Well as of today my ds Thomas got his third piercing he has one on his left eyebrow, his lip now his nose, I love them they fit his style so much. My eldest dd has her bellybuttom she is almost 23 and already has her lip and eyebrow as well. My younger dd has her belly buttom and several earrings 5 in each at this point. My ds has the Sun on his left shoulder for my brother Sonny so sweet of him. I have decided to go for my first tattoo on my ankle next saturday I am getting a simple pale yellow rose and and heart and the words Sonny on my left ankle. My dh has several the recent one which 3 swords on his right arm with our childrens name and and his left shoulder my name and our anniversary. So kindly share your tat's or piercings . Peace. Catherine

No, absolutely not, and I hope it stays that way forever. If not, I hope that they will choose something that is not visible with normal clothing and will not limit their professional opportunities in any way.

To each his/her own though.

cj/

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I was walking home one night and a guy hammering on a roof called me a paranoid little weirdo. In morse code. -Emo Phillips

Thank heavens, no.

None here either. I agree with cjs, and have already seen some who got them when young and regretted it later. Having visible tattoos/piercings (not tattoo's/piercing's) can limit one's employment opportunities. With unemployment where it has been, is, and will continue to be, that's risky.

I went to a friend's wedding and her mother wore a strapless, drawstring style dress going just around the top of her boobs. It was obvious she chose this dress to show it off - it was very tacky to draw attention to herself at her daughter's wedding. She could have easily worn a dress that covered it up for the wedding. There can be a time and a place.....

dl

both of my kids are too young to even think about it.
However, should they decide later on in their life, I would support it. I would recommend that they wait until they are over 25. What you think is "cool" at 18, is typically not as cool @ 35!
I got my first @ 35, and then one a year later. Both have significant and personal meaning to me. I also chose areas that were easily covered in the work place.
*I'm speaking of tattoos*

both of my kids get weirded out by people (especially guys) with lots of piercings....that and they both abhor needles!

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Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

No tats or piercing of any kind shape or form anywhere near this house.

I would absolutely raise the roof and make everyone's life miserable if anyone even mentioned it.

But.....this is just my little pet peeve.

That's pretty much my take on it, too. I don't understand why men get their ears pierced, or why ANYONE would get their eye brow or lip pierced It's not for me, and won't exactly get you anywhere in the corporate world.

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Doing the right thing isn't always the same as doing the easy thing.

I wouldn't let my kids get a tattoo before 18, and would encourage them to wait longer than that.

Piercings I'd be more ok with, they can be removed when you get tired of them. Except a tongue piercing, I know far too many people that have broken teeth because of them.

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Once the game is over, the king and the pawn go back in the same box.

both of my daughters have several tatoo's but are easily covered (shoulder,back,foot)I keep telling them in years to come I'd like to be around when the grandkids ask to take grandma and her tramp stamps to show and tell.LOL

My kids are grown and have no tats or piercings other than ears (at this time). Our deal was always: Don't do anything you can't undo. DD had blue hair, henna tats gallore, wears fantasy make-up to school and way-out-there clothing. DS (22) was talking about getting a tattoo for a long time and now is glad, he didn't get one.

Huuum...I think I see my future career! Tattoo removal! I think I'll be rich!

I remember when I niece thought it would be cool to pierce her tongue until she broke her tooth off...NOT COOL!

Nope, absolutely not! If you live in this house, it's our rules and tattoos and piercings are NOT an option. Once you move out, it's your choice. Thankfully, I don't believe I'll have to worry about either!

ETA: I have 2 DS. If we had a daughter, I wouldn't have a problem with her getting her ears pierced. Absolutely nowhere else though.

No, when they move out and support themselves they can poke holes all over themselves, but not here. but i dont see older three doing anything like that, youngest..... well that might fit into his personality if it stays like it is now. husband and I have no tats and no piercings either

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HI Catherine...

I have 3 holes in my ear lobes. I started maybe age 6. 2nd at about 12-14. then the 3rd hole when I was 16.

At 19, I got my fiances name on my back (tramp stamp).

At about 22-23, I got my belly button pierced with my 15yr. old cousin for her bday--Everyone calm down--my aunt said she could do it & met us there to sign for it. I wasn't her parent so I couldnt'.

I want another tattoo. I want DF/H to get one....His brother has a bunch. He has like a panther coming down his arm. Its cool.

My 9 yr old DD had ears pierced at 6 mo. old...But she won't wear earrings.

DF/H--16 yr. old sister got a HUGE cross on her side for her 16th bday--in honor of her grandma that had passed in April--I think she used that as an excuse to get a tattoo.

My mom would have never let me get one when I was in HS (tattoo)-Hell, she wouldn't even let me get my 3rd hole! My friends mom signed for me!!!...She b*tches at me now about my earring...She don't knwo about my belly button ring either...I'm 28! She doesn't know about my tattoo either (i don't think)...I've given up on hiding it tho..oh well...but my stepdad has HER name on his arm....good for one...but not for the other!

DF/H's other sister is 24 & has a stupid frog on her a** it was like messed up & looks really dumb. Then has her husbands name in brick letters on her side...which also look stupid. Takes 1 slip to make it look like crap.

Good Luck with your new tattoo!

When I think of tat's, I think of 2 things.
1-. When I was 18, I dated this guy who was head over heals in love with me. I didnt have that feeling for him but he was nice so I dated him a few months. I dumped him when he showed up at the house with a new tat on his chest. It was my nickname. I dont want my name on anyone!
2-. Elderly client. she was in her 80's. She had the name Bob in her arm in a heart. It was still very clear and you could still see it. I asked her if that was her hubbys name and she said no, her hubby was James. She said she didnt remember who Bob was.

