News Editor says Tattoos are Classless and Worthless

I really hate posting things like this, but I do think it’s important to have a well rounded view on how tattoos are perceived in the World today. Sometimes we surround ourselves with like-minded people and forget that there are some people out there who just aren’t as understanding and open.

It’s always people who don’t have tattoos and that don’t understand the lifestyle who have the strongest opinions. There is nothing wrong with saying that you don’t like tattoos, that’s fine. The problem arises when you cast judgement on people who you don’t know and tell them what they are doing is wrong without having any justification. This article was reposted in it’s entirety from The Spectrum, the independent publication for the University of Buffalo.


Article by Lisa Khoury

I get it. It’s the 21st century. You’re cool, you’re rebellious, you’re cutting edge, you have a point to prove, and you’re a woman. Awesome.
Ladies, I know you’re at least at the legal age of making your own decisions, but before you decide to get a tattoo, allow me to let you in on a little secret. A secret you may have not fully realized yet thus far in your life. What you must understand is, as women, we are – naturally – beautiful creatures.
Seriously, though. Your body literally has the ability to turn heads. Guys drool over us. We hold some serious power in our hands, because – as corny as this sounds – we hold the world’s beauty.
But something girls seem to forget nowadays, or maybe have not been taught, is that women hold the world’s class and elegance in their hands, as well. So what’s more attractive than a girl with a nice body? I’ll tell you what: a girl with class. Looks may not last, but class does. And so do tattoos.
An elegant woman does not vandalize the temple she has been blessed with as her body. She appreciates it. She flaunts it. She’s not happy with it? She goes to the gym. She dresses it up in lavish, fun, trendy clothes, enjoying trips to the mall with her girlfriends. She accentuates her legs with high heels. She gets her nails done. She enjoys the finer things in life, all with the body she was blessed with.
But marking it up with ink? That’s just not necessary.
I’m not here to say a girl should walk around flaunting her body like it’s her job – that’s just degrading. Instead of getting a tattoo, a more productive use of your time would be improving and appreciating the body you have been given, not permanently engraving it.
Can you get meaning out of a tattoo? Arguably. If you want to insert ink into your skin as a symbol for something greater than yourself, then maybe you are proving a point to yourself or the rest of the world.
But at the end of the day, are you really a happier person? Has this tattoo, for instance, caused you to learn something new about yourself? Has it challenged you? Has it led you to self-growth? Nothing comes out of getting a tattoo. You get a tattoo, and that’s it. You do something productive, though, and you see results. That’s a genuine, satisfying change in life. Not ink.
Invest your time, money, and effort into a gym membership, or yoga classes, or new clothes, or experimenting with different hairstyles if you’re craving something new with your body, not a tattoo.
I promise, it will be a much more rewarding experience, and you won’t find yourself in a rut when your future grandkids ask you what’s up with the angel wings on your upper back as you’re in the middle of giving them a life lesson on the importance of values and morals.
God knows the last thing this world needs is another generation of kids questioning their basic values and morals.

Email: lisa.khoury@ubspectrum.com

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1,299 Responses to News Editor says Tattoos are Classless and Worthless

  1. Ashley says:

    This is one of the most sexist pieces of infuriating horse crap I have ever read. Hey ladies, don’t invest any money in a permanent piece of artwork and self-expression, instead go to the mall and play into gender rolls and support greedy corporations and industries that see fit to treat your entire gender as a commodity and nothing more, forcing some media image of who you’re supposed to be down your throat. While you’re at it, BUY a gym membership (no mention of FREE outdoor activities that are proven to improve your self image and connection to the world around you, where gyms typically seek to demean and berate you into pushing yourself to be more socially acceptable looking). Does this girl have a tattoo? I would wager not. So i would argue that she has no authority to comment on whether or not a tattoo experience is meaningful. I still remember my first tattoo, but I could give less than a crap about where I got my last pair of shoes from.

    Utter garbage.

    • Shahab says:

      Agreed.

    • Orthaux says:

      This reply has more literary value the the article it replies to.

    • Nicole says:

      Well said!

    • This was written perfectly, exactly what I was thinking.

      • Stephanie says:

        Written perfectly for narrow minded idiots, such as yourself I suppose.

      • Tracy says:

        I concur with Stephanie, you mindless painty waisted sheep. Can’t people be happy and secure enough with themselves that they don’t feel the need to insult people who view body art differently than they.

      • payattentionforfuckssake says:

        Stephanie & Tracey, how about looking at the hierarchy of replies here before resorting mindless name-calling. It is pretty clear that prettygreyday was referring to Ashley’s reply, not the article in question.

      • Christopher says:

        payattentionforfuckssake

        some people don’t have the mental aptitude to line up pictures to see where they fall in a thread. Not Much you can do, especially when those people only have the mental aptitude to attack people as much as this article does.

      • bernard says:

        this article reeks of ME,ME and especially ME.From the dribble i’ve just read,this moron seems to think n i’ve seen this a lot lately,that ALL women are just so beautiful,perfect. . . . .holding the worlds beauty. . .what a prentious,narcasisstic,materialistic,superficial oxygen waster this alleged female is,she looks quite young n here she is telling others(and obviously clean skinned itself)about the so-called “effects” of tats.Grow a brain,get a life and then EVOLVE.

    • Joe says:

      I don’t condone people being held down against their will and raped however, I would totally condone someone holding you down and tattooing on your forehead, “I AM AN EGOTISTICAL, SELF-CENTERED, NO OPINION OF MY OWN CUNT.”

      Thank you…that is all I have to say 🙂

    • Erika says:

      THANK YOU ASHLEY! i agree there is nothing wrong with getting a tattoo.

    • Kelly says:

      This. For sure.

      I don’t see how getting a tattoo supposedly doesn’t cause you to learn something about yourself, or challenge you, or lead you to self growth, but somehow going to the mall and buying clothes does? Stupid.

      I only have one tattoo, but it MEANS something to me. My mother and I got the same thing at the same time, and my grandma was there also. Now I have a permanent reminder of an amazing trip to Las Vegas with two of the most incredible women I know and I’ll always be connected to my mother no matter how far away we are from each other. No clothes or shoes or gym membership could ever make me feel like that.

      • Rob says:

        Ah yes, the end of the pilgrimage trail…..Las Vegas. Did nana win big?

      • I think perhaps this author should challenge herself and GET A TATTOO.

        You can have them removed anyway.

      • hillaryalene says:

        Agreed. Her whole rant about getting a tattoo not challenging you is ludicrous. And I honestly don’t think she can form a neutral opinion when she herself has never had a tattoo. It DOES challenge you, and to most people their tattoo symbolizes something substantial in their life. Not all tattoos, but quite a few of them. Also while I’m at it, about her opinion on women’s class, I’m sexy and I know it. I don’t need to go get my nails done and spend frivolous amounts of money on frilly clothes and shoes to feel that way. I have nothing against someone who does, but I don’t feel the need to do that. The girl that wrote the article could really use some lessons on class before she goes out preaching about it. Class is not the way you look, but the way in which you present yourself. Something that a gym membership isn’t going to change.

      • Cindy says:

        I also only have one tattoo after swearing I’d never get one(don’t like needles). My tattoo is a gothic cross with angel wings & a halo. I got it in loving memory of my only child who passed away last year @ the age of 22. I feel his spirit is with me more now. I plan on adding more to it on his birthdate & deathdate. It’s one of the best & most meaningful things I’ve ever done.
        RIP Jeremy Robert 3/29/88-5/13/10
        May you sing with the angels knowing you are loved.
        Love, Mom

      • Pam says:

        Well said, Kelly.

      • Christopher says:

        I only want one tattoo. It’s a full back piece that is going to have smoke rising out of a scar on my back and form into a Phoenix from mid back into my shoulders. It is my way of reminding myself of all the crap that has happened within my life, that I’ve lived through. Like my house burning down when I was 7, coping with suicidal tendencies when I was 12, living through a 65 mph car crash at 21 that should have killed me and the doctors had no clue why I was A) Alive; and B) not a single bone in my body was broken. I will test my physical pain tolerance to have that tattoo to remind myself of my experiences if I ever feel down that there is nothing I can’t rise up from. I’m sure there are a lot of Tattoos that women want to get that mean a lot to them, and this article does nothing but degrade them.
        Way to go Lisa Khoury, I think you’ve proven our point. Don’t get a “trendy” tattoo that means nothing to you. Get one that means something to you. Hell, even the Great Pyramids had Hieroglyphics on their walls that told a story. Oh and weren’t those structures TEMPLES OF WORSHIP?

    • Jayme says:

      You’re amazing.

    • Kristal says:

      Amen.
      My tattoos do bring me happiness. They mark memories & events in my life. They’re reminders of my growth & I am beautiful with them.

      With that being said, I’d expect the author to look like she spends a little more money making herself look classy/dolled up… Less frumpy. But that’s just my opinion.

      • Absolutely!! Is dying your hair, getting fake nails glued on, plastering make up all over your face not also “vandalism of your temple that is your body”? If tattoos are, then this should be too. See, I can be a narrow minded idiot also! LOL.
        My tattoos mean the world to me, YES they made happier, and YES I do feel they improved my life. My gym membership does not make me feel good about myself, it makes me feel fat and lazy. My tattoos make me think my arms are beautiful! I would not have changed those decisions to get them for the world.

      • Lora says:

        I totally agree with Kristal…..i just got my first tattoo a few years ago and then another about a year after that…they both have very special meaning to me that include my husband and children. Actually getting ready to get another one. I can cover them so ppl dont see or i can uncover them for everyone to see. I love summer time b/c when I wear my bikini I show them both off! I love my tattoo’s and get many compliments on them! This little girl looks to be what about 18 or 19? I suggest she live life for several more years and grow up before judging people (women) with tattoo’s. I have a gym membership, I exercise, I enjoy dressing up and looking nice, I am a wife, mother, grandmother and nurse and I am satisfied with my body and my tattoo’s. Of course then again I don’t need to please or win the approval of anyone else b/c what I choose to do with my body is totally my business and noone else’s. So little girl keep your opinions to yourself b/c US WOMEN with tattoo’s don’t really care what your opinion of us are!!

      • Rachel says:

        HA! My thoughts exactly!

    • Stephanie says:

      ^Exactly what I was thinking Ashley!!

    • Taylor says:

      Seriously.

    • Aimee says:

      Completely agree. She has NO leg to stand on when talking about getting a tattoo. I’d rather be the drop dead gorgeous tattooed woman I KNOW I am than the clueless, socially derprieved person she is!

      Disprespectful, degrading…worthless wrtting!

      • Tara says:

        Well said!

      • Harmsway says:

        Agreed Aimee! I would like to point out that some of the most creative, beautiful women I know are canvassed with art. They also happen to take care of their bodies and have amazing fashion sense. They are artists, musicians, scientists, philosophers, models and amazing mothers who happen to help disabled Veterans like myself. Where would the world be without diversity? Everyone plays a part in the world good or bad regardless of their appearance choices. I choose to view or acknowledge someone based off of their integrity and actions rather than how they choose to ornament their body

    • Daniel says:

      agreed. i don’t even have tattoos and its easy to see that is bigoted bs. i mean wow, this is some impressive crap. hard to believe, not worth the time it took to read.

    • shauna says:

      So, this makes me so angry .. I go to the gym I wear amazing heels I get my nails and my hair done, I wear trendy nice clothes, I have an amazing job and a Masters Degree I work in the federal court system, men drool over me, men swoon over me, I have class, I have morals, I am a mother, a daughter. a granddaughter, I vote and dont litter, I drive a 50 thousand dollar car thats paid for that I bought …. AND….

      I have OVER 200 hours of tattoo work on my body, I am pierced, my ears are guaged, and I am respected.

      This woman is telling our children it is not OK to be themselves and be individual and personally it sickens me.

      Judge not least ye be judged … God is watching (yes I believe in God people with tattoos dont worship the devil)

      • Dmadds says:

        you are rad. hands down. The girl who wrote this article is clearly an idiot with no view of the world but her own.

      • Alison says:

        even better than the first response. nothing but respect for you, lady.

      • Nicole says:

        Rock on, sister. Right there with ya. Master’s Degree, career in higher education, support myself… And working my 6th and biggest piece. This poor excuse for a writer doesn’t know what she’s talking about… and clearly, from the looks of her photo, doesn’t practice what she preaches, either.

      • Amen. The world needs more inspirations like you in it!!!

      • Jenn says:

        Shauna,
        I agree with you 110%. I do not have any tattoos (yet 😛 ) but I am an extremely open-minded person. It nauseates me to know how judgmental and close-minded our society still is. We cannot judge people right off the bat by their appearance. Especially about their level of education and/or religion. Also, ones appearance has absolutely nothing to do with their personality or their ability to be a good individual.
        -Jenn

      • Christine says:

        Thank you. I don’t have tattoos but I do agree with wht u said.

      • randi says:

        Shauna’s comment!!

      • Jennifer says:

        @shauna Now this is incredibly well said. and your awesome.

      • hillaryalene says:

        Amen! Class is a presence, something that girl will never have.

      • Jessi says:

        This….this right here.

    • Four N says:

      After thousands of years of people practicing the art of body modification, I am glad this woman has finally set the record straight. Tattoos are obviously a passing trend and a senseless way of expressing how “cool” you are. Religion, spirituality, and individual creativity be damned, let’s all go get our nails done at the mall. Oh, and since we live in the most tattooed generation of all time, make sure you hide your tattoos when you make this trip to the mall. You don’t want Ms. Lisa Khoury to think any less of you than she already does…

    • Nicole says:

      Seriously… because what REALLLLY challenges me and leads me to self-growth is getting my nails done and being ogled at whilst wearing high heels. What happens when you get your nails done? Ahuh.. you get your nails done, and that’s it. Just like this moron has to say about tattoos.. at least there’s reason behind why people get them. What story do you have behind what fucking color you painted your nails that week? What meaningful thing do you have to say about the heels you chose to wear this morning?

      Either whoever wrote this article was just out to majorly troll, or people are much, much stupider than I thought. No one can be that stupid or ignorant though, really.

    • I agree 100%. I have one tattoo….and yes, it did teach me something and has lasting meaning. It taught me that although I am petrified of needles, I am capable of sitting for 3+ hours for my tattoo without going into a panic attack.

    • Ssejors says:

      AGREED!! THANK YOU

      This article is DISGUSTING.. Ive never read anything quite as offensive

    • Kevin B says:

      A-fuckin-men!

    • Katherine says:

      I agree with Ashley on this one, It’s your body, and your life. you should roll with the punches the way that you’ want to live it not the other way around. Everyone has different styles and they express it through whatever they want. if they want to get a tattoo, than so be it. I’m one of those people who don’t have a tattoo , but than again, I’m not against or judgmental towards people who do. People who have tattoos on their bodies, I like to call them walking art. Some of these tattoo’s they have are absolutely stunning, and beautiful, as you just said, we are all naturally beautiful to begin with, what’s wrong with adding more?

    • chelsea says:

      agree completely !

    • alicia says:

      agreed!!! this woman knows nothing about what people can get our of a tattoo. everything she said before ‘nothing comes out of getting a tattoo’ is exactly what alot of people get from getting a tattoo.
      she probably saw a woman with a tattoo and thought it was her duty to tell all women what they should be doing with their bodies,
      she needs a good talking to from all the classy women with tattoos, cos believe me, there are thousands!

    • Mary says:

      Agree with Ashley!

    • james davis says:

      Boooooooooyah! Dish that shit up on a platter:D beauty is an eloquent woman with confidence. My heart yearns to meet, for I can correctly use their they’re and there. Our children will grow to become literary gods amongst this rubble of garbled sentences that are ever increasing in this fast food nation. . Call me, boo!

    • Briana says:

      It’s the way she wrote it. She wrote it in a way that kind of makes her sound unintelligent.
      It is written in a way that looks like it is attacking people, and its based solely on an opinion. As a matter of fact, she makes a statment like her opinion is a fact.

      “I get it. It’s the 21st century. You’re cool, you’re rebellious, you’re cutting edge, you have a point to prove, and you’re a woman. Awesome.”

      If i was an 18-21 year old girl and I read that, I would despise her. Right off the bat.
      If she is concerned with women vandelizing their bodies, well then you probably should have wrote an article concerning women having promiscuos sex.

      This article isn’t going to make some 19 year old be like, “Holy shit this girl is right. Fuck tattoos. I’m just a rebellious asshole.”

      For some people it’s who they are, some people love art, their body is a canvas.

      I live in South Florida. Huge spot for tattoos, and people get them for all different reasons. Old women, young women, smart women, dumb women.

      People can still be elegant. and besides, it’s the 21st century or what not. Elegance is a past-time. Elegance has lost its elegance.

      “She accentuates her legs with high heels. She gets her nails done. She enjoys the finer things”

      I’m sorry, but shoving my foot into a heel is not one of the finer things in life. It’s actually really bad for your foot and can cause long-term damage.

    • Britt W says:

      THANK YOU! Took the words right out of my mouth. I have a tattoo. ONE. It’s nothing large, it’s hardly noticeable, but it means a great deal to me. “But at the end of the day, are you really a happier person? Has this tattoo, for instance, caused you to learn something new about yourself? Has it challenged you? Has it led you to self-growth?” To answer these questions: Yes, I am a happier person, not just because of the tattoo, but because of what it represents to me. It HAS challenged me as it is a reminder to be a better person all around, thus leading to self-growth. How closed-minded of this person to assume that all women should do what is typical and expected.

    • cher says:

      i am decorated with the names of my grandmother, grandfather, mother and deceased dad. i have my wedding band tattooed on. i choose to pay homage to those i love and what i value: my family. if this doesn’t live up to your perceived notion of class, my feelings won’t be hurt, i am grateful to not have anything save for a gender in common with you. take your own advice: go back to the mall. and the gym. you need a makeover. here’s a helpful hint: you should start from the inside first.

    • Amen Ashley, well said.
      This article is just so dumb…go get your nails done, buy new trendy clothes and buy a gym membership and that is supposed to “challenge you” or help you to “learn new things about yourself”..ugh, garbage

    • marjean says:

      This god dam ugly ass bible hugger should really consider shooting herself between the fucking eyes.

      I mean really take a look at yourself. It doesn’t look like you straighten your hair, put make up on, or do anything implying you’re a “beautiful creature”. “I get it. It’s the 21st century. You’re cool, you’re rebellious, you’re cutting edge, you have a point to prove, and you’re a woman. Awesome.” Just because you don’t have the balls to be any of those doesn’t give you the god dam right to call us women with ink “classless”. You have to be out of your fucking tree. How is getting fake nails and chemicals put in your hair any better then getting ink in your skin? I can tell you why. I have 11 tattoos and I am proud of everyone of them. I invested my money wisely into something I will bring to the grave with me. The plus side is being able to tell my kids, and grand kids the wonderful stories behind them. Every day I wake up, I get to look at beautiful works of art on my skin. “But at the end of the day, are you really a happier person? Has this tattoo, for instance, caused you to learn something new about yourself? Has it challenged you? Has it led you to self-growth? Nothing comes out of getting a tattoo. You get a tattoo, and that’s it.” Every time I get tattooed I walk out of the tattoo shop with a little bit more confidence. Every time I go to my appointments, sit down with my tattoo artist, I learn something new about him or myself. It’s challenged me in it’s own little unique way. The pain you go threw during a tattoo can’t be explained, it can only be experienced. After the last line is finished till having the tattoo on you for years, the experience never ends. Get your head out of your asshole and open your fucking eyes.

      • kara says:

        LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS!!!!!! As woman with more tattoos than I care to count lol i could not have worded it any better myself =) Thank goodness for people like us!!!

      • EddieTheRez says:

        Well fucking said Marjean,

        I’m a bloke that loves women with tattoos. I always find women with tattoos more interesting as they have stories to tell, they tend to have lived and have some special reminder of someone or an event as their ink.

        People such as ‘Liza’ have no understanding of tattoos or their meaning to people, their opinions come from a small mind which, unfortunately, seems to have an inverse relationship with their big mouth.

        The article makes for trash reading and I struggle to believe that this came from an independent publication of the University of Buffalo. An article such as this belongs in some trashy tabloid newspaper, alongside some celebrity gossip that nobody reads.

        To all reading this, I hope this finds you planning more ink! Please don’t be put off by some “god dam ugly ass bible hugger ” (Thanks for this Marjean t’shall be used now for the rest of the day!!) and remember all the gym, yoga classes and hair dyes can’t fix the ugliness of these types of opinions!

      • Heather says:

        while I totally agree with the gist of your response, the call for her to kill herself and the constant swearing only feeds this naive girls’ ignorant ideas. Yes, this is an incredibly ignorant article, she obviously has no clue and is most likely being fed this crap from her mom and or grandmother. I also agree that she needs a serious lesson in reality, class and elegance. But I think all of that can be achieved without someone threatening violence and what not. I have several tattoo’s, they are an extension of my personality and I plan to get many more. I am totally appauled that this young ‘woman’ thinks that doing superficial things getting her nails done and going to the mall or gym make her a classier woman. Her article takes us back to the 50’s, when women were still struggling for their right to be equal to men in so many ways. She might as well have said women belong in stockings, heels, a dress and an apron, in the kitchen, not working or having any rights of our own. And yes, it is hilariously ironic that she is so incredibly plain looking and doesn’t look like she follows her own ‘advice’ here. I won’t be so hateful as to call her ugly or unattractive. But she definitely doesn’t live up to her ‘idea’ of how women should be. She has a lot of growing up to do, and I certainly hope that she learns to open her mind and her heart to all that life has to offer. (which is much more than fake nails, gym memberships, high heels and the mall!).

    • jason says:

      that was better than well written ashley! could not agree more! even if i’m just some heavily tattooed scumbag tattooer!

    • Penny says:

      completely agree Ashley!! I rememeber every tattoo I ever got and love them and the story they tell and I couldn’t give a flying f%#k what shoes are on my feet as long as they do te job they are intended for lol

    • P.P.R. says:

      I, personally, do not have a tattoo and have no interest in getting one. With that said, this Lisa Khoury is an ignorant girl and needs to educate herself on the origination/reason(s) behind tattoos. For instance, there have been findings of tattos going back as far as the New Stone Era.. *grumble* I am a woman who believes in self expression, however one chooses to do so.

    • Cazanobia says:

      I think you hitt the nail on the head there miss Ashley:)

    • Nicole says:

      scream it loud sister!

    • janine says:

      Hear hear!!!

    • shianne says:

      that is the best responce i think this “article could have gotten 🙂

    • Natalie says:

      You might just be the most liked person on this blog right now. I am so angry by these comments. As a woman who is heavily tattooed this is so insulting and degrading. Normally negative responses tattoos don’t rile me. But this, has mightily annoyed me. Utter rubbish? That would be your article. Because God knows you would never say it to my face.

    • Ana says:

      I agree!!!! For one why is the author only talking about women and two last I checked some temples have engravings too so this whole “Your body is a temple” is a load of crap

    • Linda says:

      Nothing wrong with a Tattoo. I have 5 small ones. They are pretty. Get a life Miss Perfect. How dare you put us down for having a Tattoo!!!!

    • Keitha says:

      agreed!!!

    • cooties says:

      girl looks like a more masculine version of skrillex. who does she think she is. my girl friend has tattoos and they look great on her. going to the mall and buying shoes has to be the most vapid alternative to getting a tattoo. the paris hilton generation.

    • shauna says:

      Agree. 100%. This little girl is judgmental & totally clueless about tattoos & the meaning they have for some. I wonder if she has pierced ears?

    • Daisy says:

      Completely agree with you. This is UTTER Garbage. She obviously has played into the role as the pretty little house wife that can do no wrong. Self expression is all that matters. People express themselves in many different ways. If you want a tattoo then get it. Others dye their hair. People do piercings. To each their own. Telling these younger girls to go out and get a gym membership plays into telling them that they have to have the perfect body and would not be socially excepted if not. This is a world where people live on being able to express themselves freely. Women with tattoos are just a beautiful as women who don’t have them. SHEESH !!! Keep this girl away from my kids. I don’t want my girls to grow up thinking that they have to impress everyone around them. They need to be able to express themselves whatever way they want too. We are Strong women. We have come a long way in this world to be able to do whatever a man does. Let’s hold our stance and Show them what we can do.

    • Beth says:

      I could not have said it better myself! Awesome!!

    • Alex says:

      AMEN! Haha!

    • Couldn’t have said it better.
      This girl is nothing more than a sophomoric fool of a college kid who finds herself way too interesting.

    • bettiepeg says:

      Beauty is more than skin deep

      I felt I needed to respond to this as well. I’ve sent her an email requesting an opportunity to do a point-counter point article with her. Here’s to hoping she’s in.

    • Chelle says:

      Absolutely agree! I plan on getting a tattoo in memorial of my mom who passed when I was five months old the day I turn 18. So now having a permanent memorial of the person who gave birth to me on my body but passed before she got the chance to raise me isn’t classy? Like hell it’s not.

    • Heidi says:

      Amen !!! She’s a superficial, hypocrite that needs to shush her mouth !! This article is the biggest bunch of BS , this girl needs a huge cup of STFU !!!! Maybe she needs a tattoo of someone’s fist across her forehead! ;). I am an elegant woman, with many tattoos that I flaunt the hell out of !! 😉 They are expressions of my life, my trials, tribulations, pain, happiness, memories, etc.. And God knows the last thing we need is her slanderous , bullshit, racist comments!

    • mark says:

      ashley you are amazing

    • K says:

      you all sound like fools 2 me.

      Tattoos are self expression?
      or
      a need for attention?
      be honest with yourself for just 5 seconds.

      I’ve got a tattoo. They are a a joke.
      They are the reverse progression of human evolution.
      They are tribal, and primal.

      • Claudia says:

        that sounds like what your tattoo is to you “a need for attention”….if u don’t like it get it removed …quit bitching

      • hillaryalene says:

        And that is YOUR personal opinion. Just because your tattoo doesn’t mean anything to you doesn’t mean that every other persons is a joke.

    • Natalie says:

      I just had to share the email I just wrote to that idiot publisher:

      “First of all, I want to begin this email by saying I have never written someone to tell them how horrible their article is, but in this instance my conscience would not allow me to simply write a snarky comment on Facebook. Your article is not only hypocritical and misogynistic, but ill-conceived and unresearched.
      I wholeheartedly agree that women are naturally beautiful creatures, however, it pains me that there are still members of my gender who see us only as vehicles for male pleasure. Did it even cross your mind that are girls (and not just lesbians!) who are in no way concerned as to whether or not guys drool over them? And, of course, you follow your altogether faulty initial premise with the outdated concept of “class”. Have you not noticed the worldwide movement rallying against the top one percent? (ahem, that’s Occupy Wallstreet, if you haven’t figured it out.) Equating goodness with social rank is as foolish defining someone solely by their race, gender, or sexual preference. Not to mention that how you define an elegant women is just downright silly. She flaunts her body and and goes to the mall? Really?
      As for you stance on tattoos, humans have inscribed their experiences on their skin as both milestone and rite of passage for centuries. I encourage you to talk to just one person who has tattoos. Having a tattoo does make us happier people. A tattoo will cause us to learn something new about ourselves now only during the rite of receiving it, but every time we look at it and reinterpret it’s meaning. In this way, it also challenges us and leads to self-growth. It releases negative experiences and always reminds us of the good ones.
      So, when my grandkids ask about that red phoenix on my back (I suppose if I am the kind of grandma who walks around with her back exposed…). I’ll tell the story of how I watched a city I loved be destroyed by a hurricane. How I also saw people with heart and dedication put their lives back together only to build something even better – like the phoenix being reborn from the ashes – and how I always carry that story and many others with me, on me, every moment.”

    • dan says:

      I don’t remember when I bought my shoes but I recall victory when I wore them the hell out.
      Sole separation like a firestone.

    • Kelcey says:

      What I find to be funny about this is how she states that we need morals and values, as if people who have tattoos DON’T have any. What a ridiculously unaccurate assumption and stereotype. I’m not sure that the author is aware of how many different people actually have tattoos.And I absolutely LOVE how she generalized women as getting tattoos in a way that suggests she percieves women are getting tattoos to attract men? Haha, I have ONE tattoo on my shoulder that I got after a bad relationship to remind me to never compromise my values for anyone. And you know what when I am 80 I highly doubt I will be showing my wrinkled back to anyone (I’ve personally never seen my grandmothers bare back), nor will I care that it will be wrinkled and faded. When your 80 everything is wrinkled and faded.
      Dear Author:
      If you don’t like tattoos, don’t get one.
      Don’t lump millions of people in a ridiculous group because of a way they choose to express themselves. Who made you the moral authority on any issue?
      I’m not an athlete, and I don’t get my nails done, and I don’t spend a bunch of money on clothes or face. I don’t enjoy doing those things,and if you are going to argue that you were blessed with natural beauty: you should list things that don’t involve conforming to the magazine and fashion standards for women. You write this article under the assumption that everyone tattooed is going to regret it.
      Just an FYI: I don’t have any regrets, and I never will. They are a waste of my time.

    • fugue8812 says:

      Perfectly said, though seriously if she’s going this far apparently it’s still okay to pierce everything in sight. Since, there’s no mention at all of that being bad.

    • Jess says:

      Great response back Ashley!

    • Joseph says:

      Says the lady who goes to the mall and buys shoes and new hairdo’s. Okay ladies, I get it. Some of you love going to the mall with your girlfriends and getting your nails done and buying overpriced bullshit made in China to help your low self esteem, but guess what? I’ll tell you what! All women are not created equal. To each his (or her) own. Tattoos have been around for thousands of years. THOUSANDS!!!!!!!! Guess what hasn’t? Macy’s. So go shove everything you just said about how tattoos are trash and get a damned makeover that won’t mean shit tomorrow. Thank you. Ranting is finished. P.S. to the lady that wrote this piece, you are not attractive. No amount of makeup or hair dye can change the fact that you are close minded and have a very jaded sense of how the world works. You are and always will be ugly.

    • Liz says:

      Thank you for posting what I was thinking. When I’m a granny, I’ll be proud to show off my wings. 😉

    • Lola says:

      Thank you! Perfectly well-said. I am in 100% agreement.

    • bill seleno says:

      as I was unable to post I wanted to share my email that i had sent to her.

      Please return to writing in your diary and saving everyone the trouble of having to stumble upon your mental vomit.
      Thank you.

      Bill

    • Claudia says:

      i am speechless ….in fact i had to close the original article because it was so upsetting …i was brought up to be accepting of others but people like her make it extremely difficult. *ugh narrow mindedness*!!!!

    • Zoe says:

      Totally agree. You obviously have no idea what it’s like to be a successful tattooed women, like many of us are!

    • Dunkelsidhe says:

      I’m applauding your reply!

    • Chris says:

      It’s classist too, in a way, and terribly unaware of the importance of tattoos in certain cultures. I will have no issue explaining my tattoos to my kids of they ask about them, and the morals I will impart on them will include not judging the value of another person on their appearance and what they put on or in their bodies.

    • Jessica says:

      My thoughts, exactly, after reading this. She might as well get a sex change and start beating women. Does she honestly find woman-kind’s role in society to ‘hold the world’s beauty’?! Are men not capable of being physically beautiful? I’d prefer future generations of strong, independent, inked ladies than sad girls with daddy issues who define themselves by physicalities and superficiality.

    • prettyprincess says:

      Thank you so much for being awesome! This is exactly what I was going to say :> I don’t have a tattoo- but lot’s of my friends do – male and female- and honestly, who is anyone to judge anyone for wanting to get a piece of artwork? I think that there are bad tattoos out there, but if it has meaning to someone, then why does it bother you? No one is forcing you to get a tattoo….

    • You couldn’t have said this any better. She speaks of class, yet a woman with class would never pen such a outlandish and closed minded piece. Hypocrisy at its finest.

    • Jennifer says:

      SO TRUE THIS WOMEN ! IS TRYING TO DEGRADE WOMEN WITH TATTOOS!

      FAIL ! MISS K MEGA FAIL ! i will be writting a LONG REPLY TO THIS DOWN BELOW SO LOOK OUT !

      🙂

    • Yeah, What Ashley Said… I love how people are so invested in their opinion being the only way. You don’t like tatoos? Don’t get one. Easy. Why this means you should insult people who do like tatoos and so… wait for it… Do get one (or one million) is beyond me.

    • roxyfeathers says:

      bravo ashley!

    • Lex says:

      A more vapid bit of trash I haven’t seen in ages – Seriously? “An elegant woman does not vandalize the temple she has been blessed with as her body. She appreciates it. She flaunts it. She’s not happy with it? She goes to the gym. She dresses it up in lavish, fun, trendy clothes, enjoying trips to the mall with her girlfriends. She accentuates her legs with high heels. She gets her nails done. She enjoys the finer things in life, all with the body she was blessed with.” Like being a boring tool with no individuality, creativity or ambition. This tattoo hater is a Christian evangelist trying to backdoor the “message”. Yuck.

    • Karolyn Hanna says:

      Well put!

    • Ashley; amazingly written.

    • Renee says:

      Ashley, I couldn’t have said it better myself. This Lisa woman mentions the words classless and worthless!! In my opinion, people who judge others are classless and their judgements are worthless. Especially if they have no clue as to what they are talking about. All of my tattoos have meaning to me and they represent something about myself. I am proud of my ink. Like the saying goes, “some people like to hang their art, I choose to wear mine.” It is called “FREEDOM”, She needs to get a life!

    • Tony says:

      People need to realise that if your body is a temple and you are it’s High Priestess/Priest then you get to choose the manner of worship and decor not some stranger from a different belief system. You don’t visit a lovely old church and go lets rip out the vaulting it looks tacky do you?

    • Alura Dye says:

      LISTEN!!!!
      Rather than completely bash you and what I HATE about you and your descisions and your way of thinking and how you look…. I am just going to argue my point, beacuase that is what a classy girl does. I do not need to belittle you to do so.
      Having said that, youre point of view is infuriating!!!!!!! You wanna talk about up bringing having to do with this? What was your upbringing? Did your mother take you aside and tell you everyday to discriminate against everyone different than you? Great up bringing. You didn’t get a tattoo. Congratulations. Tattoos are not for everyone and I agree with that, but to say a girl has no class and is making a mistake by getting them is 100% wrong. I am a christian. I am not a devil worshiper because I have tattoos. I do not loose respect for myself because I have tattoos… maybe others who are judgmental and close minded and have tiny little brains that are inconcievable to the idea of art do. Those people can stay far far far far away from me. I am a people lover, and anyone who is going to discriminate against me and question my character simply judging by my tattoos are IGNORANT. You might as well say people with dark skin, or people with a certain hair color, or people with a certain style, or people who believe in a certain religeon. If you truly stand for this I feel very sad for you. This world has billions of people.. over half of which are starving and have health issues. There is global warming going on, FEMA camps killing of people by the thousands… and this is what you care about? Please focus your energies else where. My doctor has tattoos and he saves lives. Who are you to say she has no class and is worthless? NO ONE. You don’t know who people are and where they came from. If you don’t agree with tattoos don’t get them.
      OH AND BY THE WAY.. I am an artists… I think that tattos can be very expressive and beautiful and I do not regret a one that I have. Are women naturally beautiful and don’t need them? Certainly. But you have no given right to classify me… ESPECIALLY if you wanna call yourself a christian!!!! If that were so true this article wouldn’t exist. “Only God can judge me”, not a silly girl with no experience in the real world. i also wanted to let you know that I am yoga certified, I spend plenty of time working on my body, practicing my morals and helping others do the same! You have a nice day now Lisa! Maybe since you’re not off getting tattoo’d you can go practice some ethic. 😉

    • Yepitsme says:

      well said. 🙂

    • JKG says:

      You missed the first piece of sexism in the article: that “women hold the world’s class and beauty in their hands.”

      Really? No beautiful or classy men out there, I guess.

    • Combi says:

      Marry me 😀

      My first (and only) tattoo means so much. It’s a permanent reminder. It makes me happy every time I look at my body in the mirror.

    • RMartin says:

      Ashley – well said!! anyone else want to leave the author a comment like i will be doing…. her email is available at bottom of the article.

    • Blake says:

      @ Ashley,

      I could not agree more. You Absolutely Hit The Nail On The Head With That One. This “writer” is dumb. All there is to it.

