If you had the option right now to get a permanent mark on your body (easily hidden spot or very public area) showing that you are an Atheist, Agnostic, Humanist, or other type of non-theist, would you do it? Before you think about the pain and such, in this hypothetical situation the tattoo would be painless, instant, well designed to your taste, free, and can never be removed for the rest of your life.
Follow up questions
1. What is your opinion and reaction to those who get real world tattoos symbolizing that they are not theists and of the images themselves?
2. Would it be dangerous for those like us to have a visible tattoo showing their beliefs?
3. Is it hypocritical and/or wrong for people to get religious tattoos (which is a very popular subject for tattoos) if their holy text says it's wrong or a sin if it's done to show their faith?
Not too big a fan of tatoos, honestly; don't see The appeal.
But if that's your thing, i don't see why not.
1. It's their bodies, they can do as they please with them as long as it don't hurt anyone other than them.
2. Not where i live. But i live in a very moderate place.
3. Wrong is a big word. Hypocritical? Maybe. Thoughiimagine ignorance would play a major role, like christians wearing mixed fabric and eating shrimp.
Quote from: Bluewind on April 13, 2016, 02:05:35 AM
If you had the option right now to get a permanent mark on your body (easily hidden spot or very public area) showing that you are an Atheist, Agnostic, Humanist, or other type of non-theist, would you do it? Before you think about the pain and such, in this hypothetical situation the tattoo would be painless, instant, well designed to your taste, free, and can never be removed for the rest of your life.
No, I wouldn't do this. For some reason it reminds me of SS and it's practice. I can't shake the feeling that such display of allegiance has some sinister overtones or at least it is my first reaction to such idea.
Quote from: Bluewind on April 13, 2016, 02:05:35 AMFollow up questions
1. What is your opinion and reaction to those who get real world tattoos symbolizing that they are not theists and of the images themselves?
Don't care. It is not affecting my life.
Quote from: Bluewind on April 13, 2016, 02:05:35 AM2. Would it be dangerous for those like us to have a visible tattoo showing their beliefs?
Depends on location. I don't think that I would be in real danger in Poland though I can be wrong.
Quote from: Bluewind on April 13, 2016, 02:05:35 AM3. Is it hypocritical and/or wrong for people to get religious tattoos (which is a very popular subject for tattoos) if their holy text says it's wrong or a sin if it's done to show their faith?
Yes. But while hypocritical it don't hurt the others so I don't really care.
Here's my view on tatoos. It's your body, so it's important that you don't care what other people think about what you get tattooed on you. I don't have any, but I do want some. I might get some blasphemous tattoos eventually when I get around to it, but whether or not other people approve or not, shouldn't bother you. You're decorating your body with art that you like from a tattoo artist that you like. Would you hang a painting on your wall because other people like it? no. You hang it on the wall because you like it. Same goes for your skin.
The concern about it being dangerous... I don't know where you live. If you live in Saudi Arabia, I would be careful with what you get. If you live in the south, maybe be careful? I live in NJ and most of the people I know either are non-religious or if they are religious, they aren't zealots. Only a few are fanatics, and they are so few that they wouldn't dare do something drastic. Maybe a few words about how they think I'm going to hell, but no threats or anything.
I personally say go for it, but that is all dependent on if it's safe for you, which in most areas of the U.S., for the most part it is safe.
If you like it and it means something to you, go for it. It's just flesh and blood, in 100 years how many people do you think will care that you marked your philosophy with ink upon your skin?
Then again, I am heavily biased towards tattoos, even if I have yet to get any done... as someone who loves anthropology, I want one simply for it's historical context as something mankind has done for thousands upon thousands of years, for spiritual reasons to simply aesthetics and rank. Tattoos are, in a historical context, one of the most human things in the world.
Interesting replies :)
I got this idea for a hypothetical question as I'm about to get my first tattoo and decided on a symbol I made for my beliefs. I happen to be talking to other people about it and got asked several questions. Would I still want it when I was 80, could my beliefs ever change, would I keep it hidden, would it cause me to get harassed, could I just wear my pendent which could be taken off when needed instead, and so on. They weren't being dismissive or negative, just cautiously supportive. I realized after just a few short months of saying I'm an atheist that I am willing to permanently mark myself as one until they day I die and I wondered if others would do it too if they had the chance. I've also talked to people (both like us and not) that disapprove of us getting non-theist themed tattoos as well as those who love the idea. I also found it hypocritical (not wrong) that Christian themed tattoos are very popular and usually well received even though they are in direct opposition of the bible.
PS: I'm in the southern US right in the bible belt in a very Christian town with far too many super Christians, but f*** um and feed um dry beans. I'm getting my ink and bring on the bible pelting ;)
If anyone tells you "tattoos are a commitment" just look them dead in the eye and say "Yeah, well even more of a commitment is the act of having a baby"
I personally wouldn't worry about if you will like it later on in life. I mean do a bit of thought about it, but don't obsess about it. As long as you aren't getting a heart with your girlfriend, you should be fine. You can always get a cover-up tattoo. Even if your view changes, and you get a tattoo now that is later on no longer describes you, it's a part of your life that had to do with you. It was a building block of who you are in your future self... your past is important and tattoos are like a history book of yourself.