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wow I am glad we are a liberal family. With that being said Tommy and Hope were both 18 before they did anything. Of course the girls got their ears pierced when they were little as I did also. I currently have 6 in one ear and 7 in another however I truly only use 2 of each do not have the time to change 13 earrings. Now with Caitlin we told her when she was 16 she could get the belly ring. She wanted it and is happy. Again with all the piercings they can be removed. We do not believe in judging appearances at face value. To date my eldest dd Hope is graduating from college and will continue she is to become a vet doctor. Thomas is currently studying to become a nutrutionist based on all his stomach issues, it is something that truly excites him. Caitlin will be a senior next year and her goals are work in a aquarium or a water park and work with dolphins and marine life. They all have always placed school at the forefront and are extremely respectable and basically truly good kids... We are very proud and the decisions they make for their life we will stand behind them 100 percent.. peace. Catherine

My kids are too young for that right now (9,8 and 3) but I by all means will support them in whatever they choose when they are adults. I have 7 tattoos all of which can be covered if I never need to be professional. My DH has 3 and we both are planning more. I have one on each foot, one on each shoulder, one around my belly button, on on the back of my neck and one on my hip. That being said I did not get my first tattoo until I was 26 and second at 27. Then I waited until I was 35 to get the rest. I am happy with all of my tattoos. They all have personal meaning and I would not change anything. I do hope if my kids choose to get one they will choose wisely as they are there for the rest of your life.
I agree with Lucy as to the judging appearances at face value. I do not do it and don't like it when others do it to me.

I don't judge anyone's integrity based on whether they have tats or piercings.

I just don't think they look good.

Well you only get one chance to make a first impression. What one person thinks is cool another person thinks it stinks! Just the facts MA'AM! Personally I absolutely HATE any tattoos! Tattoos are just a nasty fad and after this fad is past, everyone's going to be stuck with that hideous thing! Monkey see...monkey do!

Well, lets see, my daughter has ears pierced, belly button, several tattoos, BUT she is 32, works and pays her own bill and for her tramp stamps. When she was at home, I let her have her ears pierced, but all the other had to wait till she was on her own. While I am not crazy about the tatts, it is her choice and they can all be covered even with summer clothing, so I just feel at this point in life it is her choice. It would be probably another story if it was eyebrow piercing, those weird gigantic ear holes or tatts on her face, but thankfully she is more conservative than that, Her tatts are her kids names and bdates, so I can even understand that. Actually, I am 53 and contemplating a conservative tat myself.

My DD's and I have matching tattoos on our right hip......it is the Childrens Cancer Research Fund butterfly logo and the word HOPE. Simply, this is an organization that is very near and dear to us. I had to sign for my younger dd, who was 16 but I was ok with it. My mom even talks about getting this on her hip and the g-baby is wondering why she has a belly button like her mom but no butterfly! (We told her you will get one when you are a grown up!)

My one dd has two more, her daughters name, birthday and a horseshoe on her ankle and a Taurus symbol on her upper back. That last one she did at a 'tattoo show' and it is terrible. All one color like a jailhouse tat, but usually you can't see it. There is definitely a difference in quality and style of tats.

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"It's not about how much baggage you have, it's about whether or not you can carry your own baggage with grace and dignity."

My daughter has her belly button pierced she is almost 16, my other daughter that will be 19 this week is getting a tatoo somewhere on her foot after she comes home from college, I just cant believe what these things cost.

My 22 yr old son had piercings in his eyebrow, under his lip, ear, nipples and a viper (2) on his tongue. His tongue got infected (sometimes infections are a good thing lol) twice and the Dr. said they had to come out. So out came the viper. Both the eyebrow and under the lip didn't look bad at all but for some reason he took them both out along with the nipples. The only thing he is left with is the ear which he has gauged bigger. That I really don't like. All the other holes closed up but with a gauged ear you are stuck with the hole forever. Here you can't get a tattoo untill you are 18. His first one was some kind of Metallica symbol on his shoulder. One day he came home and said I just got another tat and you are going to really like it. Right above his wrist, that only can be covered by a long sleeve shirt, he got a sunflower that says grandma and the year of her birth and death. He was VERY close to his grandma and it was a very nice thought. I just wish he had put it on his shoulder.

Same here. Oldest Dd is 15 and doesn't even have her ears pierced. Youngest dd is 12 and has 2 in her lobes.

The rule here is while you live in this house, you can have 2 piercings in the lobes and that's it. No tatoos. We have some family members with tatoos. I don't like them at all. I know a lot of people do, but I think they look bad...no matter what or where they are.

I don't think my girls will ever get them. I could be wrong, but I hope not.

Lisa

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"It's not having what you want,
It's wanting what you've got"

My kids are 17, 15, and 13. None of them have any tats, although my daughter sometimes like to put the temporary ones on...I like them too! My sons don't have any piercings, but DD 15 has two piercings in each ear. She didn't get her ears pierced until she was about 12 the first time. The second hole came about a year later. I wouldn't have a problem if DS 17 wanted to get a piercing in his ear since he's about ready to go off to college. I wouldn't allow the younger one to get one yet. I'd want them all to wait until they are a bit older or out of the house to decide if they want to get tattoos or any piercings. I like them though and don't look down on people that have them. I'm all for individuality and I like how people express themselves differently. I'm more open...DH would never allow any piercings or tattoos other than DD's ear piercings. I don't think that people should be judged by piercings or tattoos, but unfortunately this society does do that. If piercings and tattoos were as popular when I was younger, I'm sure I would have a bunch of them. I don't the look of a person who is covered in tats all over their body. One or two are fine. ~Lisa