    • tat2vixen says:

      i believe it’s the FAT pot callin the kettle black in the name of all that is christian.

    • snakeayez says:

      A freaking men (to the reply). Self-righteous preachy bitch.

    • Well said, Ashley! I couldn’t agree more.

    • Pearly77 says:

      What about those of us that love getting tattooed and also do yoga, run marathons for charity, volunteer, and lead happy successful fit lives? Where does this article put us? Oh no, I forgot, we should all conform to the point of of view of one person that clearly doesn’t know what she’s talking about. This is bull!

    • Emily says:

      So unbelieveably true. AGREED. A completely tactful and appropriate response.

    • Doni Langdon says:

      agreed as well. I would LOVE to know how she can have a solid opinion about something she hasn’t done. I will never get a piercing other than the ones in my ears, because that isn’t me… but I can’t judge others and say that they won’t learn any thing from their piercing. I learn a ton from experiences, including getting my tattoos. Oh, and I am a Christian Conservative. With TATTOOS. Don’t judge anyone based on any grouping of people. Dehumanization starts with crap like this. Everyone is a PERSON and has FEELINGS. And I will not be playing into the gender roles mentioned in this blog either.

    • Wow… this has to be one of most ignorant things I’ve read… she’s claiming that getting trendy clothes or a new hair style “will be a much more rewarding experience” than getting tattooed… from what experience?!?!? She hasn’t even had the experience of getting a tattoo and to compare it to shopping or going to the gym is absolutely ridiculous!!!

    • Tina Bethge says:

      I have to say my body is not beautiful…….but the tatoos on it are.

    • Belle says:

      Your reply is amazing, and “horse crap” is exactly what I was thinking while I read this article. Also, obviously it was a typo but gender rolls sound delicious. xD

    • christiebea29 says:

      Ashley: Great reply!!
      I am seriously dumbfounded with this article by Lisa Khoury. The sheer arrogance and absurdity of it all. It is snotty, sexist, condescending, and juvenile. It should be offensive to not only tattooed women, but to all women and men as well.
      What is her point? Why did the publication even print this? To show how unintelligent, shallow and judgmental their writers are? How old is she anyway? 20? In her many, many, years of experience of men drooling over her during her trips to the mall (because that is what every woman aspires to, right?) she attained the invaluable knowledge of what class (defined as “impressive stylishness” in my dictionary, and boy is that important- it saves starving, jobless people everywhere) is? Hmm-
      What is clear is that the author feels that what IS valuable to spend time and money on is getting our nails done, wearing high heels, going to the mall, and working out. (The FINER things in life indeed!!) So these are the things I should be doing to achieve self-growth as well as true happiness~ maybe even nirvana? Awesome!!! Too bad I have all these tattoos…guess I will have to wait until my next life.
      I am glad she wants nothing to do with tattoos or tattooed people, with our grandchildren questioning not only our morals but our values, too. I’m also sure grandchildren everywhere are rejoicing at her revealing the true higher cause, and can’t wait to be taken to the gym and mall, to find that ever elusive secret to happiness and self-growth!!!!!

    • Skorpio Vixen says:

      Well said =) obviously this woman has no idea of what the hell she is talking about !!

    • Kitsky says:

      Thank you and well said Ashley!

    • Daniel says:

      Tattoos are just society’s way of rebelling against the system? So in a way, directly responding in an opposite way of a gender stereotype is just creating a new one? Tattoos are not about “expressing yourself” unless you tattoo it on yourself, isn’t the tattoo guy expressing himself on you? And by the way Ashely, how many nanoseconds did it take you to think of blaming big corporations? Did you learn to do that from some hipster at the local coffee shop? The most interesting people I know, men or women; do not need some tribal tattoo or a Marilyn Monroe tribute to be an amazing person.

      • Jessi says:

        While I agree that the rant against the corporations are unneccesary and you don’t need a tattoo to be interesting, I don’t necessarily agree that it’s only expressing yourself if you tattoo it on yourself. I designed my first two tattoos. I had someone else draw it because I’m not artistic in the least. But people I didn’t physically put it on my body myself it is no longer my expression? So what you’re saying is that only manufacturers can take credit for the decor in your home because you didn’t create it and the designers merely fashioned it?

      • Frannie says:

        Amazing people can also be people with tattoos… who are you to say it is “society’s way of rebelling” how do you know why someone get’s a tattoo?
        In plenty of cultures around the world it’s their “society’s” view that you SHOULD get them…. Discriminate much?!

      • Frannie says:

        My hairdresser had cancer removed from her abdomen area, she ended up with a significantly large and devastating scar which was a constant reminder of the pain and suffering she went through!
        She designed a tattoo vine, leaves and flowers to cover the scar so that she could look at the beauty of the tattoo and be reminded that there is life after suffering and was not constantly reminded of the pain….. She didn’t do it to rebel against any SYSTEM or Society!!!!

    • stan meares says:

      I think that people forget that we need corporate America. Who else will direct all the dumb girls how to act and dress. Let’s face it that’s pretty much all of them. Without a tramp stamp how will guys know who to talk to at a bar. Without that fairy or butterfly who will we know who puts out at the party. It’s a great time saver. so yes ladies please feel free to express yourself in any way that gives guys that level of comfort of knowing you’re an easy lay…oh and thanks corporate America for all the steroids in chicken and for making clothes that allow women to just be themselves.

    • I agree with you completely. Tattoos are an art form and no, they are not for everyone. I am a good mother, wife, and daughter, not to mention an honors student in college. i encourage my kids to make school a priority, I teach them to carry themselves with respect, and encourage them to always consider how their actions will affect those around them. I also hold a professional job where I have a great reputation. But wait, I have tattoos! Maybe I’ve imagined all of this…

    • whiskeypants says:

      Ashley, whoever you are, I love you.

    • Jennifer says:

      I could not have said it better myself! This woman does not have a clue!

    • joshua hileman says:

      well said…

    • Saundra says:

      Well said!!

    • nicole h. says:

      Well put! What a trash piece of “journalism”! That kind of mentality literally makes me nauseous!

    • Hell, yes. I love my tattoo, and I got it during a very challenging part of my life. And btw, I’m not having kids, therefore no grandkids to worry about. Oh, and I also workout – these are not mutually exclusive. And what the hell does this mean “God knows the last thing this world needs is another generation of kids questioning their basic values and morals.” I think we should ALL question our values and morals, think about why we do things and determine our ethics for ourselves.

    • jeff linder says:

      I agree that this hack has her head shoved so far up her ass it is not funny in the least.
      Let me just end my retort quick on this.My mother has had 2 tats since i was 5,and was well after marrying my father.She has accomplished more then your ass ever has,and has taught me the value women hold.She does not do drugs and drinks every few years a sip here and there.My wife has tats and is quite the accomplished lady herself,and she does not cave into what others want,but more what she wants.I find body art beautiful ,and on an already lovely female it adds more beauty to beauty.You should really take a look at your column,realize how completely morose you really are,and take your vapid headspace somewhere that appreciates idiocy.:)

    • Here here! Has made me so mad!

    • Not every tattoo I have, but almost everyone, has an extreme amount of meaning, and I’m in love with everyone of them. They tell a story, an experience in my life I never want to forget, a memory of a friend loved and lost, a fairy tale I longed to live when I was a child. I consider myself to be a pretty classy lady, and I have tattoos all over my body. I can’t believe that this woman is saying that females should focus on being trendy and thin instead of thinking outside the box and respecting that wonderful thing we call freedom of choice and speech. I can’t believe this was actually published. Geez.

    • Colby says:

      agreed! What a sexist article, and how incredibly naive and just awful that whole thought process is. So, it’s ok to paint our nails, “doll” ourselves up, change our looks by going to the gym, FLAUNT (her word) our goods, and think we’re goddesses to be worshiped…but getting a tattoo…no, that’s where we draw the line? I’m just making sure I’m actual;ly reading this piece of crap correctly.
      I just hope she lives somewhere out in the sticks where there isn’t a large population, because that way @ least we can blame her stupidity/naivety on simply not being around the real world where this kind of mentality was left back in the ’50’s.

    • Couldn’t have said it better myself… I’ve been tattooing for 15 years tattoos are my life and this bitch is stupid.

    • bphoenix85 says:

      You totally hit the nail on the head. I don’t even need to say anything!

    • Caitlin says:

      I applaud you!!! Couldn’t have said it better!

    • Tiffanie says:

      I absolutely agree to you Ashley. I have my tattoos because they are a memory of something special in my life or something that has been in my life. I never got a band name or anything like that but that is others to decide what they want for a tattoo. Honestly, all of my tattoos make me feel great in the end because if someone walks by me and asks what each of my tattoos mean I would gladly tell them each and every specific detail of my story. My life. My memories. Isn’t that how everyone learns morals and could pass them on? By holding onto those memories to help make a change or an understanding by other people? I agree that it is everyone’s choice whether or not they would like to get a tattoo but for the people who do get them and/or have them, power to you!! I think the strong ones who dedicate themselves to something they love or admire or even learned something from and go through the hours of pain while getting their tattoo is amazing. Don’t listen to what this so called “Editor” has to say….useless.

    • Heather Wild says:

      couldnt have said it better myself. garbage.

    • Bravo! A great response to this claptrap posing as an article.

    • Well said Ashley!

      Lisa, you said my body is my temple, right? Well, my body is my temple and my tattoos are my stained-glass windows.

      And I have class, tact, morals and values and guess what? I don’t go to the gym. I don’t go to the mall. I rarely ever wear high heels. I don’t get my nails done, never have. And I don’t enjoy the finer things in life since money is tight for us. But I do enjoy time outside and at the park with my son. We do find inexpensive activities that we enjoy that make us happy. We sit together every evening and eat dinner together….dinner that I prepared and cooked NOT from a box. We love each other dearly and what others think of us doesn’t matter. We’re happy.

      And those are things that make a woman attractive, classy and elegant.

    • seryelyse says:

      in response to “has it led you to self-growth?” I got a tattoo opposite my self-harm scars. It’s probably saved my life, I’d classify that as self-growth. Clearly something can come out of a tattoo

    • marizol says:

      i was about to exploit in rudeness when I saw that, I´ve got tattoos and they all have a special meaning. That girl is so wrong, what a pity!
      Anyway I totally agree with you!!! AMEN!!!!
      I love tattoos!!! <3<3

    • Let me begin by saying that I am not here to attack you, call you names, or say that you had no right to write an opinionated article for the sake of journalism. The article was just that; your opinion, and you are entitled to one. It does not surprise me that such an article would cause such controversy, nor that it would invoke feelings of rage and passionate self defense in a large group of people.. over 1/4th of the population to be exact. So please do not feel victimized by angry letters from those who have been made to feel misunderstood, morally degenerate, or less beautiful because they choose to get tattooed.

      I have been a working member of the tattoo community for roughly about a decade. We own a tattoo studio. I spend roughly about 80 hours a week immersed in those very people who now direct their anger towards you. It does not surprise me that a people who choose to express themselves through art on their skin would also so vibrantly express their distaste for your article. I do not condone these actions, but I do understand deeply the hurt that some inevitably felt. I only wish to provide perspective.

      What you find meaningful is undoubtably going to be different from some others, thats what makes us all unique. Just because you personally do not find personal meaning out of a tattoo, does not mean that others wouldn’t, or shouldn’t for that matter. I think you might even be surprised how many people do have deep sentimental meaning attached to the images they choose to wear forever. Tattoos often help provide closure when dealing with a loss… a small token to carry forever so that for them, a bit of that lost loved one will always be with them. Tattoos can commemorate the birth of a child, the celebration of a marriage, a simple token of love and loyalty, or even a permanent reminder that you are not your f*ckin khakis. Tattoos can be used to cover up embarrassing scars, even stretch marks, offering women a chance to rid themselves of something that makes them feel self conscious, or ugly. A good tattoo can be the difference between a one piece and a bikini, a source of confidence, and for those women, that feeling IS genuine. It is satisfying.

      We had a young girl come into our studio about a year ago. She was 21 years old and had never in her whole entire life worn anything but long sleeves. She was a beautiful girl, but when she was a toddler, she had a pot of scalding water dumped over her chest and arm, and has spent her whole life covered in large burns. Understandably, this made her feel ugly. And she hated answering questions about the burns. She she spent her whole life covering her scars, and hiding herself from the world. She came to us humble, and expecting little… she had been through tens of thousands of dollars worth of painful surgeries to try and be rid of the scars, and nothing worked. She ended up having her whole arm tattooed in a beautiful asian sleeve, and when that girl walked out of our studio, wearing a tank top out in public for the first time in her life, every single person in that building was literally crying for joy.

      So yes, I would say through my experience that to many, tattoos can make you happy. It can enrich your life, cause self growth, make you feel beautiful, and even young again (we tattooed a 93 year old woman because before she died, she wanted to feel young again one more time). For many, getting tattooed is life changing and monumental. To them, it is genuine. And I am genuinely honored to help serve them. Because a tattoo can be so much more than a perm or a new pair of freakin pumps.

      These people are no less elegant, nor intelligent, nor classy, nor morally virtuous, than say, you are. They just view things differently than you do. I am 27, college educated, beautiful, wealthy, charitable, involved in my community, mother of 2. And I am tattooed, not vandalized. I appreciate my body, and just because I choose to decorate mine, does not make anyone morally superior to me, nor vice versa. So please choose your words wisely before you choose to offend and ostracize an entire group of people that you do not really even understand it seems. Go to http://www.shanghaitattoocompany.com to see pictures of the burn coverup done at our studio, so perhaps you might also find a bit of beauty in what we are so vehemently defending and protecting.

    • BRITTANY says:

      straight up. im not sure she knows what class truly is. i could go to the mall and buy some “trendy” new clothes with long sleeves and im pretty sure youd say wow shes got class because you wouldnt actually see my tattoos. get to know a person for who they are first not their appearance you ignorant twit.

    • P90Fan says:

      Well said, Ashley.

    • kelly says:

      i absolutely agree! i was appauled when i started reading this. im shocked she even attched her picture and email address to this. i would be embarraseed to write this. my first thought was i hope to god she doesnt have children ever…especially a young girl. good luck to that poor insecure thing. was a happier for having gotten a tattoo? well i can tell you i was happier the day i got my first tattoo in memory of my late friend than the day i bought a new outfit to go to the bar in and get grabbed at by guys. but at least i was flaunting my assets right…my beautiful god-given natural assets. read a book lisa. you need to .

    • Frannie says:

      Also agree… If she does not have a tattoo, even if she did, who is she to tell anyone that they get nothing out of a tattoo…. It’s quite frankly an insult… particularly to those of us who take great consideration thought and possible healing from the process of it… and result (not to get too DnM)
      I personally do not get any gratification from going to a gym, to me it is a waste of money and no real gain, but I’m not going to tell the person next to me that…. “it’s just not necessary”…. As far as I’m concerned my tattoos have enhanced my body and they are part of me and represent periods of time in my life and other aspects of ME…
      I pay once and it’s with me for life… to remind me of the things I should embrace and appreciate.
      This would also be VERY insulting and racist towards cultures that tattooing is part of their history and life. It is a religion, a representation of their journeys etc…. only we ourselves can make judgement on what is or is not meaningful to us in life.. not someone else!!!!

    • Danielle says:

      AHHH, exactly! The writer is clueless and frankly I am surprised someone like this could call themselves a news editor. Little to no researched information, all terribly biased BS. A prime example of what occurs in “news” today.

    • Emily K says:

      Please tell me you sent this to the email address provided for this waste of breathable air. I really couldn’t put it any better myself.

    • emma says:

      i take offense to this…everyone modifies, beautifies in some way…going to the gym, getting a hair cut, new clothes aren’t permanent “improvements”…if we choose to spend money on ink instead of temporary accessories then so be it, its all in what suits us. my children and grandchildren, i hope understand the value of the decisions i make for me that are not and will not be hindered by ignorance, sexism or degradation of artistic value in life. everyone is entitled to their own opinion and if a womans body is a temple to you then so be it but fact rather then opinion, you never just “get” a tattoo, fact rather then opinion, gender roles are just stereotypes and fact rather then opinion, id rather be a living, breathing memorial and art piece and be happy then spend my life trying to be as beautiful as a woman is “supposed to be” classy or not. .

    • Riri says:

      Agreed.
      this is totally sexist. Not all girls need to (or want to) “go to the mall and shop”
      Also, a tattoo may not benifit you, but it doesn’t harm you.
      I find tattoo’s are a great way to express yourself and I haven’t even gotten a tattoo yet.
      Completely sexist -.-

    • Cheyanne says:

      You go girl! Tell it like it is.

    • Amy White says:

      Well-stated Ashley! from a successful, secure ,physically fit, multiple-tattooed lady who avoids “going to the mall with her girlfriends” at all costs

  2. If you have tattoos you must hate yourself. Well that’s an interesting and stereotypical way of judging a group of people. Our Mothers didn’t love us enough either. Speak not of things you know nothing about lady.

  3. Erin says:

    “But at the end of the day, are you really a happier person? Has this tattoo, for instance, caused you to learn something new about yourself? Has it challenged you? Has it led you to self-growth? Nothing comes out of getting a tattoo.”
    Am I happier because I believe in what I have done? Yes! I love my tattoos. They are a part of the story that is my life. Some have deep meaning to me, some are just images I like, but most importantly, each tattoo has a story or a memory behind it. Who are you to judge what is beautiful or not? Have I been challenged? Have you thought of the woman who has undergone a double mastectomy? She is a survivor. She is a warrior. Maybe she decided to adorn a beautiful chest piece to celebrate and beautify her temple and relish in her victory. I, like many, have a tattoo that represents my spiritual beliefs. It is forever apart of me and has served as a constant reminder to treat others the way I’d like to be treated. Ms Khoury, maybe you should get something to remind you to treat others with kindness and understanding. Maybe than, you could reflect and see how much you have grown. I understand, tattoos are not for everyone, and that is fine. But my decisions about my body are not made to make you happy. They are made to make me happy. I am an educated woman. I am a mother. I am an Emergency Room Nurse. I am a good person. I am tattooed. You know what I think is truly classless? A woman with the power to reach thousands of people through her pen has taken this oppurtunity to put others down instead of using her gift to spread love and acceptance.

  4. Erin says:

    I have forwarded my response in an email to Ms. Khoury. I encourage you all to do so as well. I will share her response, should she have one.

  5. Diana Sanches says:

    What a CROCK! I love myself, I love my body andI love my tattoos. Get a life!!!

  6. Judy Holly says:

    Judgmental! Tattoos are a form of beautiful art. And mine are classy and I consider myself a classy lady. I can wear pajamas or a ball gown and still be classy tattoos or not.

  7. Kacey S. says:

    The only context in which the word “classless” applies to in this situation is the writer of this article. Not only is this completely and utterly horrifically close-minded, it’s also incredibly sexist. I can not believe that this woman believes that a woman with a tattoo could potentially cause younger generations to questions their morals. If anything, because most tattoos have stories behind them, lessons can be passed down generations… It’s people like this who cause women to be looked at as lesser people. I agree that classiness originates with women, but this article also contradicts itself. I have tattoos. I’m also entering a career which is dominated by men. By no means am I less of a person because I’ve decided to get tattoos. By no means will I allow to be treated any less… I don’t care who you are or what you do, if you judge someone based solely upon their exterior before even getting to know them, YOU are the only classless piece of work worth mentioning.

  8. Library Diva says:

    I have no tatoos and think this article is stupid. Any valid point she may have had about considering your ink carefully is lost under the sexist claptrap. Really, so in order to be ‘elegant,’ your idea of a good time MUST be cooping yourself up indoors at the mall and wasting all of your student loan money on ‘lavish, trendy clothing’ (hint: that H&M skirt you’re about to buy with your student loan money that will fall apart after you wash it twice will wind up costing you more like $60 than $15.) It’s sad that young women are still buying into these beliefs.

  9. Bneetneves says:

    correction, only some hold the ability to turn heads, you? not so much. Its a personal choice to get tattooed, and if a woman decides to decorate her body with a tattoo, I say go right a head. Im a female tattoo artist…and I have a lot of tattoos, from head to toe. I flaunt them proudly and I would change a thing.

  10. Brad says:

    I think that…this…is…bullshit. Nothing is as sexy as a girl with a tastefully done piece of art. And how is decorating with makeup and paint any different than with ink, except permanence (uh, that’s where taste comes in, and this chick obviously doesn’t got it).

    • Aimee says:

      Well said Brad! Everyone of my tattoes tells a story about me, my life, my challenges, my experiences. Obviousy not the shallow way this woman wants us to deal with our lives. However I prefer to show my story in my ink rather than succomb to society’s idea of what we women need to do to “look beauitful”! She’s nuts, that’s all!

  11. Ron says:

    I find this article judgemental and overall pretty ignorant. To say that women with tattoos lack beauty and class is false. How a woman chooses to decorate her temple says nothing about what is inside. The author of this article has taken her assumptions and lack of life experience and projected it onto an entire category of individuals. Where else have we seen that? In this case it is just as prejudicial.

    I would rather date a fully tattoed goddess over any troll with the author’s attitude. Bet on it.

    • Dawn Rose Ellis says:

      Right on! I think it’s a shame this woman seems to think keeping up with the Kardashians fashion sense is more elegant than the attitude in which she faces life with.

  12. xGregx says:

    I know some of you have sent emails, but I encourge everyone reading this blog to do the same. I’ll cut this kid some slack because she’s obviosuly in college and trying to express herself, but there is no need for her to be insulting people people she has never met. This article is so disrepectful towards women that it makes me sick. I wonder if she has a gym membership?

    • Jessica says:

      I’m pretty sure she needs to save her money up for some zit cream…LOL

      • xGregx says:

        HA! Dont forget she needs to buy funky outfits at the mall and cut her hair in fun, but socially acceptable ways. That adds up too. She also has very stylish glasses. I THINK PEOPLE THAT WEAR STYLISH GLASSES ARE MONSTERS AND WILL EAT MY GOD LOVING CHILDREN!!! Oh wait, I wear stylish glasses too. I guess I’m just a classless hypocrit.

      • Eric says:

        That was one of the first things I thought of when I got to all of the “women are the most beautiful things ever” rants. She should get a clue and look in the mirror, she obviously doesn’t fit that category, and with all of the bullshit statements she provided, I have no remorse in saying so. She should really just stick the crusty corner of the library and not venture out in public…

    • Aimee says:

      Does she get her hair cut in fun, stylish fashions? I didn’t notice…must have been an older picture!
      xGregx…thank you for sticking up for the real women!
      I too wear stylish glasses…we don’t eat your God fearing children…another misconception! HA!

  13. Jessica says:

    And she mentions “GOD”…Once again religion is the base for all biases against people. It is disgusting to say that the last thing “GOD” needs…Is she his messenger?? Do she understand the MEANING of tattoos? Obviously not. Everything our WESTERN culture is based upon, goes against GOD. So until she can take religion out of her argument, her argument is null and void. Tattooed people are beautiful, artistic and creativative. I hope she has fun living a boring,selfless life. Hopefully she has fun with “GOD” by her side.

    TATTOOS FOR THE WIN! 🙂

  14. Jenn says:

    What a perfect waste of the brief amount of time it took me to read this craptastic article. Lady go schedule a salon appointment, charge up your credit card buying trendy clothes, ruin your feet with your stilettos, and bake a cake. Whatever you do, stop writing garbage.

  15. Steve Burnside says:

    People’s tattoo choices do not need to have any meaning to anyone other then the person who has the tattoo. Keep your ignorant comments to yourself. I bet you are still active in your church youth group aren’t you? This is typical church bull$hit that they all spew. And like you said, all women can turn heads…in your case it’s to say “oh man, see that pig?”

    • Rob says:

      Tell that to the people with the Tasmanian devil on their shoulder.

    • Jill says:

      By saying “they all spew”, this statement is committing the same judgmental crime as this woman. I’m not defending the church, but it’s this type of rhetoric (putting down lifestyles that you’re not in the practice of living) that got everyone upset in the first place. Hate the player not the game.

  16. Vincent W. Lattanzi says:

    As a tattoo artist myself , and married to a beautiful, tattooed and CLASSY wife , I find that your opinion is offensive. I agree that you are entitled to your opinion and I would not dream of stopping you express it.In doing so, now let me have the freedom of expressing mine. You are expressing your opinion in a very demeaning way and also a very shallow way. Discriminating is probably a better word. If that’s how you want to be perceived, then I don’t have to say another word. Tattooed individuals do not discriminate against those of you who are not tattooed( at least the tattooed people that I know). So if your archaic way of thinking makes you feel better, so be it. Meanwhile, the number of tattooed people grow everyday. Soon to be a majority. Hold on to that way of thinking for when you are in the minority. We still won’t ” Discriminate” !

    • ron@gotosmoke.com says:

      Maybe she’s trying out for the Real Housewives of Buffalo. The frumpy clothing won’t help and the lack of breast implants would disqualify her immediately.

      Tattoos are a personal expression and many are works of art. It’s probably because all she had seen are Tasmanian Devil or other cartoon characters instead of real art.

    • Robin :) says:

      Offensive is right !!

    • Frannie says:

      Fantastic words Vincent, I suspect you are correct in assuming there will still be no judgement!

  17. shea crowley says:

    This Lisa girl is a fucking moron. Who the fuck gave her a writing position they should get their head examined

  18. Michael says:

    A no-name from Buffalo is now relatively well known. She wins.

  19. Pamela says:

    “But at the end of the day, are you really a happier person?”
    Yes, as a matter of fact I am. Every day that I see my tattoos they make me smile.

    “Has this tattoo, for instance, caused you to learn something new about yourself?”
    Yes. Because since you know nothing about why most people may get a tattoo, they have meaning to me. Symbolism. Dedication to someone’s memory perhaps.

    “Has it challenged you? Has it led you to self-growth?”
    Everyday I challenge to rise above the ashes of the bad times (as symbolized by my phoenix tattoo). I have grown in knowing that getting these tattoos were not made based on drunken and rash decisions.

    “Nothing comes out of getting a tattoo.”
    Lady, until you know what its like to have one and why you got it, SHUT YOUR MOUTH ABOUT A TOPIC YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT.

  20. Jennifer says:

    What a bunch of horse shit!!! Pardon my language but just because we choose to get tattoos doesn’t mean that we hate ourselves or because our self esteem is low..its our prerogative and it is beautiful artwork!! Just because women have tattoos doesn’t make them a bad person think of it as simply expressing who they are..dnt u know that saying don’t judge a book by its cover?? For some it tells their life story and others its who they are or how they are feeling..I can bet that person who wrote that article has absolutely no tattoos..I’m very proud of my tattoos and if u dnt like them well Thats just too Damn bad!!!

  21. Pamela says:

    One more thing, Let me point out that the only difference between tattooed people and non tattooed people, is that tattooed people don’t care if you aren’t tattooed.

  22. xGregx says:

    Does she really expect african tribesmen who tattoo themselves in spritual rituals to go out and get a gym membership? I’m going to google Planet Fitness and see if they have a location in th middle of the Sahara. This girl needs to get out more or read a book.

  23. Candi says:

    Pretty sure she basically said be a vain, selfish, quasi-whore bag, but don’t get a tattoo cause THAT’S immoral. Also, I wonder how old this person is as her article reads like a 12-year-old’s essay. Basically I’m so offended I could ralph.

    Oh, and I’m terrified of needles and every time I get a tattoo I’m facing my fear and freaking. owning. (win.)

    Questioning someone’s basic moral values based on their skin should be long, long gone by now. I love how some people have instead found hip ‘new’ ways to be bigots.

  24. Heath says:

    “I promise, it will be a much more rewarding experience, and you won’t find yourself in a rut when your future grandkids ask you what’s up with the angel wings on your upper back as you’re in the middle of giving them a life lesson on the importance of values and morals.”

    Something tells me that writing this article says a whole lot more contrary to any lesson about values and morals than my tattoos ever would. Worry about the example you’ve set.

  25. Chris says:

    Just sad the writer is so close minded and rather sexist. She probably thought she had good intentions in writing this but hopefully she’ll read the repsonses here and rethink her viewpoint. Sad.

  26. LethalxxxLorelei says:

    I am thinking someone has a tramp stamp and daddy found out, and we need to make up for it….

    either that or she is studying to be a reporter for Fox News.

  27. Steven Partridge says:

    We have a career opening at Fox News! Maybe you should sign up there little girl.
    Obviously, this opinion piece is based in church lady moralistic douche-baggery. Belittling people for questioning morality, really? Are you serious? Without questions, no answers are ever found. Without questioning morality and the religious leaders who purport these things to be true and from their Gods own mouth, we will never be free of the opinions and evils of men who contrive the common morality and mores to suit their needs and lust for power over others.
    You are obviously, emotionally speaking, a child. You have learned little from what Christ had to teach. Why did Christ hang with the hookers, the tax collectors, and the murderers? Because he felt they were the ones who needed his message of love understanding the most. You, on the other hand, wield morality and judgement as a weapon. ever thinking falsely, to yourself, that you are superior to others who have done something different from what you believe is right and true.
    You have failed, miserably. And then to go on encourage people to be the vain, self-centered, and materialistic people that Christ taught and fought against; that is just shameful.
    Enjoy your fifteen minutes of internet notoriety. It is about as worthless as your opinion of people with tattoos.

  28. Ron says:

    “Man, our readership is down. I wonder what subset of individuals who feel really strongly about the things that differentiate them I can write some bullshit about and get our numbers up…..hmmmmmm TATTOOED WOMEN! YEAH!”

    It would be hilarious if she just successfully trolled us all.

    • xGregx says:

      It’s sad to think that even the major news outlets are trolling whether its the internet, TV, radio, etc. Gotta teach them young.

    • Jessica says:

      I forgot to mention, since this article is sexist and all; she’s probably drooling all over David Beckham or those trendy dbags on jersey shore. Since she’s all about being trendy. If she was trendy, she induce herself in a facelift and use proactive since that’s the way to go these days. 😉

  29. Lisa says:

    I wonder if the author understands how it feels to be misjudged (maybe just based on her lmousy appeartance and weight issues….
    Glass houses, my dear.
    I’m sure that she’s intelligent (or at least, educated) and could probably even be a nice person (albeit maybe a bit condecending)…but it still begs the question. Where does she get the authority to judge others, let alone direct OTHERS how to judge others!!
    Jeez louise…just goes to show that buying education doiesnt make you rich in common sense.

  30. SJ says:

    Somebodys gettin’ fired lol

  31. Fucking Appauled says:

    Error number one, not all women are naturally beautiful, sorry if your mom used to tell you that Lisa. Stick to the mall and working on your legs so you can wear higher heals and keep the editorializing to people with a motucrum of talent in the field of journalism.

  32. SidSoulstealer says:

    This author can expect a very in-depth e-mail from me depicting how she has single-handedly embodied the basic definitions of closed-mindedness, willful ignorance and judgemental bias. This was an incredibly passive-aggressive attack on people whom the author doesn’t understand, nor desires to. It’s one thing to ask the above questions in order to gain a better understanding of another point of view, but the way this article is phrased just bleeds contempt and “holier-than-thou, come see the light” embarrassment that social parasites use to make themselves feel oh so much better than everyone else.

    For an editor’s standpoint, this really should have been a first draft, which could have been read aloud to see how it would sound to other people. That could have easily avoided the obvious social graces that were ignored in this piece, regardless of context.

    I wouldn’t have even been this upset had she even used any kind of information or valid references to prove any kind of point (graphs or findings about precentages of people who regret getting tattooed, perhaps?). But instead, she had to go on a self-deployed moral escapade to propagate prejudice against a group of people she has no intelligence or research about. The article just reads like a kid saying the Pledge of Allegiance for the first time; not REALLY knowing what she’s talking about, just spouting out rhetoric that she was told to understand but never thought to question,.

    Ugh…. my brain is spewing bile and rage right now. Everyone has a right to an opinion I suppose, but there are also multiple social faux pais’ that are being committed within this article that prevent it from being anything more than a self-aggrandizing facebook post.

  33. What a dumbass. Well, on a lighter note, I posted an article today on my blog sarahOnTheGo.com about how I love tattoos, and how I’m getting another one tomorrow. So maybe if you are as pissed as I am right now, checking mine out will cheer you up! 🙂

  34. Trish says:

    Very judgmental, very sad.

  35. Tara says:

    As a middle school teacher, the only value I find in this article is to use it as a model for my thirteen-year old students on how *not* to write well. I won’t however, as her message is potentially detrimental to young, impressionable adolescents; her narrow-minded argument is grounded in sexism. I do not condone my students getting tattoos before legal age, but if I had to choose between one of my female students getting a meaningful tattoo or me dragging her to the locker room yet again for her to change into her gym shorts, (as her mall-acquired skirt is about six inches shy of school appropriate), I’d take the tasteful tattoo anyday.

    • Aimee says:

      Tara, I completely agree with you! As a former teacher, with 21 tattooes and counting, I have questioned what students are wearing these days!
      I’m glad you posted this!

  36. cymbeline says:

    I believe that one should not write about things that they haven’t experienced. She did a great job of making an ass out of herself for ASSuming.

  37. Tim says:

    This is what happens when you grow up with a family that lives in a commune. Closed minded ignorance at its finest. In my opinion id rather be with a woman with tattoos. At this point in my life I actually only date girls that are tattooed. Sorry to the chose minded woman who believes that she can turn heads and that she holds all the power over all of us “weak” men who would crumple at the sight of her calves. Ha.

  38. Kelly Gersitz says:

    This article was written by someone who has yet to experience life. I have 3 tattoes and each one of them has significant meaning. How dare you condemn
    myself anyone else for their life choices. You speak of not wanting the next generation questioning their basic values and morals. I love when my children ask about my tattoes and what each one means. I also let them know that I was 22 years old when I got my first tattoo. It was in honor of my grandmother who was dying of cancer. For this author to state that a trip to the mall or a haircut could take the place of my tattoes, just goes to show you how much life experience she has.

    • john says:

      someone should bully the shit out of this nerd lol

      • jiamei says:

        Nobody should ever bully anybody. They should, instead, patiently share their positive tattoo experiences with her. I think she’s a very young person from a very sheltered environment who hasn’t seen much of life yet. I thought a lot of stupid stuff when I was in college too. Then I went out into the world and learned that human experience is so much more varied than I’d ever imagined. All we can do is reveal our life experiences and the motivations for our behavior and hope we nudge others toward compassion.

    • jiamei says:

      I totally agree with you, but it’s spelled “tattoos.”

  39. Lisa McGee says:

    Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I have tattoos and I love them. I spent a lot of time deciding how I wanted to decorate my body. And, every one of them has a very specific meaning…TO ME. No one else has to like them because, ultimately, I am the one who will live with them my entire life. Despite the narrow minded judgement of the author of this article, I have to say I am thankful that she appreciates her body the way it is and I personally think ALL of us, men and women alike, should revere ourselves as the beautiful, unique creatures we are…with or without tattoos, piercings, etc, etc, etc. Thank Goodness we are all entitled to our own opinions…this world would be boring otherwise.

  40. heidi says:

    Its people like this with there close minded options that make it difficult fo society to advance in this touchy subject. I bet this lady wears makeup or even has her ears pearced or any othe body modifications ….I love my art work and I we’re it with pride. How is this different from judging by skin color.
    after all I’m multi colored, should I sit on the back of the bus now? Get over your self. What if I told you I’m a lawer and have over 30 tatoos! Getting inked doesn’t make you dumb, I guess just bold and colorful. Thank you -Heidi

  41. Gordon Parmelee says:

    The author of this article obviously has never thought before opening her mouth. She is narrowminded and shallow, as well as being seriously sexist (pretty bad when it is men that are normally stereotyped in this way). In fact, I think the only thing her article has proven is that she has the ability to open mouth, insert foot, and swallow. The piece lacks any type of research, and it is my opnion that she really needs help in writing. As a college student myself, I have seen far better works written on napkin scraps.

  42. Jaclyn says:

    I’m pretty sure this woman’s opinion and article are what’s classless and worthless. Sorry lady but in the hell are you to judge people? No one cares wht you think. And you don’t have power because your an editor. Get a Real job. Your a joke. And for the record I have no tattoos. And you have no place judging people for something you know nothing about.

