I need honest opinions.

[nvrbdn]

I'd be curious as to the what the statement with the Grim Reaper being wrapped in the flag meant to the person getting it done or they just thought it was some cool artwork. 

I can assure you there was no deep thought behind that one. Likely the combination of the reaper and the "rebel flag" looked "cool" and is part of an image they identify with. I say image because odds are they still are obedient Christians. Death and rebellion are only okay against other human beings 

  a simple yes or no would have done the trick, now you have caused me to draw conclusions and judge you brock. im sure mine are more sound than looking at a tat.

[ChargerD100]

nope not at all, whats funny is I have the "ONE-Johnny" metallica logo on my right forearm and and at a old job I got called a white supremicist because of that!!!!

[Kern Dog]

Hey, The man asked for opinions, right?
ASK and ye shall receive..........................................

[last426]

Like it or not, people instantly form an opinion when they see you.  Sure, the person may be great, the tattoo may be a grand expression, all may be true.  But some things, like dress, hair length, teeth, soberness, contribute to the first opinion.  Not really fair, but you are foolish to think it does not exist.  Not that it can't be overcome, but it is a hurdle. 

When I was all dressed up I used to buy syringes all the time at a local drug store.  I went in with a tie dyed t-shirt and they refused to sell to me.  With long hair people did not sit by me on BART.  Got my hair cut and suddenly everyone was my best friend.  Such is life.  Kim

[derailed]

Like it or not, people instantly form an opinion when they see you.  Sure, the person may be great, the tattoo may be a grand expression, all may be true.  But some things, like dress, hair length, teeth, soberness, contribute to the first opinion.  Not really fair, but you are foolish to think it does not exist.  Not that it can't be overcome, but it is a hurdle. 

Very true, I think the one thing that you can put at the top of that list is BREATH!

[jb666]

Hey, The man asked for opinions, right?
ASK and ye shall receive..........................................

This is true, I did indeed ask 

The discussion with my friend settled down a bit, but I can't say we see eye to eye on the subject.

I personally DO NOT see this as a racist image. Nor do I feel this in any way shape or form reflects on a person's IQ.

That aside, I am probably one of (if not THE) most judgmental people out there, so I can understand a lot of the remarks about first impressions... I just don't jump to a bad conclusion where tattoos are concerned. One of my best friends is almost completely sleeved, and happens to be one of the most talented people I've ever met. To each his own 

[68X426]

I personally DO NOT see this as a racist image.

So you're friend DOES see it as racist?  And it's his tat?     Or is it YOUR tat?  ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?   

This adds several new twists to the question.

[jb666]

Neither... It's just a discussion about an image. I do not know the person who has this tat.

No new twist...  Sorry

My friend started this subject by saying "anyone who'd have this should be prepared to be killed by a nurse if he ends up in the hospital for surgery".  I thought that was crazy. He said "ask around!" , so here I am!

[ChargerD100]

My friend started this subject by saying "anyone who'd have this should be prepared to be killed by a nurse if he ends up in the hospital for surgery".  I thought that was crazy. He said "ask around!" , so here I am!

na I'd believe it if it was a swastika, but not the rebel flag... reminds me of a funny picture though hahaha wish I could find it

[stripedelete]

A man with "sleeve" tattoos seems to be the mark of a man that has given up on a respectable, normal life.

Usual ignorant comment...

  TK - Sleeved, University educated, middle-class, suburban, White-collar parent

My perception of a "sleeve" is similar to 70 r/t.   Since a "sleeve" is well outside society's "norms" and in most cases a resume is not tattooed on the other arm, what is the appropriate non-ignorant preception / reaction / conclusion?

....honest question.....

[elacruze]

Let's get PC completely out of the way.

Nearly all people are racist, regardless of their race. This tattoo does nothing to mitigate and everything to reinforce a prejudice.

Who really cares, though?

[Ponch ®]

I wouldn't necessarily think that the person is racist. More than likely just not the sharpest knife in the drawer and definitely lacks taste and refinement when it comes to self expression.

[jb666]

I wouldn't necessarily think that the person is racist. More than likely just not the sharpest knife in the drawer and definitely lacks taste and refinement when it comes to self expression.

Too funny. I was just thinking the same about you when I read that reply. Judging a person's level of intelligence by a tattoo makes you look pretty special.

[Ponch ®]

I wouldn't necessarily think that the person is racist. More than likely just not the sharpest knife in the drawer and definitely lacks taste and refinement when it comes to self expression.

Too funny. I was just thinking the same about you when I read that reply. Judging a person's level of intelligence by a tattoo makes you look pretty special.

Ever see a bumpersticker on a Ferrari?

On the other hand, theres this fine example of a human being that I spotted at the NHRA finals in Pomona last November:

[jb666]

That's just asking for it. Does it make him a moron??