I'm the only one in my family that doesn't have a tattoo. My parents were VERY vocally opposed to getting tattoo's when I was growing up. So I was always kind of afraid of what would happen if I came home with one. My 2 sisters didn't really care, and they both have multiple tattoo's that they can cover up. The HUGE shocker came last year when I went to visit my parents one weekend, and lo and behold they both had just gotten tattoo's (in their 60's).. My dad got a large Jesus holding a banner with Fletcher's name on it, and my mom got a butterfly with all the grandkids birthstone colors in it. So they're not meaningless, and my parents are over 60 so I guess they've earned the right to contradict themselves. I actually liked my mom's butterfly so much that I contemplated going to the same guy and having one just like it done... but as soon as it came out of my mouth Trent had a FIT. So I made him buy me a James Avery gold heart necklace with Fletcher's initials engraved on the front.. it was the first time I didn't have to beg for a piece of jewelry.

My oldest daughter has several tattoos. She got her first one when she turned 18. She has stars on her foot, and also has her wedding date on her wrist. She had her belly button pierced when she was 16. I guess I don't see what the big deal is? She will be celebrating her third wedding anniversary soon, and will be graduating from college with a degree as a Surgical Technician. Somehow...she managed to turn out just fine....with her tattoos and belly button pierced. She actually helped convine me to get my first tattoo last year, at the age of 46. As a matter of fact, she went with me the day I got it done! She doesn't drink, or smoke and reads her bible often! I am very proud of her, and happy that she has the courage to be herself and do whatever she feels is right for her.

My oldest dd has a few piercings. She has her septum,bottom lip, tongue(has never bothered her teeth at all , not sure how anyone would break or chip a tooth ). She also has her ears gauged fairly big.
She also has a huge squid(back of her calf) tattoo and a octopus(arm). Oh and she has 2 little birds, one behind each ear.
She will be 21 in June. She has always had a job, her body mods have never held her back.

I have one little tattoo. I hate it. Only because it was poorly done and now it looks kind of blurry/smeary. I plan on getting it covered with a new one.

I hate when people get babies ears pierced! I don't think you should be allowed to modify anyone's body without their permission. None of my other kids have any piercings and they won't until they are old enough to ask for them and understand what they will need to do to take care of them.

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Insanity laughs under pressure we're cracking

Ummmmm LOL tattooing has been around for a long long time Tattoo - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
I really don't think it's a fad.

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Insanity laughs under pressure we're cracking

Hmmm...I read very recently that your DS was majoring in Construction Managment and would one day work alongside his dad in their family business of building homes and condos in New York. Those college kids...always changing their minds!

cj/

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I was walking home one night and a guy hammering on a roof called me a paranoid little weirdo. In morse code. -Emo Phillips

I think the fad is tattooing in the "mainstream"....

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I was walking home one night and a guy hammering on a roof called me a paranoid little weirdo. In morse code. -Emo Phillips

Obviously tattoos have been around forever actually...as long as man figured out how to put ink in skin. But it's never been anything more than bikers and sailors (oh and Carnies and circus side show freaks!) until just very recently. Now it's a fad! When every teenager in America thinks they have to do something...that's a fad! Maybe you should look up on wiki what a fad is!And for those who say putting on tattoos are "being themselves" I say "FOOY"...Putting on tattoos is copying and being a follower of this stupid tattooing fad! I'll be danged if I'm going to be a followers! I never ever want to be a sheep!

No way. My children don't have any and they will not living under my roof. My older daughter who is almost ten has her ears pierced and that is it. If they want them when they are on their own and pay for it themselves well i guess i don't have much say. I don't like them and when your 70 and wrinkled boy they sure are going to look nasty.

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SAHM of Bailey 12, Tyler 10 , Emily Ann 6, and Ryan Matthew 4 yrs old.

I can honestly say that when I made the decision to get my first tattoo last year at the age of 46, it had NOTHING to do with a fad, or with being a follower. For me it was something I had always wanted to do, and finally made the decision that it was the right time. I have experienced a great deal in my years on this earth, enough so that I really don't feel the need to do something just because someone else has done it. I think you are placing way too much stock on people getting tattoos because they are followers, or that it is a fad.

Really?
You are presuming a lot. Maybe teens who get the "barb wire" around their bicep, or the early 20s girl who gets the tribal "tramp stamp" are just following fads...However, some of us got our tats for a very specific reason and those tats have significant personal meaning. And to hear someone say that only sailors, bikers, carnies and side-show freaks are the only ones who have tattoos--just shows that person's ignorance. Many professionals, myself included, have tats. I choose not to display mine all the times so as to not have to deal with ignorance or stupidity or prejudices.
I've got at least one more tat to get before I even consider not getting more.

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Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

yes cjs216 your correct he was studying construction management but decided to change his major and turn he attention towards becoming a nutritionist. He decided this about 3 1/2 months ago. Either way Cjs216 what ever I mean whatever career path my son chooses, the fact that he wears piercings and has tattoos's would never matter, because my ds Thomas is a very responsible polite young man. Funny how you would think you can fool me, again case proven point, your a troublemaker and just plain seeking drama... You should be wearing a drama queen hat...I could have predicted the moment you seen this post, you could not get your fingers to the keypad fast enough....Or did you also forget me talking about my sons numerous stomach problems, in fact I will go one further he really was considering changing his major to become a gastro doctor was figured he should have started fresh with that major, but he could change his mind as he is only 20..But thanks for wondering cjs216... Peace. Catherine

Why do YOU look for trouble?? The poster mentioned that this was different than what you posted before and asked about it.

Of course, if you didn't share so MUCH of your private life with this board, nobody would have any reason to question your differering posts.