I say do it up and fill your skin with ink. Post a picture in "Member Pictures" when you get it.
Quote from: Bluewind on April 13, 2016, 02:05:35 AM
If you had the option right now to get a permanent mark on your body (easily hidden spot or very public area) showing that you are an Atheist, Agnostic, Humanist, or other type of non-theist, would you do it?
Nope, not going to happen... ever, not even something neutral. I'm not into tats of any sort. I don't think they are attractive, and if they display some personal message that says who you are, I wouldn't give a shit anyway.
Quote from: Bluewind on April 13, 2016, 02:05:35 AMBefore you think about the pain and such, in this hypothetical situation the tattoo would be painless, instant, well designed to your taste, free, and can never be removed for the rest of your life.
The semi-permanence is the main drawback. It'd have to be not only something that you like right now, but would enjoy having on you for years to come. And if it's conspicuously placed, you have to take other people's reactions into account as well. A lot of trouble for not much of a payoff, imo.
Sorry but I never liked the idea of a permanent mark on your body. I change my taste a lot so that just would not do for me. Besides that's the first easiest way to identify you in case you ever decide to turn criminal. Not that I recommend that, But I'm just saying.
To each his own though.
I have "666" tattooed on my butt.
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on April 13, 2016, 10:22:52 AM
I have "666" tattooed on my butt.
To ward off Christian rapists?
Quote from: Gawdzilla Sama on April 13, 2016, 10:22:52 AM
I have "666" tattooed on my butt.
That could be dangerous! Read the wrong way, it would read 999. Which would mean you are a Herman Cain fan.
Quote from: stromboli on April 13, 2016, 12:17:42 PM
To ward off Christian rapists?
Oh my god! This is just perfect. Made me laugh my ass off XD
i've known Agnostics with religious tattoos (virgins, angels and cherubs, mostly) and 99% of those cases they are done as a sign of love to someone who actually was religious (a deceased family member, grandparent, generally)
Also there is the case of non theist that choose religious famous sculptures or paintings for the beauty of the image, without any meaning behind it.
BTW i've never seen "atheist tattoos", quite a bunch of devils, demons and inverted crosses (even some hot devil possessed nuns) but nothing "atheist" per se.
At least that's my experience as a tattooist
Don't personally have any because I never have been motivated enough to get one. All my children have them, all 3 atheists. Was in the Navy for 4 years and walked past many tattoo parlors, just never that interested. Have fun if that is your thing.
Quote from: stromboli on July 14, 2016, 09:40:42 AM
Don't personally have any because I never have been motivated enough to get one. All my children have them, all 3 atheists. Was in the Navy for 4 years and walked past many tattoo parlors, just never that interested. Have fun if that is your thing.
I got one of twenty identical tattoos (a cobra drawn on the flight from Seattle to Hong Kong (for further transit, obviously)) back in 1970. Still looks good. "Pinky's Tattoo Parlor, the place to go for a tat in Wan Chai!"
But I did get a laugh out of a cousin who told me that "Magneto is very proud of his atheist tattoo!"
Quote from: Bluewind on April 13, 2016, 02:05:35 AM
If you had the option right now to get a permanent mark on your body (easily hidden spot or very public area) showing that you are an Atheist, Agnostic, Humanist, or other type of non-theist, would you do it? Before you think about the pain and such, in this hypothetical situation the tattoo would be painless, instant, well designed to your taste, free, and can never be removed for the rest of your life.
Would I do it? No. Absolutely not. Neither the pain nor the cost have anything to do with that.
QuoteFollow up questions
1. What is your opinion and reaction to those who get real world tattoos symbolizing that they are not theists and of the images themselves?
Every tattoo, regardless of content, conveys the exact same message to me. They all say 'I make poor life choices and I don't care who knows it'.
Quote2. Would it be dangerous for those like us to have a visible tattoo showing their beliefs?
There is no upside to it at all. The downside would vary but could be significant depending on career field and geographic location.
Quote3. Is it hypocritical and/or wrong for people to get religious tattoos (which is a very popular subject for tattoos) if their holy text says it's wrong or a sin if it's done to show their faith?
See answer #1.
I have one tat, MRA (no, not men's rights association) It's on my right arm to signify it's my right arm..MRA=My Right Arm.. Actually it's my inititals, but over the years a lot of pretty women have bought into the My right arm story in bars always followed up by 'Wanna see where I have MD tattooed at?' It actually worked once..and no..I don't have a dick tattoo..
True story..My rap sheet with the Dayton police actually has stated, 'Tattoo on right arm. My Right Arm '
I told that to a cop once years ago when I was arrested for public intox. It makes me laugh because they never removed it and I'll never tell them.. lol
QuoteEvery tattoo, regardless of content, conveys the exact same message to me. They all say 'I make poor life choices and I don't care who knows it'.
(http://www.reactiongifs.com/r/npa5yMn.gif)
Shrug. Just being honest. I know people love them and all that but I've just never seen an upside and I've seen plenty of downsides. I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one in the world with this opinion.