  43. Jen says:

    Im 38, tattooed, and read this article, and was a little bit flabbergasted. I actually like trendy things, try to go to the gym, enjoy a nice pair of shoes from time to time, dress well, have been employed in ‘professional’ roles; i.e. wear a business suit, etc. so what. If your body is a temple as she pointed out in the article, you have every right to ‘paint the walls’ as you see fit. I don’t believe that we should fire back with anti-religious rhetoric in this case, the writer may not be religious, or even conservative, right-wing, etc, (which I am all of the above, and yeah I watch Fox news too). So personally I think that we should all be careful about whom we judge. I have tattoos. I wear mine with pride. The editor of the magazine in buffalo should have had a chat with this writer and corrected her on her inflammatory writing, unless their purpose was to have an article of this nature written to see what people would say and how they would respond. She has a right to her opinion. I have a right to mine, and mine is to go out and get inked, perhaps head to my yoga class after I pick up a killer pair of shoes at the mall to go with my black business suit and blouse. Hey college student wanna be journalist. Get off your discriminatory kick now because in the real world, that crap does not fly and your article could bite you in the butt when you go for a job in front of an editor of a large publication or magazine who is ultra professional and classy and elegant and conservative appearing: but has a crap load of ink underneath. Chances are you wont get a job at her place. Or any other.

  44. Wow. Sounds like she has to get back into the kitchen to make her man a pot roast, or whatever an ‘elegant, yoga-induced lady’ does nowadays. Pfft.

  45. Courtney C says:

    As a female, I’m sincerely embarrassed to be the same gender/species/race as you. Besides the complete and obvious ignorance in your statement, you’re also very stupid. Saying a females body is beautiful, and then telling women to get a gym membership/change their hairstyle? Contradicting. You sound/look like an asshole. And this is coming from a girl with no tattoos, but much appreciation and respect for them. Tattoos are artwork. Most have meaning, and who’s to say this “grandmother” won’t be telling her grandchildren a great story, on how she got the tattoo on one of the most memorable days of her life. How it’s dedicated to a love one, or something she proudly stands for. You are wrong. SO SO wrong. Please get properly educated. You have a severe lack of common sense clearly.

  46. Samara says:

    I do not agree with the author but, it is her right to speak her mind. Insulting her as a retort is as immature and close minded as her article. As someone who is fairly covered with art, I try and avoid people who feel the same as the author. Truth be told though, the majority of society still feels negatively about tattoos. I have witnessed it first hand. Sadly I conform when needed. I wear long sleeves to a job interview. I cover up when going to certain events. The author may have an opinion which differs from yours but that doesn’t mean she isn’t entitled to it. Let’s all just hope somewhere in her future she meets someone with tattoos that makes it impossible for her to hate us tattooed people as a whole. I for one, hope it is one of her children…..

  47. total bullshit says:

    The author, I think, is completely hateful of beauty diversity– and completely unaware of her own hate. Innocent. However, innocence is no reason to promote her closed-mindedness, nor to allow it to pass without comment. “If a woman is unhappy with her body, go to the gym?” Tell that to every woman who suffers from an eating disorder. Total bullshit. When are people just going to say, “folks look how they look, and that’s swell for them”? What the hell does it matter to this author if women have tattoos? Is she tired of clutching her pearls? total bullshit. She ought to take down her post.

  48. Ginger says:

    Hahahahaha!!! I’m sorry, I had a well thought out and articulated reply but then I looked at her face again and lost it…I wonder what her stance on plastic surgery is because if anyone could benefit..hahahaha!!!

  49. Candice says:

    I think the only classless and worthless thing is her opinion. Shes the one who should be worried about her grandkids, they are going to end up being as closed minded as her. Obviously she doesn’t take her own advise because she could use the gym, new clothes, a brush and some face wash. Ignorance.

  50. doug says:

    Omg so your saying a woman should go to the gym and make her body better but u also say that a woman Is beutiful the way is is y does she have to to to the gym I my self think tattoos are sexy my girlfriend her self has 3 and wants more and I’m behind her every step of her life I think your ideas are so dumb and 19th centrey next your going to say woman should be in the house with kids and not alowed to work. I’m sorry but I think woman work harder then men most of the time hello if they want to get some ink then by all means let them get ink most tattoos have meaning to that person and its things they want to remember for the rest of there life its not like they just get ink put in there skin y don’t you go get one your self and see that they are so much more then what you know about…. So don’t say you don’t like some thing when you haven’t tryed it your self and pull your head out of your ass and see other peoples views and not just your own

  51. Elyn C says:

    wow!!! tattoos mean nothing eh?? well, my first tat is the same one a dear good sweet friend had before he died of cancer. every time I look at it, I remember him. and i have gotten tons of compliments of it. I have 3 tats (so far) but if you passed me on the sidewalk, you wouldnt know it.
    the way I read this article, since Im a woman, im supposed to go and get my nails done, wear make up, and go shopping at the mall for sexy and cleavage showing clothes.
    This chick needs to grow up and get out in the world!!

  52. Christine Noble says:

    Wow, I wrote a couple of weeks ago that I thought people with tattoos and others with “alternative” forms of expressing themselves make mountains out of molehills when it comes to people judging them. Now I am not so sure. This is some straight up mean spirited, close minded, bs.

  53. Neal D. Koch says:

    Lisa, that ‘whooshing’ sound is you completely missing the point.

  54. Robyn says:

    It’s people like her that make society what it is….I have one tattoo and was thinking of getting angel wings on my back with my kids names and my grandkids names in them. My son and daughter in law have several and they are definitely more meaningful than a trip to the mall or to get your nails done. This is a prime example of how judgmental and narrow minded our society can be. Next time you write an article you may just want to have an idea or what your talking about before you offend so many people.

  55. Karry says:

    OK, let’s get this straight, you have a one track mind and have only one view of how women should be. That is like the June Cleavers from the 50s, well girlfriend wake up and smell the coffee. Life has changed since then and everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Not everyone has to like tattoo’s, but they should not pass judgment on those who do have them. Many people do get them for a reason and they do have special meaning behind why they get them. You my dear have no right to put all women in one group to put ourselvs on display and fancy ourselves up for others. I know several well educated, attractive, proffesional women who have tattoo’s and you wouldn’t even know it. So your body is your canvas do with it what you will, and don’t pass judgment on those that do the same!!

  56. Johnny Love says:

    It is a shame that a young girl should be spreading such hate! I am a manager of a tattoo palour and ordained minister who’s girlfriend is an owner of a tattoo palour and I see all walks of life coming in to get a tattoo. Maybe this author would much rather go back to the time when women were not allowed to make their own decisions! Maybe she would rather be in the kitchen like a “good girl”! Some of the most self made well respected women I know have ink, they don’t hate themselves or have more emotional issues than those without! Your body is your Temple and should be decorated to your own liking! If you want to go to the gym or the mall and make a false sense of pride then, do so! But to condemn those who choose to enhance their beauty with some permanent art, maybe should look with in themselves and figure out why the have self hatred!
    Johnny Love

  57. Helen says:

    To whom it may concern,

    I have recently located your article regarding women and tattoos. I am appalled by the message that this sends to readers. First of all, in order to have a “well rounded view” on how the world perceives tattoos, one must realize that the world does not (for the most part) perceive tattoos as an act spawn from a lack of class. Typically class is defined as an individual who is well-mannered and highly educated. To state that a woman is classless as a result of getting a tattoo, is to assume that she lacks all of the relative qualities. It is also to assume that she might be highly educated and of high class prior to the tattoo, but loses such qualities the moment the ink is inserted into her skin. This is a terrible, TERRIBLE thing to assume. I know multiple women who hold highly-advanced degrees, are positive contributors to our society and who could probably intellectualize at a much higher rate than what is displayed in your poorly written article. All of these women are heavily tattooed. I cannot believe that in 2012, you feel that this type of opinion is valid and worth voicing. One woman responded to your post with an excellent point:

    “This is one of the most sexist pieces of infuriating horse crap I have ever read. Hey ladies, don’t invest any money in a permanent piece of artwork and self-expression, instead go to the mall and play into gender rolls and support greedy corporations and industries that see fit to treat your entire gender as a commodity and nothing more, forcing some media image of who you’re supposed to be down your throat. While you’re at it, BUY a gym membership (no mention of FREE outdoor activities that are proven to improve your self image and connection to the world around you, where gyms typically seek to demean and berate you into pushing yourself to be more socially acceptable looking)”

    You are a woman. You should be sending a positive message, that frees women of the roles in which they were assigned through social definition. This is no longer 1950. Get with the program.

    If you don’t like tattoos, don’t get one.

    -Helen.

  58. Donna says:

    Have a wonderful life in your perfect little bubble, with your rose colored glasses. Hopefully reality won’t hurt too much when you finally wake up.

  59. max macandrews says:

    Nothing comes out of getting a tattoo? i guess she is really well-qualified to bestow these pearls of dazzling wisdom since she has… no…tattoos.

    hahaha

    how forward thinking and in step with the rest of society around them these people are!

    a persons capability is not defined by the colours on or in their skin. this is especially true in the modern age when we are supposed to leave behind these stupid, antiquated ideas about what ideas of appearance acceptable or not. judge a person on their merits. if they are clean and hygienic then what the f__k is the problem?

    a tattoo is a much bigger commitment than any religion (belief in imaginary friends supported by books written by people thousands of years ago when slavery and rape were still cool), how so?

    well tommorow i could wake up and decide, you know what i am not a very good buddhist: result, no longer a buddhist. with tattoos, not so. its a big commitment. how patronising to say it does not mean or change anything, how can she speak for people who have actually MADE that choice when she has nothing on her.

    finally, anyone using ‘ink’ to describe tattooing is signalling their recent awareness of the tattoo as a deeply entrenched folk art.

  60. GettingINKEDsaved MYlife says:

    When I was 21 years old I went out and got my first and only tattoo. It is a banner across my chest that reads “You Must Be The Change You Wish To See”
    The day after I got that tattoo I went into a voluntary detox/rehab clinic for the next month. Every single morning and every single night I looked in the mirror at that phrase, and I gave my self no choice but to live by it… to change myself into the person I wanted to see myself as.

    I have continued since then to make positive changes in myself, my life, and my surroundings. I got back into school and finished two degrees. I started eating healthy and gained 45lbs of lean muscle, making me look like a healthy and normal person, not an emaciated drug addict. I have given myself no choice but to live life by the message I now proudly wear on my chest. Had it not been for the cathartic experience of getting inked, enduring the pain and discomfort to brand myself a better person in my future… had it not been for that I would most certainly be in jail, or dead, by now.

    Lisa Khoury, you know not the first thing about this topic, which you are so harshly judgemental. You condemn people with ink as classless, worthless, tasteless individuals… I assure you, the person I was BEFORE my tattoo embodied those characteristics, not the person I am AFTER.

    MY TATTOO SAVED MY LIFE AND HELPED ME BECOME A BETTER PERSON.

    Do you think your snarky, close-minded and ignorant article can make the same claim?

    • Karry says:

      Those are very powerful words that you have written. I certainle hope that this young girl is reading these posts and is taking into concideration the viewpoints of every individual who has voiced their opinions. As you could see each and every one have a reason to get their tattoos and some were life changing decisions and you should be proud of it!!!

    • Robin :) says:

      now that is love for ur self keep going u can do it

  61. Erika says:

    I have four tattoo’s. Each has serious meaning to me and I have given serious thought before getting each one and I am aware it is permanent; It’s why i got the darn things. Why judge someone who has a tattoo? It isn’t on your body is it? and I thought women were trying make a difference in the world, stand up for them selves, self expression….. HELLO! who cares if they have color to their skin that they put there themselves? Grow up lady and try something daring.

  62. mikky says:

    I feel bad for her that some girl with tattoos slept with her boyfriend, but this is not the way to go about feeling better.

  63. People like this are definitely part of the problem in this country. Nobody has the right to impose their own standards of beauty on others in this manner. This is ethnocentric, ignoring the significance and beauty of countless cultures to which tattoos have profound meanings. Keep this straight, one’s body is theirs to decorate in any manner they wish. People like the woman who wrote this article are the reason it’s hard for free thinking people to get ahead in this world. Someone like this woman would turn me away from a good job because I have long hair and a beard. Morals, lady? How about the morality of minding your own god damned business? I’d date a cute girl with a bunch of tattoos over you any day of the week. In fact… cute girls with tattoos check out my blog and email me and stuff. I’m done with this judgmental sad excuse for a writer.

  64. jacyln says:

    wow… i am completely speechless. you mean to tell me i have degraded myself because i have tattoos that is complete and utter bullshi…. i have three tattoos and i did not get them on a drunken whim it took me years to decide what i want and each one have a meaning that is personal to me and my life. you can not tell me that my kids are worthless and meaning less because thats one of my tattoos is my children’s names and then i have one for me and my sis we were born on july 4th that stands for freedom freedom of choice, freedom of speech and most of all freedom not to have some 12 year old tell me i degraded myself by getting a tattoo. how dare you. people like you are what is wrong with society today. it’s people like you who think i am better then you attitude that need a serious case of wake the f-up. everyone is entitled to their opinion just remember who you are hurting or degrading before you open your big fat mouth.

  65. jaime says:

    Have you noticed the consensus here? Tattoos do have meaning. Tattoos are beautiful, sexy and accentuate not only a woman’s beauty but immediately give respect. Respect that she admires her body and she uses it to tell her story. I have tattoos on my body in the memory of my loved ones that have passed on. I’m 24 and I’m proud to say that ill have them forever as a constant reminder that my sister and my father will always be with me visually everyday for me to show off, and in my heart. Tattoos are classy and you should speak of what you know and not judge others for something that doesn’t directly affect you. For the fact that you think that women with tattoos were not taught “class” is utterly disgusting. You should be ashamed of yourself and for even calling yourself a journalist.

  66. Megan says:

    Any way I look at it, this article is an epic failure. I understand if you think that tattoos are something not to be entered into lightly as you will have them forever. But at the end of the day your body is YOUR temple. Maybe a tattoo seems worthless to you, but it meant enough to that person to have it permanently placed on their body. So who are you to judge? I have tattoos and I find a lot of my own value in them. If you cannot understand that, then you’re entitled to your own opinion. But as for me, I’d rather be classless than ignorant.

  67. jillian says:

    Wow. Well, I guess everyone’s entitled to an opinion…even if it’s a completely misguided, naive, close-minded, judgemental one.

    What a crock of shit. Lady, you’re setting us (women) back about 100 years with your frivolous, stereotypical gender role propaganda. Get a goddamned life, please.

  68. Alysha says:

    As a news “editor” you must be somewhat familiarized with the concept of freedom of speech, freedom of expression, and of course the idea that women now hold a place in a man’s world (being that you are in a line of work that is clearly dominated by the male gender). Now, I respect an individual’s difference in opinion just as much as the next person. However, I do not in any way respect ignorance, close-mindedness, and sexist individuals. All of which you have proven yourself to be. What you are proposing in your horrifically written article, is that women shouldn’t have a voice. What you are saying to the future generations and more specifically little girls, is that their voice, their freedom to express themselves, and their artistic ability and appreciation should be silenced. Because otherwise, they will be judged and viewed as “classless” by tasteless people such as yourself. I apologize, but I fail to see a difference between what you are outlining here and the basis of women’s rights in the Middle East (or lack thereof). A woman is considered classy not simply based on her appearance, but based on her mind, her stature, and her ability to respect and carry herself with such elegance and dignity. You are clearly none of the above. As a woman and mother, I feel deeply ashamed and embarrassed for you. Morals and values are not worn like clothing. But instead are found within us, despite the clothes we wear, how many times we go to the gym, or the way a person’s skin looks. Just because an individual may look differently than this “perfect mold” in which you speak of, does not mean in any way that they are incapable of holding class or of teaching their own children and their children’s children pure morals and values to live their life by. I love my body; tattoos, piercings, curves, and imperfections included. And I’ll let you in on a little secret of my own: I hold more class than you ever will. I feel sorry for you. You are clearly blinded by a veil of judgment and stupidity, and it’s a shame that you will never see past that. It disgusts me that the world is tainted with views such as the ones you’ve so generously exemplified for all of us.

    (Don’t worry, a longer version was sent to her as well)

  69. Kevin pape says:

    Excuse me miss… Classless and worthless? How can you judge what is Of worth to someone? I agree women are beautiful and elegant and does it matter to me if a lady chooses to express herself through body art… No. The beauty of life is the right to choose especially what affects our bodies. I agree that some people get tattoos for the sake of having them; but if something truly has meaning it is ones right to fufill that desire. I respectfully disagree with your opinion. I see more and more these days people not willing to look outside there own views. You cannot simplify ones freedom and plight for expression quite frankly so simply. Have somone depth and be multidimensional in your ideas, people are becoming so one-sided. Look at life for more than one angle because situational possibilities are potentially infinite. I once again respect your view to pursuade the easily influenced to not trudge towards a potential permanent mistake but not everyone is doing it for the reasons you portray

  70. Elexa says:

    Wow, you’ve really embarassed yourself here, Lisa. Aside from your illogical, thoughtless and completely contradictory argument, you’ve offended a lot of people. I really can’t imagine being so void of emotion that I dismiss the struggles, triumphs, memories or even just the interests of other people – regardless of the form in which they have been expressed – as classless or pointless.

    I am a cancer survivor. I have a tattoo on the inside of my wrist that reminds me every single time I see it how lucky I am to be alive today. Sometimes it hurts, sometimes I wish I could forget it. But usually, I’m so grateful that it’s there because even after my experiences, I need to be reminded how precious life is. Everyone finds catharsis in different ways. Unfortunately, I’m not a shallow enough person that all my problems can be solved at the Galleria Mall. I hope you never have to know what I mean. But until you do, please keep your unintelligable judgements and poorly written, entry-level college thesis to yourself.

    — Elexa

  71. This article has astounded me. My husband, who is neither a woman or tattooed was insulted.

  72. Jayme says:

    Do we ever live in a world of skewed morals! 3 years ago I took my mom to get her first tattoo, and I got my fifth with her. It was a bonding moment. We had different artistic pieces tattooed on us, but used the same colors. I will never forget this afternoon and every time I look at the artichoke on my arm (Yes! An artichoke!), I think of my mom.

    You know what my mom’s roommate said to us when we got home? “I can’t believe you did that to your bodies. I would NEVER do that! I am a religious woman and it’s against my morals!” Later that week it came out that she had been having an affair with the husband of my aunt (my mom’s first cousin). In defense, she said, “Well, it’s not my fault if someone else’s marriage is failing!” Perhaps not, but you are in control of and responsible for your actions.

    Getting a tattoo hurts no one. It is a memory of a moment in time, of a loved one, of an adventure. It is a piece of art that reminds you of family, friends, your life, your loss. And morals have nothing to do with it.

    If this author wanted to make a point about class, perhaps an argument about the difficulty in finding a career when covered in tattoos would have been a better approach. But a completely biased uneducated opinion (not argument) on the art of tattooing instead of shopping and being uber-feminine comes off as sexist, naive, amateur, and ignorant.

  73. this article is total BULLSHIT……i bet this writer indeed HAS NO TATTOOS whatsoever so who is she to judge how classy a woman is based on permanent body art? I am a mother of two young children and all of my tattoos have meaning. Yes our body is a temple but decorating with meaningful art does not degrade it in any way. The way a woman chooses to show off her body is her choice and if tattoos are a way of expressing who we are, then why judge?

  74. T. Merrill says:

    The Renegade Book Club

    It has been said a thousand times in as many ways
    That the body is a canvas,
    But since I play at being a writer,
    I think of it, rather, as a blank page.
    And even as I sit to write these words
    I am thinking of a new story
    To be scrawled in living ink;
    And even as you sit to listen this,
    I can remember the pain
    Beneath the carven image.

    When did you get it?
    Who did the artwork?

    A rite of passage, a secret handshake,
    A culture diverse despite persistent images
    Of bikers, anarchists, rebels, and hippies.
    We tell these tales to one another;
    Countless interpretations of the same page
    For every line and shade has a story to tell,
    Each bearing witness to the paths of our lives
    Etched in black ink on blank skin, indelible.
    There is no easy edit, no revision, no retraction,
    Just the precise story mulled over for days, months.

    What does it mean?
    How many do you have?

    We gather in corners and coffee shops,
    Doorways and offices, in stores and on streets,
    Connected by something that is different for all,
    But still binds us in blood and needles,
    Like some renegade book club.
    Talking of things that separate us from the scared,
    the disinterested, the confounded.
    I don’t know what others see when they read
    This story-filled page…but like any good book club,
    It is the discussion they inspire that binds us.

    What was your first?
    When I got mine…

    And the stories go on and on…

  75. Ramona Gonzalez says:

    Wow! First I must say Ashley and Erin, well said. I find it amazing that Lisa, in her infinite wisdom at twenty-nothing years old has decided she has the right to decide what is okay for every woman to adorn her body with. I would bet the money that she has spent on clothes, shoes, make-up and jewelry far exceeds what I will spend on tattoos in my lifetime.

    I am a proud graduate of UB, a professional, a 45 year old inked woman who has served her community for 27 years. As such this is what I take special issue with: Lisa, you are supposed to be a responsible journalist. You used your ability to reach others to degrade women who have engaged in uplifting experiences that mean something to them. You speak of “class”, when you committed the most classless act in the most public manor. Learn from this Lisa. Use the opportunity you’ve been given to elevate women, to support women and to embrace the beauty in all of our choices!

  76. Tanya says:

    My email to her (If you haven’t sent her an e-mail, please do, she should really hear from some eloquent modders):

    This is probably one of many e-mails you have received or will receive regarding your piece “Why Put a Bumper Sticker on a Ferrari?” (which, by the way, was originally coined “You don’t put a bumper sticker on a Bentley”). I could copy and paste your article here and comment on it line by line, laying out the ways in which you degrade women, unfairly stereotype people with tattoos as having bad values and morals (consider for a moment the respectable occupations of the tattooed people pictured here: http://mag.rankmytattoos.com/ink-meets-inc-20-tattooed-executive-and-white-collar-professionals.html ), and promote the blind and never ending consumption of products and clothing as an attempt to feel better about ourselves…but I won’t waste my time doing this. I won’t spew negativity at you either, as I’m sure that your opinions are simply the result of your upbringing and societal conditioning to believe that tattoos and the people who wear them are ugly. Many people *used* to think the way you do about tattooed individuals, just like many people *used* to discriminate against African Americans and women before the Civil Rights movement. But that was before we as a *civilized*, *classy* society decided that we would look past people’s outer appearances and search for the value within them before judging or discriminating against them. Tattoos aren’t just graffiti on a body. Tattoos are a beautiful way to memorialize a lost loved one, or to “reclaim” one’s body after a sexual assault or cancer battle. You may not see their inherent beauty, but the people wearing them certainly do. Tattoos are very personal, and I know that mine each represent something very meaningful in my life that I am proud to wear on my body. Just because you are blind to their value doesn’t mean it’s not there. Think twice before you write another hate article about a group of people who, in the age range of 18-40, make up about 40% of the American population. While you spend hours at the gym trying to get thin, and then hours at the mall spending all of your hard earned money to try and dress “classy,” I’ll be decorating my body with beautiful inked adornments that will make me smile for a lifetime without forcing me to fit into some mainstream mold created by corporations who just want my money at the cost of my self-esteem. You do your thing, and we’ll do ours. We won’t judge you. Now do us a favor, and stop judging us.
    If you’re interested in opening your eyes even more, please read the comments posted here: https://hopegallery.wordpress.com/2012/01/31/spectrum/

  77. p00p says:

    I’m regretful the location she lives in is even posted – it makes the whole city of Buffalo (containing a large quantity of relatively reasonable people) look ignorant.

    I’m also confused about her relatively shallow sexist post when looking at her picture. In return, those people are generally obnoxiously physically fit appearing, in the aforementioned ‘trendy clothes’, and possibly plastic surgery laden. For someone talking about all women needing to be in a gym, she doesn’t look too thin herself. Similarly, her clothes look basic; Not elegant. To add, she’s not particularly pretty. Would any of this normally matter? No, not at all. But if you’re going to expect everyone to be a rail and wearing designer clothes, she’s not making a particularly good poster child for that concept.

    People should adorn themselves aesthetically in whatever makes them the proudest. Sure, it makes me cringe to see the “got drunk last night and got a tattoo” tattoo or the “i’m getting my whole body outlined because tattoos are cool right now” tattoo… But for every single cringe, there’s at least 10 more tattoos I’ve seen that are beautifully done, with personal meaning and well thought-out. It’s a fantastic means of self-expression as far as I’m concerned.

    Other view points should be posted as you say above, but they should also be well made points from the other side of the spectrum. It doesn’t seem as if she made a point aside from her personal opinion of them not looking ‘classy’. So, I guess to her, art on a wall: classy. Same art on skin: not classy.

  78. Bonnie says:

    I just wanted to say that after reading all the comments that I’m so happy I’m not the only one that we personally offended by this “article”. As a tattooed woman I am proud, beautiful, and every bit as “classy” as any other women. A true woman knows that she doesn’t have to bend to the rules of society and live up to other peoples norms to live a positive meaningful life. It’s a shame this girl doesn’t understand that.

    And don’t worry she also received a lengthy email from me as well.

  79. Lexi says:

    What gets to me about this is how she says “Has this tattoo, for instance, caused you to learn something new about yourself? Has it challenged you? Has it led you to self-growth? Nothing comes out of getting a tattoo. You get a tattoo, and that’s it.” No, that’s not it. My tattoos have made me grow, forced me to think everyday about my actions, my memories, and who I am. One tattoo is for the family I havent seen in 4 years because I left the country and can’t go back. The other tattoo reminds me that something good comes from all the bad and that I can control my life after I was molested by a family member for years. Everyday I look at those pieces of art that I DREW MYSELF and remind myself that I can move forward, that I can become the person I want, that I will always hold my family close to me no matter what. Everyday I grow a little bit and am challenged to live up to the images and words inscribed on my body so I can become a person that I like and that I want to be. Saying that all tattoos are worthless, to me, is an insult to the person I’m working on becoming.

  80. Boobtats says:

    I think our author might have missed the point. I was anti tat for a long time, until I met my girl. I have none, she is a beautiful canvas. No fake bullshit, just straight up personal art and momentos. What better a place to display tribute to your loves, stories, and memories.

    Dont be a cliche and get some bullshit trampstamp (if you want one there, well, rock it). Put up a chestpiece, backtat, or my personal favorites wrists and feet.

    Besides the fakes, for me its something that spells self confidence, drive, and cause.

    Ill probably get a few, but I havent found something I feel strongly enough about to get it done. Maybe a 2 ft Cessna 172 on my back, and all the wind formulas on my forearms.

  81. Marisa says:

    I was very shocked when I read this article. What really offended me was the comment that tattoos are classless and the presumptions and judgement that come along with that. Everyone gets tattoos for different reasons and they are in fact free to get those tattoos for those reasons. I am an educated professional who has a gym membership and has done yoga. I also have 4 tatttos I chose to get my first tattoo when I was 31. I spent a great deal of time putting together what I wanted to represent me because I knew it was going to be on my body forever. So much more thought has gone into the 3 other tattoos that I have, as well as the ones to come. Lisa please don’t judge people by what they choose to put on their body. Maybe if you took the time to get to know people and the stories behind their tattoos you will learn much more about them and maybe a little bit about yourself.

  82. Sarai says:

    So, let me get this straight. A woman is not a real woman unless she appreciates her body, right? So what about women, like me, who have tattoos that remind them of things that they have overcome, like rape? Somebody else didn’t CARE that I appreciated and took care of my body, and took advantage of it – I have a tattoo that reminds me each and every day that I was strong enough to overcome that attack, and instead of looking at my body as something that was used, abused and discarded – I look at it as a piece of art. While I’m not covered, I’ve got a lot of tattoos – and I have a lot of piercings, though most of them are hidden away. So, what’s the purpose, you ask? Well – I wanted them. My idea of beauty is not the same thing as yours, which is apparent – does that make me less feminine? Absolutely not. Do I still get my nails done, my hair done, work out and carry around expensive handbags and have expensive shoes? Sure do. I also like video games, fishing, drinking beer and watching baseball and hockey. Does that make me less of a woman? Hardly. Do I think that tattoos or piercings make me more attractive? …no. Not at all. I think my MIND makes me attractive. I think the fact that I am educated, can speak my mind, hold an intelligent conversation, support myself and my family is probably more attractive than the fact that I can fill out a shirt nicely. Furthermore, what do you know about what “God” knows? I mean, I’m sure you probably have a pretty clear view of Heaven, considering how high of a horse you’re sitting on right now. You cannot define sexy – it is a FEELING – nor can you POSSIBLY believe that, for ANY reason, standing in judgment of the way that other women define sexy and how they are somehow beneath you, makes you BETTER than those women… because you know what’s NOT sexy? Being a judgmental twat.

  83. shelly says:

    That article reminded me of the adults in Charlie Brown…..blahblagbkahblahblah. that about sums it up. Class is how a woman CARRIES herself…something she obviously knows nothing about based on this classLESS article. I have more class in my tattoed toe than she has in her entire body. For someone who is soooo judgemental on how other women should look, maybe SHE should try some makeup, new clothes and the gym….

  84. Alli says:

    has anybody emailed this girl to tell her how incredibly daft she is?

  85. HELLO. WE as woman fought for how long to get any sort of rights!?!? IF I WANT A TATTOO AND OR PIERCING I do it. I do not regret any sort of art I have done to my body it is a piece of me that is individual and has reasoning behind it. If anything my body was beautiful before but is MORE beautiful with the art I have on it. This article is unbelievable..

  86. Mary says:

    Wow really? Well being a female and a tattoo artist I guess I can say this article pisses me off!! So I guess plastic surgery and paying thousands of dollars shopping is classy but getting tattoos aren’t. I meet some of the most classy women working in this industry! Tattoos aren’t only a self expression but tattoos also help women who may have had breast cancer and has to have a mastectomy and gets a nipple tattooed back on. Yea she has no class right?

  87. Aubrey says:

    I am not a blogger. Nor have I ever posted one until this point. Personally, I have no tattoos. I have contemplated with the idea of getting one, but always seem to decide against it. That is my own decision…as it would be if I had chosen to get one, or a dozen on my body. I understand her point of view and believe that everyone is entitled to their own opinion. However, there are better ways to express them. Attacking others is not the way to get a point across…. The author made that mistake first. Let’s not all gang up on her and teach her how to be “open minded” because in the end we are all our own people. It is not up to you to enlighten her.
    If you have the goal of name calling and sabotaging the author of this article,
    Then you are just as I G N O R A N T yourself.
    LET IT BE.

  88. Cory says:

    http://www.ubspectrum.com/opinion/artful-artificial-beauty-marks-1.2755786

    This was posted in the same publication, same day. Either these articles were done as “conflicting opinions” by staffers, or one of these two journalistic women knows the difference between “bias” and “opinion”.

  89. Dani says:

    I am a believer that everyone has their own opinions and has a right to voice it, its our constitutional right to, but now I’m going to voice my own. i disagree that if a woman has a tattoo she isn’t classy. I guarantee there are many women out there who have tattoo’s who may be some of the classiest people out there. This girl is trying to make it sound like women with tattoos are white trash or something, and that is crap. And i seen in one of the comments on here where someone said people with tattoos are still a minority but soon to be a majority, but im pretty sure tattooed people are a majority, there are just many people who have them where they can be concealed by clothing, but tattoos are a wonderful way to express yourself, and its a beautiful expression of art, i didnt read anything in this article where she was bashing the mona lisa or starry night, some of the most wonderful paintings in museums, tattoos are art, just on a different canvas. and if we are going to bring God in the mix, God says not to judge others, and thats what she is doing right there, she is judging everyone with tattoos, and thats not “Godly” and noone has the right to judge others, when they themselves have not experienced the thing they are judging. “he who is without sin, cast the first stone,” John 8:7, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” Matthew 7:1. before she wants to be Gods “messanger” on anything, maybe she should read the bible. thanks, think ive said enough 🙂 everyone have a nice day

  90. Erin says:

    More ignorant statements made by a naive child. Next article, please.

  91. Aaron says:

    It’s not vandalism. It’s decorating. Deal with it.

  92. Davi says:

    Lisa Khoury is free to judge bearers of tattoos as classless. Alternatively, those who bear tattoos are free to inspect her writing and opinions closely, and deem them as poorly written and half-baked. If Khoury really wanted to create this image of class, elegance, and sophistication for herself as a writer and most importantly, as a woman, she would have (1.) taken a much more diplomatic approach in stating her feelings about tattoos and those who don them, (2.) based her thesis/article on something more substantial than sexism and dated gender roles, and/or (3.) not have written the article at all. Perhaps Khoury was assigned an editorial piece and thought this subject was suitable for such an assignment, or perhaps, she is simply as tasteless as her article. Whatever it may be, it has always been my experience that those who discuss class and shake their heads at those who do not have any usually don’t have any themselves. Thank you, Lisa Khoury, for reminding people through your inadequate rant why they shouldn’t let others dictate how they feel about their images, their lifestyles, and their bodies.

  93. Ashley says:

    Saying tattoos are in fact not meaningful is complete and utter bullshit. I’m one prime example of someone who’s life has LITERALLY changed because of getting something as “little” as a tattoo. I wore nothing but baggy boy t shirts and baggy pants due to the hated imperfections of my own body. Not once did I wear a tank top. I covered my body up as much as possible during the spring and summer. Not until a year ago was I able to get out of my imperfections and start believing I was beautiful, with or without a tank top on. This beautiful piece of art on my arm symbolizes the beauty I have for myself now, and the hardship of living a miserable life of self-consciousness. I no longer believe my arms are too fat to wear revealing clothing in the summer, and I no longer feel inadequate. I’m curvy, and I love myself. We all have our fat days, but I will NEVER regret having this piece of art on my arm, inspiring the love I now have for myself and my body.

  94. Kevin says:

    This is extremely hard to take seriously. A woman shouldn’t get tattoos because she is beautiful enough as is? Therefore, they don’t deserve the right to do what they desire to their own body, and are discredited if they do decide to get tattooed… What I think this is, is a girl who is inept to the art and culture of tattoos.

  95. Amanda says:

    First if all I understand you have your own opinion. However, you mean to tell me that the tattoo I have of my daughters footprints is degrading ?? REALLLY!! It woul be a better use of money for me to go purchase a pair of heals and get my hair all done up or maybe even get my nails done ?? Umm no thanks !! I am a single mother of a beautiful 3 year old little girl, I have raised her on my own since day one. I have a full time job, and I am a member of a Non-profit Motorcycle organization, which raises money for things like Ladies First, Battered Women’s Shelters, Ronanld McDonald House, and Mt. Siani Hospital ! These are just a few of the organizations, but I have no class right !? No class because I have a tattoo ?? I see plenty if girls in their heels, little dresses, with their manicures and their pedicures, and do you know where thu are most of the the time, on the corner of the street!! Probably waiting for their next trick ! I’m not saying this is always the case, and sure some people do have vulgar or inappropriate maybe even offensive tattoos, but that also is not always the case. Having tattoos is not degrading, and it’s always the people who don’t have them who have the most to say abut them!

    I would much rather spend money on something that will last forever and express something about me, then go to the nail salon and get my nails done so I can try and impress people and look like the girls in the magazines.
    And getting tattoos does bring me happiness. Those who have tattoos are the only ones who could truly understand that! Saying you don’t like tattoos and you will never get one is fine. But saying it is degrading for a women to get one is just complete BS !

  96. Danielle says:

    What this article is really about is clearly the author’s insecurities and (most likely) desire to have tattoos but some sort of fear is stopping her from doing so. Tattoos don’t mean any woman is classless, classless is telling a woman she is because of some exterior image. I am a guitarist, I don’t get my nails done, guess I am classless. I also don’t go buy shit to make me feel pretty, guess i am classless. The ignorance of this girl and obvious very strict upbringing (which is not her fault) has molded her into a very sad, uninformed woman who feels her worth is by how good she looks and not what’s in her heart that matters. Sad really. I hope she finds true happiness one day.