A certain lack of judgement maybe, but I wouldn't look at that and say "Wow, I'll bet he dropped out of grade school". Ignorance like that is why I started this thread in the first place... People jump to conclusions when they see things... And to base racism on something is just as bad, IMO.

I have tribal work on my right shoulder... But that's it. If I walked up to someone with the work that guy has I'd probably hit him as hard as possible in the temple hoping for the best.

[Ponch ®]

That's just asking for it. Does it make him a moron??

yes it does.

A certain lack of judgement maybe, but I wouldn't look at that and say "Wow, I'll bet he dropped out of grade school". Ignorance like that is why I started this thread in the first place... People jump to conclusions when they see things... And to base racism on something is just as bad, IMO.

well, you asked for honest opinions.

Yes, it may not be fair to judge someone based on something like a tattoo. Of course, you may get to know them and find out that theyre really nice, smart people. Maybe the guy in the pic I posted is a kind and gentle soul who, through reasons out of his control, ended up in prison and was forced to get that tat in order to join a white gang for protection and not get boffed in the ass. But then again, hes out and about proudly rocking it with a wife beater for everyone to see it.

Its not about whether or not the tat is racist. It's what it says about the person's judgment. Like it or not, we based our perception of people based on first impressions. And they should know this. I don't have a tattoo that says "I LOVE C**K" because a) I don't actually love c**k and b) it would be a hassle trying to explain that to people.

[jb666]

That's just asking for it. Does it make him a moron??

yes it does.

A certain lack of judgement maybe, but I wouldn't look at that and say "Wow, I'll bet he dropped out of grade school". Ignorance like that is why I started this thread in the first place... People jump to conclusions when they see things... And to base racism on something is just as bad, IMO.

well, you asked for honest opinions.

Yes, it may not be fair to judge someone based on something like a tattoo. Of course, you may get to know them and find out that theyre really nice, smart people. Maybe the guy in the pic I posted is a kind and gentle soul who, through reasons out of his control, ended up in prison and was forced to get that tat in order to join a white gang for protection and not get boffed in the ass.

Its not about whether or not the tat is racist. It's what it says about the person's judgment. Like it or not, we based our perception of people based on first impressions. And they should know this. I don't have a tattoo that says "I LOVE C**K" because a) I don't actually love c**k and b) it would be a hassle trying to explain that to people.

WTF dude... You are tapped!!! 

[68X426]

First impressions?

This gentleman's prison boyfriend made him get "his and his" tats.

[Mike DC]

 
A reaper - not a racist thing

Rebel flag - usually not a racist thing



But a reaper dressed in a Rebel flag . . . that might suggest a racist.  It wouldn't be MY first assumption but I think it would be some people's. 

It's just that a reaper image seems sorta like you applaud "enforcing" something.  Like a soldier on horseback carrying a flag or something like that.  So what's this reaper enforcing?  The will of the South? 

Do you see what I mean?  I think that tat's combo adds up to more possible racism than the sum of its parts. 

[TUFCAT]

Ever see a bumpersticker on a Ferrari?

Exactly.

[Kern Dog]

This subject reminded me of some comments from a comic I heard on the Sirius radio. He was going on how some strippers put glitter on their chests and/or tattoos near their genitals. His take? "Ladies, ladies..... it don't need any window dressing.... we're looking there ANYWAYS!!"

The Bumper sticker on a Ferarri comment?  Brilliant.

I know people with visible tattoos. Some are unrefined and uneducated people with hearts of gold. Others are reasonably intelligent people that are no different than anyone else besides the ink.

Times are a- changin', and the taboo of the tattoo has faded. They used to be the mark of a convict, a sailor or a slutty woman. All those stereotypes still apply, but now even "regular" people seem to have jumped in. The nursing homes in 2050 will look very different from today, with this current generation of inked and pierced people coming in.

[mikepmcs]

....

[Todd Wilson]

Times are a- changin', and the taboo of the tattoo has faded. They used to be the mark of a convict, a sailor or a slutty woman. All those stereotypes still apply, but now even "regular" people seem to have jumped in. The nursing homes in 2050 will look very different from today, with this current generation of inked and pierced people coming in.

I cant wait to see 80 yr old chicks with big firm fake boobies!


Todd

[Todd Wilson]

Let's get PC completely out of the way.

Nearly all people are racist, regardless of their race. This tattoo does nothing to mitigate and everything to reinforce a prejudice.

Not me!  I hate everybody!



Todd

[jb666]

 
So... If stereotypes are correct, I guess the guy who approached me last week and said "Wow, you don't strike me as an old Charger owner, usually they are fat old bald yuppies who think they are better than others" stands true?

I laughed at that. The wife thought I was gonna get pissed, but I didn't say a word.. Just "sorry to disappoint!".

I hadn't heard that one before, and coming from the Corvette world, I thought I had heard them all.. I mean, after all, by 24, I was in the midst of a mid-life crisis, had no self-esteem, and (apparently) had a tiny penis that I needed to make up for in a car.