Todays topic is going to be about Tattoos. Why would you get one? What would you get? Why did you get it? Cultural? Just because? I may even hear the classic line, I was drunk... Also what I really want to hear is what you honestly think about tattoos in general. Some say it looks cool and others say it looks ugly. Why do you have this certain opinion about tattoos? Religion? Parents installing in your head that tattoos are good/bad? WHY???
Being Christian and Polynesian makes this subject a little harder to talk about if it's good or bad. Religion wise this action is not encouraged. Cultural wise this action may signify rank in ones tribe for example lets take a look at the Maori culture. Tattooing is considered to be a sacred art for the Maori people. The first tattoo marks the transition from childhood to adulthood and was done during a series of rites and rituals. Traditional Maori tattoos were more than just decorative. They were a show of strength, courage and status. Now with that being said what are your thoughts?
Americanized tattoos can be considered random tribal tats, favorite cartoon characters, names of loved ones, symbols honoring a passion for something or someone and sadly enough you get those with future regretful names. Personally, I have seen some beautiful tattoos but I have also seen some really funky ones and if you google STUPIDEST TATTOOS you definitely get what you asked for. It really seems ridiculous and as you look through the images all you can say is WHAT THE HECK WERE THEY THINKING?! Now I know there are people that get beautiful symbols or writings to represent their significant other or a loved one who has passed so what do you think about them? What are your personal feelings about those that get ridiculous tattoos vs people that get tattoos that signify their love for their family?
My point of view is tattoos are not to be taken lightly. It is a permanent action that needs to be thoroughly thought through. In my culture it is not frowned upon to have a TRADITIONAL polynesian tattoo. If anything there is a deeper understanding to why an individual would go and get one as long as they keep it traditional. Religiously it could hurt feelings because it is not encouraged but we do have our free agency. Americanized tattoos is definitely in the same boat for me. Ridiculous, insane, immature tattoos that have absolutely no meaning to life in general is exactly what I just said RIDICULOUS, INSANE AND IMMATURE. I personally do not agree with those that disrespect the art by getting foolish tattoos. But I honestly do not feel that way towards those that honor a loved one. Those that honor a loved one with beautiful art is an AWE moment for me. I will not degrade those that show passion for another that would be considered a "holier-than-thou" moment <-- meaning SELF-RIGHTEOUS.
For me getting a tattoo signifies a prominent time in a person life, a point of transition. E.g: celebrating graduating and in a drunken stupor you have marked that moment for life. Even getting a tat of lost one symbolizes a painful change. For me personally it was to show everyone my cultural heritage. So next time you see someonr with an interesting tat ask them what happen to make them mark their body the answer may surprise you. Good article.
ReplyDeleteInteresting post, Pua! I have friends/family who are members of the church and get inked regularly. I always wanted to ask one of them about their thought process. I remember in high school wanting to get a tatoo of a star on my left shoulder blade. I thought about putting some chinese symbol inside of it, rationalizing that it would honor my late chinese grandfather. My mom asked me once if I would want one on my arm, that would represent my dad's family and vilalge in Samoa. At the time I said no because I have a low pain tolerance lol.
ReplyDeleteNow I have my own firm belief that my body is a temple, and tatoos are not a good way to show God my gratitude for it. I can appreciate and respect others' free agency too.
Personally I feel that I don't have to get a tat to show people where my family comes from. My life and the way I treat people should reflect my culture better than anything else.
As for personal expression? I can appreciate that too... I just choose to put it on a t-shirt...or a bumper sticker LOL
I will say this, I have seen some ridiculously beautiful art in the form of tatoos. It is definitely a skill that not everyone has. Again, I respect good art when I see it.
(steps off her soap box)
thank you! :0)
I just wrote a paper on polynesian tatoos for my humanity class, hoping that it would persuade me on wether kel should or shouldnt get one... I like the tribal tattoos ALOT! ALOT ALOT ALOTTT!!! Kel would look so sexy with one! LOL, but we can't bring ourselves to do it. But boy do we REALLLLYYY want to get one!... its a tough call, but for us its not so tough, but that doesnt mean we don't want one! LOL!!! good topic!
ReplyDeleteLol. Like all the comments. If you get one get one by someone that has done more than one. I see a lot ruined by amateurs. Always look at their past work and you should be fine. Remember you don't just get out the eraser and say whoops. Especially putting someones name that you might not be with forever. lol to your new friend, "uh,That was my ex's name." lol. Anyone want to see some good work check out my friend Mike. @ www.sacredcentertattoo.com
ReplyDelete