  97. Arinn says:

    i sent her the following email:

    as someone who is open-minded (not to mention heavily tattooed), i found your sexist, judgemental anti-tattoo rant quite disgusting! how can you assure women that tattooing is not a rewarding experience, that it is classless and worthless, and that going to the mall is better? have you had the experience of getting a tattoo? what about piercing your ears? does that also count as degrading one’s ‘body temple’? or is it an acceptable form of body modification because it has been mainstream in western culture for the better part of a century?

    “Nothing comes out of getting a tattoo. You get a tattoo, and that’s it” this sentiment is so completely off-base. many of us get tattoos as reminders of good times in our lives, or of values we hold in high regard. on top of that, all my tattoos have improved my body image–i am adding pieces of art to my body! i’m making it more beautiful to look at–how is that any different than your argument of ‘go to the mall, get a haircut and dress in trendy fashions’?

    your argument that women’s tattooed bodies are less appealing to men than untattooed ones is absolutely fallacious. as a tattooed woman, i’ve spent the last seven years of my life with no shortage of willing partners! i have never gotten tattooed because i was trying to attract a partner, but it has not kept any men (or women; i am queer) from getting up close & personal. not to mention the idea that tattooing makes a woman’s body less beautiful; as a tattooed woman, i have modeled for over 30 different photographers, done video, runway, magazine and calendar work.

    your article was full of ridiculous assumptions, sexism and closed-minded opinions. perhaps you need a little bit more life experience & perspective before you start judging people so harshly on their appearance & how they choose to decorate their bodies! have you ever heard the saying ‘don’t judge anyone before you walk a mile in their shoes’? it may be a common aphorism but it’d be worth your time to meditate on its meaning before you lash out and say ridiculous, judgemental things about large groups of people.

  98. Becks says:

    I’d rather spend money on tattoos, not shitty clothes, malls, manicures, or gym memeberships.

    • Becks says:

      Wait, does this mean men who have tattoos are classy as fuck? Hehe.

    • suzanne says:

      This has got to the the stupiest piece of crap I have ever read!!!! Listen if this writer does not have the nerve to get a tattoo and cannot even pull off having one with out looking stupid that is not any reason to have this opinion and if so to share it! I have a lot of tattoos and yes they are all satisfying, they all mean something to me, I love them. One is for my son with Autism and I look at it every day to keep me going. So this article should just be put through the shredder and have an educated writer, write an article on this subject. I am an Emergency Room/ Trauma Room RN and save lives for a living and I will tell you those patients could care less about my tattoos. So get a life writer of this crap , get out in the world, get educated and stop writing such crap. I’m embarassed for you. For the women with tattoos , good for you love yours like I love mine and we are all amazing women!!!!!!

  99. Rob says:

    I find myself an aging product of the late eighties and late early nineties. With that said I’m one of the few that came out “unscathed”. That’s right, at the ripe age of…..ahem, 34, I have no tats or piercings to speak of. I am now the MINORITY of said era. Im the ORIGINAL one to escape without falling into an addictive trend. And for that I’m proud. Don’t get me wrong, your body is a temple, a canvas, YOUR domain and means of expression and I will NEVER judge class on such….. But society (must I point out we are ALL a part of like it or not) judges us based on our physicality.
    For those with tats who find offense to this article, way to think life through. For that with tats that don’t find offense, way to be comfortable with yourself and your choices. All else, side with something you meandering troglodytes.

  100. TS says:

    Well, I love my tattoos and how they fit perfectly with my curves like a painting flowing perfectly on a canvas. AND Last time I checked I still have a gym membership and buy nice clothes every once and awhile- didn’t know if you had tattoos you don’t do those things either….*face palm*

  101. Steven Sitzman says:

    So. I read this article. I’m embarrassed for the writer of thi article for not only being ignorant but also being flat out wrong. Some of the most beautiful woman have tattoos. As a writer you are living in the past. Today body Art is beautiful, it helps woman and men like myself express ourselves. Gender stereotypes; this proves houses not a compassionate journalist. You are narrow minded and frankly, and I know it hurts to hear, but you are nowhere near the definition of beauty. Thanks for being ignorant.

  102. Amy says:

    So the tattoo I have on my arm that I got the day I decided to stop cutting doesn’t have any meaning? It hasn’t changed me or made me a better person? There have been so many times since I have gotten that tattoo where I have wanted to cut, but it’s there to remind me that I can get through it and it will get better.

  103. Rob says:

    IF you truly believe what you are saying, then really, Women should also not wear clothes, put on makeup or cover up there “temples” in any way what so ever…

    Thank god people with your mind set are dying out….

    Bring on the new generations! 😀

  104. T-roy says:

    Just so we’re clear here,,,,ladies with tattoos are GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  105. I’m 51 years old and got ten (big) tattoos. There’s not one of them that isn’t a marker of something important from my life. Screw her, I really don’t care what she thinks.

  106. Cupcakes says:

    Its absolutely fine if someone is against tattoos. But how can you write such a disgusting and offensive article about something so beautiful? Have you ever looked up any artist whose worth his salt in this industry? Brandon Bond? Guy Aitchison Den Yakovlev? Paul Booth? Joe Capobianco? Do you even KNOW what art is? You obviously have never had the pleasure of receiving a tattoo, I can only assume from your obviously misguided thoughts on the matter, therefor rendering what you have to say on this topic moot.
    You sexist twat.
    This isn’t the fifties anymore, sweetie. Women are not so compliant or meek, but though we choose to express ourselves through artistic outlets, and that does NOT make us less of a woman, person, or take away our class.
    ‘Your body is your temple, don’t ruin it.’ , is the basic message you’re sending to women (and women alone, apparently), am I correct? you show me ONE FUCKING CHURCH that DOESN’T have decorations on the walls, stained glass windows or sculptures, and I’ll stop getting tattooed. When the Church stops spending money to decorate, I’ll stop DECORATING MY TEMPLE.
    Can someone learn something about themselves from their tattoo experience?
    You bet your right tit they can.
    Do you know how many young eighteen year old girls I have tattooed? They come into my shop nervous, scared, but overall determined and hopeful for a beautiful piece to solidify one precious memory or another, but they leave with confidence. A sense of wonder that they were able to sit through something as scary as getting tattooed for the first time, they were able to take that pain and not give up and have that end result forever.
    To think that nothing comes out of a tattoo is just complete bullshit, and if there wasn’t a picture of that dope’s face at the top of this page, I would think this were a joke. A bad one at that as well. Not only is this article poorly written, but its subject matter is yet again another stab in the dark at the tattooed masses from a self-conscious woman who herself seems to have issues with her self image. Stop telling us women who we should be and how we should treat our bodies. I’ll put $10 down right now in saying that every tattooed female here now is beautiful, smart, and morally sound.

  107. Katie says:

    Her editor should be appauled. An opinion piece, regardless of it’s innane pointlessness, represents the publication in which it is featured. I cannot believe that such a credible university as UB that is built on the idea of equality and expression located in a town that is bounding with artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, and other creative individuals would ever allow this. How could you in good faith ever think that completely disrespecting ANYONE would be the subject for an acceptable piece?

  108. Lindseyx716 says:

    I have never been so sick to my stomach while reading something.

  109. Aj says:

    What a crock, now I am a male and females turn my head. Tattoos aren’t bad, they display what is dear to us, state opions. The one thing I don’t understand how this wanker is going on about a body being a temple and carving ink into it yet no mention of plastic surgery, breast augmentation, tummy tucks and other invasive surgery, I guess they are sanctioned. Get inked, show your pride and what’s dear to you, people that judge tattoos are just too shallow!!!

  110. Corey Murphy says:

    This is the most ignorant thing Ive ever read

  111. ‎”I promise, it will be a much more rewarding experience, and you won’t find yourself in a rut when your future grandkids ask you what’s up with the angel wings on your upper back as you’re in the middle of giving them a life lesson on the importance of values and morals.”

    I’m Sorry, but my kids will love with enough conviction that if they so choose, will see no problem with immortalizing it on their flesh. Values & Morals are not taught by speaking, but by learning and watching as we grow, by people who empower us to believe in the impossible and strive for better all the time.

  112. Chantelle says:

    I despise malls. I can’t stand the feel of pancake batter on my face. I have my hair trimmed and dyed every month in a small, local salon where I do not have to sit in a some self proclaimed “high class” salon/spa with fake men and women running about, gossiping about their last clients husband sleeping with his secretary, or the colour technicians drinking habits…etc, etc…..all with phoney, made up smiles on their faces calling me “hun” or “sweetness”. Only to wonder about my flaws that will be discussed when my back is turned. I love the outdoors and find it far more gratifying taking my children hiking, fishing, canoeing, walking my dog around the block than paying someone to mold me into something society thinks I should look like.
    I am marrying the man of my dreams next year. He happens to be a very talented, well respected tattoist. In the 4 years we have been together I have accumulated some of the most beautiful pieces of art that I am proud to display on my body. It is not a statement. It is not a point to prove. They are works of art, beautiful art. My tattoos do not define who I am. They don’t tell my life story. They are pictures. And they are personal to me.They accentuate my own beauty. I am a beautiful person. What makes me beautiful? My comapssion, my understanding, my open mind, my lack of judgement onto others, my ability to see beauty in EVERYTHING.
    Elegance comes from inside. It is in how a woman moves. How she walks into a room, out on the street. How she looks at others and pays attention to others stories. How she speaks to others and how she carries herself. Not in her clothes, her make up, her hair or her skin. Elegance is not material. Elegance cannot be purchased. Class and elegance is NOT casting judgement publicly.

  113. linda says:

    My son is a tattoo artist and that is what he is an artist. His art is not on canvas but on skin. I am proud of what he does. You clearly need to take your head out of your arse, go out into the real world. You have no clear knowledge of art in a different form. So maybe you should stay in the dark ages…

  114. Duff says:

    You know what the difference between people who are tattooed and the people who aren’t? People who have tattoos don’t give a shit if you don’t………..

  115. Laird says:

    Wow, I find this article insulting to both women, and art. I am shocked that someone can be so pathetically fascist in this day and age. If you don’t like tattoos, then don’t get one. How dare you criticize others for exorcising their right to be free to express themselves. Who the hell are you? NO ONE.

  116. amy says:

    I would like to express my disappointment that someone in the 21st century could be so closed minded. 

    As the wife of a tattoo artist and someone who has multiple tattoos,to ME, my tattoos are an expression of myself and I believe that they make me more beautiful.  

    I have heard people say time and time again, “what is that tattoo going to look like when you are 70!?”  In all honesty,  who cares.  I am alive at 70 and no ones skin is going to look good whether tattooed or not. 

    My tattoos are my artwork that I carry with me everyday, all of which have a memory and a meaning to me. 

  117. Jessica Lund-Rodriguez says:

    So in other words we are not supposed to alter our bodies, is that the point of this article!!! Well then dying your hair, getting a new hair cut, wearing makeup, getting your nails done, plastic surgery, tanning, working out, etc should not be done either as they are all modifications of the body even if some are not permanent!! I would much rather get tattoos and bless MY body with art that is permanent!! Yes I do feel better when I get more ink, I feel more like I am at home in this body, it to me is rewarding, it is something that means something to me and I would much rather have ink on my body than have fake nails! To say it is not beauty in completely untrue and if that is what people think then they have no appreciation for art at all! It is not about being a rebel, being cool, or proving a point. To me it makes me feel whole, like I was missing something previously. If people understood the history of tattoos maybe people would have different thoughts on the matter! Ancient tribes and such marked their bodies with ink to show steps in life, the tribe they were in, the ranking in that tribe etc, most people I know who are heavily tattooed have a story to their tattoos much like the steps in life! Do research, learn about things, and open your mind, I am not saying tattoos are for everyone but judging those who have them without understanding any of it is just ignorance! If these are our temples we should be able to decorate them as we see fit!!

  118. amanda patterson says:

    You know what class is not appearance. its the person with a respectful. out look . on how. you present yourself as a person. class is looking past judgement. class is speaking up when necessary and being quiet when necessary. and you’re right our body’s are our temples. it has nothing to do with rebellion. its taking a blank canvous and turning it into something unique. I don’t say anything about ugly cloths that people wear I don’t judge people who wear glasses or wear ugly hats. did you know that ratios derived from a spiritual culture. that they game from people that were in touch with God. and also used it for symbolism. for greatness amount their people. are you going to tell them they have no class. I’m a women and I have. Class. just because I have tatoos doesn’t mean I don’t. it means I’m an individual that speaks about her life through art. and I think you’re to pompous for your own good

  119. Courtney Mates says:

    I’m a woman. I’m a hairdresser. I dress to suit my style and comfort, i go to the gym 5 days a week, I ice skate as a hobby, write literature and have numerous well-respected qualifications. I regularly get my nails done and visit the beauty salon because I work hard, and want to spend my money on things I enjoy. If I wear a matching peplum cut, chanel suit and louboutin heels, if I’m toned, healthy and grateful for the lifestyle i’ve created would you see me as a role model? On an instant glance would you say I suit the stereotype as a powerful, independent woman?
    I bet so.
    What you don’t know, is that underneath my clothes are many tattoos, on my thigh, ribs, shoulders, and half of my left arm and behind my ear. I have both of my ears stretched and on a day to day basis, wear skin coloured plugs.
    In my own personal opinion, I think this reported represents none of the womanly attributes she describes. I certainly would not say her body is toned or that she spends her time enhancing her ‘natural beauty’. Her body certainly is not a temple and she has no right whatsoever to comment on the lifestyle of other women.

    Not only do I find this reporter extremely hypocritical but I think she is offensive, naive and completely fucking outrageous for assuming that myself, along with the millions of other tattooed people are self mutilating freaks.

  120. regina rossa says:

    Class , really comes down to social grace. It is possible to have integrity be honest, kind fair and even tempered, yes even beautiful and have tattoos. This author is very young and extremely nieave however her opinion is valid for herself, she should never be tattooed, she is perfect as she is. There are millions of people in the world that have tattoos that you would never suspect. Smart funny beautiful literate and socially graceful people. I suppose the author of this post has been exposed to a certain type of person she sees as pea-cocking for the masses. there are many different reasons to make this decision for your own life. i would venture that less than a third of the tattooed population does it to be sexually attractive or gain attention. most of the tattooed people i know in the world DONT want attention. they have work done by amazing artists, sometimes traveling the world over for a specific artist. these people are proud and hardworking. you have to be, good tattoos are not cheap and cheap tattoos are not good. my body IS a temple i love my body. i havnt always. i look at the parts of myself that i have hated and fixated on in my youth in an unhealthy way and have found peace finally in a CHOSEN incarnation of beauty. sure beauty is subjective but how can i project confidence to the world around me if i dont feel beautiful or proud? i am proud of the work i have. i have earned my own respect and admiration, the world around me sees me hold my head high and holds me in higher regard for it. The world is a large colorful diverse place and sadly becoming more and more homogenized. There is more than one kind of attractive and certainly we cease to make progress as a people if we are only attracted to or tolerant of one image of beauty. Class is a state of mind not a color of gloss .

  121. Ciara says:

    You are way outta your league here girl…my tattoos have taught people of my faith in myself and the ones I love…shows past and present times and ties in my life…yes there are people that are gonna say they’re distasteful and judge others because of them but they forget that you can’t judge a book by it’s cover, only God can judge me, and everyone has a skeleton in their closet that someone somewhere dislikes…get over it n move on

  122. Sandra says:

    No amount of “getting my nails done, wearing high heels to accentuate my legs” or “enjoying the finer things in live” shaped me like experiences that led to my self-growth that led to my wanting and getting my tattoo(s) to commemorate those lessons. Please, stop objectifying women as precious little princesses. What makes a woman beautiful is her strength and her freedom…to choose to do whatever she wants with both!

    • Sandra says:

      and for the record I have a gym membership, I get my nails done and I wear heels! Stop being so narrow minded, stop playing small. Be a woman. A real one.

  123. dave says:

    If this article doesn’t scream narrow mindedness, I don’t know what does. First… there is a pretty cliche yet popular phrase that would sum this up perfectly. “The only difference between tattooed people and non-tattooed people, is that tattooed people don’t care if your not tattooed.” Now although there is an exception to every rule. I’d say this holds pretty true. Also, modification of ones self is not that black and white. Anyone who does anything at all to their appearance is modifying their body in one form or another. Although to the vast population, a tummy tuck, a nose job, or even breast augmintation, is exceptable… all are just as permanent .. but it’s hard to argue that someone forceably breaking your nose for cosmetic reasons, isn’t a Tad bit barbaric. To me a tattoo is nothing more than a choice to hang our art for all to see No matter the images. That my friends is true pride. A man who body builds is pushing his body beyond nature and is modifying his. appearance in doing so. There are always going to be people who view anything you do taboo. Someone, somewhere, feels that an 18year old living on his or her own is barbaric (Italians ). So having said all this I feel that passing judgment onto others is not only wrong but ignorant. That is all. Have a wonderful day! (Grimbaldus thetattooguy Norman)

  124. Jennifer says:

    Prejudice comes in many packages…. your article is one of them.

    Hopefully…with you being a college student you are able to understand what that means

  125. Celestia says:

    ma’am, i do believe you should immediately STOP writing such awful and rude things, about which you do not understand. i’am a PROUD woman who plans to decorate my temple with as much meaningful and life changing art as i possibly can! i’am terribly sorry you’ve never had the experience of being tattooed because if you had, then maybe you wouldn’t feel the need to write such sexist, idiotic things that could very well LOWER a woman’s self-esteem because you are a stereotypical, narrow-minded, society driven hag! who obviously doesn’t know anything more about life than what you read in Cosmo! your writing is also childish, and poorly written.
    thank you.
    OH and one more thing, before my tattooes, i didn’t like my body, but now my body is decorated and beautiful.

  126. Deanna says:

    The presence or absence of a tattoo or multiple tattoos on a person’s skin has nothing to do with class. Class is about attitude and behavior, and it’s clearly something you DON’T have. Grow up and quit being so narrow-minded.

  127. Sofia says:

    Dear Lisa,

    I’m sorry, but I will have to disagree with your opinion about tattoos. I do not think that one with tattoos lacks morals. Please keep in mind that morals are a set of values, which vary from culture to culture. If ones culture sees tattoos as a beautiful thing, why would ones young become confused about morals? Besides, it all depends on how children are raised. It has nothing to do with whether or not ones family members are tattooed. Seems to me that your claims are contradictory. I see tattoos as expression. I love art, therefore I chose to freely express art on my body. I see it as a collection of things that I love, and things that represent me. I am well educated, beautiful, and a physicist. Do you think people will frown upon my tattoos? I think not. If they do, then they are obviously shallow, self-absorbed, and someone I would have no interest in dealing with.  
    If you haven’t noticed, class does not have to do with looks, but rather, what’s inside the person. How can one claim that tattoos make one lack class? 
    I personally think that it is tasteless of you to categorize all tattooed women. I’m sure that there are things you favor that we tattooed women do not. Do you see us bashing you? No. So please ask yourself, who really lacks the class?

  128. Loma says:

    This is the email I am sending her:

    I get it. It’s the 21st century. You’re cool, you’re rebellious, you’re cutting edge, you have a point to prove, and you’re a woman. Awesome.
    Ladies, I know you’re at least at the legal age of making your own decisions, but before you decide to get a tattoo, allow me to let you in on a little secret. A secret you may have not fully realized yet thus far in your life. What you must understand is, as women, we are – naturally – beautiful creatures.
    Seriously, though. Your body literally has the ability to turn heads. Guys drool over us. We hold some serious power in our hands, because – as corny as this sounds – we hold the world’s beauty.
    But something girls seem to forget nowadays, or maybe have not been taught, is that women hold the world’s class and elegance in their hands, as well. So what’s more attractive than a girl with a nice body? I’ll tell you what: a girl with class. Looks may not last, but class does. And so do tattoos.
    An elegant woman does not vandalize the temple she has been blessed with as her body. She appreciates it. She flaunts it. She’s not happy with it? She goes to the gym. She dresses it up in lavish, fun, trendy clothes, enjoying trips to the mall with her girlfriends. She accentuates her legs with high heels. She gets her nails done. She enjoys the finer things in life, all with the body she was blessed with.
    //So what you’re saying here is that the tomboy, the woman who prefers jeans to trainers, the woman who doesn’t go to the salon or can’t afford to, these women can’t be elegant or classy? How about a chef, or a nurse? Women in these professions often can’t git their nails did but they’re not elegant as a result? I notice you don’t list politeness, posture or self-confidence among the traits an elegant woman has. Nor do you list politeness, empathy, caring, nurturing or intelligence. She enjoys the finer things in life? Such as… expensive wine? Dating and making the man pay? Hair rollers and aprons? You mentioned that you know it’s the 21st century, yet I bet feminists he world over will be foaming at the mouth at your outdated, stereotypical view of what elegance is. I expect I should dig out my cocktail dresses and wait for a man to come and pay the bills?//

    But marking it up with ink? That’s just not necessary.
    I’m not here to say a girl should walk around flaunting her body like it’s her job – that’s just degrading. Instead of getting a tattoo, a more productive use of your time would be improving and appreciating the body you have been given, not permanently engraving it.
    Can you get meaning out of a tattoo? Arguably. If you want to insert ink into your skin as a symbol for something greater than yourself, then maybe you are proving a point to yourself or the rest of the world.
    //You said in the previous paragraph that women should flaunt their bodies; but not like it’s their job? That’s nonsensical. You could argue, and indeed many do, that make up (remember that cosmetic tattooing exists, such as eyebrow tattooing, or eyeliner tattooing) are engraving your body I get the difference between permanent and non-permanent – but, if you want to be pedantic, a tattoo is not strictly forever – laser removal exists. I know! Exciting! Additionally, I wonder if you have pierced ears; piercings are another permanent ‘engraving’ – even if you take them out you will always be left with a scar; just like if you have a tattoo removed. Piercings are using a needle to modify your body – what’s the difference? Oh, that you can’t buy sparkly, glittery tattoos with diamonds in them. Sorry – I mean your man can’t buy them for you. //

    But at the end of the day, are you really a happier person? Has this tattoo, for instance, caused you to learn something new about yourself? Has it challenged you? Has it led you to self-growth? Nothing comes out of getting a tattoo. You get a tattoo, and that’s it. You do something productive, though, and you see results. That’s a genuine, satisfying change in life. Not ink.
    //It has been mentioned many times in comments and emails to you but it bears repeating. Many women get tattooed to help them get closure or inspiration after a tragic event, or a deeply meaningful or happy one. I have seen a woman who got a tattoo on the spot where her breast had been removed after cancer. Is this meaningless? Tattoos to commemorate a dead loved one, or a beloved new baby? Meaningless? An inspirational quote to give the wearer hope and strength after a rape, or overcoming an attack or abuse, meaningless? A tattoo to show your love for your partner, meaningless? Tattoos obtained during service, fighting for country, being at death’s door, meaningless? Song lyrics that changed your outlook, literary quotes, a favourite flower or tree or a traditional piece of art from your cultural heritage, meaningless? Myself and millions of people would disagree with you, actually.//

    Invest your time, money, and effort into a gym membership, or yoga classes, or new clothes, or experimenting with different hairstyles if you’re craving something new with your body, not a tattoo.
    //Yes, the pursuit of fashion, fleeting and intangible, originally instigated mainly by men to mould women into more attractive models for their (the men’s) gratification? Corsets were considered elegant, they gave women a comely and socially acceptable shape – and they mutilated women’s insides causing illness and death. Lead based facial make up which killed their wearers? Western cultural norms that dictate a woman should be hairless and smooth and delicate? Can’t you see that you are perpetuating the kind of female self-image that leads to eating disorders, body dysmorphia, depression and isolation? Yoga, by the way, is not just an exercise but a form of meditation. It’s become trendy as an exercise plan but sadly thats because of people like you, who like to stamp every last bit of spirituality out of life. New clothes do not make you beautiful or different, and putting emotional value in them can lead to ugly, ugly personality traits – judging people on their appearance, what they can afford to buy etc. Clothes are important as self-expression and for the social tribe system we live in; however intelligent people would never judge someone’s morals based purely on the way they dress. You wait for actions, you wait for words. //

    I promise, it will be a much more rewarding experience, and you won’t find yourself in a rut when your future grandkids ask you what’s up with the angel wings on your upper back as you’re in the middle of giving them a life lesson on the importance of values and morals.
    God knows the last thing this world needs is another generation of kids questioning their basic values and morals.
    //I know many tattooed women, all of whom are classy, kind, intelligent, moral and elegant in my – and most others’ – eyes. Morals have nothing to do with what you do to your body. A new hairstyle or outfit will never be as rewarding as knowing your own mind, living outside of the shallow western pressures we live with, and choosing to adorn your body (I like to think of tattooed people with beautiful work as walking art galleries) with something deeply meaningful, as outlined above. To me, and millions more, telling women to use clothes and heels and hairstyles and make-up and body-flaunting is deeply immoral. What kind of message will it be to pass your daughter, that class is based solely on appearance? You could have said, for example, studying and reading and learning makes you elegant – a well-rounded, intelligent woman in trainers is just as elegant to most as a dolled-up fashion plate. You are just wrong on this one.

    finally, I’d like to add that this piece is sexist, narrow-minded and needlessly inflammatory. It’s a shoddy piece of journalism, and I would be complaining to the press commission had this not been cleverly filed as Opinion. Nice move. Your opinion is valuable because it is yours; I only thank the cosmos that most people are clever enough to see the endless and obvious contradictions, stupidities and bigotries in this piece. Tattooists are artists; some of the work you can see on a person outshines most modern art. Women are beautiful in all shapes and sizes and with tattoos or not. By writing a piece like this, you are degrading not only women but an entire art form and industry; and not even in a clever way. I read pieces like this and you can see why we have so many problems with our world; because people like you are given a platform from which you can reach people, spread your outdated and badly thought out ideas. I would rather tattoo a dildo on my face than think like you; and for that, I will always be elegant and classy.

    I hope that reading the opinions, emails and comments on your piece means you will rethink what it means to be a woman, a tattooed person and a moral person. This religiously-based, 1950s era ‘moral guidance lecture’ is way off the mark, and potentially extremely damaging. You’re pushing an agenda of judgement based on someone’s looks – surely you can see that this is wrong?

    Sincerely,

    Loma Morant//

  129. like i totally feel shopping trips to the mall are like sooo enlightening and wonderful for a woman. *giggle*giggle* im so ready to go out and spend a whole day in a crowded mall around a bunch of like trampy dressed women who like to spend their husband or baby daddy money. like how shallow do you need to like be? like you know? yea so i have tattoos. you know what it says about me? i am a good mom wife and citizen. not a criminal. just because i paint my body instead of my face with makup doesnt mean you are better than i am.

  130. Jenn says:

    Wow, what an extremely ignorant and judgmental piece. I’m even offended as someone who doesn’t have tattoos, but I sure as hell admire and appreciate good ones on other people.
    I also love how she talks about women wearing heels to make their legs looks better, while she is totally ignorant to the fact that wearing heels can cause many foot and joint problems later in life, whereas tattoos don’t negatively impact the body.
    What a piece of garbage this is.

  131. Nicholas says:

    Dear Lisa,

    Hello there! I know you are on a whole ‘nother intellectual plane as me, and the eloquence in your words is astounding, for sure, madame…But if you could, just for a few moments, come down off your pedestal and level with me.

    Now, disregarding your self-righteous and pretentious demeanor, which already make you extremely more unattractive than most women with body modification, such as tattoos, I have a few questions from your article:

    You make a bold statement: “Women are naturally beautiful creatures”. I say bold, because I made the mistake of glancing at your picture before I read the article. “Beauty” is defined as having qualities that give great pleasure or satisfaction to see,hear, think about etc, or delighting to the senses or mind. It is the “excellence” of its kind, very pleasing and satisfying.

    Now, this is what intrigues me – you say you are a beautiful woman, naturally, and you cause heads to turn – that you hold the world’s beauty. I hope, for your sake, you realize that the standards of beauty (and yes, there are standards) do not apply to a creature such as yourself. I apologize for giving you this harsh reality check, but hear me out.

    You say “An elegant woman does not vandalize the temple she has been blessed with as her body”, yet follow it up by allowing the women to pain her nails, dress up in trendy clothing, go to the gym…Do you not realize how self-refuting that is? Those are all forms of body modification – changing your “natural” look…And hm, why would one do that? Let me answer for you: To please men.

    But, alas, how could this be so, when us women are the most amazing and beautiful creatures on earth: Why should we have to look as good as we can and act as classy as possible, for such lesser creatures like men?! Here’s the answerL You are not magnificent. You are not some special creature with a temple that deserves worship. We are all human beings, one step up from a monkey…Very vain and greedy creatures, narcissistic to the maximum.

    You make the statement ” I’m not here to say a girl should walk around flaunting her body like it’s her job – that’s just degrading. Instead of getting a tattoo, a more productive use of your time would be improving and appreciating the body you have been given, not permanently engraving it. ”

    Your definition for “Improvement” is not only flawed, but extremely narrow-minded. Many women would rather have beautiful works of art adorn their skin, than a firm stomach and flexibility from yoga. A woman’s body is just that- HER body. She has a right to do with it whatever she wants, and for you to make the claim that going to a gym is more fulfilling than adorning your “temple” with decor is just ignorant.

    One of the last things that you say is how tattoo’s will cause children to question their basic values and morals…are you kidding me? I’m assuming you have a GED, at most, consider how exceedingly outrageous and ridiculous your statements sound as this article progresses. Body modification has nearly nothing to do with morality – I know a hundred tattooed women who have more class, self respect, and intellectual fortitude than you do in their little finger. Women who give to charity, who help those in need out, and who deserve the highest respect.

    I would like to close with a statement similar to yours,

    God knows, the last thing this world needs is more pretentious, scornful, and ignorant bigots to propagate disrespect towards one another. I hope, for societies sake, you don’t breed any spiteful spawn to follow in your insignificant footsteps.

  132. Aoife says:

    Surely class comes from feeling good about yourself, being sure of who you are and being genuinely comfortable in our own skin? Not every single person is going to go about getting there in the same way; personally going to a shopping mall, getting my nails done and walking around in ridiculous heels sounds like my idea of hell. I would look uncomfortable as hell and I sure as hell wouldn’t look classy. Or perhaps, shock horror, some women go to the gym regularly AND have tattoos? I love the tattoos I have, they mean something to me and even if some people might think they’re disgusting or distasteful, I wouldn’t change them for the world because they’re part of who I am.

    I’m all for people having their own opinions, but voicing it in such a disrespectful and offense way is just out of order.

  133. Wow. That’s really all I can say. Wow.
    I am a woman, I have four tattoos and about to get a half sleeve and I am damn proud of them. I’m still a girl. I still go shopping and hang out with my girlfriends. Sometimes I splurge and get my nails done. If you were to look at me, you probably wouldn’t even know that I had tattoos. I go to church, I live a respectable life, I’m married…pay the bills, work and go to school. I’m classy and you would never even guess I had tattoos so does that still make me not classy?
    Each of my tattoos means something important to me. Even if I don’t tell you exactly what they mean, they are not just senseless splotches of ink on my body. They are memorials to past life events and reminders of bridges I’ve crossed.
    This “woman” can not sit here and tell all of America that tattoos are classless. What about men? She didn’t mention men getting tattoos at all, so it’s okay for them because they are not classy….right? I don’t think so.
    She will be receiving an email from me as well…

  134. Kelly says:

    I cannot even believe this “woman” had the nerve to write this. First who is she to pass judgment on class and elegance. I have met plenty of people who are classless and tasteless and they don’t have a single piece of ink on their body. Ink does not define you, it’s a form of art and expression. I have never been turned away by a man or rejected because I have tattoos, plenty of our models, musicians and actress’s in the industry have tattoos and I think when they walk the red carpet at the Golden Globes or at the Grammy’s they look beautiful. This girl sounds shallow and judgmental, where is her class? Classy people would know you do not judge on outward appearance and you see people for the inside and how beautiful their soul is. She need’s some serious life lesson’s on how to be a lady. Also, I am a Christian, I am a big believer in my Jesus Christ and I love him and guess WHAT HE LOVES ME TOO, I’ve never been turned away by the church or by God because I have tattoo’s, my body is a temple and I treat it as one, this girl I can tell is a Christian and is the wrong kind, she give us a bad name.

  135. Joe Di Marius says:

    All due respect, and I mean this with the utmost sincerity: you’re a complete and total moron. Do you still think “colored people” should sit on the back of the bus? Hi; it’s 2012 America, not 1950’s Alabama. Maybe you should move to a place like my state of California and actually see people living their lives each day in liberated fashion, not constrained by hypocritical douchebags who tell you homosexuals will burn in hell, while they’re fucking male prostitutes on the sly.

  136. Veronica says:

    I have three tattoos..so far. The one on my wrist is my grandmothers name. It is my way of keeping the memory of someone I love very much with me for the rest of my life even though she may not be around to see it. I know I am beautiful with or without tattoos. I do not need to go shopping for “attractive outfits” or high heels (which I hate to wear) to feel beautiful. Just like Ashley said (first comment): I will always remember my first tattoo and everyone after. Especially if they have an important meaning to me. Shopping for clothes to make myself looks as society wants me to look is nothing special. Lisa, maybe if you took more time to get to know people and to understand the meaning of their tattoos you wouldn’t be so quick to judge them.

  137. Nina says:

    this article is repulsive.

  138. Shilo Van Tatenhove says:

    For many of us, tattoos have nothing to do with physical beauty, they have everything to do with commemorating our accomplishments, paying homage to people, events, and spiritual matters that are important and integral to the person we have become. As you have said, class does not fade, and having pride in, not the surface beauty that you espouse but, the person you are is infinitely classy. I can’t believe any woman in this day and age would promote such blatant consumerism as a path to “class”. Your views are close minded and sad. If I didn’t pity you so much, I would be disgusted.

  139. Craig jackson says:

    Wow here i was thinking i was an equall to my brothers and sisters regardless of what i wore or adorned myself with or had hanging between my legs but thanks to this article i now know my true calling a penis with a wallet you stupid person do you even know how sexist and offensive that blog sounds you are everything thats wrong with the way we think today your lucky this wasnt an actual news article or you would be branded a facist good day

  140. Rav says:

    Class comes from within. I have many tattoos and everyone means something to me.

  141. smack this b- that cant see beauty in the world says:

    i was very annoyed by this article, there is nothing wrong with tattoos. i hate labels on clothes, shopping gives me panic attacks. i was with an abusive man for almost 2 years. he contently told me that if i didn’t wear enough make up it wasn’t good enough, or that my clothes were always too baggy or the wrong style. i used to get back handed for my opinion. i got my first tattoo while i was with him, he was gone for the weekend(military drill day or some shit) i went alone with the design for my wings that i had made when i was in my early teens. no one was with me, as my wings were being done i felt a new hope spread over me, i spread those wings soon after and left him. i didn’t know why i stayed but as my tattoo artist was doing her magic, she talked to me, and the realization of where my life was and where it was going came into light. if i hadn’t gotten that tattoo i don’t know what i would have done

  142. Vicki says:

    I am shocked, that someone with no artwork of her own feels she has the right to criticise other women… Especially one who is preaching that instead we should be spending our money on clothes that go out of fashion once every three months and also, from looking at her, does not pay much to have her hair done or on make-up, or on clothes, or apparently on any of the other things we should supposedly ‘worship’ our body’s with, I myself have lots of tattoos and can honestly say that it hasn’t stopped mens heads from turning as far as I know but honestly? I can’t say that I would care if it did, I do this for me, I go to yoga too, and meditate, and care for the environment, I recycle… I don’t spend all my time at the mall giggling with a bunch of girls as I’m too busy going to conventions of art, or listening to artists show off their music…. With my beautiful, classy, tattooed girlfriends!!

  143. Serena says:

    well I have two tattoos one is covering a very horrific situation that I was in … as far as if i got self satisfaction..Oh yes mame I did !! an did i learn something yes I learned that some that looks so terrible can be turned into something beautiful an as far as what my grand kids say well it awhole better to explain a tattoo than to tell them there grandfather was undiagnosed paranoid sczophrenic an almost killed me by stabbing me 16 times so as far your bull shit in this letter, you have no idea what your taking about an maybe you should open your eyes to the real world… JUST SAYIN

  144. Danielle says:

    Lisa,

    Upon reading your article based solely off opinion, I must agree to disagree with it entirely. It’s okay to have an opinion, however, classifying all tattooed women under the same category is unfair. Not all tattooed women are classless, brash, and lack morality as you claim. Not all women get tattoos to rebel their parents or society or try to prove something. I myself am a tattooed woman and I definitely do not lack class or manners. As a matter of fact, I’m a beautiful woman with self confidence and an intelligence level that my fiancee happens to find damn sexy. He adores my body art as well. I have manners, I’m well spoken, and none of my tattoos are outbursts of rebellion or point proving. My tattoos are an extension of me that many people fail to realize.