Talk about others being drama queens!!!

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Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent.

E. Roosevelt

Depending on the course work and clinical rotations your DS has to do for his major---his piercings may be disallowed/prohibited. Most, if not all, medical professionals won't or can't wear piercings anywhere other than their ears. And then the earrings can only be small studs. It has nothing to do w/ the a person being responsible and polite. It has to do w/ safety and hygeine.
There are usually always rules about wearing perfume or cologne as well, and hair length and style.

I know when I went through clinical rotations for my EMTcertifications--I couldn't wear jewelery (except for small stud type earrings, a watch and a wedding band if applicable). My long hair had to be pulled back, preferably in a ponytail, and I couldn't wear perfume.

So, your DS may want to further investigate his career choice, before committing to somewhere that stifles his individuality for the sake of safety and hygeine.

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Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

Good info, marilynk. Otherwise...for me...I'm damned if I do, damned if I don't.

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I was walking home one night and a guy hammering on a roof called me a paranoid little weirdo. In morse code. -Emo Phillips

Only ear piercings and only when they are older. This way there is something special for them to look forward to, And they certainly appreciate it more..

cmmcmm

My girls don't have their ears pieced but that's their choice -- I would let them if they wanted too but that's it. I wouldn't want them piercing anything else although it wouldn't be the end of the world if they did. I'd be upset if they got tats. I think they are all ugly and just so permanent. There's really no going back unless you want to spend thousands getting it removed.

On a side note, since someone brought up the medical profession. A dear friend of mine needed surgery a few years ago and the nurse that was in the OR had a tatoo on his forearm that really freaked her out. It was a devil or demon of some sort and my friend said that it was very upsetting that that was one of the last things she saw before they put her under. Just one person's perspective on on the matter.

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Cecilia

"We must love them both--those whose opinions we share and those whose opinions we reject. For both have labored in the search for truth, and both have helped us in the finding of it."
Saint Thomas Aquinas

well if he choose to work with my dh he could wear whatever he wanted. Secondly the current nutrition doctor he sees is a women who works out of her home. She is about mid 50's and also wear alot of make-up and jewerly and is always wearing either jeans or a dress made of the same material, so I guess she is ok. My son could set up his practice in his own home, but in the end, the reason message is never judge a book but its cover. If the first person does not take you for face value , there are so many others who will. And I stand firm cjs216 is looking for trouble I am by far any Drama queen.... End of story so post away will waste no more time with her.... Back to ignore button. Catherine

marilynk if he had to remove the piercings for certain time during his career path he would do so they can easily be removed and put back, your 100 percent correct thanks so much. Peace. Catherine.

Here you go pooing in your own thread - AGAIN. I read cjs's comment as showing interest, not malice or as a troublemaker. If she wanted to start something, it would have been crystal clear. Additionally, you can count on 1 hand the number of times I "stick up" for her, she's not my pal lest you start to piddle on in fantasy about that.

You, yourself ARE the definition of troublemaker, you piddle and piddle and roll around in the art of it. And please, it's woman when speaking in the singular, not women, which means more than one, you've worn that one out.

We know you will stand behind your son no matter what he does, sink or swim. So get over yourself and then come back in several years and tell us if he's in construction with all his tattoos (not tattoo's) or if he makes it into a real professional position and has to cover them up.

dl

very happy to be on ignore. thanks so much. i won't have to read the dramatic drivel anymore - yippeee!!

c'mon now, dl, we're best buds, aren't we? love ya!

cj/

BTW - here's the post that I was remembering: http://www.mycoupons.com/boards/3175541-post19.html - from 3/14/09.

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I was walking home one night and a guy hammering on a roof called me a paranoid little weirdo. In morse code. -Emo Phillips

My two are long grown and they don't have any tats or piercings except my daughter had her ears done years ago and then developed a reaction to the metal in the studs that kept infecting her ears. So she stopped wearing the earrings and let the holes grow over a long time ago. My son joined the Navy some years back, and I told him not to come home with any tats and he didn't. But both of mine, even today, are really scared of needles so I think I was safe without the warning. I personally, find it disgusting and very unappealing.

There is at least one restaurant chain that will not hire anyone with visible tats. I was doing mystery shopping for them for a while and that was one of the things I was supposed to report on. I think if you are in the job market, you take your chances with exposed ink. If the person hiring loves it and there's no company policy against it, fine, but if you get someone, (like me), who hates it, you can forget the job and keep moving. Why would you limit your job opportunities for a tattoo? Have any of you seen that picture of the old lady who is naked and has total body coverage, including her genitals? Charming.

My son has 1 ear pierced and he got that after he turned 18. I have often thought about a tatto but really the pain of childbirth was bearable with drugs how would this wuss handle a tat???

Oh when appropriate my son does take out his earring.

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Laura
Please visit my blog
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It doesn't hurt as much as one would think....I actually dozed off during my last one. After a while, the vibration tends to numb you a bit

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Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

deddlastt I can simply ask you a question you say I am the trouble maker, can I ask you honestly why did she come right under as the first poster to my thread and make a comment, her choice of course, but its gets better, why why do you think or feel she had to look up a old thread about my sons career choices, whoy would she do that in the first place. She already spoke her peace about her she feels it is not for her or her sons. It should have ended there plain and simple. Then we would not be having this conversation. Also this is not the first time she made comments concerning my son, we had a discussion about wearing suits and ties and that she believed it was the best to and that a sloppy dresser makes a sloppy worker. Yes she has her views and I have mine. I have never made any remarks againist her sons, but she feels she can againist my son. Kindly do not tell me I puddle into my own posts, because I do not. I am plain sick and tired of all this trouble and it should not be that way. Again you sincerely think her motive behind looking up a old post and then posting it was not looking to catch me in lie??? I am sorry it was, yes I did not update that my son changed his mind about his career path, but the bottom line was his career choice was not the topic it was about piercings... Whatever its better she is on ignore now because i give up with her and will not read what she rights. Although there will be quotes and that I cannot do anything about it. On a final note there is definitely a pattern between my posts and you Dd and cjs216 coming into them , over and over again.. But again I cannot stop it so post away. I will not answer her I wanted to answer you. Thanks for the vent. Catherine

