ink == intimidating? i don't get it.

_snw_

I'm a ~really~ "outgoing" person. Its rare that I go anywhere alone and end up not making a friend with the person who had the (un)fortunate luck to end up sitting next to me.

Case in point - I just got back from lunch where I went solo. By the time I left, one waitress was sitting next to me after bringing me some food she personally cooked earlier, wanting me to try it, and the guy sitting on the right side of me gave me his business card with the promise I'll call him randomly one day, tell him he's an arsehole, and hang up.

So that happens all the time.

But I'm dressed for work at the moment (meaning tank top under a long sleeved button up to cover my tattoos (sleeves)) and i'm starting to notice a pattern. Tattoos covered, I can (and do) make friends with pretty much any stranger. But when my colors are on display, I only make friends with other tattooed/punk rock people.

why?

does lots of ink == intimidating? Or does lots of ink == white trash == me not being worth talking to by the average joe?

annabellio

I really don't get that either. At all. And btw you have just added to the mounting evidence that if we were in the same bar we would strike up a friendship

Nicola0000

I want to be like you!!!

Qarol

Regardless of ink, I don't talk to people generally. I'm anti-social and usually am absorbed in my own world. I need a sign..."don't talk to me."

I KNOW! Maybe I should get that in a tattoo! What do you think? Forehead? Cleavage?

AccordingtoTodd

definitely cleveage, that makes a strong statement

♥Faerie♥

I rarely ever have my ink covered, and have never had anyone seem put off by it....and if I do have a jacket on or something, in the middle of winter, I really see no difference in the way people react or approach me.
The only real difference is that when my ink is shown, it seems to be a conversation starter, most people seem to use that to talk to me, by asking about a particular tat.....
Not sure where you live, maybe its more acceptable in FL?

fatboypup

tattoos are lame

KJVBear33

I'm a ~really~ "outgoing" person. Its rare that I go anywhere alone and end up not making a friend with the person who had the (un)fortunate luck to end up sitting next to me.

Case in point - I just got back from lunch where I went solo. By the time I left, one waitress was sitting next to me after bringing me some food she personally cooked earlier, wanting me to try it, and the guy sitting on the right side of me gave me his business card with the promise I'll call him randomly one day, tell him he's an arsehole, and hang up.

So that happens all the time.

But I'm dressed for work at the moment (meaning tank top under a long sleeved button up to cover my tattoos (sleeves)) and i'm starting to notice a pattern. Tattoos covered, I can (and do) make friends with pretty much any stranger. But when my colors are on display, I only make friends with other tattooed/punk rock people.

why?

does lots of ink == intimidating? Or does lots of ink == white trash == me not being worth talking to by the average joe?

I think its because people think that just cause you have tattoos you are some what of a rebellious sort (be it punk rocker or what have you......and no, tattoos don't scream white trash......) and so they stereotype because of what media's persona is of someone who is heavily tatted.....its sad really because I know some pretty decent people who are tattooed and they are smart, outgoing, and beautiful like yourself.

tig_ol_bitties

tattoos are lame

Not as lame as your pic. :laugh:

odusgolp

I find the opposite... when my ink is exposed, I make tons of friends.

Granted, I have my pants off then, but whatever...

will010574

I stopped wondering/worrying about it a long time ago. I like my tattoos and Im tired of people making a judgement based solely on my ink. Im a Marine Infantry Officer, I have multiple degrees, make a great living and Im a generally pleasant person ish... so if Im judged on my ink or my bad military haircut or any # of other things I figure they can GFY and I move on with my life.

But I dont think you are a punk or white trash or any other stereotype...Keep Rocking the INK!

AnaNotBanana

I'm with Qarol, I always put off the "leave me alone" vibe. That being said when I have my tattoos showing people always talk to me about them. I have heard some of the most random stories about Elvis because I have a portrait of Elvis on my arm.

Kityngirl

I'm relatively shy and anti-social, but I actually get the opposite. More people approach me when my tattoos are visible then when they aren't.....of course, most times it is to comment on them.

_GingerSnap_

I find the opposite... when my ink is exposed, I make tons of friends.

Granted, I have my pants off then, but whatever...

Almost shot water out of my nose! Thanks for that!

fatboypup

tattoos are lame

Not as lame as your pic. :laugh:

the beebs owns you!

SwannySez

I find the opposite... when my ink is exposed, I make tons of friends.

Granted, I have my pants off then, but whatever...

Note to self...send friend request.