    You stated, and I quote directly from your article, “But at the end of the day, are you really a happier person? Has this tattoo, for instance, caused you to learn something new about yourself? Has it challenged you? Has it led you to self-growth?” As a matter of fact, yes I am a happier person with my tattoos. They are beautiful pieces of art that will forever remind me of the day I got them and why I got them and I will never for one instance regret my decision. I have some tattoos that are already several years old and simply looking at them brings a smile to my face and a light to my eyes. Has the tattoo caused me to learn something new about myself? Yes. How? It has shown me the amount of pain I can withstand to my body, pain that is temporarily physical but leaves a lasting impression, like the pain in life. If my body and psyche can withstand the mental pain of a tattoo, then I can learn to withstand the pain of life and go through it and know that it is only temporary, and the wisdom that I will gain from the experience will be eternal. Has it led me to self growth? Yes. How? One word, responsibility. When you receive a tattoo, it becomes your responsibility to care for it to make sure it heals well and you prevent infection. It has also taught me patience because the healing process tends to be rigorous.

    So while your mind is closed to the possibilities of what any kind of body modification can do for a person, I’ve let myself be enlightened by my choices. As for morality, I have a set of moral standards that are very high. I do believe in a God and I believe he, not you or anyone else, is the one to judge me. My morality stems from the teachings of my parents and the willingness to do right for myself and for others. Having tattoos does not make me an immoral person. Are there tattooed persons who are immoral? Yes, I won’t argue that, but it’s not just to classify all tattooed persons in that category.

    Last I checked, I adorned my body for me, not for anyone else. If I’m going to “do for myself” as you keep insisting women should do in your article, it won’t be by flaunting my body to the opposite sex or bettering my appearances for them. I would be doing it for me, myself, and I. Body modifications of all kinds for me are a part of my spirituality and I gain personal growth every time I receive a new one. It’s sad that narrow minded people like you exist when the possibilities of meeting so many different characters and walks of life are right at your fingertips and computer screen. I hope you read my words carefully and change your view on the tattooed community. Do you have to like tattoos? Absolutely not. It is your right to have a formed opinion to whatever you feel is right and no one can take that from you. I hope, however, that you will change your classification of people and grow to accept the life choices of others instead of criticizing them and telling them what they should do, especially with their own flesh.

    Danielle

  145. Aaron Nash says:

    You could make the same arguments against getting a puppy. Did you even do any research? Plus you fail for using the word ‘nowadays’.

  146. suze says:

    I believe you are.missing the whole point. You clearly are against body modification. But telling.women that they are not classy if they have tattoos is well …unclassy yourself. Many people adorn themselves in many ways you are bringing women back to the 20’s saying we should be the way you state in your article ..women either have class or they dont. You can put a dress on a pig it’s still a pig. Some of the most classiest ladies I know have ink. You reference morals what morals are.you teaching by.judging?? Next.time think before you speak its unclassy to judge

  147. Jamie says:

    Wow, this is an amazing piece of crap opinion! Telling young women to invest in over priced clothes made overseas by starving children. Buying from a local business and supporting the economy and the united states of America is a bad idea. So the basic idea of this piece of work is to influence young women to buy clothes, get their hair and nails done, go to the gym and wear heels? You have to be fucking kidding me! I would much rather see my daughter having respect for herself while having tattoos and dressing in whatever makes her comfortable. With this said how many women do you know that love to wear 6 inch heels and get dressed up everyday? I have respect for myself as a kickass women, I love tattoos, I shoot guns, wear what I want to wear and have self confidence. Oh and I’m way cuter than your materialistic fake ass, who is destroying the minds of our young women.

  148. Fallenindust says:

    I love it when people use the body is a temple line….. cuz really think about it and how many temples are barren and void of decor and art??? yes you body is a temple decorate it how you see fit 🙂

  149. Eddie b says:

    If you don’t like or agree whit tattoo… Simply don’t do it on yourself!!! Let the people be what they want… Because they let you be what you are… Greetings

  150. michael capone says:

    Thats why i get tattooed. To keep a barrier between those of us actually living life and those just judging it. And by the way your not beautiful inside or out. You should heed your own advice and go directly to the galeria (mall in buffalo) and pay some over opinionated bitch like yourself to decide what you should look like. Probably involving multiple magazine covers. Spoon fed life. Lol

  151. how do u like it , making assumptions about something or someone (s) u dont know and have no idea wat ur on about, u have and are entitled to ur opinion, but please for ur own sake , keep it to urself,

  152. Letisia says:

    Lisa,
    For all of your talk about beauty, class and elegance, about not vandalizing “the temple [one] has been blessed with,” about appreciating it, flaunting it, about going to the gym, dressing in “lavish, fun, trendy clothes,” about enjoying trips to the mall” with girlfriends, about accentuating ones “legs with high heels,” about getting your nails done”—all PERSONAL perceptions of what constitutes beauty (class, fun, elegance, etc.)—you fail to recognize the obvious.

    Beauty is entirely a matter of taste, a matter of perception—it is a nothing more than a social construct. This might still have been an interesting article about one person’s perception—yours, had you recognized that fact. But when you say, “marking it up with ink? That’s just not necessary,” you reduce yourself to ignorance, to someone who has not lived enough, or perhaps simply has never attempted to view the world or humanity through any lens other than her own.

    Considering all of the world’s cultures, all of the beauty contained individually and collectively, all of the characterizations of beauty in societies throughout the world—in societies where, just as one example, women wear neck rings in order to elongate their necks because this is what, in their view, is considered beautiful—it seems incredibly unfortunate to me that anyone’s views would be as limiting as yours.

  153. Dawn Rose Ellis says:

    I feel incredibly sorry for the author of this article. I couldn’t imagine being so closed minded and judgmental of others. I am a proud mommy of three beautiful, intelligent children. I have class, I am beautiful, I am elegant, and I have tattoos. I wear my tattoos proud, and my children are proud of my tattoos. I take care if myself and have style without blowing exuberant amounts of money at the gym, or keeping up with The Joneses. I am just as comfortable at a Rob Zombie concert as I am at a Black Tie function. My growing collection of tattoos in no way makes me less of a woman. Nor do I think everyone needs tattoos. It’s a personal choice. True elegance doesn’t come from a $200 pair of heals, a $2000 purse, a weekly manicure, or a gym membership. True elegance comes from the way you carry yourself. True elegance comes from accepting peoples differences, and respecting others for who they are (not what they are) A truly elegant person wouldn’t be so bigoted to write an article in attempts to demean women with different ideas of beauty. But, I must thank the author. No article has ever made me more proud to be me.

  154. shauna says:

    So, this makes me so angry .. I go to the gym I wear amazing heels I get my nails and my hair done, I wear trendy nice clothes, I have an amazing job and a Masters Degree I work in the federal court system, men drool over me, men swoon over me, I have class, I have morals, I am a mother, a daughter. a granddaughter, I vote and dont litter, I drive a 50 thousand dollar car thats paid for that I bought …. AND….

    I have OVER 200 hours of tattoo work on my body, I am pierced, my ears are guaged, and I am respected.

    This woman is telling our children it is not OK to be themselves and be individual and personally it sickens me.

    Judge not least ye be judged … God is watching (yes I believe in God people with tattoos dont worship the devil)

  155. Robin :) says:

    People are so closeminded they cant see when people are happy with them selfs and if they do see it they bitch b/c they are not happy. I am a happyer person b/c of my tatts they bring back the wild days of my life that I have moved past and they tell me every day that I AM A BETTER PERSON TODAY and I LOVE MYSELF and I MADE MY LIFE THE WAY IT IS and I WILL KEEP GOING ON WITH MY CLASSY SELF !!!!! Even if u dont like it !!!!!!!! My mind is not as good as it used to be so I need a reminder every day !!

  156. MJ denton says:

    Who died and made ms Khoury God? What self centred egotistical claptrap. As an intelligent (2 university degrees) health professional with tattoos I find this article apalling in today’s (non puritanical) society. Grow up ms Khouri and stop believing you have a right to be the arbiter of morality. Your ‘values’ like your article disgust me!

  157. Elizabeth says:

    This article is just downright ignorant and sexist. Who has the right to say what someone should do to their bodies? I understand that this is an opinion piece, but in this case keep your opinions to yourself. People don’t just ge tattoos to be rebellious or whatever. People use them to express themselves or to commemorate something important or tragic in their lives. Who are you to say otherwise and make people feel bad for their own PERSONAL choices? Write aout somethin else

  158. Thinkink says:

    There is nothing classy, elegant, or attractive about a person that insults and belittles others.

  159. Haha This article came up on FB while I was looking up places to go to get my next tattoo!

  160. peter tyler says:

    People will never stop getting tattooed. My client ratio is 70% females ages 18- 30. People get tattooes to beable to express there selfs not to be judged. But that’s alright. After wasting my time reading ur lame opinion on what other people should do, I realized that after judging a very big culture you should get a tattoo nerd.

  161. Dan says:

    This woman has some serious issues and not liking tattoos is fine but when you read her value system and her options so to speak…. denigrate yourself into a fricking object barbie without any sense of individualism or self identity…. Ok then thanks for the lesson in ethics and by the way every single one of my tattoos has meaning and all are part of who I am and turn on the light within and be happy in your own skin…Thats real beauty….

  162. courtney says:

    Hi
    I would just like to say that I’m not sure she should be able to make these comments she even said herself if you don’t have a tattoo your the ones with the strongest opinions on getting tattoos. Well I’m a women with 2 tattpps and the best part is no one I have then unless I’m in a bathing suit so the btattoo are for and have more of a deep meaning because I thought about what to do before getting them so I didn’t just get them to show them off and I still hold my self to a higher class of women because I still carryy myself that way and I still treat my self as a women such as getting my nails done or shopping at the mall and not one person judges me for my tattoos cuz their for me not other plus I also thought ahead so my tattoos aren’t out in the open that way people can’t judge me on having tattoos
    Thanks just wanted to share my opinion

  163. I have half a mind to write this Miss Lisa and point out how she’s being so ignorant. But in the same breath, I also know she’s probably gotten tons of emails regarding this article and is just deleting them as they come in. This hurts my very being.

  164. Lindsey says:

    Obviously this woman is close minded and lacks a well rounded education and life experience. She clearly does not understand the meaning of class in it’s entirety. Class is not solely bassed upon a womans meens to buy expensive clothes or join a gym and FLAUNT her body! Class is far more than appearance! Class is shown not only by the way a woman takes care of her personal hygiene but also the respect she has for herself and others. A classy woman knows how to carry herself in a respectful manner, knows how to treat others with respect and leaves the judgment aside.
    I am a woman with a very fair amount of body ART. I do take care of myself physically and mentally. I don’t judge others on their physical appearance nor do I call someone classless when they choose to make different physical decisions than I. And despite my array of body art the most common comment I receive from people is in regard to the amount of class I do have. Tattoos are not a question about ones morality. But, it seems that those without are those who show their true colors when they cast judgement on others who are not afraid to express themselves with the art. To the woman who wrote this article: Tattooing and body modification has been around since the existence of man, far longer than your religion has been. Body modification is imprinted in our dna. It has been used to show our status in society, the leaders of tribes, the passing of and entrances into phases of our lives.Tattooing now may be diluted in the spiritual sense but I assure you that bearing a tattoo is far more than just wearing some ink and it definitely does not take away ones class. I would be happy to show you personally what a true classy woman (WITH TATTOOS) looks like. If you doubt me, come see me. I would be ecstatic to sit for an interview and teach you a few things.

  165. Andy Barrett says:

    Does this woman not wear make up, or shave or groom herself? wear nice clothes, I mean if women are already perfect as is, then you should just be able to roll out of bed and make no improvements.

  166. Chris says:

    I’m all for tattoos and whatnot but some of your reactions here are on jesus freak level. everyone needs to calm down, yeah she wrote horribly incorrect things but relax and move on.

  167. amymy says:

    Okay. Clearly this ridiculous point of view comes from a narrow mided piece of crap. What gives you the right to judge people for what they believe in. Like does this girl have her ears pierced? Because that’s body modification…does she paint her nails that’s not ‘natural’ so unless you have experienced what every person who has a tattoo has been through…don’t judge. And how dare she think that because I personally have a sleeve, a chest piece, tattoos on my legs back and wrist makes me an immoral person who will have a rough time explaining morals to my grandkids…well you know what? When they’re old enough I’m goign to have them read this insane, untrue, rude, and thoughtless article and tell them never to be a person of such low caliber. Everyone says never judge a book by its cover…then what the hell right does this superficial valley girl have to pass judgement on everyone. Here’s the thing do you go to the museum of fine arts and shit on all the artists for expressing themelves in meaningful ways to them? Probably not. Why doesn’t anyone who agrees with this go buy the book ‘ink inc’ then we will see just how many ‘rebellious’ low lives get tattooed. Take a look in the mirror. You might not like what’s there after all that.

  168. Stacy says:

    I think the most important question to raise here is just, “who is she to judge?” Why is she better than anyone else? I get that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but judging someone and making that public is a whole other story. There is nothing “classy” about judging ANYONE.

  169. Jane says:

    Queen Elizabeth has tattoos and she is classless. So many Royals have tattoos and they are classless. Thank you for shedding light on this. Great well rounded editorial. It shows you truly did your research on the matter.

  170. mamacta says:

    You really dont have a clue do you??…Tattoos are beautiful. Just because a woman has ink does not make you less classy than the woman without ink…..what would you do if by chance you had to be wheeled in the the ER for a life threating operation and your female surgeon had tattoos,,,,,well now,,,,,does that mean she has no class,,,,I guess it would be better that she be late for your surgery because she had to catch the latest sale for those Jimmy Choo shoes???

  171. mamacta says:

    In the future do some interviews with people who have tattoos and maybe you will have a different opinon..

  172. Rebecca says:

    i’m sorry but if im an old lady running around showing people my nasty old wrinkly back tattoo, or wearing something that would reveal it then there is something much more wrong with me than simply having a tattoo! LOL

  173. Dave Paul says:

    I am a PhD student who is writing his dissertation on tattooing. I will write a response piece to this and have it posted by Monday. Thanks for bringing this to our attention! You can see more of my work at: http://thesocietypages.org/cyborgology/

  174. this person obviously didn’t do ANY research on tattoos.

  175. kitty says:

    This is utterly absurd. what does your skin have to do with having class? I cant wait to tell my future generations the stories behind my ink. You might as well tell a woman with psoriasis that she’s not classy for the simple fact her skin is splotchy.

  176. Brandy says:

    As a tattooed woman I would have to disagree with you. I have been called classy on many occasion and I’m well educated. I value my family and friends and the memories we’ve had. Each on of my tattoos represent them or a memory. I enjoy each one. They reflect who I am and the people I love. So I would have to say you are mistaken and closed-minded. Prude. Boring. Not classy is how I would describe your article.

  177. Mandy Wise says:

    There is nothing as devoid of class quite like narrow-mindedness. And you really shouldn’t let your mind wander–it’s MUCH too small to be left outside by itself.

  178. kirsten says:

    Get a grip man seriously. Although some tattoos can be meaningless and stupid, a lot of them are beautiful and full of meaning. I have several tattoos and I can say to you that I honestly DID feel better walking out of that parlor. Yes, there is a lot of personal meaning attached, but it should not be considered an exception. Tattoos are a work of art, and if you disagree- cool. You don’t want tattoos, fine. No one is judging you from the “tattooed community”, so lay off. Keep your ignorant and retarded editorial to yourself.

  179. Liz says:

    I would love to know exactly what she thinks is so much better about wasting your hard earned money on ‘trendy’ clothes than tattoos. There’s no reason (other than the fact that her views are obviously the complete brainchild of the society we live in which values status and wealth and calls it ‘class’) why any of the things she listed are any better for your personal wellbeing than a tattoo has the potential to be.

  180. I don’t have tattoos, but I have no problem with those who do. Live and let live- some body art is absolutely stunning and meaningful to the person, which is great. Just think out your body art before you do it because your choice of body art will likely last a lifetime. What’s cool when you’re 20 might be a total embarrassment when you’re 60.
    Sometimes people make decisions regarding body art that they regret later. My grandfather wore long-sleeved shirts all the time regardless of the temperature. I didn’t find out why he wore the long sleeved shirts until he was in the nursing home, close to death. He had horribly inked tats of what were supposed to be girlie pics on both forearms that he’d gotten in the Navy (WWII) and he always hid them because he was so embarrassed by them. My son thought it was cool back in high school to gauge both ears to 7/8″ but now that he’s trying to further himself in the automotive industry, the big earrings have become a liability. Some potential employers haven’t taken him seriously because of the earrings- even though he is an intelligent person and a hard worker.
    It’s easy to pass judgment, but better to look at the whole person instead of condemning them because you don’t like their body art.

  181. Dave says:

    I am certainly not drooling over you – so that was a bold statement.
    Second – women should be able to do whatever they want with their bodies. This is a lackluster attempt by some college kid trying to make a point in her college paper

  182. Jessi says:

    Thank you. Thank you so very much. I am so disappointed in this woman. Way to go ahead and roll back the wheels of progress.

  183. Jess says:

    This is so incredibly insulting. ALL of my friends have tattoos and they are pretty, confident and intelligent women. Stop being so close-minded- you are doing more harm than good for the femine movement and women in general. Try acceptance instead of judging something you do not understand.

    “I promise, it will be a much more rewarding experience, and you won’t find yourself in a rut when your future grandkids ask you what’s up with the angel wings on your upper back as you’re in the middle of giving them a life lesson on the importance of values and morals.” What about the tattoos that HAVE meaning? My tattoo matches one my father has, we went together to get the tats. So not only do I have this amazing memory of sharing that experience with him, I think of my dad everytime I look at it. My father and I didnt have a relationship for 20 years of my life and now we do, so the meaning of our matching tattoos is deeper than something you can understand. And when my grandkids ask me about my tattoo, I will be happy to explain the meaning behind it with pride.

    As for classless, I am college educated and work within corporate America. My tattoo is in Latin. Classless? I think not. If anything, YOU are classless for passing judgement on a wide group of people under the cover of “women are beautiful.”

    Talk about ignorance at its best. Good luck with life after college, can’t wait for you to spew your opinions to your future boss and have her show you HER angel wings on her lower back.

  184. Dear Lisa,

    I’d just like to thank you for this uplifting and informingly pointless article on demoralizing self expression.
    Let’s go through a few things, shall we?
    Oh, and before we start…. Keep in mind that I am not a ‘writer’, as you are. I cannot, and will not have perfect punctuation and grammar throughout this grouping of delicious words.
    Thanks for listening, and let’s begin!
    I will start by letting you know that I am ashamed to say that you and I are very much alike. And if by very much alike, I mean we both have vaginas and shitty attitudes, then yes – you are a god damned idiot. This is the worst representation of a woman that I’ve seen/read in a LONG ass time. I am guessing that you do not have any devil’s spit engraved into your body…. (what? ….. that’s what you think it is, no?) If by the tone of my words you haven’t realized it yet; I have tattoos. Many, many tattoos.
    I need to ask you a quick question. What do morals, have to do with tattoos? We know morals as a type of distinction between right and wrong. So, it is wrong to get a tattoo? Who made up that rule?
    If I’m reading this article correctly, what you’re trying to tell me is that I simply cannot have any class, sophistication, or elegance if I have tattoos, or any other sort of body modification. Let me quote you….
    “An elegant woman does not vandalize the temple she has been blessed with as her body. She appreciates it. She flaunts it. She’s not happy with it? She goes to the gym. She dresses it up in lavish, fun, trendy clothes, enjoying trips to the mall with her girlfriends. She accentuates her legs with high heels. She gets her nails done”
    So let me get this straight….. Instead of showing off my appreciation for permanent artistic expression, I should go walk around the mall with my gal-pals and buy “trendy” outfits while showing off my legs to complete strangers? Oh, don’t worry though… they might like what I’m wearing.
    On that note, please don’t shame women for ‘working’ their bodies. Women should NEVER slut shame. I don’t care if you’re getting paid for it or not, bitch – that’s their prerogative. It’s NOT degrading to make a living, any way you have to. It’s degrading for people like you to write shit like this in some repetitious and hypocritical newspaper article.
    Ok. Moving on.
    Tattoos, and the meanings behind them. WHO GIVES A FUCK. Tattoos don’t need meanings. The end.
    Moving on again.
    I quote you again, sunshine-face…
    “But at the end of the day, are you really a happier person? Has this tattoo, for instance, caused you to learn something new about yourself? Has it challenged you? Has it led you to self-growth? Nothing comes out of getting a tattoo.”
    :: sigh :: Good grief, girl. In the words of Kuato, OPEN YOUR MIND. I mean.. clearly you’ve been left in the dark at some point. Not everything everyone does has to have this holy-mission accomplished-righteous-FINALLY I’VE DONE IT – meaning behind it. Just, live and let live, baby.
    And there you go again with clothes. CLOTHES CLOTHES CLOTHES. What is your obsession with trying to make woman go out and buy new clothes. Let me ask you this, Lisa…. are you really a happier person? Has this shirt or pair of pants, for instance, caused you to learn something new about yourself? Has it challenged you? Has it led you to self-growth? Nothing comes out of buying an outfit….
    Sounds real silly, doesn’t it..
    Dumb dumb.
    Close to the end here!
    So, you want kids I bet. I also bet that you think it’s a woman’s’ duty to have them. I gathered this by your assumingly ignorant comment about my “future grandkids” and how my body will affect their lives.
    You know what I say to that? Fuck you. Fuck you Lisa, and fuck your undoubtedly ignorant future spawn as well. How about we move on from this bullshit….k? I am a woman, and It is my right to choose my life, and whether or not I want to bring another into this world. And if I did create said future human baby – It is also my right how I raise them, and the MORALS I fill their empty little heads with. Not everyone is like you hun. Not everyone had a fucking temper tantrum when Mattel came out with ‘Tattoo Barbie.’ Ohh… oh, shit… did I forget to mention that? BARBIE…. Perfect, clean, pretentiously beautiful, BARBIE – went out and got a god damned tattoo.. Can you believe it?

    Ok, ok… I’m ranting. But let me just quote you ONE last time…

    “God knows the last thing this world needs is another generation of kids questioning their basic values and morals.”

    IF I ever have to explain to my kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, neighbor’s kids, or anyone else for that matter – WHY I have a red-tailed hawk permanently painted on my thigh, I’m pretty positive that anyone’s little predecessors would most likely question, accept answer, and move on. They won’t have you there, rambling on about some idiotic retail therapy way of life. There is not going to be some generation UPROAR over everyone’s mom and dad having a fucking tattoo.
    Don’t get me wrong, I love shopping as much as the next person. But let’s face facts, Lisa.
    Times are-a-changin’ People change. Generations change.
    CHANGE CHANGE CHANGE.
    Get over yourself.

    Oh, one more thing……
    I hope your children, if you CHOOSE to have any – have a more open-minded approach to life. They’ll appreciate it a little more than their mother.
    Get at me with comments. I’d appreciate a little input.

  185. amberrose says:

    this article is shit. first, look at the writer…really? you do nothing you wrote in that article, you don’t look like you work out, and you definitely have no sense of style with your choice of attire and that tired old hair cut. i personally think tattoos on women are beautiful, when properly done. (no, not angel wings on your lower back–in our culture we look down at shitty tattoos and placement as well)I am a woman with a lot of tattoos and i do not and will not ever regret a single tattoo They are beautiful pieces of art etched forever on my body. i think it accentuates my features and makes my body, honestly hotter–i turn heads even more now. you’re only young once and only have this youthful skin for so long. so, when my grandchildren ask me about my tattoos i will be able to tell them able my wonderful bad ass youth; and still hand them life lessons.

  186. Vanessa Bragdon says:

    I have tattoos covering my hands and fingers and many all over my arm and leg. My ears are stretched to over an inch. If our body is our temple then I can decorate it how I choose. We are considered social deviants because we have artwork on our body that is meaningful and beautifully done? Maybe she should also understand that the tattoo artists who do these pieces work extremely hard and put lots of time and effort into placing these pieces of artwork on others. They are genuinely talented and creative and have families and lives just like this woman does. And I’m sure some of them are currently making more money than she ever will.

    Some of these artists are respected all over the world for the hard work and dedication they put into this craft. Yes they are on you forever. Yes they cost money. But would I rather spend a thousand dollars on a handbag that I’m going to use once or get “fake” nails put on? No. I’m going to get a beautiful tattoo to look at every single day and be happy that the money I spent was well worth it.

    Many woman have their ears pierced, the bodies tucked and tied all over. Fake breasts that most of the time are way too big and completely unnatural looking. They are social deviants as well.

    I don’t care what she has to say. She could talk garbage like this all day every day and it isn’t going to change anyone’s mind. She should be more accepting instead of judging what she does not completely understand.

    People have been getting tattoos for hundreds of years. As a right of passage, to celebrate their life in the military, or maybe just in remembrance of a friend or an event. And we will continue to do so rather she likes it or not.

    And trust me. I don’t need a new dress or a Gym membership to get any man that i may want.

    All I can say is anyone who wants a tattoo needs to do research and find an artist who is capable of providing you with something you won’t want to remove later on. You get what you pay for and you definitely won’t get a nice piece of work in someones dingy basement.

    Tattoos are becoming more acceptable every day. And maybe this girl should do a little more research before assuming anything. She clearly does not know anything about it.

    She can continue to be a judgmental person. See how far that gets you. And I’ll go on being who I am. A lovely, well educated, beautiful, heavily tattooed woman.

  187. Enigma says:

    I think shes one of them highly judgmental christian types. Which means her opinion really doesn’t matter because where ever its coming from is silly and outdated and hasn’t been open enough to evolve.

  188. Jason MacK says:

    Maybe if you invested more time and energy focusing on girls who have eating disorders who are swallowing hand fulls of diet pills every day to keep up with societies perception placed on woman these days the world would be a better place? No? Here’s the flip side of your hateful coin. Did you ever think that maybe a nice piece of artwork adorned on the body of a girl who wasn’t blessed with the genetics of Pam Anderson might make that girl feel better about herself? You’re a very close minded individual which is why you’d never understand the tattoo culture. You sound like a very dull individual. You obviously have plenty of improvements that you could apply to yourself. I suggest you take action on that before preaching to others what they should and shouldn’t be doing. Good luck, you’re going to need it.

  189. reed says:

    Boy are you single minded and seemingly overly religious. While some people do ink for that reason, most of us who truly believe in them give serious thought to each one we get, the each hold a meaning to us. Be it my grandparents memorial, or my cats memorial. A true tattooed person always knows they are also artwork, maybe not on a canvas but art non the less.

    Now people have opinions, reporters are supposed to be neutral, a trait you don’t show in this article. So a reporter you are not. This is my opinion like it or not but at least I have all the facts, something you haven’t shown to have or care about.

    If ignorance is bliss, then there are alot of happy people in the world, and you are seemingly happy.

  190. Jared says:

    You’re judging women who think one way when you think another. Same goes for them. If you want to be open, why not accept them for who THEY are? Different strokes for different folks. I personally don’t care either way; as I’ve dated both kinds. Calling them mall-goers and trend followers seems a little ” pot calling the kettle black.” If you attack them, it just gives them more fuel for fire.

  191. Celia says:

    Does wearing trendy clothes challenge you or lead to self growth? Or mean something of value? Or is it a form of self expression?

    Who are you to say that getting a tattoo is worthless. Some see it as a form if artwork. Just as one might individualize their hair color or personalize a makeup style.. only tattoos go a step further and express inner beauty, feelings, emotions and creativity. And while in many cases tattoos can be trashy, I have personally seen works of art greater than any painting from Monet or DaVinci.

    Your article is extremely pointed and largely ignorant. To judge ones “class” based on desire for personal expression… Its sad to see such a close minded view published. You obviously do not know what true “beauty” is.

  192. BENNY BREEZE says:

    BAD WRITING+ BAD OPINION= OUTRAGE

  193. Natalie says:

    I read an article about women with tattoos(I myself have them)and their professions. There is a woman on the west coast somewhere that has some major work done on her. And I think she is a rocket scientist or physicist. Something along them lines. And she is very very beautiful at that.

  194. Zoe says:

    This is the most judgemental piece of crap I have come across in sometime.
    Good job insulting thousands of women across the world.
    Question: are all the African women who tattoo themselves for their tribes also wrong?
    Women have choices now a days like you say, and this degrading article just shows how much you obviously ‘care’ about the female race.
    P.s the whole ‘get a gym membership’ thing, you should consider taking up your own advice.

  195. jessica lee says:

    I have pretty much all my arms done. And everything I have put on my body has been for a specific point in my life. From losing my father to celebrate good times. This is my canvas and I choose to do with it what I want. I know that the older generation will never understand it. But I have never been called trashy. I have been admired for my choice in how I express myself. And have inspired others to do the same. So please do not assume that we are all trashy. Because when you assume, you know what that makes you.

  196. Angela says:

    I am a heavily tattoed woman, and I feel beautiful. That’s all that matters.

  197. Corinne says:

    What I take away from this article is that being materialistic will make me a better person but choosing to express myself by getting a tattoo will leave me graceless and without class. It is distressing to read a piece so full of ignorance. If we want a better world for future generations, we need to be able to treat each other with respect and tolerance. Who cares if some people like tattoos? In this day and age I think there are far more important issues to be concerned with. Such a shallow attitude about the choices other people make is not going to improve this world one bit.

  198. Kalie May says:

    I am not going to sit here and put this women down for her own opinion, because we are intitled to them and that makes us different. Growing up with two beautiful sisters, I constantly battled with my body issues. Never skinny enough, not pretty enough, wrong kind of clothes. Never once did I feel like I was pretty enough, because I didn’t wear the brand name clothes, or have all the “in” trends. Because that is what the media tells us, society brainwashes females into thinking that they have to be skinny, have to be blonde with blue eyes, a small chest size, and long legs to be beautiful. I’m 5’5″, I wear a size 13, have a 40D chest size, brown hair brown eyes, and HATED the fact that I stood out. I felt like a dandelion in a field full of daisies.

    At 18, I got my very first tattoo, just a small piece on my inner wrist to cover a scar of where I had cut myself because I was unhappy due to my body issues. The tattoo is the symbol for beauty. Because I finally realized that not looking like everyone else makes me different and being different is the only way to be. Now, I love my body, and there is nothing that I want to change about it. Because this is the way I was made to look, this is what makes me beautiful…not changing myself to fit into societys mold of what a women should look like.

    Since my first tattoo, I have gotten 10 more and each and every one of them have a deep, personal inner meaning to me. Maybe some people don’t understand why I have gotten them, and that is okay. Because honestly, I could care less if you agree with what I do to MY OWN BODY! Because to me, my tattoos are beautiful and I am beautiful. I don’t need to be beautiful to everyone.

  199. sarah says:

    I have four tattoos, most FULLY visible on my forearms and wrists, and I work as an architect in a professional industry where an entire subculture of people who are professinals accept and admire my work… this makes me SOOOO mad I cant even express it.

  200. Jessi says:

    I hate shopping. I got my nails done once when I was 14 and it was a bonding thing with my sister. I don’t want kids. I don’t like wearing skirts or dresses. As far as my tattoos go, back piece specifically, I’ve gotten nothing but compliments on it. Random people have commented positively on it including a female security guard at the Art Museum and a random older gentleman on the train that does not like tattoos. But you know what, it isn’t beautiful. It is just marring my body, my “temple.” You know what, I smoke and drink and I’m pretty sure that does way more damage to my “temple” then putting some permanent ink on it. As far as meaning goes, I have my father’s ashes in one of my tattoos. Go ahead and tell me that’s worthless.

  201. jennie says:

    Plenty of people without a tattoo lack class and morals…
    Stop judging people for how they act/look/clothes they wear… More important things in life than complaining about what people do with their bodies.

  202. Kelly says:

    What a waste of my time reading this article! Really?!?! So you have no opinion of men with tattoos but women who have them are classless??? This article was classless!! It’s fine that people who don’t have tattoos are entitled to an opinion or to say they don’t like them but don’t judge those of us that have them when you know nothing about us! Has it ever occured to you that we get tattoos not to make us feel better about our looks as you may think but as a remembrance or special meaning something or someone has to us??when my children are old enough to ask me what it is and why I have it I will tell them what happened to 4 members of my family and this was my way of keeping them with me everyday. Tell me again how this goes against morals? It’s a form of self expression! It was how I coped with my loss and YES it does help! So wait…are you now gonna say “oh well that kind of tattoo is ok” ? Gimme a fricken break you are nothing but a hypocrite! Every tattoo no matter how big, small, or multiple or not has special meaning and don’t ever judge any of us before you know OUR story!!!!!!

  203. becky says:

    it may be rude to assume this but i seems like she may be a very sheltered child with a very religious and male dominated sexist family

  204. Anna says:

    This is biggest load of bs I’ve read. You want to write a story how bout how our young girls r constantly pressured to b thin or to have the nest clothes money can buy. Sweetheart I am very successful woman whom is employed by one of the biggest cellular providers and I also hve multiple tattoos. I am no less elegant or powerful than anyone in my position. I am mother, a wife n my tattoos ha

  205. Tom says:

    Do you have any tattoos? You obviously know nothing of the culture or lifestyle of the tattoo industry. What gives you the right to tell people what they can and can’t do with their bodies? Not liking tattoos for yourself is fine, but it’s close minded people like yourself that give us a bad name. Of course you’re entitled to your opinions, but instead of making uneducated assumptions about something you have NO CLUE about, maybe you yourself could do a little research next time before attacking an entire group of people. Nothing is more attractive than a beautiful girl with well executed, beautiful tattoos, and I’m sure a whole hell of a lot of people agree with that! Sounds to me like someone is a little unhappy with their own appearance…

  206. Body Piercer says:

    My girlfriend has NO tattoos, NO piercings, nothing. Yet, she agreed this article is rubbish. She’s my girlfriend, even though I have tattoos, piercings, I even have my tongue split, and yet, she loves me. I’m a body piercer, I hang out with tattooed and pierced people all the time, yet, my girlfriend treats them with the utmost respect, and they treat her the same. She doesn’t see us differently. If anything, she prefers to hang out with us, rather than with her judgmental friends, who always bash on us for being tattooed. We’re not all troublemakers. Most of us have our lives together. We are not all bad people. I pray every day, I donate money to my church, the Father there is always happy to see me. We talk about our day and he has never once said anything hurtful to me. People like Lisa make me sad. Sad because we’re misunderstood, and the only ones who will understand, are people within the modification community. My girlfriend spends more time at the tattoo shop I pierce at more than anywhere else. I wish people were more open-minded, and not so quick to judge us.

  207. Elizabeth says:

    A woman’s class is not in her appearance…not in her high heels, her hair, her clothing, her nails, her tattoos or lack thereof…it is in her attitude. It is in the way she treats others and the way she treats herself. It is in how she feels about herself and her perspective on life. I would say, judgement is certainly not a part of that.

  208. MizzSanguine says:

    Another “holier than thou” rant from an ignorant writer. Don’t knock what you don’t understand (or haven’t tried yourself), and the writer clearly is lacking an understanding of body modification. Some people get enjoyment from the gym or having their nails done, then there are the ones of us who gain enjoyment from the process of becoming walking works of art.

    By saying that women of class flaunt it, get their nails done, go shopping, etc, she clearly has never stepped outside of her cozy little space under her rock. Being classy is not 100% looks, it’s mostly all about how you carry yourself and even more importantly your manners. Someone who is poor and wears ragged tattered clothes can be just as classy as someone who wears $500 high heels with designer clothes and jewelry.