Well ILL I'm going to have to come to CJ's defense. People whether YOU like it or not DO judge people on things they shouldn't Thats just life. Furthermore,
If I seen a young person covered in piercings and tattoos you BET I would think OMG THATS SO TACKY !.Nope I wouldn't engage in a chat with that person to " Get to know them before I judge " Point at hand. There's a young lady here in my town thats COVERED and when I say covered I mean from her FACE TO TOES with tattoos. She has tear drops under her eyes, a rose of some kind on her cheek, her arms from the shoulders to her knuckles are all covered with tats if this wasn't enough, She has her legs with some kind of "vine" that runs from I'm guessing her hips all the way to her ankles on BOTH legs. inside the "vine' there's other tats. On her back she has this huge ass butterfly with a vine of roses from one shoulder blade to the next. Since everything else is all covered up I'm not even going to try and guess whats on her ass and other private parts . It's SICKENING to look at her. I'm sorry but I don't care how "sweet", "Nice" or "educated" she is, her looks makes a statement to me that says NO WAY I would want you around anyone in my family.I would never befriend her based on what she has done to her OUTER body. where would I go with her ? shes a walking freak show to ME !.Why ? because she didn't care enough about her outer body so I don't want to get to know her inside body ( meaning her soul, personality etc). Then you take the other walking freak show of a young man here. He has his lip, eye, chin, CHEEKS,In between his brows and has those god awful big loops that goes on the inside of the hole in his ear. He also has long stringy hair about midway of his back. Do you think for 1 sec I would allow my under age daughter to date this guy ? Even if she was of age I still wouldn't approve of their dating. these 2 people are " being themselves" however, to the rest of us that look at them and think good god what the hell have they done ?. They probably don't care what anyone thinks so why should what I think of them be a issue ? If a person wants people to see them for MORE than whats being looked at, then they need to take MORE pride in how they appear to other people. Seeing 2 people as the ones I have posted about is NOT the way to " get respect " it says hey I'm free white and 21 I cant do anything I want and the hell with what others think ! Well this is how I think of them and I'm not alone in this. I have seen young people roll with laughter when they pass the girl. I have seen young girls make a gaging noise and put their fingers in their mouths when they see the guy. So yes CJ has a point when she says people don't have the same " respect " for someone that will do their outer body like this. who cares what they want to be later in life thats not the point, the point is when you want people to
" take notice " of you in a positive way you don't go around looking like a walking freak show. Also, If I went to a doctor that was all covered in tats I would walk out ! if I saw a big gaping hole in his ear I wouldn't ask him Oh must have been 1 of those " teen moments " for ya huh ?. I would walk out. When you KNOW you are going into a careerer that people hold the up most respect for you , you should LOOK the part. You are his mother and of course you think he's cherry pie all the way, but do you know what other people are thinking ALL THE TIME ??. CJ has a good point about how 1 should look when doing a job and having long hair, tats, and piercings all over is NOT anyone I would want to be seen by nor take my kids to. So honesty ILL you really do need to come down from that horse of yours. Not EVERYONE thinks that a young man or lady that has this " look " is the sweetest, most caring or the best educated person walking the Earth.
Also, Why do you always think she's "' picking "" on you when she replies with an answer you don't like ?.. If CJ had not asked the question I'm sure someone would have. I also thought he was going to work with his dad.. I saw NOTHING wrong with what she posted, she simply said she thought he was going to work with his dad as YOU stated in a post not so long ago (BTW), cj didn't have to go "SEARCHING" for this I too remembered you posting what your son wanted to do.
I swear ILL I 'm really starting to believe YOU are the one thats looking for a fight-debate- picking or what ever the hell the fav is for the post. This is really getting on my nerves that you are always saying someone is doing this when they post how they feel on the what ever being posted. Surely you know not everyone feels the same as you. If thats what you are looking for then by god SAY You only want replies that agree with you. You are acting like a big baby to me. I have been chewed up and spit out more times than I care to remember, however I pick myself up and move on. I like CJ post to the subject as I see it as I'm sure everyone does.
I however do not go around crying poor me when they post things I already know will turn into a debate and if they do so what move on to the next subject. You have to pick and choose your battles Lucy . you will never find peace till you do. You can't keep saying people are picking on you when you keep fighting with them.You know for every action theres a reaction sometimes they are what we want to hear others no so much. I for one didn't see CJ's post as an attack on you personally, to be honesty Lucy YOU are the one thats bringing up things that were long ago gone. As the post where you said something about your son being called a sloppy dresser. No one said a word about that till you yourself did.