Fair enough, just not sure of the point of judging people who appreciate a different type of art than you do. To each their own.
People judge. Its what we do.
Quote from: Johan on July 17, 2016, 08:16:19 PM
People judge. Its what we do.
I get that, it's just over such trivial things that it seems... trivial.
The question was generalized so I was talking in general terms.
Some tattoos are indeed relatively trivial examples of art.
(http://sugarscape.cdnds.net/15/28/small_tattoo_placement_ideas_anchor_ankle.jpg)
Others, not so much.
(http://www.tattoobite.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/drake-face-tattoo.jpg)
I am somewhat of a selfish economist about tats. TBH, I don't think they add anything to a person that can't be overcome with some psychology, or confidence, however this is not the argument. I have 200 bucks…..do I give it to some person to inject a mild poison into my skin and have a permanent picture of that choice or do i upgrade from a mcdonalds to a Carrabba's…..for a month….not a hard choice for me. I prefer good food.
See, and I don't really have any problem with that... you like what you like, other's like what they like and everyone is happy. I just have one gripe...
QuoteTBH, I don't think they add anything to a person that can't be overcome with some psychology, or confidence, however this is not the argument.
I don't particularly understand this. For me, my ink represents two things; first, it is a way of connecting with my heritage which has a long history of tattoo work, and the designs represent several motifs from my different ethnic backgrounds and places I've lived Edit: Let me expand that abit; not just my heritage, but human history. Tattoos go back thousands of years, and I find that a cool way to share something with people of the past. Second, it is almost all my own art work... I'm not sure what is more confident than putting my own art on my skin for the rest of my life where everyone can see it and judge it.
Quote from: Shiranu on July 18, 2016, 12:55:36 AM
Second, it is almost all my own art work... I'm not sure what is more confident than putting my own art on my skin for the rest of my life where everyone can see it and judge it.
I'm going to call bullshit on this one. You wanna know what shows more confidence than putting your own art on your own skin? That's easy. Putting your own art on a canvas with a price tag. Or putting your own art in a portfolio that you shop to potential commercial art employers. You've got talent. Putting it to use on your skin is wasting it and I'm not just saying that as someone who doesn't get the attraction of tattoos.
Tattoos are entirely personal., *I* wouldn't have one. I don't even put bumper stickers on my car. I think tattoos are stupid. I think less of people who have them. Its like having an office worker apply for a job with screaming blue spiked hair. They won't fit in. Be a rebel if you want, but expect to pay a price.
Eck. Thank god people who think like that are dying off. Tattoos are not even remotely rebellious; 29 percent of Americans have one, and from the 18 to 29 age group 40 percent have one. I would wager the number of spiked blue haired office workers is closer to something like .00000002% of of the total population.
On that note, getting a new one in a couple of weeks, this time of one of the world's oldest prayers in Tibetan. It's pretty cool, some anthropologists think that mantras like Om Mani Padme Hung go all the way back to shaman and animism, and chants like Om may even predate actual language.
Not an atheist tattoo, infact the exact opposite, but still... it has to do with the career/hobby I want. Up next will probably be something "Mexican" (probably Aztec) inspired. Want to get my right arm covered in mythology.
Go Quetzalquatle ... not that douche Tezcatlpoca. You kind of look like Cortez already.
Tats are pretty much the norm nowadays. The only thing that bothers me is one day person has a heart on their ankle and 2 weeks later they have a full sleeve of typical boring tatpop. Screams tacky. I do like using tats as an excuse to look at certain places on the ladies, ifywim.
I won't even put a political sign on my lawn.
Quote from: Bluewind on April 13, 2016, 02:05:35 AM
If you had the option right now to get a permanent mark on your body (easily hidden spot or very public area) showing that you are an Atheist, Agnostic, Humanist, or other type of non-theist, would you do it? Before you think about the pain and such, in this hypothetical situation the tattoo would be painless, instant, well designed to your taste, free, and can never be removed for the rest of your life.
Follow up questions
1. What is your opinion and reaction to those who get real world tattoos symbolizing that they are not theists and of the images themselves?
2. Would it be dangerous for those like us to have a visible tattoo showing their beliefs?
3. Is it hypocritical and/or wrong for people to get religious tattoos (which is a very popular subject for tattoos) if their holy text says it's wrong or a sin if it's done to show their faith?
It's a horrible idea.
However if you are gonna get a Atheist tattoo why hide it? Are you afraid you might have to defend your position? Are you ashamed?
If you are a atheist you should know why you are a atheist and if you get a tattoo about being a atheist you should be able to answer anyone's questions as to why you are a atheist.
In short don't do it. It is a horrible idea.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Riveting argument.
Quote from: Shiranu on October 15, 2016, 08:15:52 PM
Riveting argument.
Don't modify your body with rivets, too Frankenstein ;-)
Eh, ugly and showy-offy skin isn't all that admirable. Tats are anti-skin. I don't admire people who have to damage themselves that way seeking attention. If you need that much attention, grow a beard, dye your hair. At least that is temporary.