I need honest opinions.

[TK73]

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

[RallyeMike]

First, to answer the question. No, I would not judge a person simply on that tattoo. The rebel flag means different things to different people. I'm probably as guilty of prejudging some people as much as anyone, but I make a concerted effort not to. Now if it was a swastika on the guys adam's apple, I wouldn't be putting too much effort or time into trying to figure the guy out. 

I know plenty of people with mild to hardcore tats. Some are normal people, and some are pricks. The prick ratio of tattooed people is about the same as the prick ratio as people downtown in 3-piece suits. The only difference is that typically the prick with the tats stabs you in the front, while the prick in the suit stabs you in the back.

Personally, I think people who get tattooed are the people with the least insecurity of all. You've got to be pretty secure to wear your art/feelings/life/etc on your body.... forever, and for all to see.

In case you are wondering, I have no tattoos, however I have recently been branded 

[Nacho-RT74]

I do believe I would get a better idea of whether it was racist or not within the first 5-10 minutes of talking to them. I would not automatically assume it, but it would put me "on edge" so to speak that I would pay closer attention to their actions and words.

what I was to say!!!

I'm not into tats and I don't like them either, but depending on how much tats, how they are and where they are, then a deeper analisis will come on first minutes... without a previous judgement of course

On this particular case, being not an USA citizen, a diff impression of the tat is of course on the line, since actually in the rest of the world, the rebel flag it means nothing more than the north/south war itself ( for those who knows history ) and not a racist simbol really

[68X426]

One simple question.

If you saw this on a stranger and knew nothing about the person, would you assume he/she was racist?



This is not intended to turn political. My question is a first impression yes or no. 

Everyone is assuming it's a tat on a guy. I think it's on a chick's boob. Yeah, first impression, that be racist.

[bull]

So anyway, what's the point of all this? Why was this question asked?

[oldcarnut]

Nope and nor do I of the GL's either. I think anyone can take a symbol or object, use it in a different way than originally intended and create their own projection but it would take getting to talk with someone to find out what they were all about.   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'm in SC but it would be interesting to see what parts of the country the majority of people that thought it was racist vs those that didn't were from.

[xpbprox]

No

[surmanajaja]

nope, its not racist. i would think that tattoo would be on a girl, 25-30, with black hair and loves those punk-death-rockabilly bands... I dont have a tattoo and I cant get one because of my skin(infects too easy)and i dont really want one. my brother has tattoos in all upper body, a musician. mostly japanese style though.

[ds440]

A couple of books that might be worth reading:

http://www.amazon.com/Confederate-Neo-Confederate-Reader-Great-Truth/dp/1604732199/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1311077928&sr=8-1
http://www.amazon.com/Lies-My-Teacher-Told-Everything/dp/0743296281/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1311078044&sr=1-2

I think some people may be surprised what they read.

And for the record, no, I wouldn't necessarily label a person 'racist' because of that particular tattoo.  However, I could see how someone might misinterpret that image.

[mikepmcs]

I can't see the photo but i'm assuming by now that it is a Rebel flag tattoo.
My answer is no obviously on the tattoo signifying racism.  I also find it interesting the assumptions made about people simply because they have body art/tattoos. I have quite a few and actually have done the last 4 on myself.
I don't think it has anything to do with my upbringing or my IQ.  It simply states I like tattoos and I seem to have an artsy side and like the challenge of trying to do them on my own.
For the record.  I'm normally in long sleeves and long pants and very seldom wear a short sleeve shirt or shorts in public. I'm the only one who ever sees my tattoos basically. Wonder what that says about me? LOL!

To make a snap judgement on a persons character simply by seeing a tattoo is simply ridiculous and shallow. It actually makes me think that the person making the judgement has the issues and not the other way around.

My arms will eventually be covered in ink with things like some Navy stuff, maybe a P-3 orion, something to do with pinball most likely, definitely something to do with photography,  that sort of thing.  Everything I have on my skin is something that means something to me personally and is kind of a storyboard as far as my interests go.

[elacruze]

One simple question.

If you saw this on a stranger and knew nothing about the person, would you assume he/she was racist?



This is not intended to turn political. My question is a first impression yes or no. 

Yes.

[skip68]

O.M.G.!!!!  My mom has that same Tat.    

I don't see anything wrong with it.  Not for me because I'm not a tattoo kind of guy.   I can see a racist having a tat like that and it wouldn't overly surprise me.
Then again, I could see a guy that just loves the art and tattoos having it as well and think nothing of it as being racist. 

Like I said before, I'm not into tattoos but I think a tattoo is supposed to mean something.   So, my question is........... what does this tattoo mean to you or whoever's getting it?   

I find that if you're looking for the negative in something you can find it.  This after all is a form of art and can and will mean something different to everyone that see it. 