So sad sunsetbeach that you feel that way and I sincerely mean that, that you have choosen to view a person for only their outside appearence, and not getting to know the person deep down inside who could very well be a very nice caring loving warm hearted respectable person. Now if you and cjs216 truly believe this then you sincerely think that all well dressed people with no tattoo's or piercings or blue colored hair are bad people . There are many extremely good looking very well groomed people out there that are plain A--holes and have the personality of a rat. Then there are many people out there who to you might not seem the perfect person because of their outward appearence and yet if you or cjs 216 gave them a chance and got to know them you could just find they are wonderful people, just they choose to live their lives abit different. Again its truly sad that you judge people buy outward appearance. So you can by all means agree with Cjs thats your choice . I stand firm and am so happy we me and my dh have raised our children to be liberals and express themselves because life is way too short. I am gald they we taught them from a young age to never judge get to know the person first. Because like it or not there is bad and good in all kinds of people, sadly for you some people will be never given that chance. So its not because he is my son I feel the way I do, its more then that. My personal views are live and let live, it might not be for me, but whatever floats your boat go for it. Like I have always said life is all about choices and I know personally my children are so well rounded and grounded and indeed happy. I also cannot believe this post has gone to where it has. So to all that cannot have the decent understanding not to judge someone from the outside more power to you and for others just plain sad..... Catherine

Well I don't feel sad for the way I judge, just as the person thats appearing to me in their "way' doesn't care how they look to others so what is the big deal ? If they wanted me to " respect " them then don't cover your face and your WHOLE body with tats and look like a freak show. Tattoos can be done in taste simple as that. I find it very hard to believe you would have taken 1 of your children to a fully covered all over the face all over the legs- arms back person, I also find it even harder if you try to tell me it's fine with you to take your children to a doctor that has bars from 1 brow to the next and face piercings everywhere. If you do you are more of a trusting mother than I. and to set the record straight I NEVER said people with tats or piercings were bad or I couldn't respect them, I said the FREAKS out there thats just expressing themselves. Anyone can get a tattoo or even a face piecing and do it nicely, but to me there's NO reason to butcher yourself with 20, 30, 40 or 50 of them. Thats not asking for respect thats asking for the reaction I'm stating here with the judgment. I have a tattoo and I also plan to get another or even 2 more, however, I know what people I come across in life, I also know that as being a den leader for example that if I choose to get these tats they need to be done in taste and easy to cover up in the summer with having to wear shorts. What kind of trust do you think I would be given if I walked in Aug covered with tattoos from head to toe and had face piercings all over ?. Do you think those parents would trust me with thier son(s) ? I also deal a lot with doctors due to my sons being mentally ill, do you think those people would say Oh my I love what you have done !!.. what about the schools ??.. If you are thinking for 1 sec that people DON'T judge a person on the way they look, act and carry them self then you are ONLY fooling yourself. Your body can become an ocean of expression but it also can be done with taste too. If your son wants people like ME to trust him with the life of my children or myself for that matter then he better make some wise choices in how he presence himself to me for the 1st time because I promise you if I walked in saw a doctor covered in piercings and tattoos than would be the walking out point for me.
BTW. My OBGYN has 3 tattoos NONE to which is on his face or any part of his body I can see while he's being doctor in his office. I have only seen them by him being out of the office in his regular clothing. (Tank shirt and shorts ).

Further more Lucy, why do you think judges, presidents doctors, lawyers and people with highly respectable jobs don't look this way ?? It's because they know it's not in the " Norm" to appear to people that you are trying to "win" their trust.

amen!!! sing it sister!!!

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Doing the right thing isn't always the same as doing the easy thing.

What a waste even posting to you sunsetbeach and cjs216 and deddlastt and allinaugust same ladies same story as expected.Its a proven fact, how come from all the other many many members here to post did not come into this thread???. You know why they are not trouble makers honestly sunsetbeach I never ever expected this of you and sadly it happened. Be rest assured there will be no more communication between us. Catherine

Catherine,

I don't immediately judge someone when I see a single small tattoo... And perhaps this is a geographic/cultural issue... but more often than not, the people I have known who had multiple visible tats or piercings that went beyond just the ears (other than teens following a fad like belly button piercings), generally those people were very counter-culture. Very anti-establishment. Not necessarily conservative OR liberal (you keep saying you are glad your family is liberal in conjunction with the tats/piercings, which I don't understand)... just not wanting to be seen as a mainstream ANYTHING.

They are expressing their individuality? What does that mean? I guess I just don't get that. The things that define me as an individual are my thoughts and my actions, where the rubber meets the road.

What I *wear* is a statement about *who* I am. I think that's what people are trying to say whey the say they are using their *appearance* to express *individuality*.... I guess. And if that's so... an expression is a *message*, I'm not being drama queen or trying to play with words here. I just think that anyone who chooses to look a certain way, whether it is to maintain a certain weight (heavy OR thin), to dress provocatively or conservatively or like a teenager.... the exteriors that we are drawn to that we then choose to take on as our own do SAY something about us. That's why we wear what we choose to wear.

I am guessing that your daughters wouldn't be caught dead wearing what I have on. I'm wearing khaki capris and a simple classic black scoop-neck T from Kohls. I'm wearing simple gold hoops and some simple black sandals. It's a clean-cut classic outfit, nothing showy... just comfy and tidy.

Would your family judge ME as uptight because I don't have piercings and tats everywhere?

I see my 'look' as simply saying that I like to look put-together, but am not into high fashion, nor do I try to look like my teenager or someone who just doesn't have a lot of self-esteem.

Anyway.... I got completely off-track from what I intended to say here. You said it's a shame that people judge you and don't take the time to get to know the person you really are. I'm sorry... but I don't have that kind of time. My life is full of people... people I work with, people in my famiily, friends and neighbors... and I really don't have enough hours in the day to keep up with the people I already have in my life without needing to take the time to figure out if the message someone is sending VISUALLY is in sync with what is under the facade.

I am really not all that impressed with the counter culture mindset. I think it is generally a self-absorbed way to view the world. I think there is good and bad in the world, and that impressive people latch on to the good and plant themselves there and bloom like the dickens. They don't stew about what is *wrong* with the world and adapt a look that is intended to say, "The world with it's suits and ties is a mess and I am going to present myself so that I look like the OPPOSITE of that!" And that's what I *see* when I encounter someone who has so defiled their body with ink and needles that they don't look 'regular' anymore.

