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Got Ink?
Tattoos are Indecent and Immoral
Acceptance of tattoos has improved, but you can hardly call it
mainstream. Tattoos are primarily a moral issue in Oklahoma. The
logic is that your body is God's temple and a tattoo is defacing
God's temple.
Dennis gives Kay highlights. |
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So once you get a tattoo, you immediately get placed into the
ungodly class. It does not matter if you get a face lift, hair
implants, collagen injections, or breast implants. I guess
it's okay to help God out because he surely did not intend for you to
just grow old with small tits?
Only in 2006 did it became legal get a tattoo in the
state of Oklahoma. That tells you that there is not only a lot
of people in Oklahoma who feel tattoos are immoral but there is
something just shy of a majority that believe that they need to
legislate their morality. Legislating your morality on someone else
is sort of Taliban isn't it? I thought that was why are are killing
Islamic extremists.
What to do when Faced with a Tattoo.
Tattoos have a certain shock feature to them so if you are taken
back by them then that is normal. If you think that are
reprehensible and immoral then why are you still reading this page?
Go away. Until I got my tattoo I did not
realize how many people look but don't want to look like they are
looking. Don't be scared. If your interested, ask to see the tattoo.
If they got it, it likely means something important to
them and they will be happy to show it to you and tell you the story
behind it. This is especially true for older folks like me.
For the younger crowd tattoos are often just decoration, but they
will still enjoy showing them off.
Please don't sneak a look. Either look at it or ignore it. Do not
stand behind me at the water cooler and crane your head around to
try and get a better view. I can see your reflection in the machine
and I know what you're doing. Man up and ask, before I ask you if
you want a better look. The hard core Bible thumpers are the worst
about this. It's like a sin if they acknowledge the tattoo, so it's
like they are perving on you; and it's very creepy. On the up-side
when I am not in my stuffy corporate IT office that is notoriously
full of wimps, my tattoo is a pleasant conversation starter
especially with the younger blue collar crowd.
 The
Chinese Junk built bases on the Junk that Marco Polo
voyaged in and the basis for our tattoos. |
Kay's calf, "He is my sail" and
Doug's forearm, "She is my rudder". |
Carl's forearm, "Dare mighty things.."
-Theodore Roosevelt |
Randi's Phoenix |
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Our Tattoos
We have been married nearly 30 years, and the "till death do us
part" portion of our vows means something to us. We actively focus
on improving our marriage, we change ourselves, we use marriage
counselors, we do what it takes to enjoy being married not just stay
married. Given the divorce rate in our society, the rings and the
vows just don't say what they once said. But putting it on
your arm; now that makes it clear that you have made a commitment.
"He is my sail." - The ambition, the drive, and the motivation to
move forward even into a storm, but not the steady or thoughtfully
chosen path, so "She is my rudder".
One of Carl's Tattoos
But I got to say some of the funniest times, is when some old
patient of mine commits on how "pretty" my tattoo looks. Or some
little kid just stares at it, then shyly asks about it, while
reaching out to touch my arm. Honestly though, a lot of times I
forget its there until someone commits on it, which makes me happy
because I do really like it. Then you have those times, like during
a physical training test, shit is getting hard, my head slouches,
and I see the writing one my arm. It gives me that extra boost to
knock a few more out.
Overall I really like tattoos, and no not just because I like
decorations or "accessories" or whatever. But to me they show a
little more of my personality to people. They say "yes I do have a
tattoo. I am one of "those" people. One of those you dare to go out
side the comfortable norm, and even display it". And all I can think
is, "what's holding you back, why don't you step outside your box
and enjoy life more." Plus they just look cool and are fun!
--Carl
Randi's Tattoo
Tattoos are a great way to express yourself and show people what
is important to you. I have two tattoos. Since tattoos are
permanent, I spent a long time deciding how to decorate my body. My
tattoos are both fun and serious. For my first tattoo, I created a
carefree, abstract design. On the other hand, my second tattoo has a
powerful meaning. I chose to put a large colorful phoenix on my
back. It represents my decision to transform my life. I have chosen
to share what’s important to me through my tattoos. However, there
are people who believe that body art is wrong.
Many people say that tattoos are dangerous and repulsive. After
my first tattoo was applied, people warned me that tattoos spread
disease. When people saw my second tattoo, they asked why I would
ruin my body, which they believe God’s temple. I agree that my body
is a temple. I simply decided to decorate mine. Because of there,
prejudices these people miss the significance tattoos can hold.
Tattoos give you a chance to discover people’s values and
personalities. For example, my mom and dad have matching tattoos.
Their tattoos represent their dreams and devotion. A sailboat is the
focus of their tattoos. Mom’s says, “He is my sail.” Dad's says,
“She is my rudder.” If you take the time to read their tattoos, they
show how important they are to each other. My husband has three
tattoos. His first tattoo is a flaming cross showing his
spirituality. The second one, a combat medic skull, represents his
time overseas. His last tattoo motivates him with a quote from
Theodore Roosevelt: “Dare mighty things.”
Tattoos are a form for self-expression that exposes what is
important to a person. They show a little more of yourself than you
would normally reveal. --Randi
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