_snw_

----> oh... let me say - i don't give a crap about who likes me or not. I simply was just contemplating it. <----

I will say, however, when my ink is showing - i DO get ~tons~ of 'attention', it being a conversation starter. My point here is all of the attention is from a certain type of person. I just find it funny how that i believe many of the people who end up chatting with me and talking with - probably wouldn't had my ink been showing.

make sense?

Begood03

I find the opposite... when my ink is exposed, I make tons of friends.

Granted, I have my pants off then, but whatever...

LMFAO!

Qarol

N...I would talk to you regardless. But it would help if you didn't have so much clothing on...

LuckyLeprechaun

I only perceive ink as intimidating if the subject matter of the tattoos is gory or scary looking. I know that's REALLY shallow, but that's a factor for me.

A girl with an entire sleeve of flowers/colors/pretty design of almost any kind? Lovely, and doesn't seem intimidating to me.

A girl with a sleeve of demon faces, spurting blood, gory or overly suggestive art? A little scary, to me. I saw a girl who had a giant dragon, curled up and holding it's *member*, and a big spray of blood gushing forth. On her forearm. Combine that with the "love" and "hate" on her knuckles, and ya, I was fully intimidated.

Basically, if it seems like you're trying to scare me with your artwork, chances are, since I'm a chicken, it's working.

iNkedFiTmama

If anything.. my ink makes people talk to me more I think.. Definite conversation starter.

AccordingtoTodd

this is just getting better and better

itsuki

You're not missing out... anyone who isn't friendly to someone JUST because they have tattoos isn't worth having as a friend anyway.

LuckyLeprechaun

lots of ink == white trash == me not being worth talking to by the average joe?

I don't feel this way. But, I think a lot of people do. It may be a contributing factor.

KrisyKat

tattoos are lame

^^THIS^^

SueInAz

tattoos are lame

:laugh:

To the OP, I'm trying to see if I can verbalize how I feel about this. I have two tattoos myself, and a few friends with a lot of ink, but I think seeing a female who is heavily tatted still throws me off a bit. I can't say that I'd be necessarily intimidated but maybe I might be less likely to strike up a conversation with you if you're sitting next to me at a bar or restaurant. I would certainly respond back just as easily as I would back to someone without tattoos, but I might not be the one to make the opening remark, if that makes any sense. I'm not even sure if I can put a finger on why. Perhaps I feel like I'm just not cool enough to say something you'd find interesting?

ETA: I was just wanted to add that I know a few people who are actually upset when people start questioning someone over their artwork or even worse walk up and touch it, move an article of clothing out of the way to see it, etc. And yes, that does happen! As a result, I rarely do more than say "I really like your artwork" to someone. I don't like to use it as a conversation starter. If they want to take my comment and use it to explain the piece, I'm more than happy to listen but I don't expect them to start giving the personal reasons they have that particular piece.

I also have to agree with the person who said that it really depends on the nature of the artwork. Scary, gory stuff often equates to scary personality. LOL

Nerdy_Rose

I think it may be the opposite effect. Punkier people are attracted to nice ink. I have 4 tattoos and 2 facial piercings and I am naturally attracted to talking to people who have lots of lovely ink.

phresh21

I find a lot of people think I've "ruined" my skin and I'll "regret" it when I'm older. I don't care what one thinks I love my ink and show it off every chance I get. Stare all you want cause I've got it and you dont

Kityngirl

I will say, however, when my ink is showing - i DO get ~tons~ of 'attention', it being a conversation starter. My point here is all of the attention is from a certain type of person. I just find it funny how that i believe many of the people who end up chatting with me and talking with - probably wouldn't had my ink been showing.

make sense?

I strangely get the most 'normal' looking people stop me in random places and play the "oh! Oh! I totally know what that's a picture of!"game....or they see one peaking out and want to see. It's mildly disturbing to have someone ask you to pull your shirt down with no dinner or movie even offered....

stephc0711

I once had a patient and nurse tell me that the only people who get tattoos are criminals and white trash. I wanted so badly to ask them if I was supposed to be in jail... I get so irritated by all the nasty comments, mostly made by people who don't realize I have 6. I actually connect well with most people, and get a lot of compliments on my biggest tat, even from people who don't normally like them.
BTW- I would LOVE to have sleeves done, but I think my hubby would divorce me...

ojell

Not sure where you're from, but I know where you live can play a big role in their reactions...some places are more socially acceptable when it comes to different things like tats, piercings, or even ethnicities...but then some aren't. Ink is acceptable in certain areas where I'm from but not as much in other areas. IMO. It's dumb really. LOL I'd talk to you!