Chuck .................

[Troy]

I think people need to get off the PC bandwagon and stop finding every little thing offensive. If you put that on your butt cheek and no one ever sees it would they still consider you a racist? Gimme a break! I'm not a tattoo person but I think the ones that people care about tend to have a story or some meaning. I've never understood the fascination with skulls and death - unless that's what your life is all about. Getting that for no reason is just as pointless as a girl who gets a dolphin on her ankle.

Of course, it's hard to stop people from jumping to conclusions and I'm just as guilty of it as anyone I suppose. If you've got "KILLER" tattooed on your neck I don't think I'd be comfortable buying food from you (but probably wouldn't mind if I were in the market for guns or drugs). Your appearance does matter in most circumstances and I think controversial tattoos in visible places is a quick way to have your credibility knocked down several notches (again, if you're in prison or a biker gang the opposite may hold true).

Troy

[twodko]

My answer to the initial question is no. Tats aren't my thing either. I'm a Nam era vet too and after 6 years active and oh so many beers, JD and Johnny Walker if we could get it, I was never inclined to get a tat. No particular reason, I just felt that if I was supposed to have a tat it would have been issued to me. To this end I concur with much of what my devildog fellow member charge69 said. To each their own.

"Your appearance does matter in most circumstances and I think controversial tattoos in visible places is a quick way to have your credibility knocked down several notches".

This too follows my thinking whether a tat is controversial or not. To me the Confederate flag stands for southern pride period. The preeminent symbol of racism to me is white sheets, pointy hats, burning crosses and now those who call the rest of us infidels.

Tats are an art form no question but my mantra is moderation in all things. 

[Tilar]

Hell no it's not racist. I don't have any tats but I don't have any problem with people that do. I think if anyone were to find that racist without knowing the person, they are showing the mentality of an uneducated person and need to get over it.

[Brock Lee]

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 

[jb666]

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 

Now THAT'S funny!!!!!!!!!!! There's definitely no "Obedient Christian" morals with this person.

[Rolling_Thunder]

Nope - I would assume he lives in South Carolina or another southern state...        I wouldn't assume he was a racist, low life, or anything....         

[stripedelete]

Nope.   I would assume he is not "forward thinking".   

[Tilar]

A couple of books that might be worth reading:

http://www.amazon.com/Confederate-Neo-Confederate-Reader-Great-Truth/dp/1604732199/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1311077928&sr=8-1
http://www.amazon.com/Lies-My-Teacher-Told-Everything/dp/0743296281/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1311078044&sr=1-2

I think some people may be surprised what they read.

And for the record, no, I wouldn't necessarily label a person 'racist' because of that particular tattoo.  However, I could see how someone might misinterpret that image.

Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong

There is no way they could get that into one book. It would make "Gone with the wind" look like a paperback.

[MoparManJim]

My answer: No 

My reply: I would think the poor skeleton got cold and wrapped himself up.   

[ds440]

Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong

There is no way they could get that into one book. It would make "Gone with the wind" look like a paperback.

Ha!  Well, it's actually one of my favorite books.  The author just uses several key examples in American History, not all of it.    And sorta on topic - the author states that because of its popularity, Gone With the Wind is responsible for some of the misconceptions and myths about the South.  The book was a real eye opener because the author uses primary source material to demonstrate how very, very wrong most history textbooks are.  There are a couple chapters dedicated to the Civil War, Reconstruction, and some of the erroneous thinking we have in the US about the true history of the South.  Because of that book (and the other one as well), I can see how someone might misinterpret that particular tattoo.  History is more than just dates and facts.....it's sociology as well.  And for what it's worth, the book isn't that long. 

[bull]

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  

And I guess being a judgemental asshat is okay on the other side. Whether or not your assumption is correct (which it isn't) your bashing really doesn't need to be a part of this topic, does it?

[TUFCAT]

One simple question.

If you saw this on a stranger and knew nothing about the person, would you assume he/she was racist?



This is not intended to turn political. My question is a first impression yes or no.  

First impression? Racist =Yes. Second impression (of the stereotypical southerner who believes the Civil War never ended) = well, that's a yes also!  I really think you must reconsider this tattoo.     To many negative impressions.

[Todd Wilson]

Being southern myself, I do not need to be talked to slowly, or stayed away from until you piss me off...
However, I see a tat that states the person is proud to be of southern hertitage, clearly sees all who judge him/her as a typical "White Trash", should reconsider being the Grim Reaper is intertwined in the tat...


Southern pride is nothing to be ashamed of...Taking that pride and forcing others to listen to BS White Supremist garbage is another debate entirely...Basically, I don't see Racism no more in that tat than I do with the Confederate Flag on the roof of my car.

I couldnt agree more with you!!!!!!!!!!


Todd