Call it judging.... but I think it is simply *acknowledging*. If you are going to giive the world a visual image that is consistent with a certain mindset or behavior style, be prepared for them to assign the stereotype to you. They probably don't have the time or inclination to get to know someone who from the looks of things they won't have anything in common with, just to satisfy their curiosity about whether someone is a 'good person' or not.

wowitsdark no my children nor I would never judge you with what your wearing. If your clothes make you happy then thats all that matters. Having a few tattoo's or some piercing is a small fraction of my childrens lifestyle. Yes my son does have long hair, yes he likes to dress down if you will. He does not like to get dressed up at all. I guess he gets that from his dad. However while Tommy may not get dressed up he is a total neat freak and takes 2 showers a day lol. Take me for example I am known I mentioned this before as the blue lady. I am obessed with the color and literally my closet is full with blue clothes shoe and handbags. I am also known for wearing alot and I mean alot of jewerly. Nothing gold too tacky for me again my personal choice. I love old and silver and funky jewerly should I be judged because that is how I go to work dressed like that.. As far as my dd;s they are both born again if you will hippies and vegatarians like me. They love to wear old old clothes and dress like hippies again does this make them bad people or because they are dressing some what sloppy do they have sloppy minds??. No they do not. I never ever mean't for this post to end this way.In the end I still cannot wrap myself around that people are judged for their outward appearance without getting to know them. I do not think its fair. Wowistdark this is a bad day for me since this is the day my brother Sonny passed away. I cannot and will not argue anymore. I deeply appreciate your post. Thanks. Peace. Catherine

Beg to differ with you ILL, I'm a far cry from being a trouble maker. You can't lump me into this as you call it " trouble maker group ". I posted what I did because you started this crap with your picking on me BS. once again. A statement was made and you made a mountain out of a mole hill all because it was someone you don't like to much said it. If your reply was valid with a point of being "picked" on I wouldn't have posted anything as I have done SOOOOO many times in the past. However, CJ,Dedlastt, Allinaugust and a few others were trying to point out that covering your body with tattoos, piercings ISN'T always accepted in some fields and it doesn't matter how sweet, nice or what kind of education you have it can and DOES limit you. But since your son has piercings and tattoos you are taking it personal by this being said, as if they are stating this all because your son has these things. It wasn't about YOUR SON it was about anyone that looks like this.
And yes ILL I'm getting tired of seeing post after post after post of this fighting, it seems no matter how well a post is going if 1 thing is said that might reflect your family you start posting they are picking on you or your daughter- son- of the dog or what -who ever. I'm not saying they don't pick on you ,I read the post ( hard not too when just about every single post turns into this BS ) But on that same hand you also start a lot of this BS too just as in this thread. then you start pouting about they are trouble makers just waiting for you to post so they can make their move. When in fact this was YOUR fault for taking 1 statement and turning it into this.Further more you say you are surprise about what I posted, can you NOT figure out why I might have post what I did ?. It's getting tiring to see 90% of the threads turning in this crap. If you truly believe that they are trouble makers trying to do nothing more than make your on line life a living hell then WHY do you keep replying to their post. If you stop tossing fuel onto that fire it will burn out. But you keep doing it and then crying foul. however in this case you are the one thats was wrong by posting back to what CJ posted. ILL you can think what ever you chose to think about me. If you see me as a trouble maker thats YOUR problem. I find it sad that you deem anyone that doesn't agree with YOUR line of thinking or what YOU believe as being a trouble maker. I promise you at some point if everyone stay on this site by the end you will have disagree or they will have disagree with you on something, will everyone then be called a trouble maker by you ?.

My goodness....I'ver really become larger than life here. For the record, I made two totally benign posts in this thread in direct response to ILL - admittedly, one was off-topic but just caught my curiousity. How did this get so blown out of proportion? How could these responses have been written to be less controversial....I have absolutely no idea.

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I was walking home one night and a guy hammering on a roof called me a paranoid little weirdo. In morse code. -Emo Phillips

Yep. My oldest daughter has a large sun on her belly. She also has a very pretty tattoo AKA a tramp stamp. Dont like that wordm but thats what they are called. My youngest daughter has her nips piered. I have a butterfly tatto on one hip and a aslo a tramp stamp.
We all have at least 3 piercings in our ears. My hbby has a harley tatto and a Navy anchor as well as a falcon.
All our tattoos can be covered with clothes. Even when my hubby is in his Navy dress whites, nothing ever shows.
When I wear a 2 piece you can see the tattoo.

My son has his ear pierced he's had it since he was 5 and my oldest DD, whos 14 has two holes in each ear and her eyebrow. She would love to get her tongue and lip but she has to wait for that. As for tattoos, as soon as they are of age I am sure she will have a few of them too. I personally have no problem with them on anyone. I have one myself and want another.

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~~~~**Maryann**~~~~

I just got a firm grip on reality....
Now I can strangle it

I work at a very prestigous hospital in Ohio. There have been many times that we have not hired people based on tatoos. They had the BEST qualifications however if you look like you just walked out of a bar then they were not the people for us. That being said... It is sad however that people DO judge others on their looks... No matter what!
I have three tattoos however they are all in areas where I cover them. I think the face, the neck, the hands and arms are pretty risky since those are harder to hide...

"It wasn't about YOUR SON it was about anyone that looks like this." And that is SO TRUE... the titile of the thread was regarding ANYONE have children with tattoos. Not "I am ILL and I have a son with tattoos..."
Since he is going to be working with dad then I wouldnt worry about them however as a nutritionist, with the possibility of working out of his home, then I would warn him not to put them where people can see them....