    On top of that, does the writer not realize that part of being classy is not opening your mouth if you have nothing intelligent to say? And, that being classy is the exact opposite of what she showed herself as being by (1) writing such a sexist article, (2) judging/condemning others publicly, (3) stating that to be classy you have to flaunt it when in reality that is the opposite of classy, and (4) writing the article to convey that women are nothing more than sex objects in which looks mean everything. Correct me if I’m wrong, but aren’t most people trying to raise their daughters to find happiness in things other than just their looks and not trying to blend in with the herd, but to stand out and shine in their own way regardless as to what the rest of the herd is doing?

    She needs to stick to writing on topics in which she fully comprehends instead of ignorantly writing about topics in which she can only make biased speculation based on her own beliefs instead of research and fact. Maybe if she had done some research she would have learned that many women in positions of power have at least one tattoo. I guess in her opinion those women would be classless even though they are doctors, lawyers, senators, and more.
    #smdh

  209. Max Aguilar says:

    Lisa sounds like a smart girl, but if she thought about what to say before she said it or maybe didnt say anything at all she would sound alot smarter. Tattoos are cool! and I do look cooler having them but I didnt get portraits of my two sons on my hands becuase I thought it make me seem cooler then I am! I did it because I Travel and when I travel I miss them, I miss them alot! so having them there with me make me feel a little better 🙂 Class? have some class? if someone percieves any one of my really well done tattoos as tasteless and unclassy…..I would’nt care! they’re for me and they’re not for you! Vandalism can be alot of things, I think that even when someone gets a tattoo thats hatefull or that premotes a negative idea isnt vandalism as much as it is a bad investment thats all. theres good and bad investments and there are worse things to regret than tattoos! believe me… that being said I dont regret any of mine. I do regret getting a membership to the Gym because, well……I dont go the Gym! and when I do get old and fat Ill have some really, really cool tattoos! hahahaha. Im a tattoo artist and a father first, I love my kids and they love my tattoos 🙂

  210. Mandy Thompson says:

    I dont have any tattoos because I choose not too, but what you just stated in your article was very ignorant my dear. Grow up and learn to step outside the box.

  211. Buzz says:

    I have tattoo’s and my fiance’ does too, with a chest piece to boot. She takes amazing care of herself and her image, she’s a freakin bombshell, and one of the nicest and classiest ladies you’ll ever have the pleasure of meeting!

  212. joel says:

    I am wondering who gave this editor a job. I am thinking she flaunted “all her stuff” with needless ” EXCESSaries” (spelt wrong on purpose). Obviously she is one closed minded individual. Use sex to get ahead and. Wear less close if you got it like that. Not impressed by the article. I hope you get fired for writing garbage

  213. Rick says:

    Wow! The comments are in fact a 1000x more informative than the actual article. It tells me that people with tattoos come from all walks of life (something we knew but perhaps those without didn’t). The days when it was only bikers, sailors and soldiers are long gone. “Mother” surrounded by hearts or roses have been replaced by “In Memory”, Religious Icons, landscapes and scenes of fantasy. People become loyal to their artist (I know I am) or try different artists so that people looking at their body can tour the images like an art gallery. While I am not myself an artistic person I have a great love of art and this form allows me to look art wherever I go. People like us will never let a close minded, shallow person such as this to mock us, our way of life or our freedom of expression. One thing I noticed is that her article is also poorly written. It’s not just a specious argument, it has grammatical errors also. Her Journalism teacher should have proofread her story a little closer. Spellcheck does not mean fix all!

  214. Tiffany says:

    So what were supposed to sit around and want what you say we should not have? to be envious of those who have them? as a little girl my mom always told me that people would try and convience you out of something you wanted because they were jealous or to chicken shit to do it themselves. did you know its a sin to be envious of others? its a sin to judge others? by saying that women arent classy or beautiful because they have a tattoo, because we “vandalize the temple she has been blessed” that is judging. If God thought that tattoos or body piercings were wrong and we should not do them then he would not have given someone at any point in time the idea to do it. Did you ever think of it that way? look at any type of tribe, they have their faces and bodies tattooesd and pierced for religious reasons. and to address the “we gain nothing from tattoos” i gained many things. i have 2 tattoos, one is for my son and the other is for my mother and my aunt. and on top of that; i proved that i am strong enough to do what i want and not belittle someone else because they will and i wont. so before you start to say that us women should not get tattoos ask yourself this. “why can men get tattoos, but its not classy for a women?” men and women have equal rights and if a guy can get tattooed then guess what? so can i!

  215. File this under “Evidence” in the case against college for all. This girl should be taking tolls on an interstate, not writing for a university newspaper. The writing talent just isn’t there.

  216. Elle Sexton says:

    Amazing. So not only does the article read like it has been written by someone barely out of junior school, but someone who automatically assumes that women with tattoos cannot be intelligent, classy, respected OR attractive.
    I get so bored of fighting my corner on this, when people ask, for example, how I’ll look on my wedding day, or even if I’ll find someone to marry me (with a pitying look on their faces).
    As a matter of fact, I looked just fine in my wedding dress. Classy, and beautiful, and like me, because it would be utterly stupid to hide my tattoos. Believe it or not, my husband, my family and my friends know I am tattooed.
    I’d much rather spend my money on something I get to keep than a throwaway handbag, a pair of shoes. Sure, I buy those thigs too. But they’re not what define me. Just like my tattoos aren’t what define me either.They’re a permanent reminder of the art I love. And I get to wear it. Every day.

    To coin a phrase, “I get it. It’s the 21st century”. You’re sexist, you’re vehemently sticking to archaic gender roles, you’re close minded, you have a point to prove, and you’re a woman. Awesome” – Lisa Khoury, are you sure YOU realise it’s the 21st century?

  217. **sorry posted before this but forgot to link it to my facebook**
    So what were supposed to sit around and want what you say we should not have? to be envious of those who have them? as a little girl my mom always told me that people would try and convience you out of something you wanted because they were jealous or to chicken shit to do it themselves. did you know its a sin to be envious of others? its a sin to judge others? by saying that women arent classy or beautiful because they have a tattoo, because we “vandalize the temple she has been blessed” that is judging. If God thought that tattoos or body piercings were wrong and we should not do them then he would not have given someone at any point in time the idea to do it. Did you ever think of it that way? look at any type of tribe, they have their faces and bodies tattooesd and pierced for religious reasons. and to address the “we gain nothing from tattoos” i gained many things. i have 2 tattoos, one is for my son and the other is for my mother and my aunt. and on top of that; i proved that i am strong enough to do what i want and not belittle someone else because they will and i wont. so before you start to say that us women should not get tattoos ask yourself this. “why can men get tattoos, but its not classy for a women?” men and women have equal rights and if a guy can get tattooed then guess what? so can i!

  218. Linz says:

    This is clearly written by a person who is narrow-minded enough to believe the way they live their life is correct. A tattoo is a personal choice just like getting your ears pierced yet because that is accepted in her social environment she would not consider the implications of such in other cultures. To assume women have tattoo’s as some sort of sex symbol represents a naive attitude gained through self interpretation rather than seeking the opinions of those who get a tattoo. Furthermore, to argue that women want this reaction from men at all suggests this is a person who should not speak for women or preach to them about how to behave. She may want men drooling over her but to assume girls with tattoos do is a massive preconception she has constructed from her stereotypical schemas! I know many professionals who have got tattoos or have chosen to get them later in life as a symbol for something they believe in or a personal experience this writer would have no knowledge about. Body art has been celebrated in a variety of cultures for years. To assume in the twenty-first century we should pry ourselves away from something we feel represents us and our life in order to retain an appearance of a particular social class suggests we have a far greater issue than the tattoo; but one of attitudes towards those in different classes and the assumptions people try to enforce upon them. If Lisa feels this is a matter of appearing “cool” she already has a stamp across her forehead. Narrow-minded.

  219. Oh good lord that girl Lisa (the original article writer) is a zombie. Conforming to what other people think is why there is such a social epidemic in this country. We can’t just live and let live, we have to tell everyone what we expect and think, and if they disagree, we eat them alive with our words. Instead of writing articles about useless subjects like tattoos, she should consider maybe writing something use full. Maybe teen suicide, bullying in schools, drug awareness… something based on facts and statistics and not personal opinion. Even tattoos have facts and statistics such as training, artist style, machine mechanics both creating tattoos and now removing. Tattoos that are cosmetic, not just art. (Older women who get their brows tattooed on instead of having to draw them on each day, I’ve seen it many times, even eye liner tattooed on the inner eye lid…. they say its better for your eyes then drawing them on each day.)

    This girls must eat her own material up like an elephant who eats peanuts. (Her “targeted” audience being the peanut.) Every time the elephant wants a peanut, it lifts it trunk. It become routine, and thats how the elephant is successful. Keep in mind, once the elephant learns the routine to receive a peanut, it requires very little thought process to get what it wants. There’s a word for this, and its lazy.

    All she has to do to get a peanut is belittle people’s personal style and belief, and bam. The article sells.

    As a writer myself, I would rather be known as someone innovative, who encourages the reader to think rather then to tell them what to think, but what do I know? I have tattoos and I’m unprofessional.

    At least I’m not a circus act.

    haha. Peanut.

  220. Mr Fun says:

    “But at the end of the day, are you really a happier person? Has this tattoo, for instance, caused you to learn something new about yourself? Has it challenged you? Has it led you to self-growth? Nothing comes out of getting a tattoo.”

    Why should it lead to anything? Who cares? It’s not an office job. There is enjoyment in life in the form of taking a punt, taking a risk, getting outside your comfort zone. It’s exciting. A certain amount of ‘only live once’ attitude goes a long way toward getting you the happy life that you speak of, whether it’s a tattoo or a cycle race. Live a little.

  221. Classic NYer says:

    Is anybody else confused by the insinuation that it will be difficult to teach morals with angel wings tattooed on one’s back? I don’t get the connection.

  222. Anna says:

    Anyone from UB (including myself) could tell you that The Spectrum sucks, so please bear that in mind. I have a tattoo and I honestly forget about it, even though it takes up most of my midsection. I wish there was such thing as a tattoo that lasted only 5 years because I’m kind of bored with mine already. Let’s all face the fact that most 18-21 year old college students DON’T make the best decisions. And if you think you know everything, that’s a pretty good indicator that you have no clue. Maybe she’s trying to prevent a lot of mistranslated asian character “tramp-stamps”? Take a walk around UB for about 10 minutes and you’ll probably see that this writer is plagued with a lot of horrible decisions in the permanent body art department, as well as the fashion and dating departments.

    In a fairly botched way, the writer is trying to tell the women of UB that they are beautiful, without ink, and that slapping some tats on you is not going to make up for whatever might be lacking inside. Self-improvement is going to make you classy, not just getting tattoos because that’s the thing to do these days. That being said, if you think that getting a tattoo qualifies as self-improvement, then go right ahead. The female figure is beautiful from day 1, to both males and females. I’m a straight woman but I can plainly agree that women are attractive and beautiful in a way that is hard to explain. An elegant tattoo can enhance a figure or likewise, a thoughtless one can detract from the original beauty.

    Name calling and bashing only makes YOU look childish. If you can’t take someone else’s opinion in stride, think twice before you call them “narrow minded.”

    • Nicole says:

      You should have written the article then. Because the author’s suggestions for “self improvement” lack just as much merit as a “tramp stamp” or any other MEANINGLESS gesture. And that’s exactly the point.

      And the writer is not “plagued” by other people’s choices, whether they be dating, body art, or fashion… who is she to present the “right” viewpoint?

      It would be one thing if she was suggesting that anyone who is ink-minded (and apparently yourself included if you are “bored” with your tattoo) really think about the permanence of the art, the symbolism, not to take it as lightly as say… a trip to the mall.

      Her “point” is convoluted by her suggestions as to what DOES constitute beauty and self-worth, making her suggestions just as baseless as meaningless tattoos.

      And if the publication “sucks” and “everyone knows it” why doesn’t she do her duty as a writer to turn that publication around? She preaches finding something meaningful to do with your life… maybe that’s what she ought to do.

      But someone needs to teach your writing staff how to execute an editorial that won’t come off as biased, baseless, and useless.

    • Ren says:

      This commentary was insensitively written, and thats why there is so much negative response to it. It isn’t her opinion of tattoos which is offensive to me, it is her opinion of what it means to be a woman which is.

      I do agree that name calling isn’t the best response to what she has said, although, I think that the people who are calling her names are doing so because she did accuse tattooed women of being classless. You said it was “fairly botched,” which it is. And unfortunately she will have to pay for the reprecussions of letting her fairly botched article get published. No writer can expect to say or do anything this offensive and not have a response from the public, it’s just unfortunate she has to learn it this way.

      In the long run, I think most people on here would agree that it is fine to dislike tattoos, and even try to persuade people not to get tattoos (she is not the first to do so). I have many tattoos, and she isn’t the first person to disagree with my opinion on my body modification. It is simply that the approach was sexist, and reads in a way that she almost expects women to fulfill this typical feminine gender role which many women believe they are better than.

      In her commentary, women are being portrayed, as nothing more, than as a necessity in society to “…hold the world’s class and elegance.” Essentially, ignoring behavioral tendencies of what it means to be classy, and simply focuses on the superficial, physical aspects– I believe that is why it is so offensive.

      As much as I like to think that the world is moving forward and encouraging women to be more than a physical prop, it is a daunting when I see a woman speak so cheaply about the importance of physical appearance. Using women getting tattoos as a representative for “a generation questioning their basic values and morals,” only shows how narrow-minded our society can still be.

      The most disappointing factor, is how she is not only a woman condemning other women, but she is young. To see a girl of my generation being so shallow, as to what women are capable of despite physical appearance, simply brings me shame—as both a woman and a young adult.

  223. Jessica Thompson says:

    The most important beauty is the beauty you see in yourself. If I believe I am beautiful, with or without tattoos, it does not matter what others feel about my outward appearance. My body is my temple and if I decide to decorate my temple, so be it, I have to live in it. I understand the opposing perspectives but generalizations should not be made about all women. We do not all enjoy shopping with our “girlfriends”, now do we all enjoy hanging out at the tattoo shop with the bros. To each their own, but never generalize for all women. Appreciate yourself, and accept what others appreciate in themselves.

  224. Becca says:

    I will start off saying I understand tattoos are not for everyone. I have many friends and family members who would never get a tattoo. That is because of their own opinions that have nothing to do with mine, and that is fine. I work as a tattoo apprentice and i have 11 tattoos. I have my college degree, I do not live off the government and I have never touched drugs. As women we are beautiful creatures… I believe that everyone has the ability to be a “beautiful creature” not just woman, but this has nothing to do with looks or if they are inked or not. This article says nothing about inner beauty or how you present yourself. So you are saying that we turn heads and make guys drool from our looks. I would rather have a guy drool over my personality rather than my looks…. I can’t tattoo my personality. There are many elegant women who have tattoos. There are many successful women who have tattoos. There are many married women whose husbands didnt marrying them because their tattoos or lack there of. No i was never taught to be elegent and be a proper women in society. I was taught to be myself. This is what I will teach my daughters as well. So whats more attractive than a girl with a nice body? A girl with brains, a girl with self confidence, a girl who is REAL rather than a photshopped model plastered on MTV, A girl who knows how to present herself and treat others well, and a girl who knows who she wants to be rather then be whats acceptable. Looks do not last, class and tattoos do , which is the first true statement in this article. Who is to say an elegant woman cannot “vandalize the temple she has been blessed with as her body”? If that is a matter of religion than so be it, everyone is intitled to their beliefs. To say that its a matter of class is ridiculous. I do appreciate my body, but i should not have to flaunt my body for people to drool over me. I should not have to go to the gym to be a size zero so people think im beautiful. I should not also give a shit what people think of my body, my hair, my lack of heels, or my trendy clothes or the fact that I have tattoos. If i went to the mall, did my hair, did my nails,wore heels than I would be a liar. Think of how much better the world would be if girls took all that superficial bullshit money and donated it to charity. Thank you for teaching me a lesson in self confidence and inner beauty. Having a tattoo doesn’t make me a happier person, it has to do with me expressing myself and liking tattoos. I should probably be more productive and go to the mall though. Who says tattoos are to change lives? There are people who have the tattoo lifestyle and people who get tattooed… BIG DIFFERENCE. I feel that this is a very closed minded article with little confidence and a very twisted view on the meaning of life and every aspect of that. So I am apologizing to you because you are the one who obviously needs to self esteem boost.

  225. Slinky says:

    Let me just say, *** you. I love my body so much more with my tattoos. I have something on me I love. Something others think is beautiful. You get great things out of getting a tattoo. You don’t deserve to know those things.

  226. Kim says:

    I think you may need a higher education.

  227. JILLian says:

    “God knows the last thing this world needs is another generation of kids questioning their basic values and morals.” Um really? Cause her basic values & morals seem a little off to me. She also claims that as women “we hold the worlds beauty”. True & meaningful beauty comes from the inside & being mean is ugly. This girl doesn’t seem to be holding anything but hate & a grudge. Hopefully hers eyes open after this & she sees how wrong she is & then maybe her heart can open up to accepting others for who they are. I accept her for being an ignorant jerk & hope she finds the perfect over priced pair of heels to show off her pedicure while she spends the day & her money on her “classy” self at the mall, cause THAT’S what life & being a women is about after all.

  228. tanski says:

    This is absolutly the worst thing I have ever read. This is is our generation not our parents. This is how we express our selfs I couldn’t even read all of. The artical this girl has her head so far up her a$$ then anyone I hve ever met and I hope she reads this. You have no clue as to what your talkin about. I have one inch plugs in my ears and covers in tats. Its a form of art and expression and if you can’t deal with it then you probably shouldn’t step outside your house in the small town suberbs orturn on the tv. Get a life seriously

  229. Holly Hagan says:

    I have gotten tattoos to cope with death & to celebrate life and love. they help my grow but also help me remember some of the best times in my life.I am a mother and a wife with 11 tattoos and counting and i seriously doubt that by me having them will make me any less devoted to my family. I have to much Class to judge anyone for their opinions or views on the world but obviously this Author is somewhat lacking.

  230. stegosaurus says:

    Oh man, I say ignore her! This woman is obviously not a deep thinker, not a writer, and not a person who has any respect for women who think/act slightly different than she. She’s just not worth anyone’s time. She writes crap like this and people get all up in arms and then people think she’s important. She’s not important.

  231. Shutterblade says:

    If you collect and hold onto clothing and shoes to remember things. You become a hoarder, or end up on a makeover tv show with the nation saying, “what happened here?!” emotional attachment to THINGS is an actual problem. Tattooing is an ancient art, going back far beyond any of our lives. It’s not some new fad. People have marked themselves with ink long before Chanel and Gucci were a thing sweetie. Should everyone run out and get tattooed? No. Should you write an article about something you have neither INVESTIGATED or EXPERIENCED? No. (( one sided, uneducated journalism at it’s best ))

  232. Hana says:

    Dear Lisa,
    Although I respect your opinion and honor your right to it, I feel that you may be terribly close minded.
    I would like this letter to concentrate on your last line in your article: “God knows the last thing this world needs is another generation of kids questioning their basic values and morals.” I feel personally offended by this line.
    Are you inferring that mothers and fathers who have tattoos are bad parents? Or are you questioning a DNA mutation resulting in diminished morals and values in the offspring of these people? I am actually interested, and would love to hear your scientific evidence supporting your statement.
    What I am taking away from this article is not morals and values, but intolerance and disdain for people based on outward appearance. It is your preference as to the company you keep, however I don’t believe that just because someone decided to get a tattoo, they now all of a sudden will raise gang members and hellion children void of morals and values.
    In reading your article I was overcome with a feeling of sadness. This is because I felt that intolerance was a thing of the past and that our society as a whole was moving forward, especially with the new generation of tattooed and un-tattooed people working together with people of all different races to come together and voice tolerance, acceptance, and good will towards man.
    But at the same time I want to thank you. Thank you for writing such a close minded article that brings me back down to Earth and helps me realize that there are people out there who will not teach their kids tolerance. They will not teach their kids acceptance. Their children will be void of basic morals and values that this world so desperately needs. Thank you for reminding me to teach my children that it’s not what outside that matters most, it’s what’s inside, and that you must accept everyone for who they are, close minded or not.
    I accept you Lisa. And I accept your opinion. I also accept that I can’t change it. But I hope you will try to look past external appearances so you may provide your children will good morals and values. I hope one day our children are friends, and I won’t look down on you for not having tattoos.

    Thank you for your time and best wishes,
    Hana

  233. josh says:

    So… Saying that women with tattoos are classless but I hear you say nothing about men… Ummm I find tattooed girls very attractive and plus my girl LOVES tattoos and she is FAR from being “classless and worthless”. I may not have much to say on this cause I am not a women but, if my girlfriend, sister, or future daughter (when becoming of leagal age to get them) ill f**king buy them one.

    That is all.

  234. Haley says:

    Pardon me, but fuck all of that. Complete rubbish. You have completely turned ass backwards to think that about art. And that’s what it is, Art.And self expression. Id rather get a tat any day than feel as though i should wear high heels to “accentuate” my legs and hang out at a lame ass mall with my “girlfriends.” That’s quite far from being considered classy.And lazily put.To be classy, is to be yourself without being trashy in some way.And there are alot more women dolling themselves up that could only be viewed as gross.. IF you want to live in the fifties and not be able to express yourself as an individual then go for it. But tattoos are beautiful expression of ones self.
    all i got out of that article was how you feel that a women’s looks are all that she has. And that’s not even correct for you. “An elegant woman does not vandalize the temple she has been blessed with as her body. She appreciates it. She flaunts it. She’s not happy with it? She goes to the gym. She dresses it up in lavish, fun, trendy clothes, enjoying trips to the mall with her girlfriends. She accentuates her legs with high heels. She gets her nails done. She enjoys the finer things in life, all with the body she was blessed with.”
    Uh, what? SO its okay to paint your nails, go to the gym,change your hair color, buy alot of clothes no one gives a fuck about, wear high heels, ” But at the end of the day, are you really a happier person? Has this tattoo(transformation to high heels and extensions), for instance, caused you to learn something new about yourself? Has it challenged you? Has it led you to self-growth? Nothing comes out of getting a tattoo(OR changing your hairstyle) . You get a tattoo, and that’s it. You do something productive,(going to the mall is productive apparently), and you see results.(Like painting your nails and finding a guy that will put you down if you don’t act like Betty Fucking White for the rest of your life.) That’s a genuine, satisfying change in life. Not ink? Think about what you say! Especially if your a publisher! People obviously read this shit and it offends them. And if you don’t care about that matter, then quit your damn job and do us all a favor! (Half of this are words directly from you.Which is shameful.)

    http://tattoos-and-art.com/pin-up-girl-tattoos

  235. Shandy says:

    I’m pretty sure I rock my chest piece as a well deserved badge of accomplishment that represents the 24 hr labor and then birth of my son. To say this tattoo means nothing is a joke. Everyday it reminds me of the love, sacrifice and devotion I have for my child. Aside from that anyone with a tattoo on their chest knows that its not the greatest feeling in the world while its being done but at the end you have a beautiful piece of art that you CHALLENGED yourself with by getting. 3hrs of work beats an hr or two at the gym or mall any day.

  236. Nicole says:

    As a blogger myself, I would like to point out one thing that was overlooked (and rightly so, given how infuriating this piece of drivel is)…

    “I really hate posting things like this…”
    No you don’t. You want to express an opinion (and one that is obviously not popular), knock yourself out. But don’t act like the world just NEEDS you to do this great service of providing a “well-rounded view” of how body art is perceived.

    If you’re going to take a viewpoint, then take it, perhaps acknowledge that it’s likely going to piss a lot of people off, and make your point. But don’t posture some “if I must then I must” facade. Your close-minded essay was already hateable. But perhaps, if done properly, readers might’ve still tried to respect you for it.

    By the way, I teach college-level composition (and am a professional writer and editor), and I can tell you that this is anything but well-rounded. Again, you are clearly not the voice of all women, nor are you a spokewoman for elegance. Because if you were, you’d have found a far more elegant way to express this opinion (to which you have a right) in a respectful, well-informed, and elevated manner. Not only are you insulting to our gender, but you are also insulting to our profession. Your words should be carefully selected, crafted together to say exactly what you mean them to represent.

    Just like my tattoos.

    • Nicole says:

      AHAHA. My bad. I was so angry, I didn’t realize the article started after the photo. But I still stand by my response….

      Must be all the ink-poisoning in my brain. 😉

  237. I could write an elegant response spelling out how bigoted this article is, but I’d rather just spell the word bigot in all caps.

    BIGOT

  238. Katt says:

    As somebody who has the incredibly cliche angel wings, I will tell my grandchildren that I got them to remember the daughter I lost before I had their mother/father.

  239. Aya says:

    Reading this makes me want to get another tattoo at this exact second. My body is a canvas, and I should be allowed to decorate it as I please. If a guy defines my class by ink being on my body, then he’s not worth my time.

  240. CeCe says:

    Having your own opinions about tattoos and body modification is peachy. Duh, that’s what makes those of us who have tattoos so awesome. But going so far as to call something like tattooing, that has and had, across the globe, such a broad range of aesthetic, ritualistic and social applications classes is idiotic. On top of that, Khoury’s only argument is that ladies should be ladies and do lady things. So, the only things available for women to better themselves, she says, is through beautification. Such a narrow definition of female beauty is disgusting, especially for a young woman in America today.

  241. Joey A Duffy says:

    This is a load of bs, just because a woman decides she wants to get a tattoo does not mean she is destroying her body. Not to mention the fact that this is being extremely sexist saying its ok for guys to get tattoos but not for women. I have 11 tattoos and every single one has a meaning to me and I dont regret a single one. Also just because we get tattoos does not mean we are unhappy about our bodies or that we need to go to the gym, atleast when we spend money on tattoos it is with us forever as appose to buying clothes or going to the gym which is only temporary. Maybe she has some deep seeded issues that she feels she needs to put down woman with tattoos, but personally I am the same person I was before tattoos, just now im more colorful and memorable 🙂

  242. Will says:

    Wow, who gave this girl a blogspot? Biggest load of tripe…

  243. Ryan says:

    “What you must understand is, as women, we are – naturally – beautiful creatures.”
    I wish I could avoid a mirror as long as she has…

  244. Dan says:

    Let’s all remind ourselves that calling this girl a “news editor” is about as accurate as calling her opinions “well formulated” and “not a rant, born from the mind of a toddler.” I’m sure the University of Buffalo’s Spectrum gives the New York Times a run for it’s money on subscription numbers, but we’re basically dealing with a glorified blog here. A blog is a soap-box for anyone with access to a computer and a need to be noticed.

    That being established, Lisa describes an elegant woman, strictly based on physical appearance, which I’m sorry to say Mrs. Khoury, shows your immaturity and lack of world experience. I’m sure any woman reading this will agree, that grading a woman on her worth or class, by appearance, is doing nothing but a disservice for women’s rights. Whether you are a fan of tattoos or not, anyone reading this article can see that it was hastily written by a person with no ability to see beyond their perimeter of ill-informed opinions, with no proof or argument to back of these bigoted assumptions.

    Do us a favor Lisa: Between your next psych class, and trying to figure out which pair of eyeglass frames truly express your level of entitled, narrow viewpoints, try to take a moment and realize that there’s a good chance your opinions are complete shit.

    ps- I’m a guy with a lot of tattoos. Why do you care?

  245. I rather spend my money on tattoos, seriously. I am not paying $500 for just shopping or whatever shit you mention above. Stop discriminating against people with tattoos. Just because you can’t have one, doesn’t mean that any other women can’t have any. Just grow up.

    p.s: FYI, I am a teacher, and my kids love my ink and so did their parents, my boss and my family too.

  246. Sierra says:

    Tattoo’s build confidence for some, so clearly the one getting ink is gaining something. Expression is important. I just love the last sentence of this article. I’m sure you’re invisible friend would want you to make poor judgments of “his creations.”

  247. mohr says:

    Ye we are women but you don’t have the right to tell us what we can and acant do with our bodies. Tattooing is a great art whether your an artist or someone who has tattoos.but don’t degradde sometihing just you dnt like it or think its unattractive

  248. kayla says:

    You say be happy with the body we have and don’t ink up or modify it. Well, cutting and coloring your hair is modification. As is getting your ears pierced or getting your nails done. Hell… Working out is a form of modification. Modification is changing anything about your looks and body. You get your hair done, work out and pierce your ears because you like the way it looks. Same with tattoos. Who is to say what modifications are and aren’t acceptable. Your close minded th inking really makes me sick. Class isn’t determined by appearance. It determined by attitude, and Your attitude towards others is lacking.

  249. maendy says:

    “Nothing comes out of getting a tattoo. You get a tattoo, and that’s it. You do something productive, though, and you see results. That’s a genuine, satisfying change in life. Not ink.”

    Ummm…does the author HAVE a tattoo? How does she know that nothing comes out of getting a tattoo? People get tattoos for MANY different reasons, be it a right of passage, a memory, artistic expression, etc. People fear what they don’t understand…and apparently they also write ridiculous rants about things they don’t understand as well.

    People ask me if I regret getting so many tattoos because of the way they are apparently viewed on women. I always say, “Hell no. Someone’s gotta change the world.”

  250. Mr Fun says:

    First, she says “What you must understand is, as women, we are – naturally – beautiful creatures” and that “your body literally has the ability to turn heads. Guys drool over us.”

    Then she tells you to get a gym membership.

  251. kate says:

    If this young lady doesnt have any tattoos how can she posibly speak for those of us who do (as to the meaning or how they make us feel).
    And if she does have any tattoos then shes a hypocrit.
    Thus, this essay has nullified its self.

  252. Laird says:

    The responses (for the most part) have been more intelligent than the actual blog post. Great job kids!

  253. Jessica Alderman! says:

    Lovely way to enforce stereotyping into our children’s minds. Yes, go to the MALL. Yes, wear high heels. Yes put on tons of make up. Because, children, THESE things are what’s going to define you as a person. NO WAY!!!!! I am a 37 year old mother of 2 very respectful kids. I have intelligence, style, sophistication and most of all… CLASS. I also have 13 tattoos. The art you decide to put on your body has nothing to do with CLASS. Your character, persona and ATTITUDE define whether or not you have class. Therefore, one can safely assume that the author of this article has absolutely NO CLASS whatsoever.

  254. Dana says:

    I don’t know what bothers me more about this article, her demeaning summary of a very large scope of people world-wide or her ridiculous reference to “classy” being a girl strutting around a mall.

    My own children are raised to be proud of themselves for all that they are and all they choose to believe in. What upsets me is that I have to also teach them that these single-minded people exist and are permitted to summarize and judge others freely. It is up to my children, with their strong values, to ignore people like this Lisa Khoury.

    I feel sorry for this close minded fool.

  255. Kara Brothers says:

    My response:

    You are ignorant, and a hypocrite!

    Obviously you have a very poor self image, or you wouldn’t feel the need to try new hair styles, buy new trendy clothes, wear high heels to accentuate your legs (probably your best feature so you try to show them off), or get your nails done to improve your self image. Please explain to me how shopping, getting your nails done, or wearing high heels cause you to learn something about yourself, challenge you or lead you to self growth? Oh wait, they don’t. They are all TEMPORARY fixes for an underlying self loathing! Oh, and for the record, they aren’t really productive either, unless your goal is to spend all the money you possibly can and still hate your outward appearance when the novelty of the new item wears off.

    In contrast, people with tattoos are self confident enough to not feel the never ending desire to improve their outward appearance through temporary adornment. Instead, they are confident enough to show their individuality and personality by getting a tattoo that tells a story of who they are, what they like, what is important to them, etc.

    Oh, and for the record, I was very happy after getting ALL of my tattoos, because they all mean something to me. My next one will be a portrait of the first cat I got after moving out of my parents house. She died in 2007 after sharing my life for 13 years. Now THAT has meaning, and is something that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Will you cherish those fake nails, or that trendy outfit you spent way too much money on, in 50 years? I doubt it!

  256. Amanda birtley says:

    This is the biggest load of crap I think I have ever heard. Not all women get tattoos to be rebelious or anythin in that nature. Some get them for memorials or for inspiration. The way I see it, some women put on tons of make up and expensive clothes to feel pretty and express themselves, and others get tattoos. And for the stuck up ones who think they can throw their worthless 2 cents in what other do, well they obviously have no real lives. And would rather critisize peple with other views just for a little feed back. Please, find something better to do than try to tell others how to live their lives. And live yours…

  257. Tattooed lady says:

    I find it hard to believe that a woman with NO tattoos fully understands the significance or meaning behind getting one. I also find it offensive that as women we should bask in a (false) knowledge that we are gods gift to man. Furthermore as a woman, who does not cite male sources; how does she know what men want? It seems as though she “Michael moore’d” this article, shoving unbacked right wing views on us. This article pushes bigoted tunnel vision views on vulnerable young adults.

  258. NavyWife says:

    The email I sent to Lisa-

    Lisa,
    Please let me begin by thanking you for your article in The Spectrum. I really appreciate when people use the opportunity to express their freedom of speech that my husband fights for in our United States Navy. I however could never let myself do his job because I put all of my efforts into raising our 3 children, but I am a certified EMT and am proud to say that I have saved lives in the time that I spent working in the field. We are a spiritual family and enjoy a close relationship with God. Despite our busy lives we spend a considerable amount of time helping others in our community and through our efforts hope to show our children, and as many other young people that we can, what it means to be an adult with morals and respect for ourselves since we believe that those are things our society is lacking. Also, we are regulars at our local gym because it’s important to us to promote a healthy lifestyle for our children. I have to admit that also, I am quite the fashionista when I have the time and money to spare on it. My husband appreciates that he has a wife that can turn heads when we are out in public and that makes me proud. It’s probably time I admit to you that I do have a few tattoo’s, as does my husband. In fact, they aren’t even tattoo’s that I can hide very easily. You see Lisa, I have my neck, arm, side, legs, back and feet tattooed. As for my husband, he has his chest, side, back, and full arm tattooed. Let me assure you that they aren’t just silly no meaning tattoo’s and I will proceed to explain just a few of the most important pieces of art that my husband and I both carry. My husband had been previously married to a woman who was also serving in our armed forces. Tragically, she never came home from her last deployment and as a tribute to her my husband tattooed his back in a memorial piece for his late wife. On his chest, he has artwork that represents our children and his relationship with God. On his arm he has a collection of pieces that represent the things he’s accomplished in his military career (a tradition that goes back long before our generation of soldiers and sailors). As for myself, I have my leg tattooed with a piece of art that represents the love for my children. My left foot is tattooed with my married last name and the right is tattooed with my maiden last name which I had done with my father. The artwork on my side represents my marriage and the love I have for my husband and the difficulty of being married to a man who serves in the military and therefore spends so much time away from his family while fighting for our country. I should probably also add (just in case my messgae is misunderstood) that we are good people. We have never been commited or charged of any crimes, in fact the only real trouble I have ever been in was a single speeding ticket. But I think I am straying from my original point… I am genuine in my appreciation for your article. When the time comes I even plan on using it as a teaching tool for my children when they are adults and want tattoo’s. It’s important for people who make the commitment of putting something permanent on their bodies to understand the opinions on the other side of the wall because it will be something we endure for the rest of our lives. Especially as long as judgemental, sexist, narrow minded voices are free because of people like my husband. I would never wish for it to be any other way either, because people like you make me proud of who I am and how I raise my children. Thank you again Lisa and please have a good day. God bless.
    -Hannah Perritt

  259. Samantha says:

    I don’t know whether or not to vomit because of the disgusting points made in this article, or bang my head repeatedly against the wall because women have gone BACKWARDS in terms of what we have earned as far as self respect and our place in society. Didn’t we fight for years to NOT be seen as sex objects? Haven’t we fought for years to earn our place in society to be able to work just like any other man and not be treated differently? Why is it acceptable for us to continue to emphasize how important it is to be “beautiful” when many women and girls are KILLING themselves in the image of beauty? Wouldn’t time be better spent when time was spent allowing women and girls to do what THEY feels make THEM pretty, not what would make OTHERS consider them pretty?

    Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. We are sovereign over our own bodies. We dictate what is pretty to ourselves. We dictate what is classy, beautiful or gorgeous. And that definition applies to us alone. When we begin drilling it into girls’ heads that we need to conform to other standards, that’s when we lose individuality and unique beauty. To call someone classless and uneducated because they have tattoos is not only ignorant bit disgraceful.

