viewed as as a "tramp stamp". For her it was a private choice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ace of Pop Posted March 30, 2016 Share Posted March 30, 2016 Some are funny,the Skinny Yank with AIRBORNE Is funny ,big gust of wind and he might be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thai3 Posted March 30, 2016 Share Posted March 30, 2016 Tats are mainstream- among the lower classes both Thai and foreigner Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RawboneFunksta Posted April 3, 2016 Share Posted April 3, 2016 Lots of people assuming that hi-so or middle class/upper class is a better state of existence. Take away the money (often inherited) and working people are usually much better to be around and that includes those in Thailand. Strange, when I first came to live in Thailand I resided in Thonburi, Bangkok and all the people on the soi, shop owners, food cart vendors, moto guys were incredibly friendly. I lived there for a year before moving to Ari. What a shock that was . . . rip offs by the score, overpricing, no Thai smiles . . . I never realised at the time that all the people in Thonburi, at least, on my, street came from Isan. As far as the UK goes, class has been used as a weapon for generations so when I see a well dressed gent in an expensive car I am less likely to trust him! After all, the bankers, financiers and politicians of most countries are the ones that hurt most other people, not the bikers, prostitutes and soldiers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saastrajaa Posted April 4, 2016 Share Posted April 4, 2016 (edited) I love this fact: if any of the "tough guys" saying provocative, derogatory things about tattooed people in this thread (<cough> keyboard warriors <cough> e-penis) were to walk into an actual bar filled with all of us huge, scary fellows who actually are covered with tattoos, and said 1/10 of the shit they're saying in this thread, they'd all be busy for the next half hour picking up their teeth off the bar floor... Edited April 4, 2016 by Saastrajaa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KarenBravo Posted April 4, 2016 Share Posted April 4, 2016 I love this fact: if any of the "tough guys" saying provocative, derogatory things about tattooed people in this thread (<cough> keyboard warriors <cough> e-penis) were to walk into an actual bar filled with all of us huge, scary fellows who actually are covered with tattoos, and said 1/10 of the shit they're saying in this thread, they'd all be busy for the next half hour picking up their teeth off the bar floor... Oh the irony! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
namatjira Posted April 4, 2016 Share Posted April 4, 2016 I love this fact: if any of the "tough guys" saying provocative, derogatory things about tattooed people in this thread (<cough> keyboard warriors <cough> e-penis) were to walk into an actual bar filled with all of us huge, scary fellows who actually are covered with tattoos, and said 1/10 of the shit they're saying in this thread, they'd all be busy for the next half hour picking up their teeth off the bar floor... Brilliant...and there we have it.....proof of the mentality of many of the tattooed..... Yes folks...huge scary fellows covered in tattoos......no thanks ..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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