__________________
Be careful what you wish for.....

Perhaps if you threw the word PEACE
on the end of your post???

__________________
Doing the right thing isn't always the same as doing the easy thing.

I have tried so hard to not engage in negativity. And I am trying to be a better person, I really am! The whole negativity and conflict on the internet can be so draining...
HOWEVER....ILL, do you ever see that you could be the problem? Do you see that you are constantly engaging people in a negative or argumentative manner?

You seem so insecure in yourself that you feel the need to defend EVERYTHING....I swear it's like listening to my children (who are 9 and 11) when they start getting on each other's nerves. They, as children, have a hard time with the whole concept "if you ignore them they'll stop" or "what point is arguing? Neither of you is going to change the other's mind."
And sometimes, ILL, you pick out the most inane and innocent remarks to get your knickers in a knot about! And talk about holding on to the past? OMG! Let it go girl, just let it go.
Good Grief! I cringe when I see you posting ILL because 90% of the time, the topic always devolves into you whining that everyone is picking on you or you bring politics into it or you bring your deceased brother into it. Maybe, just maybe, you are the problem.

Take it from someone who did take some comments to heart: I know that I can be the problem so I actively try to NOT be "that" person. Maybe you should reflect on things and get a little more PEACE in your own life before you start trying to spread it to others.

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Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

dannic - great post - some good info/experience and viewpoint
marilynk - you go girl! your hard work has really paid off. maybe you can teach me?

btw - do piercings ever close up? i've gone years without wearing earrings and mine have never closed up. just regular ones...those big elephant ear things would never close (and look so stupid, imho)

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I was walking home one night and a guy hammering on a roof called me a paranoid little weirdo. In morse code. -Emo Phillips

My boys had earrings in one ear years ago while in Middle school for a few months or so. When everyone else got them, they took them out and the hole closed. You cannot see where they had the holes unless you look very carefully. My boys all have tattoos but places that unless someone told me, I wouldn't know they had them unless we are at the beach. Each tattoo means something to them. It didn't make me happy to see them deface their bodies but it is their decision. They also know that people do judge by first impression so they are careful to keep that in mind whenever they want to do something permanent. For instance, my one boy is a junior executive with a major internet company in So Cal. His tattoos are covered all the time and since they mean something to him, he doesn't feel the need to share them with people who won't understand. I think the tattoo thing is a fad for young people. Like long hair was in the sixties. It is a way of expressing themselves. And as long as they understand that some people will judge them by how many tattoos they have and where they are located and what they say, then I say go for it. But understand the risks and don't complain when you don't get your "dream job" because of how you look. Looks shouldn't matter, but they do. It is a fact of life.

People can and do get past the looks and see the heart but looks are first. Why would you want people to not want to stop and see your heart because of how you look? At least that is what I told my boys. YMMV

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GO NAVY WRESTLING!!BEAT ARMY!!!
RJB 3/18/60 - 5/22/04
We miss you, sweet brother
God Bless the USA!!!!! Praying for my Youngster son at United States Naval Academy, class of 2014!!

http://mylifeundertheabaya.blogspot.com/

ILL, would you be uncomfortable walking in to get your teeth cleaned and seeing that the hygienist had a pro-life, pro-Iraq-war t-shirt on?

For you, the message conveyed there would be a negative one, and you'd probably be tense the whole time you were in the chair. Whether intentional or not, you'd be uncomfortable because you'd feel that the person working on you was someone you didn't really trust all that much.

Especially for the older generation, tattoos and piercings are a symbol of rebellion... and the older generation by and large isn't all that impressed with that. Not entirely - there are some old rebels still around - but at least in my world, a 75 year old great-grandma will have had a different set of experiences with what those outward things are meant to convey.

If for no other reason than that, I think it is wise particularly in the health care industry that people who work with patients don't have anything readily apparent about their bodies that might leave any patient worried that they were being 'worked on' by someone who lives a seedy life. You can say they are being judgmental... but I think they are simply reacting to the discrepancy in generational culture, and out of respect for them, I don't think there is a good reason to be 'in your face' with an elderly person about one's own *right* to have lots of piercings.

Doesn't mean you don't have the right to be as pierced as you wanna be, and it doesn't mean every employer is judgmental... but they have a responsibility to be aware of whether a particular 'look' will negatively impact the ability of their patients to relax. It's critical, in fact, that patients feel at ease so they aren't mis-diagnosed because their heart rate was elevated or their blood pressure was wacky.

I think that for the same reason you don't see health care providers waltzing into exam rooms wearing political t-shirts or having spiked pink hair, it's a smart idea to appear as 'neutral' as possible.

My sister who has passed on took me when I was around 9 or 10 years old to get my ears pierced ( holy cow my mom like to had a cow when we got back ) I wore earrings for about 3 years and then stopped. The holes never closed up ( I'm 43 now and still have them ).. Then when I was in my early 20's I got a 2nd hole ( don't know why I didn't wear earrings in the 1st hole ) But I became allergic to gold, silver and metals since the last time I did wear earrings, so I have not worn anything in either ear for 20 + years and the holes are both still open.

I caved and allowed my now 12 yo DD to get her ears pierced when she was 10 ( my rules has always been when you can take care of your ears ). She wears earrings daily and has been asking me to let her get a 2nd hole. Nope not going to happen till shes around 16 or older. I have NOTHING against 2nd holes or even 3rd holes ( I have seen some nicely displaying of earrings with multi holes ). But I think she's too young to be getting a 2nd hole at 12. Maybe I'm out of the loop with the age thing .