    I have 8 tattoos and counting. 13 piercings and still planning on getting more. But I guarantee you if you see me on the street you would never know I had any of them. Wearing a t shirt and shorts, you see NONE of it. I am the TOP in my district at my job. I have a FULL academic scholarship that was earned on my merits alone and I continue to work hard to keep it. Would you consider all of that nothing because of my ink? Really?

    Would you pass me over on a job because of the tattoos you CAN’T see? Because on the outside I’m just like everyone else – but you know, tattoos interfere with my work ethic and determination. My tattoos have shaped me into who I am, given me the opportunities to thrive in my fitness, job, and modeling career. I dare you to name many other 19 year olds that have done all that I have and still call them ignorant or classless.

    Your job is to educate and inform the public as a journalist. Get your act together before you ruin generations of girls. The damage will be irreparable.

  260. Andrew Jackson says:

    So what she is saying is this: Having a tattoo means you have zero morals. Shopping for clothes “Clueless” style, burning money in the mall and getting your nails done makes you a better person than someone with a tattoo. Going shopping, going for yoga lessons and prancing around a mall helps you grow as a person.

    To quote Kryten from Red Dwarf “Oh, for a world-class psychologist!”

    I’m sure women around the world who read this idio are thanking you for setting the Women Movement back back by 1000 years! Women are human being and just like men, they have every right to do as they please! Who are you to belittle ANYone for wanting or having a tattoo? And how dare you insinuate that having a tattoo will make your kids dysfunctional! I think you have some deep-rooted issues which you need to discuss with a counsellor or someone qualified in the treatment of mental health issues, because if you think someone is so defective for having a tattoo then you really need to get back on the same frequency as the rest of the planet. What else do you believe in? “The better the shoes, the better the person”? “Friendship depends on who much you spend a month on getting your hair done”?

    To be completely blunt, opinions are like an attack of wind: we all get but that doesn’t necessarily mean we want to hear them. Andit would be best if you kept your silly little mouth shut.

    I’d rather spend a lifetime with a lady with a tattoo (which I am going to do…getting married soon!) than with a nasty-minded, air-headed bimbo who has nothing in common with those of us who have better things to than spend our live in the mall.

    Good luck with your future. I’ve a feeling you’re going to end very lonely, unless you manage to find a partner equally as obnoxious and incredibly stupid as yourself.

  261. Deb says:

    Dear Ms. Khoury,

    I appreciate you providing your perspective on what you believe regarding women and tattoos.

    However, I respectfully disagree with some of your basic assumptions, which appear to be based on observation rather than experience. People always say that you should try to walk in a person’s shoes in an attempt to gain some insight. It’s not always easy, but in this case, I would highly recommend it.

    I am 35, have two degrees, earn over $110,000 a year, work as a scientific director in the pharmaceutical industry, and I have most of my body covered in tattoos. I’ve worked on a billion dollar cardiovascular drug as well as million dollar + accounts. I’ve worked with some of the top cardiologists in the world. I also go to the gym. And by gym, I mean martial arts, which I have practiced for 8 years. And when I say gym, I mean up to 20+ hours a week at the gym on top of a demanding career. I also own my apartment and am financially secure. I also enjoy climbing mountains as a physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual challenge and experience. Oh, I also like getting my nails done and can afford to enjoy the finer things in life like leaving for a last-minute trip to Thailand for two weeks or spending $150 on dinner for myself on a regular basis or spending $250 for an in-home massage.

    As for getting meaning out of a tattoo? Yes. The experience of choosing to mark my skin has forced me to be responsible for my own decisions. This is something most Americans are not willing to do. The experience of getting tattooed has also taught me fortitude even in the face of discomfort. Getting tattooed has also taught me to overcome my fear – of not knowing if I could or could not do something – which has translated into all other aspects of my life from career to getting in the ring as an amateur fighter to summiting the top of Kilimanjaro to planning a 3 week expedition to attempt to summit Aconcagua at over 22,000 feet above sea level. It has also taught me patience and tenacity and commitment. I don’t know many people who would commit to waiting a full year for a back piece to be completed over 10 sessions and 40 hours. I don’t know any people who would be willing to wait a decade to get a tattoo. I don’t know many people who would be willing to wait even 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, months for an appointment. I would also say that having tattoos has taught me to be more comfortable in my own skin. It has also taught me that I should never judge a book by its cover. I have met a great number of people from various walks of life who you would never know had tattoos – doctors, lawyers, scientists, etc. Getting tattooed has also taught me to NOT live a life as dictated to me by others. I can create my own path. Getting tattooed has also taught me the value of being adventurous and open to new ideas and experiences. I also have a greater appreciation for art given that many of these tattooists are talented artists in their own right. Oh, and did I tell you that I appreciate my body much MORE with tattoos? I actually think it’s so much more interesting to look at – a living, breathing piece of art.

    As for tattoos imbuing people with questionable morals and values, I’m not quite sure where you’re going with that. Although my life may be condemned by some, and unusual by the standards of many, I say please and thank you more than most. Oh, and I barely touch alcohol, don’t smoke, don’t do drugs, have never been to jail, and have never had a child out of wedlock. I also use my turn signals when driving, hold doors for people, give up my seat for pregnant or elderly or people with disabilities. I also helped raise money for the American Cancer Society by running the NYC Marathon. I also donate money to animal shelters and various other causes. I guess I must be doing everything wrong?

  262. Tracey says:

    I hope that life and experience lead to one day the author re-reading this article and laughing at her naiveté and judgemental, narrow mindedness.
    As a woman who was abused I am uncomfortable “flaunting my body”.
    Does a haircut, manicure, or new outfit give the self growth or learning that she feels a tattoo lacks?
    When was the last time someone asked for the story behind your clothing choice?
    Tattoos can have deep personal meaning or can just be an appreciation of art, why should they be justified to anyone else?
    If women are naturally beautiful beings why does she then encourage them to go to the gym, have their hair, nails and make up done and wear high heels to make their legs look better?
    I do have many beautiful tattoos, my family and children love me and my art.
    I don’t go to the gym, I dance for fitness and pleasure (yes I pole dance I’m sure she has an opinion about that too). I eat clean, I’m vegan, I adore and adorn my temple, I am proud of the struggles that it has overcome and the beautiful children it has given me.
    I will not abuse this woman for her opinion, I will remain classy and suggest only that she grows to understand people are all different but this does not make them of less value than others.

    • Tracey says:

      Also I showed this to my grandparents who are holocaust survivors, they laughed and said that this must make the identification tats they were given make them classless. Yes lady your opinion is winning.

  263. Emma Blake says:

    What an absolute ass. I have just finished writing my thesis on “Western Women in Tattoo Culture: A Progression from the Circus to the Norm”, for which I did a lot of research, including conducted an online survey to get statistics and people’s opinions on women with tattoos in modern society. She needs to head on back to the 50s where she came from. The 1,000 responses of my survey tell a completely different story to the one she’s telling, which I assume she’s done no research whatsoever for. Seriously though, her article makes me want to go to the mall with my girlfriends, where I can get high heels to accentuate my legs, and get my nails done. :/ Sexist much?

  264. vicky says:

    What a crock of bull.

    I am a woman, I have tattoos, I am proud of them, I love them. They are a part of me, they show others who I am and remind me of who I am, to stay strong and carry on.
    You have no right to judge anyone

    Nobody looking at me would ever think I would get a tattoo, but I have 2 so far, each meaning something to me.

    I suppose you don’t have any piercings then seeing as that is also body modification, so I would suggest taking them ear-rings you have in out.

    I know plenty of women who are covered in tattoos and they love them, tattoos are a part of them. Do not dare judge someone else because of how they decide to live their life or what they decide to do with their bodies; ‘The problem arises when you cast judgement on people who you don’t know and tell them what they are doing is wrong’, well love this is what you are doing, judging people on how they look and you are telling them what they ‘are doing wrong’.

  265. Samantha says:

    I have met this woman. Not this woman specifically but the mentality. I am actually a throw back to the 50’s. I’m a stay at home mother raising 5 girls. I cook, clean, cloth diaper, volunteer, and believe in God. My children are respectful honor roll students. I do not drink, smoke, or partake in drugs. I’d like to believe that I am teaching my children to be moral productive members of society. I am also heavily tattooed.

  266. B.Grizzly says:

    I sent her an email just to let off some steam:

    Dear Lisa Khoury,

    Allow me to start off with a quote by the great Confucius “Everything has its beauty but not everyone sees it.”

    I read your recent article entitled “Why put a bumper sticker on a Ferrari” and I basically threw up all over my keyboard. Did you seriously take the time to write an article about how tattoos are classless? I’m going to take the time to write a response now.

    You have some interesting points in your article that I wish to challenge. So please stay open minded, I mean, you did publish this article in the free world.

    Numero Uno (that’s number 1 in Spanish)

    “I get it. It’s the 21st century. You’re cool, you’re rebellious, you’re cutting edge, you have a point to prove, and you’re a woman. Awesome.”

    Is this a fucking facebook status? Great way to open your article Ms. Assistant News Editor. Let’s just grab an entire gender and place them into a stereotypical group really quick, you just ruined your credibility.

    Number 2
    “A secret you may have not fully realized yet thus far in your life. What you must understand is, as women, we are – naturally – beautiful creatures.”

    As giraffes, puppies, horses, manatee’s, we are (dramatic pause) naturally (dramatic pause) beautiful creatures. Shut up, shut up, shut up. This is the point that I wanted to just punch my computer in the face.

    Number 3
    “Seriously, though. Your body literally has the ability to turn heads. Guys drool over us. We hold some serious power in our hands, because – as corny as this sounds – we hold the world’s beauty.”

    That guy wasn’t drooling over you, he was drooling on you. And you don’t hold shit but a biased opinion.

    Number 4
    “But something girls seem to forget nowadays, or maybe have not been taught, is that women hold the world’s class and elegance in their hands, as well. So what’s more attractive than a girl with a nice body? I’ll tell you what: a girl with class. Looks may not last, but class does. And so do tattoos.”

    I would love to see your cited sources claiming that women hold these features you speak of. Last time I checked this was a team effort. And I love classy girls, in fact, in the real world (college is not the real world) you will meet some extremely classy ladies, even some that you have aspired to be, have a tattoo. And you wouldn’t even know. Right here is when you should have paused, and put yourselves into the shoes of the entire culture of people you are about to criticize. Moving on….

    Number 5
    “An elegant woman does not vandalize the temple she has been blessed with as her body. She appreciates it. She FLAUNTS it. She’s not happy with it? She goes to the gym. She dresses it up in lavish, fun, trendy clothes, enjoying trips to the mall with her girlfriends. She accentuates her legs with high heels. She gets her nails done. She enjoys the finer things in life, all with the body she was blessed with.
    But marking it up with ink? That’s just not necessary.”
    Notice what I highlighted above? We’ll get to that in the next paragraph. Basically what you are saying is this: “a so called elegant woman should be materialistic, close minded and most likely a gold digging whore if she truly appreciates her body. And there is no way you can possibly do any of these things if you have a tattoo.” Girl, do you even know where the gym is? Because I bet you there’s a chick there with a tattoo that would love to meet you after saying all that shit.
    Number 5a
    “I’m not here to say a girl should walk around FLAUNTing her body like it’s her job – that’s just degrading. Instead of getting a tattoo, a more productive use of your time would be improving and appreciating the body you have been given, not permanently engraving it.”
    Notice what I highlighted. Flaunting, you just advised that every girl needs to flaunt the temple that is their body. And then you said it was just degrading. You know what’s degrading, having someone like yourself pass judgment onto woman with tattoos.
    Number 6
    “Can you get meaning out of a tattoo? Arguably. If you want to insert ink into your skin as a symbol for something greater than yourself, then maybe you are proving a point to yourself or the rest of the world.”
    We’re about to learn today. Let me tell you a little story from an article I read once,
    One unremarkable day at my former place of employment, I was helping a member pick out furniture for his living room when I noticed a small tattoo on his inner wrist. This gentleman was a very clean cut, suit-and-tie kind of guy, classic style, with nary another tattoo or piercing in sight. The tattoo was a thick, black outline of the number 88–of course I had to inquire. “I never thought I’d get a tattoo,” he told me. “I was always pretty against them.” When I wondered what changed his mind, he told me that he got the tattoo in honor of his best friend, a woman who had died in the tragedy of September 11th, 2001. She had worked on the 88th floor of Tower One, and was in it when it collapsed to the ground.”
    http://becauseilive.hubpages.com/hub/9-11-01_September_11_Memorial_Tattoos

    The point I am making is that a tattoo isn’t a “bumper sticker” a tattoo is a work of art that only the owner knows the true meaning of. So before you go around and pass judgment, why don’t you interview a few tattoo owners for the meaning of the art they have.

    Number 7
    “But at the end of the day, are you really a happier person? Has this tattoo, for instance, caused you to learn something new about yourself? Has it challenged you? Has it led you to self-growth? Nothing comes out of getting a tattoo. You get a tattoo, and that’s it. You do something productive, though, and you see results. That’s a genuine, satisfying change in life. Not ink.”

    I just recently got my first tattoo, and it helped end an amazing chapter of my life. Over the last year I have been promoted two times, received a generous salary and I am now an important asset to a real company. This was all earned through incredible hard work and dedication, long nights and early mornings. I soon found out from a local Native American that I’ve had a power animal that has been guiding me, what is this animal you ask? A bear, a bear represents Strength / Introspection / Stamina / Renewal / Healing, Dreaming. Well guess what, I got a fucking bear tattoo on my shoulder. And every day that bear reminds me that if I continue to work hard and believe in myself, I will succeed. I don’t give a shit what anyone else thinks about it, because it is MINE (but no one fucks with the guy at the bar with a grizzly bear tattoo). How about the beautiful lady whose mother just died, she gets a tattoo to remind her of the person who brought her into this world, to help her when times are tough. Are You going to instantly call her un-classy and insult her too? Put yourself in her shoes.

    Lastly,
    “Invest your time, money, and effort into a gym membership, or yoga classes, or new clothes, or experimenting with different hairstyles if you’re craving something new with your body, not a tattoo.
    I promise, it will be a much more rewarding experience, and you won’t find yourself in a rut when your future grandkids ask you what’s up with the angel wings on your upper back as you’re in the middle of giving them a life lesson on the importance of values and morals.
    God knows the last thing this world needs is another generation of kids questioning their basic values and morals.”

    You should consider investing your time, parent’s money and materialistic effort into a damn gym membership. Shit, I’ve seen you on campus, you ain’t anything special. How the FUCK can you compare YOGA with a god damn TATTOO. I can’t wait until my grandkids ask me about my tattoo, because there is a lesson to be learned with it. Sounds like you just wrote this article out of hatred for one person who recently got a tattoo, how about instead of insulting millions of woman you go out and experience the real world.
    End the article by bringing God into this, really classy. Let me tell you something, our entire generation, as well as every generation before us has questioned their basic values and morals. How the hell is getting a tattoo even contributing to that. The last thing our generation need’s is a judgmental newspaper editor if you ask me. I hope journalism isn’t your major.
    Ignorance is the night of the mind, but a night without moon and star.
    -Confucius
    Have a great day,
    B. Grizzly

  267. jlynn86 says:

    Being a strong, smart, beautiful, and yes oh my god tattooed yet very classy woman I find this article repulsive. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion but for this writer to tell woman that tattoos are “classless” shows her lack of class. We are all beautiful and what we choose to do to our own “temple” is not something to be judged by anyone. Talking about men drooling and fighting over us, getting our nails done, losing weight, and buying the newest trendy clothes just shows how materialistic this writer is. It’s unfortunate that she felt the need to bash her fellow woman with judgment instead of embracing the fact that we now live in a culture where being”drooled” over by men is not our first priority. We are not all mindless idiots in need of a man to give us attention. If that’s what makes her happy that’s great but don’t use your talent and opportunity with writing to cast out judgement on the beautiful tattooed women of today. You should be ashamed of yourself.

  268. Valerie McKeon says:

    Im so offended by this! What are we….in the 1950s? Majority of people now have at least one tattoo. I have 10 and I’m proud of every one of them. They all tell a story of my life. It doesn’t mean I’m trash or men don’t find me attractive. If people don’t like them then turn the other way.

  269. Mayndi says:

    This article is ridiculous!!! I have tattoos and I didn’t get them bc I was trying to rebel! I’m a young professional and work in downtown Toronto. I am quite classy, tattoos and all thank you very much! I feel to basically insult how we look is awful. It’s our choice, and people choose tattoos usually for a significant reason. I am actually offended that someone That appears to be educated and intelligent would have these views and to voice them in such a way! Whatever happened to accepting others and loving everyone for who they are. I dislike bring stereotyped and judged! Perhaps next time you write an article you put a
    Little more thought into it!

  270. noneya business says:

    no one would drool over you that’s for sure. woman with Tat’s are sexy, and i am sure many have more class than you will ever try to have. negative opinions spawn negative opinions back….. …….. action…. reaction….. no one wants to read anything from prude wanker.

  271. Jack Morton says:

    The Tattoo is the mark of the soul. It can act as a window through which we can see inside, or it can be a shield to protect us from those who cannot see past the surface, So Remember people beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Having tattoos does not make a woman any less of a woman. I’m married to a strong tattooed/Tattoo Artist woman and when I married her she had no tattoos I loved her without and love her with. When she started getting tattooed I saw a change in her she became more self-confident and more independent she went from the moth to the butterfly. MY tattoo wife is very hard working woman who owns her own business that she has earned. Judging someone because they are different show’s people the kind of person you are we all have our own journey in life so make it amazing.

  272. This woman is speaking about beauty yet she looks like she fell out of the upside down syndrome tree.

    This is what I understood from her article: “I don’t like tattoos and if you have tattoos, you’re ugly and stupid. You’re better off spending money on other trivial things like hair styles and gym memberships.”

    Go spend more money on beauty products, gym memberships, and lingerie. Yeah! That’s it. Let’s teach our children to be constant busy bodies spending away to fill the void in their souls instead of being happy with what they have and what they have done. Some people like to accentuate themselves with different accessories. Some like shoes, some like jewelry, some like tattoos. Personally, I love tattooed women.

  273. Robin Heffner says:

    Before you go and make an article about the way people look and using then term classy.. Get your brows done so they don’t look butchered. Wash your hair with a decent shampoo and conditioner, not some 99cent shit And get a trim. Find some glasses that actually fit your face frame. I may be tatted up and pierced but if my picture was next to yours, I sure as hell would own you in who looks classier.

  274. matia trottter says:

    Trendy clothes, a cute haircut, and a gym membership = class
    Good to know

  275. Rachel McCabe says:

    This is obviously coming from someone that does not have a tattoo…Having tattoos (4) does not make me classless in any way. We are in the year 2012 and tattoos are accepted so its about time that you accept them too! And im sorry, I drool over men, not women! Everyone is entitled to their opinion, thats why it is YOUR opinion!! And please, tell me again that I am classless!

  276. Ali says:

    I am not quite sure if you simply wrote this article to receive some type of backlash from the tattoo community which you could use to further fuel your spreading fire of hate, discrimination and pure idiocracy, or if you simply are a hateful person. Who are you to label people as classless and worthless? People with tattoos are not “asking for it” when it comes to getting dumped on by others, they are simply doing to their bodies, as they like. After all we do own our own bodies do we not? You are simply prolonging an idea of hate; you speak of people getting involved in Yoga when the key to Yoga is love and peace, not this rhetoric that is frankly disgusting. I will not lower myself to your level of filth and try to degrade you or cut you down, that would be classless. In the future I wish you and others of your mindset to have vision of everyone’s individual self worth.

  277. Tiffany says:

    This all leads back to closed minded people. They can just keep it to them selves. Do they see us judging them because they DON’T have tattoos? I didn’t think so. This makes me so irate, that I just don’t even know what to say about it. I love my tattoos, they all have meaning to me, it adds to my character. If you looked at me you wouldn’t even know I have any. Because none of them are visible. But yes I will show people because they are meaningful to me, and its something for me to be proud of. Its just like religious people, We don’t judge their every move because they believe in there own religion do we? I just hate how judging people are, we don’t judge you so how about you stop judging us. we do our thing and you do ours. I don’t think that anyone in this world needs to be exactly alike!!

  278. Verónica Castellanos says:

    Something productive… classy, meaningful… like a mani-pedi, or better yet a trip to the mall! The most elegant of temples!
    Wow. All this time I’ve been covering myself in these meaningless, ugly, all around tacky tattoos because I’ve been unhappy inside when, instead, I could have put on a pair of leg accentuating high heels and called it a day! ignorance truly is bliss

  279. LisaBooth says:

    My tattoos are for me, not anyone else. I don’t judge you because you don’t have a tattoo, why are you judging me because I do? Grow up – the real world is filled with people that have all kinds of different ideals about how women should look, throwing this article out there just tries to undermine women and their choices. Who determines what is beautiful? Tattoos are art and a commitment to yourself not a subject matter for you to twist and degrade and make tattooed women out to be ugly. Go get one, then write about it and see how you like being judged by some random dick who thinks their opinion is worth vomiting all over a magazine.

  280. Claudia says:

    LOOK U MUST N A VERY IGNORANT PERSON TO SAY THAT WE HAVE NO CLASS. IF ANYTHING I HA E PLENTY OF CLASS! TATTOOS HA E A LOT OF MEANING TO ME. IT REPRESENTS WHO I WAS N WHO I AM NOW. I AM NOT ASHAMED N CAN SAY THAT MY TATTOOS WILL NEVER MAKE ME NOT HAVE CLASS! SO DON’T B SUCH AN IGNORANT PERSON!

  281. Coyer says:

    For one – Beauty and Elagence is in the Eye of the Beholder. If you see beauty one way someone way see it another, you can’t say that tatto’s aren’t classy when really …. it takes more then looks to be a knock out!!! I understand that you are prolly “seeing it the way you were raised” but … let me tell ya’ you shouldn’t be able to say what’s beautiful and classy when you yourself aren’t even close to there yet. Last time I knew today’s day n’ age wasn’t about being “Edgy- and cool” I thought it was about “Changing for the better” and leaving the Steriotypes at bay??? Being a well rounded person is what makes someone truly beautiful. Being able to say you’ve faught cancer, have a sleeve, do work for the community … and still have a life of cystic fibroses to fight. – I’d like to know how thats’ not beautiful and or classy or even mature??? I’ve got some beautiful pieces … they rep. some of my greatest moments … they were done at some of my sickest and most dark times. Without them … I wouldn’t be the person I am today. Living through the Steriotype is what its about…. Having an addictign personality .. and holding it together with poise – I’d rather call that Class then “which Fork do I use” ……. Maybe you shoudl second guess your profession as well …. because giving advise when you’re not even close to being open minded isn’t really the rout I’d have chosen ….

    So if you could .. Explain to me what Elegant and Beauty is … ??

  282. codie says:

    This is just another example of ignerence at its best. She mentions god, I believe the bible states love they neighbour maybe she should try loving her neighbour and letting people live there lives the way they want. We don’t judge her for practices, why judge people who get tattoos? You don’t hear the tattooed members of society condeming the untattooed.

  283. Married mike says:

    Funny thing about turning guys heads is that it is all about the sex appeal and what attracts that man and Im sorry but my newly married wife has 13 or more tattoes and she is the sexiest woman in the world to me and some of that attration is because of how sexy her tats look on that temple of a body its an attraction thinG and a religious thing and yes sometimes a statement thing and there lies the beauty, its OUR CHOICE AS PEOPLE TO DO WHAT WE WANT.And why do the ugly women in the world get affended tats would help them maybe be more attractive.

  284. Lauren says:

    This is quite possibly one of thee most closed minded dumbest blogs I have ever read. I am a registered nurse, a college graduate with a professional job. I am 27 years old and have many tattoos. There seems to be this great debate about tattoos and their meanings. Guess what? Not all tattoos have meaning. Some of it is shockingly – just art. Who is anyone to say that I am not allowed to decorate my “temple” with art. That goes the same for makeup or high heels to accentuate my legs. This is the 21st century. We have better things to worry about. I never look at my tattoos and roll around in self pity thinking “why did I do this to myself?” and I never will. When I am 80 I will proudly show my grand kids my wrinkly old road map of tattoos. Shame on you for judging a book by it’s cover.

  285. philly mcgurber says:

    I can’t stand people who say things like this, you can have your own opinions but judging someone before knowing them is wrong and we all do it time to time. I could judge this editor by her picture but I won’t because I am classy. I have tattoos because it’s apart of who I am, its self expression without saying anything.

  286. nicole says:

    This article is total crap! If tattooed women are not attractive why are there entire genre of the sex industry just for tattooed/body mod girls? Not because nobody likes it. As far as the tattoo experience not being meaningful, challenging, or inspiring would be better left to those of us who have tattoos to decide. I can tell you I have had no deep life changing experiences shopping for clothes. My tattoos are meaningful to me and that is why I got them not to send a message to the world. They tell a stroy about who I am and my life experiences. I have my amazing life story documented on my body forever and I will tell my grandkids about all of them! I can wait to have such meaninful talks with them. I doubt I will tell them about all the clothes in my closet and where I bought them. This article is the opinion of a vapid little immature girl who sounds full of judegment and lacking in life experiences.

  287. Webwitch says:

    Extremely narrow minded and judgemental……All the tattoo’ed women I know have class, dignity, confidence and an appreciation of fine art.

  288. erica says:

    She refers to the age olds aying that our bodies are our temples… has. Anyone ever been to a temple that doesn’t have artwork representing its beliefs or history?

  289. “And you won’t find yourself in a rut when your future grandkids ask you what’s up with the angel wings on your upper back as you’re in the middle of giving them a life lesson on the importance of values and morals”

    I sincerely hope I will not be shirtless while trying to teach my future grandchildren life lesson on values and morals.

  290. Lauren Ashley says:

    I guess I’ll just start right from the first sentence…

    “I get it. It’s the 21st century. You’re cool, you’re rebellious, you’re cutting edge, you have a point to prove, and you’re a woman. Awesome.”

    I don’t think she could be more sexist if she tried. So, women are the only ones who must be held accountable and be “classy” in your definition? And they get tattoos simply to be rebellious and to prove a point to OTHER people? I don’t think she could have written a more condescending hook.

    But what’s funny is she describes women who get tattoos are seeking attention, trying to prove a point, attempting to be cutting edge, etc… But then she writes this…

    “An elegant woman does not vandalize the temple she has been blessed with as her body. She appreciates it. She flaunts it. She’s not happy with it? She goes to the gym. She dresses it up in lavish, fun, trendy clothes, enjoying trips to the mall with her girlfriends. She accentuates her legs with high heels. She gets her nails done. She enjoys the finer things in life, all with the body she was blessed with.”

    There are so many things about this segment that infuriate me. First, I can’t believe this person (and others in the world) equate “class” to how much one fits their particular gender role and feeds the media! Since when were parents teaching their kids that “lavish” material possessions and what you can afford make a person?

    I’m not going to deny that there are shallow things in the world that are desired and I’m not going to insist that women stop getting their nails done and start jogging outside, but it’s all about balance and how much weight you put on the frivolous things in your life. If I’m not happy with my body or I’m feeling down on myself, I might get a manicure, I might treat myself to a bit of shopping, but all of that, in no way, makes me a decent person. I realize all of that is trivial and that there are other things I can do that provide way more long lasting, healthy benefits.

    “Seriously, though. Your body literally has the ability to turn heads. Guys drool over us. We hold some serious power in our hands, because – as corny as this sounds – we hold the world’s beauty. But something girls seem to forget nowadays, or maybe have not been taught, is that women hold the world’s class and elegance in their hands, as well.”

    I know this is intended to be uplifting and empowering for women, but all of this goes in one ear and out the other when it’s surrounded by the other ignorance I’ve read. First of all, beauty is not exclusive to women. Secondly, yes, men are visual people, women like to show off, some men eat it up… But when it comes down to it, most of the men I know are way more interested in a woman’s personality, not in how much money she spends at Macy’s.

    “…At the end of the day, are you really a happier person? Has this tattoo, for instance, caused you to learn something new about yourself? Has it challenged you? Has it led you to self-growth? Nothing comes out of getting a tattoo. You get a tattoo, and that’s it. You do something productive, though, and you see results. That’s a genuine, satisfying change in life. Not ink.”

    This entire piece is so poorly written and the writer is so LITERAL with her approach that it’s hard to not write a condescending response. Not to mention, I highly doubt any actual research about the culture and history of tattoos and tattooing was done in preparation. Apparently the literal act of sitting in a chair and enduring needles poking into flesh is supposed to magically make someone into a good person. For me, it’s not all about the physical act, it’s about the emotions behind it. A tattoo can be a physical representation of something important or even something silly. Can you not learn lessons, be productive or be satisfied with life if you get tattoos? Apparently not. Yet again, one has nothing to do with the other.

    “I’m not here to say a girl should walk around flaunting her body like it’s her job – that’s just degrading. Instead of getting a tattoo, a more productive use of your time would be improving and appreciating the body you have been given, not permanently engraving it.”

    Of COURSE a women like this has to insert this bit about women who flaunt their bodies for money in their professional life and how it’s degrading. I wouldn’t expect anything else. You’re not here to say a girl should flaunt her body like it’s her job, but you ARE here to promote gross, objectifying gender roles and a superficial lifestyle in one’s PERSONAL life.

    Also, if you refer back to “Your body literally has the ability to turn heads. Guys drool over us. We hold some serious power in our hands” you DO suggest woman should flaunt themselves, but mock women who actually profit off of it. I am an exotic dancer (a tattooed one, no doubt!) and I can’t speak for others in my same profession, but I can say with confidence that my job has nothing to do with how I act or treat people and THAT is what I think class is all about.

    “I promise, it will be a much more rewarding experience, and you won’t find yourself in a rut when your future grandkids ask you what’s up with the angel wings on your upper back as you’re in the middle of giving them a life lesson on the importance of values and morals. God knows the last thing this world needs is another generation of kids questioning their basic values and morals.”

    What rut does one find themselves in when they have a tattoo and a grandchild….? If someone asks about a tattoo, the usual response is a simple explanation as to why they got it in the first place. That goes for family, strangers, whoever. As far as morals and values go, I intend to teach my children and grandchildren that morals and values are about how you treat people, how you carry yourself, your desire to do better and I surely won’t be promoting ignorance such as this.

    The last thing this world needs is more people like Lisa Khoury, who put weight on all the depthless things in life and who fail to see the importance in acceptance and the most BASIC of virtues, without degrading others.

  291. Andrew says:

    Don’t judge me by the colors in my skin. My body is a “temple”. Most temples I’ve been in have beautiful works of art adorned through out it. What really is unfortunate is that this Ms. Khoury is not beautiful inside or out… And she has been given the power to impart her views to an already fragile society. She is not qualified to speak about morality or self image.

  292. brian says:

    Typical article of a close-minded, facist mental case. She talks smack on people, then brings her “invisible diety” into the article. Religious zealots are a funnt bunch when you see them go against their own “dieties” commands in the book of lies and contradictions….I guess she didnt rwad Matthew: 7-1 & 2……….“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you”

    baaaaaaaa baaaaaaaaa little sheep………..

  293. This is seriously such a sad article! Its obvious that this person was taught these things! I posted this on my facebook (http://www.facebook.com/tatiana.anderson) and the reactions im getting is crazy! i have tattoos from my face to my feet and am fully proud of it! She doesn’t know the reasoning as you can tell she is very socially uneducated! Shopping is elegant not ink! I have emailed this writer and invited her to my facebook to see the reactions this article has caused!

  294. Greg says:

    I’ll keep this article in mind when I graduate from the fire academy, get a job on a fire department to save lives, and this woman ends up needing my help. Obviously I’m still gonna help her, then proceed to strip down to my boxers and show her that yes, even heroes have tattoos.

  295. kourtney says:

    Dear Lisa,
    You may be educated, but you are clueless!!!! Just because you think your something special doesn’t give you the right to open your mouth on a subject where you clearly have no experience!! Tattoos are and expression of life, love, laughter, strength, if anything they just symbolize a point in your life. If you think having your nails done and wearing high heals ( which were designed to put you in the same position as a female dog in heat) will make you happier, maybe your the one who should go get a tattoo and get some life experience.
    MORALS!!!!! What on earth do consider morals. Judgement on other who do not fit your social mold.
    I tattoo, I also work at a doggie day care, and volunteer at a humane society, i love all creature and do not judge.
    Class!! is a person you can stand tall and be proud of what they have accomplished.
    Not what they can write in an article about others.

    GROW UP LISA

  296. andy says:

    I always say a truly classy girl can piss in the street. Class has nothing to do with anything you do, wear or say – it’s to do with how you do, wear or say it. You can be a classy punk girl, for example, and to suggest that grace and beauty is something that is reserved for any one particular group of people who act a certain way completely denies hundreds of aesthetic versions of beauty AND grace, not only in the mainstream, but in subculture as a whole.

    Confidence brings class, and classy people do not rule out swaths of society’s beauty just because it doesn’t personally resonate with them.

  297. Liz says:

    I took a few moments to email this narrow-minded little twerp.

    A friend of mine was kind enough to pass along your article on tattoos.

    I see that you consider tattoos worthless and defiling. That’s pretty sad, really. No room for creative personal expression in your worldview? Really?

    I have three tattoos. The first, a Celtic triskelion, is more importantly a copy of a necklace that my father gave to me 3 days before he passed away. It was a small pewter thing, fragile, and I wore it until it broke. I didn’t want to ever be parted with something so precious, so I had it inked on my right shoulder. The second, a knotwork crescent moon, I chose to celebrate my first published piece, on how to choose a safe and reputable tattoo parlor. (You see, I consider personal expression in its many forms vital, and wanted to see people making an informed choice.) It also served as a thematic counter to my triskelion, a moon to its sun. The third, a raven ascending, I chose for its symbolism of wisdom, sacrifice (bringing fire to the Earth at the cost of its beautiful plumage), and because I respect the birds themselves for their remarkable intelligence, creativity, and sense of community.

    These are symbols I wanted with me every day of my life. They are permanently a part of me, and I look forward to explaining them to my children. When displayed, they serve as a point of conversation about things I hold very dear to me. You encourage people to focus on transient things like hairstyles and clothes. How superficial.

    At the end of the day, yes, these tattoos have made me a happier person. They help me teach people about myself. They represent moments of significant life change in a visible and indelible way. The death of my father, the discovery that yes I could sell my writing, the time of my life where I accepted that I could have an inspired life without the bounds of religion. Did they lead me to self-growth? No, I found that myself. But they do serve as reminders of those times, and encouraged me during dark times when I had no one to turn to.

    I hope someday you can open your mind to other means of expression than your own narrow writings. There is a world out there beyond your value judgements, and college is a wonderful time to explore them.

    • Liz says:

      Side Note: I also spend a lot of time volunteering as an official for my local roller derby league. These are women with class, elegance, self-confidence for miles, athletic prowess, mental focus, feminine pride, great senses of humor, and lots and lots of ink. We have teachers, EMTs, high-level administrators, mechanics, artists, daycare operators, small-business owners, professors, and no shortage of advanced degrees. They know they’re worth more than eye candy or mallrats.

      And they’re all reading this. As are my/their friends in other leagues across the country and beyond our borders. Girl’s in for a world of ear-hurt.

  298. Kayla says:

    Instead of judging people for having tattoos you should get off your ass and have some real life experiences and not in a corporate gym or mall. Be an individual.

  299. keegan says:

    Wow! I would rather have tattooes and show them off with pride then have none and be an ignorant sexiest like the person who wrote this article. I have tattooes so i have no class? And when my kids/grandkids ask me about the tattoo on my shoulds I will tell them the story behind and the childhood friends that are portrayed in.

  300. gabriela bunning says:

    if you reply to that that means you care! i dont care what i look like or what i believe anyone can say what they want and its harmless, i know what i want and believe thanksssss 🙂

  301. Derp says:

    When I am a granny my skin will be flabby and wrinkled. So I wouldn’t give a crap what people had to say….wait, just thought of something , I still don’t give a crap. I certainly won’t be teaching my children nor my grandchildren to stifle their individuality either. Big boo to you!

  302. Maria says:

    How ignorant can someone be? It’s sad that in today’s day and age that people are still so close minded. Yes I have actually learned something from a tattoo and it has actually caused self growth. I highly doubt my grand kids will question morals when they see a memorial tattoo on my arm honoring someone who meant so much to me that I chose to remember them in this way. Find something more productive to do than worry about people with tattoos because people with tattoos don’t care that you don’t have any. Get a life.

  303. Maggie West says:

    It seems that this article was written by a young inexperienced girl, who can’t seem to keep up with the reality that women no longer have to be barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen. She preaches of what she does not know. She tells us women that instead of taking your “temple” and decorating it with art, you should go to the gym, go shopping for new clothes, or change our hair (things she also, judging by her photo, knows nothing about). If going to the gym, shopping, and hair dye is what makes you happy, then I say do it. If getting tattoos is what makes you happy, then I say go for it. This is no longer an era where class and elegance is defined by women looking like clones. Class and elegance is way of being, a not look.

    “you won’t find yourself in a rut when your future grandkids ask you what’s up with the angel wings on your upper back as you’re in the middle of giving them a life lesson on the importance of values and morals. God knows the last thing this world needs is another generation of kids questioning their basic values and morals.” I won’t find myself in a rut when I teach my children and grandchildren the importance of individuality and independence. And I will have a story and experience behind every tat, and I will gladly share them, good and bad. What I am scared of is this chicks offspring (assuming she’ll have any), and how little her daughters will think of themselves.

    I go to the gym, I shop, I dye my hair, I get tattoos, and I have class and elegance, despite this girls close-minded and sheltered opinion. I think it’s wrong for someone to push what they do not know of on other people. She needs to use make up, go to the gym, go shopping, and get a tattoo before talking about any of it.

    The thing that most pisses me off about this article is how she makes it seem like a horrible decision for a women to get tattoos, but it’s perfectly okay for men to. Let me say that men should have class and elegance too. If Frank Sinatra was a youngster in this time period, I’m sure he would have tattoos or some kind of body art, and he’s a man full of class and elegance!

    Are we ever going to get rid of sexism? I really hope so, because I’m starting to really get tired of being told that having tattoos makes me white trash. Or that I have to learn to cook and clean to be a good wife, honestly if cooking and cleaning is what it takes to be a good wife then I don’t want to be one!

    I am comfortable in my own skin, so comfortable that I choose to decorate it… permanently.

  304. SatansGift says:

    All I can say is wow. Tattoos are beauty. It is permanent art on your body and often symbolizes your love of something/someone or a struggle you overcame. Asking if it led to self-growth is idiotic cuz it does. Tattoos have often been a rite of passage into adulthood, a sacred rite not unlike cultures that practiced body suspension. Its often about overcoming pain to brand yourself with something that holds meaning in your life. Women with tattoos are far more beautiful than these “girls” who spend all their time worrying about materialistic things.

  305. This is the most moronic rant I have ever read!! Getting your hair done and going to the mall is WAY classier? Well pardon me for living my life the way I do. Apparently being successful, classy, and beautiful while having tattoos is impossible. You clearly need to wake up and realize that this is 2012, not 1950, where women are empowered by whatever they choose to do. If that includes tattoos well then good for them. Being “attractive” to men should not include how often you go to the mall, what color your nails are, how high your heels are. It should be about who you are as a person. Having tattoos does not make you classless, being a vain idiot does.

  306. Doll. says:

    How very hypocritical of you, especially saying that women “with class take care of themselves by not having tattoo’s”…clearly looking at your photo. You do not take care of yourself, you look like you have never stepped into a gym or a hairdressers. If women want to get tattooed then they sure as hell can, and I’m pretty sure they do the same thing as these supposed “classy” women, it’s just the fact they have pictures on their bodies. Also tattoo’s can be covered over, so a woman can still look classy.
    Only by clothing and the demure of a woman, can show how classy she is not what she has on her body underneath.

  307. Chris says:

    Tattoos reflect individuality??? Please…..you all look the same to me…..

    • ladycaptain says:

      since we all have the exact same tattoos. Idiot. And does that mean people who don’t have tattoos all look the same?

  308. Olivia says:

    naturally being not tattooed, and not passionate about that form of art you wouldn’t understand furthermore have no basis for this article at all. who are you and since when did your opinion matter?

  309. jess says:

    e-mail her your thoughts. lisa.khoury@ubspectrum.com

    🙂

  310. Jake says:

    This chick is crazy. You have no room to say half the crap you just wrote about…… FAIL!

  311. Normandy says:

    All my rage

  312. Jenni says:

    From the email I sent to the author of this bewildering diatribe:

    Dear Ms. Khoury;

    I’d like to address some of the points you made in your editorial, in the interest of offering you a bit of perspective:

    “I get it. It’s the 21st century. You’re cool, you’re rebellious, you’re cutting edge, you have a point to prove, and you’re a woman. Awesome.”

    Considering the fact that tattooing and piercing in some form- as a rite of passage and/or for decorative purposes -has been a part of most world cultures for tens of thousands of years, it probably should have occurred to you that being “rebellious” and “cutting edge” is not the only reason for someone, man or woman, to decorate their skin.

    “A secret you may have not fully realized yet thus far in your life. What you must understand is, as women, we are – naturally – beautiful creatures. Seriously, though. Your body literally has the ability to turn heads. Guys drool over us. We hold some serious power in our hands, because – as corny as this sounds – we hold the world’s beauty.”

    A gorgeous woman’s ability to make a man behave foolishly is not a secret. This non-secret is frequently the subject of ridiculous makeup/haircare product/perfume/toothpaste commercials and most Tex Avery cartoons. I do have a secret I would like to share with you, though: Not all of us wish to attract men, not all of us enjoy this drooly-head-turning phenomenon nor do we all strive to achieve it daily. Some of us base our self-worth on other things. I may be beautiful, but my power comes from my well-above-average intelligence. My power comes from my self-sufficiency and independence- both financial and social. My power comes from my magnetic personality and my sincere and generous nature. My power comes from my self-awareness and my unshakeable morals.

    These are the reasons that many different kinds of people are drawn to me, the reasons why many different kinds of people respect me, the reasons why many different kinds of people love me, and the reasons why I am perceived as a classy woman and taken seriously by many different kinds of people. Yes, even when I am dressed sexily and having a raucous good time. Even when my tattoos are visible for all to see.

    My power does not now, nor has it ever come from my nicely-formed ass, and I would never want it to do so. Anyone who would approach me (or avoid me) based solely on my rear end, the size and shape of my body, the length of my skirt, the color/cut of my hair, or whatever tattoos I may or may not have is not someone I want taking up my time or personal space.

    “Has this tattoo, for instance, caused you to learn something new about yourself?”

    No, but they do represent things about myself that I never, ever want to forget; such as the fact that I am more than my outward appearance. I am not just the sum of my parts. I have experienced both darkness and joy, and those stories are there for me to see, every day, whenever I need them.

    “Has it challenged you?”

    They challenge me every day to always be honest with myself; to continue to be strong, even when the world seems to be against me and I begin to think that I can’t do it anymore. Some people read one of those “Chicken Soup” books, or even the Bible. I gaze upon my tattoos.

    “An elegant woman does not vandalize the temple she has been blessed with as her body. She appreciates it. She flaunts it. She’s not happy with it? She goes to the gym. She dresses it up in lavish, fun, trendy clothes, enjoying trips to the mall with her girlfriends. She accentuates her legs with high heels. She gets her nails done. She enjoys the finer things in life, all with the body she was blessed with….

    “Nothing comes out of getting a tattoo. You get a tattoo, and that’s it. You do something productive, though, and you see results. That’s a genuine, satisfying change in life. Not ink.
    Invest your time, money, and effort into a gym membership, or yoga classes, or new clothes, or experimenting with different hairstyles if you’re craving something new with your body, not a tattoo.”

    Is there some reason why a person cannot do all those things you suggest and not also have tattoos? Those activities and being tattooed are not mutually exclusive. You also seem to be laboring under the assumption that women get tattooed only for the purpose of drawing attention to themselves; that for all tattooed women, a tattoo is only some kind of fashion accessory.

    We, as women, are naturally intelligent and more likely than males to mull over a decision before moving into action, taking into consideration possible long-term ramifications. It therefore stands to reason that the woman with tattoos, whom you’ve already deemed foolish and frivolous without ever having spoken to her, probably has an important personal story about her “meaningless” tattoo. One that will make her smile brightly, cry softly, or clench her fist in righteous anger, should you take the time to ask her about it; and in that moment she is beautiful. Now, is that the case for every tattoo on every woman? No, of course not. But I guarantee you that there is exponentially more meaning in the simplest of tattoos than in whatever mass-produced, cookie-cutter, department store dress YOU put on this morning, Ms. Khoury. When I look at your shoes, what can I learn about you, other than perhaps whether or not your feet hurt?

    Wearing heels and shopping at malls are not what makes a woman elegant. Elegance is a frame of mind. It is a certain look in the eye, a way of holding the shoulders and head, a sway of the hips, a tone of voice. It does not come free with a one-year membership to Gold’s, it cannot be purchased for a reasonable price at a local retailer, it is not a color of nail polish, and it is most certainly not writing an article to generalize, tear down, and belittle an entire diverse group of your fellow women.

    • Brittany says:

      This is amazing- I especially loved your last paragraph. Did you get a response? I, too, was infuriated by the article…

    • Megan says:

      Ahhh I love this! I had so many issues with this article.. and you addressed most of them. I feel that all of the “alternatives” that were mentioned instead of tattoos are superficial. Tattooing is such a unique experience, meaningful to most (granted.. not all) who get them. And for real.. do we really think that Angelina Jolie is not elegant in some of those gowns she wears? Psh.. she has so many tattoos and is gorgeous!

  313. How ignorant could you be? Tattoos are a work of art! Believe it or not, most people with tattoos (including myself) have more class than those that dont…you clearly have absolutely NO class because you wrote this article. How could you be so close minded…My tattoo is VERY important to me and makes me feel great. Nikki Sixx my inspiration signed my shoulder and I got it tattooed and everytime I look at it I am reminded that I am beautiful and I mean something… You truly are classless

    • Jacqueline tursi says:

      I completely agree with you how dare anyone comment or stick their nose in the air to anyone who has a tattoo or even multiple Tattoos. Tattoos are a way to express your self an show your love an devotion to a cause or someone how dare this girl even think she has the right to judge people on what they know is beautiful so this girl can get her serial number ungraceful an call that a classes tattoo!!!……. Sophia hello!!

  314. tarahleigh says:

    i think this is ridiculous &tattoos are more accepted these days your opinion is useless

  315. Lutetium says:

    So high heels and nails and other items to change and accentuate ‘this temple we’ve been blessed with’ is okay, but as soon as it’s permanent she freaks out? What about permanent tattooed make up, like lips and eyeline?

    Tattoo’s are worthless huh? My first tattoo of a serotonin molecule helped me out of clinical depression drug free, AND has gotten hired over others in my field of biomedical research by depicting my passion for science. Can your manicure do that?

  316. Paul says:

    Wow this girl is close minded!

  317. deVo says:

    Did someone seriously publish that article? And the University of Buffalo allowed her to post this article under their name? That’s just appalling. That was the most offensive article I’ve ever read in my life and further its anti-female!! I think I saw someone else comment that the alternative to getting tattoos is to play in to gender roles?? That’s the impression I got too!! What I want to know is what was the motivation for writing this article in the first place? Did someone offend her and they just happen to have a tattoo??? Way to slump us all into one category just because you were wronged by one person with a tattoo. Why don’t you write an article about how all black people listen to gangster rap, eat fried chicken, and cant get a job! Because you would be committing the same heinous act of blatant prejudice as with the tattoo article. How ignorant!!!

    • deVo says:

      I could even go further to say that this person would prefer women stop working and pursuing career goals to sit in a kitchen and cook men dinner. Or simply accept sexual harrassment and rape as just the way things are because they are female!!! I’m trying really hard not to drop an F-Bomb here but not only should this Lisa Kohery be ashamed of her self and but so should the University of Buffalo!!

  318. Jon Doe says:

    God isn’t real

  319. Matthew Curley says:

    I personally find tattooed women more attractive but I would never stoop to pass judgement on a women who wasn’t tattooed either. Everyone has a different viewpoint of what is aesthetically pleasing. All the things mentioned in this article that are supposed to pamper a women, respect her “temple” and make her feel beautiful they too are a kind of tattoo. Yes they are temporary, but when a women (like the one this article seems to describe) becomes dependent on those things to make herself feel beautiful how temporary is that really? At least tattoos, though permanent, have the potential to be born from a real sense of personal identity and self-expression, which is far more than I can say about high heels, painted nails, trips to the gym, and makeup. Those things can be vehicles of self-expression, but are more typically a product of personal insecurities.

    There are always problems that arise from passing blanketed judgements on a people’s entire culture. Tattoos have their own culture. Cultures are powerful things. Culture is everywhere in your home, school, church, place of work etc. Culture is linked to our identities, and to judge another person’s culture the way you are doing in this article is tantamount to bigotry and prejudice. It’s very close to judging a person for the color of their skin, their sexuality, their gender, or even their religion. It’s wrong because it’s arrogant and assumes a lot, in spite of what is argueably each of our limited understanding of the world. You may only see this issue as attacking some kind of silly trend, but I’m sorry you are in desperate need of a history lesson. Yeah some tattoos are probably bad ideas, but whose right is it to make that judgement? Not mine and certainly not yours.

    P.S. – My gorgeous wife who doesn’t need a bit of makeup to be beautiful has tattoos. She has tattoos of our sons’ names. Neither of us will EVER regret those tattoos, and when she is a grandmother and she is passing on “morals” and “values” to our grandkids, if they ask about her tattoo, I hope she tells them that one of the greatest values of life is to love something so much that it becomes a permanent part of yourself that you never want to let go. Something you want to tell the whole world about, something you want everyone to see, and something you would never let anyone judge you fore. THAT’s values.

  320. Danna Melise says:

    This article is absolutely disgusting! Completely sexist! Not to mention that body modification has been practiced for centuries. In tribes having body modifications meant a higher status. Look at the tribe of Burma who still practices neck lengthening. And in the Elizabethan fashion they would wear corsets, ultimately deforming the body. And foot binding in China to make feet appear smaller. Do a little more research before you go bashing tattoos because all in all it is a form of accentuating the human form and it has been around for ages.

  321. Christina says:

    This was ridiculous. Not because you find ink on women to be a disgrace but simply because you only think we’re worth our looks..and not even our natural looks. You have flat out said we need to paint ourselves up for men to glock at us. We’re the beauty and elegance of the world but only if we have on fake daggers and foot binders. And no, it is not just about rebellion and being cool. Many people, women and men, take lots of time and thought into what they want inked on them. Would you honestly have the guts to say this to a woman who had a pink ribbon with her mother’s name and date of birth and death on her? If you do you are not only sexist but heartless. Just so you know ignorance is anything but classy, it is feebleminded.

  322. Crystal says:

    Tattoos are not my thing, BUT I don’t trashing people for having them. All of us have a unique way of expressing ourselves. No two ways of self-expression are the same, and one isn’t better than the other.

  323. Cass says:

    Ignorance.

  324. Gina L. says:

    For note, Lisa Khoury is a left-leaning liberal feminist, and not a bible-thumper.

    She’s one of the counter-culture, and yet she’s inspired more hate from fellow liberal progressives.

    I lol now.

    • Liz says:

      At least she claims to be. I’m sorry, but this was a painful affront to any self-respecting feminist. Classiness is about going to the mall, shopping, and hitting the gym to turn guys’ heads? Bite me!

      Dammit, this girl is seriously tweaking my “DAMN KID, GET OFF MY LAWN!!!” neurons. 🙂

  325. I AM A ELECTRIC TATTOOIST FOR OVER 20 YEARS, AND IT IS ALWAYS THE SAME SHIT.PEOPLE WITH TATTOOS DONT JUDGE OTHERS THAT DONT. THE REASON IS LIKE MOST, SHE IS AFRAID TO GET A TATTOO, ALL I CAN DO IS PRAY THAT SHE WONT BE JUDGED BY GOD LIKE SHE JUDGES HER FELLOW SISTERS.
    BILLYvon ceo metco

  326. snmccrthy says:

    get off your high horse. i have tattoos, 8 of them in fact, and i plan on being COVERED in them because i find them sexy. i find them interesting. i find them beautiful. my body is my temple, and i will decorate it how i want. who the hell are you to tell me i’m classless because i have a tattoo? i think you’re classless for being a judgmental human being. i think you’re unnecessary. at least my tattoos mean something. you, however, mean nothing.

  327. C..S. Rhodes says:

    After working in medicine for many years, I’m of the opinion that large tattoos are pathetic. As we age, our skin looses it’s elasticity. The tattooed skin looks like a deflated print balloon. Life flies by quickly. Carefully consider the decision to get your entire body tattooed

  328. Rissa says:

    My grandfather served in the navy and has tattoos from then and never once have I heard a regret. My aunt got one in her forties just recently, not a regret. I know a grandmother with none that said they’re a work of art and she didn’t have a single Tat. Me I’m almost 24 graduate with Magna Cum Laude honors, member of Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society, with 5 well planned out tattoos, getting at least 5 more, and when I explain the hard work and dedication an artist took and used to decorate my body the way I wanted it, I will not have a single regret then, just like I don’t have them now and never will because I am not scared about my differences and I don’t want any generation of mine scared of body art, of any form.

  329. Brittany says:

    “Nothing comes out of getting a tattoo. You get a tattoo, and that’s it.”

    This piece is very sexist- what about men and tattoos? Additionally, who are you to say that “nothing comes out of getting a tattoo?” I believe that this is the kind of decision that should be left up to the individual to make. If you wanted to convince young women not to go through with the tattoos, you might consider both the negatives AND the positives to getting tattoos rather than slamming the idea altogether. This kind of writing, that seeks to unthinkingly annihilate the other side of the argument, has no place in journalism today. If only if you had admitted that the article was made up of your own opinion, rather than writing as if every word were fact, this may have passed for an academically fair article. As it is, this one should have come with a disclaimer…

  330. Danielle says:

    Didn’t you learn “Don’t judge a book by its cover” in preschool? Wow. Just wow. And written by a woman too? I thought that we were still fighting for equal rights for women. To be able to do the things that we, as women, would like to do (at the same level and on the same pay scale with the same respect as our male counterparts). Thank you for setting us back about 50 years there little miss sunshine. Should we all resign to being barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen (after we spruce ourselves up with fake nails and trendy fashion)? I am a 34 year old female with a full time job, a part time job, 3 kids at home, and a great and stable relationship with my very long term boyfriend. I also have 21 tattoos. I am a respected member of the community, have organized breast cancer benefit shows (my part time job = promoting bands), helped the less than fortunate and homeless, keep a clean house, pay my bills, own my own car, and I am an awesome mom that is trying to teach her kids to be well rounded respectable people. I speak 2 languages, know how to surf, have gone to school, and my main full time job now is helping the deaf community. My tattoos tell a story of my life and they are all beautiful to me. I have never regretted the decision to have them and no one has ever said “wow, there goes a woman with no class” because of the ink on my skin. They are a thoughtful and very well planned group of colorful memories that I find beautiful. My body is a temple, a beautifully decorated temple. I don’t feel like I need to tell you that you SHOULD go get a tattoo because people that don’t have tattoos must be boring and no fun at all. That is no more true than saying women with tattoos are classless. It is a very personal decision and not for everyone. So, I am hoping for you that at some point in your sheltered little life you can learn to love and appreciate yourself so that you don’t have to needlessly and ignorantly attack your fellow humans. Shame on you.

  331. saraelizs says:

    I don’t have tattoos to feel beautiful, and I don’t need them to feel beautiful, I have them for ME, no one else. I could care less if anyone even saw my tattoos, which most have not. I have done everything this close minded b* has said to “invest in”, and I have tattoos– and oh my, I survived and feel wonderful about myself. It’s perfectly fine to not like body art, and to voice your opinion about it, but this girl turned it into a sexist mind f* in saying that women can’t feel good about themselves, and don’t do anything good for themselves, if they have tattoos. She’s either suffering from some serious judgmental issues.. or perhaps a horrible tattoo of her ex’s name on her ass.

  332. Jenna says:

    I have many tattoos, and I have grown as a person and learned from each of them. Some of them have deep meanings, some are funny, and they all remind me of what I was going through at that point in my life and how much I have grown. I love my tattoos. I believe they make me a more beautiful person. This author is so closed minded it is just sad. She makes it sound like women are just here to be looked at, and that we should just go shopping and make ourselves look like the media wants us too. Yet, she doesn’t seem to be following her own advice. Maybe she should go buy some new clothes, go for a run, and most of all, she should get a tattoo!! I find her to be very disrespectful. Unacceptable.

  333. ladycaptain says:

    Get with the times. Society has changed. So change your narrow minded views.

  334. Brie says:

    I don’t wear high heels because I’m tall and they also hurt my feet. I don’t get my nails done because it’s boring and they look better as they are naturally anyways. I can’t STAND going to the mall and avoid it as much as possible. I exercise because it feels good and my job doesn’t allow me to move about for most of the day. Oh, and I have a tattoo. Sorry I don’t fit into your mould of what a beautiful and classy woman should be, Lisa. Then again, I would think that a classy woman wouldn’t create a stereotype of what women should be, anyways.

    Lisa, I’d like to ask you a few things about when you go shopping at the mall with your friends or get your nails done (in your own words): At the end of the day, are you really a happier person? Have these new clothes or nails, for instance, caused you to learn something new about yourself? Has the shopping or new nails challenged you? Has it led you to self-growth?

    Probably not.

    You are entitled to your own opinion; however, your opinion should not create a stereotype of how someone should be or look. Your opinion has come across negatively.

    Everyone is a beautiful creature, with or without tattoos. Having a tattoo does not mean you will question your basic values and morals.

    I suggest the money that you spend at the mall on clothes, nails, and high heels be used on something more productive – such as writing or rhetoric courses.

  335. Erin says:

    Wow!! Yet another educated fool!! This has pissed me off to my core! I have one tattoo on my shoulder blade, I am a Nurse Assistant about to get my LPN, and Mother of three. My children have wonderful morals and bounderies as young as they are. I am a good Mother, sister, girlfriend and friend, a hard worker and loving soul. My body is still beautiful and so is my tattoo!! Also my little sister is covered in tattoos, she has a sleeve on each arm, behind her ears, on her pelvis , shoulder, lots of places and she is stunningly beautiful, a wonderful Aunt to not only my children, but our other sisters child and soon to be brothers first child.Her tattoos have no effect on the morals of my children, they don’t even see her tattoos, they see her heart and how much she loves them and would do any thing for them. She worked hard and graduated a year early from high school, and has her own office within the doctors office where she works as the office and phlebotimist. She also works at the hospital doing the same job from time to time. She has a heart of gold and her body surely is still her temple. She is in no way classless or trashy or anything else associated with “tattooed people”. I am sickened to know that this world is filled with such ignorant educated fools like this perfect human specimen , or so she thinks . How pathetic and sad. You must really hate yourself to judge others so harshly when you know nothing about them, for that my darling girl you are the classless and worthless. People like you make me sick. Every human born that gave gave breath to is a beautiful creature. Tattoo or no tattoo. You need a reality check! Uggh… not one person in this world is better than any other, we all bleed the same color, so what if some one wants art on their skin , that’s their choice and it most certainly does not make them not classy, you my dear have no class for being so judgmental!!

  336. george sternecker says:

    Are you yanking my chain here, do u really think people do this type of stuff for what u say they do it for. Ok maybe some people do, which is like 10% out of 100. I can tell you this, no I can promise you this one the girls who gets tattoos wants to be reminded of there past, on how there past was good to.them, how happy they felt about. So the only best way to do it is get something permitly marked on you which is a tattoo. And talking yabout class, loom at you your.lashing out on girls who has them and think there lower then scum, first of all out of all the girls and woman I.know and knew was more opinionated people on the planet. Because people like you undermind them at all time. Did you actaully sat down with a female who.has tattoos and asked them question about anything. You proabbly did not, so you assumed that females ruin.there body for the wrong reason. In fact the females I know and talked to got tattoos to.cover up something that they didn’t like that actually made them feel not sexy at all. So before you go saying stuff about.people who looks different compared to you, you should ask yourself one question, how do people feel.about me and say.about me. I.bet you any money its all negative bc what you say about other. Just because they don’t live the lifestyle as you are living right now. So now i pray for your sake that this doesn’t get worse as it will now, bc it will, and you will.have tons of angry woman writing to you about this low-life, underminded, atricale. Your just like everyone esle on this planet. Your affraid of being different bc you think being different will get you know where in life.
    But a wait, what.about the woman who has big breast and a beautiful body, wear bikini’s all day just to make a little money. There just like people with tattoos they just want to be treated like a equal. So I’m sorry if your different from them and you cant be as one them.

  337. Sarah H. says:

    …Well, shit. I mean, I THOUGHT that my tattoos would make boys stare at me more, that’s OBVIOUSLY why I got them – not out of personal expression or because they fill me with absolute joy and peace every time I see them. God, I wish I had learned earlier that all I needed was a manicure and heels – could’ve saved myself a LOT of money.

  338. Cat says:

    Lisa Khoury – YOU are EVERYTHING that is wrong with the world. Go back to playing with your barbies. Perhaps you also think that women don’t deserve the right to vote or drive a car. I cannot begin to express how ignorant you sound and how ashamed of yourself you should be.

  339. sarah hiestand says:

    You are an idiot.. what about plastic surgery? Getting your hair done and nail done and buying a new outfit is all modifications to your outside appearance just like a tattoo. Not everyone is a materialistic girl who needs their nails done to feel better about who they are and how they express it. Your article is the wry ignorant and closed minded. Btw you shouldget your hair done and try some makeup. Maybe you’ll feel better

  340. j says:

    For ten years of my youth I was depressed and self harmed. I still have a lot of guilt, shame, and self loathing because of it. I have a horrible self body image because of all of the ugly scars I accumulated. For ten years I never told a soul or let anybody see my legs save for one guy I dated. If someone accidentally saw them I had an arsenal of excuses ready, “I have a rash, allergies”, “I have a skin problem”, “They’re fly-bites” whatever. I never got professional help but I knew I had a problem and went through a lot to bring myself up to where I am now. Last summer was the first time ever my legs were clear enough for me to feel good about wearing shorts. I bought my first short dress, I went to the beach and actually wore a swimsuit, I was so happy. I’m still struggling with this and the situation has gotten worse recently, but I’ve made a lot of progress. I know I can stop. I’m getting a tattoo because I want at least one mark on my body that I can look at and think is beautiful.

  341. Lindsay Reece says:

    Dear Editor,
    Clearly you DO NOT have a tattoo, so who are you to tell those of us women that do have them that we are classless and worthless. I have two tattoos myself and they are both MEANINGFUL to me! One is for my father and one is for a Friend of mine that passes away with leukemia! Why should I only spen my money on clothes and a gym membership to try to fit in with other females like yourself who think that women are nothing but “babie dolls on parade?” I agree, we do hold the worlds beauty, but that DOES NOT MEAN that getting a tattoo is taboo! It is our own opinion and decision to do with our bodies what WE WANT TO DO, and it is no concern of yours or anyone elses. I suggest next time you want to degrade someone because they have a tattoo, you do a little more research on it and figure out why we all have tattooed ourselves. Do NOT sit there and bellittle us just because we chose to get a tattoo. I certaintly hope that you lost your job and are no longer writing about anything!

  342. Jay Purdy says:

    As a Tattoo Artist, I’ve worked on countless people in my time that have completely broken down after seeing the memorial tattoo that they received from me due to the emotional connection they had with the tattoo and the memory of their lost loved ones. How dare ANYONE claim that tattoos are meaningless! The author may be a shallow human being that can solve her life’s distress by shopping, but realistically it will just be a temporary distraction to the issue at hand. Tattoos mark milestones in one’s life, loved ones who have passed/born, struggles that have been overcome, among many other reasons. I have tattoos that have helped me personally get through the grieving process of death. I have tattoos that I look at that remind me of how far I’ve come in life and how much I appreciate where I am today. I also have tattoos that I find to be aesthetically pleasing to the eye, making me feel like I’m a more attractive person. I’m not a rebel, I’m not a criminal, I’m an upstanding citizen in this world who has a passion for art and the people who wear it. New clothes and a gym membership will not solve everyone’s quest to be a more attractive person. I also find that I’m easily approachable to most people. How often do people who aren’t tattooed approached by others and strike up random conversations with one another? I believe that tattoos can, in some cases, bring people who normally would never meet or interact with one another together! I have strangers come up to me randomly in public all the time (who don’t have tattoos) that compliment me and love admiring my art. The nice thing about this is that I don’t have to buy revealing clothing to attract people of the opposite sex by flaunting myself. Yes, I am a man, but my tattooed fiance would agree with this. And morals? How dare you assume that because people who have tattoos can’t possibly project the importance of morals on their children or grandchildren. You should be ashamed of yourself for writing such a closed minded article.

  343. Lindsey says:

    Whoooo the hell is this girl, anyway? What exactly is her authority on life lessons? Way to be a judgemental fool, Miss Khoury. I have a half-sleeve that represents the kind of strong, empowered woman that I always want to be, and YES it is far more meaningful than a $20 manicure that will last one week and that nobody will give 2 shits about. Her matter-of-fact attitude in the first paragraph just screams “Boys never gave me any attention and I’ll find any reason to demean other females”. Come on, girl. Who gives a rat’s ass what other girls are doing with their bodies, and why do you feel such a desperate urge to publically bring them down? The question is, you self-righteous, bitter twit: what the fuck do you get out of judging these tattooed females? I have a Bachelors degree and have been working full time since I was 17, and I am 26 now. I love my tattoo and always will. I also love my body and my brain and everything in between, and a tattoo will never, EVER diminish or cheapen that. Maybe it’s time you stopped preaching and started writing about something you have some authority on…. if you can manage.

  344. Aaron says:

    It’s narrow-minded to believe just because you disagree with something it makes you better or even ”classier” than they are if they go and do it and you don’t, also men are attractive to a variety of different things not just ”class”, including confidence, so if a tattoo can boost someone’s self-esteem how will this suddenly affect their ability to attract men negatively.
    I’m not even going to delve into the fairly sexist points and over-generalizations made here as it’s pretty obvious to everyone who reads it.

  345. kristine says:

    Most narrow minded post with spelling and punctuation errors ever. While you remain a college “news editor”, my classless, tattooed self will remain a high paid manager in a man ran industry. All of my tattoos mean something important to ME and I have grown as a person and grow each day as I look at them and reminded why I tattooed my body. Who the hell are you to tell ANYONE what is classy or not?!? Not to mention, women do NOT hold the world’s beauty in our hands. That is probably the most ridiculous opinions I have ever heard. Yes, it is the 21st century, and we have become a tattooed society, get with the times and stop being so ignorant.

  346. Missy says:

    I only have one tattoo. It means something, it will ALWAYS mean something. Nobody can see it unless I want them too (and after two kids, I really don’t make it a habit of showing it to anyone lest they run screaming from the stretch marks). Did LEARN something from it. Damn right I did. I am a notorious wussy. The sight of a needle and the idea of pain sends my feminine wussy ass straight to the fainting couch. So what did I learn? That I am tougher than I thought I was. Did I faint? Cry? Scream? Not a chance! Why? Because I AM a woman! And my tat taught me that women ARE strong and can endure what they thought they couldn’t. It’s also in memory of my beloved grandmother who is the most wonderful woman who ever lived and now she is with me ALWAYS and not just in my heart. But right here, next to where I grew my babies and I can put my hand over my tar and almost feel like I am holding her hand. And , sorry sista, but part of being classy is not judging others on their appearance. So, score one for the classy tattooed women. And zero points for the judgmental!

  347. Jessy says:

    Oh my goodness, my opinion on tattoos has totally changed now. NOT! I hope this woman/little girl realizes that all her reasons are sexist. The reason that people get tattoos changes with everyone. I kinda want to go get a tattoo now that says “Be yourself”, not who Lisa what’s her face says you should be. Woman are not meant to be attractive, society has made them attractive. Men are attractive as well, but being attractive is not what we should base our life on. I do not live to be attractive. You should live to be yourself, whether that is attractive or not. Be yourself, love yourself, don’t push your beliefs on other. Boo ya.

  348. Mary says:

    So according to this person… wearing trendy clothes, going to the mall, wearing high heels and getting your nails done are fine because they are not only classy but teach you something new about yourself, challenge you, and lead to self growth? Are you f*cking kidding me? It’s ignorance like this that causes sexism to persevere in our society.

  349. Elsie says:

    Aside from the obvious vacuousness of the makeover suggestions (the Sally Jessie Raphael approach to psychological wellbeing?), the part that most offended me was the suggestion that tattoos imply a lack of ‘basic morals and values’. Where on earth does that come from? Call me old fashioned, but I always thought basic morals and values were about behaving with integrity and honesty; showing empathy, compassion and tolerance towards your fellow beings. How does having tattoos (or not) have any bearing on this? – guess I must have missed the ‘Thou shalt not ink’ commandment in the bible…

  350. Jake bringhurst says:

    So what you’re saying is “practice idolitry, a cardnal sin to god. But don’t get a tattoo” , pull your head out of your a**.

  351. Jen says:

    I applaud you for having the courage to writing about this SO TRUE!!!!!! You’re not “advertising” for corporations your point is if people feel the need to spend $$$ to do it on something tangible not on a tattoo!!! Get educated people!!!’

    • Jessy says:

      Why do you care how people spend their money? I’m 21 years old, going to school full time, I own my own condo, and yes I have tattoos. Just because I’d rather spend my money on a tattoo than on a Gucci purse means I’m uneducated?

      • Kelli says:

        I spent $85 dollars on my tattoo my senior year of summer. Guess what I could have spent it on, food, clothes, movies, or some make-up. Didn’t have a car to pay for, lived with my parents. So, is that stuff much better? What do you think teenagers spend their money on in high school? I am a full-time college student now, so I would say I am pretty educated, thanks.

    • xane says:

      its funny because people who usually get tattoos are the furthest from corporate whores. but the beauty of stereotyping is, there are some who do. you can argue that small percentage need to get educated, or you could get educated yourself and stop resorting to stereotypes that have no basis.

      like im thinking youre a dumbass, but thats just me stereotyping. BUT IM BETTING ITS SOOOO TRUEEE!!!!!

  352. Matt says:

    I’m sorry, did the writer of this article just step out of 1954 with a self-help book and regurgitate it ad neaseum in this article? Go to the gym; take yoga classes — so physical appearance seems to be your gratification? Do you lack that much confidence in yourself and your personal appearance that you sit home and night, crying over your physical appearance that you found the need to write this piece of junk to make yourself feel better through some sort of catharsis?

    Grow up little girl. Your writing is elementary and you’ve got the life experience of a teenie bopper. The mere fact that you felt the need to judge from your little pulpit is so asinine that this entire article was one big eye-roll.

    There’s a reason you’re writing on WordPress.

  353. Brittiany says:

    Its damaged people like you lisa who give tattooed beautiful women a bad name just because you don’t understand the concept behind the art work and self expression. everyone is entitled to there own opinion but what gives you the right to judge and ridicule others? I truley feel bad for your lack of self expression. I ask whats wrong with you? were you not taken to art galleries as a child and shown the beaity of self exprrssion

  354. Samantha =) says:

    Maybe you should spend some money and get rid of that unibrow honey. How about spending a couple dollars on a hairstyle thats not drab and makes you look like a scumbag? I for one am a hairstylist who is covered in tattoos and still has the money to spend to make myself look and feel great. Art is an expression, whether it be on a wall or someones body. You have NO room to tell anyone what is or isn’t classy. I can guarantee more men would drool over my body that is completely covered in tattoos, then yours anyday. Confidence comes from within, it can’t be bought. So tell me again why I or anyone needs to go and spend money to make myself feel better? Don’t speak of “God” either. Have you met him? Do you know he exists? I’m a realist. If i don’t see something, it’s not there. So who are you to tell me that some man is going to judge me for what I’ve put on my body. Yes, I don’t believe in God but those who do, would know that if there was such a person, he would love and accept everyone for who they are and what they put on their body. It’s a personal choice, it doesn’t make you better than me or me better than you. Art is one of the classiest things out there. Have you noticed that art is not a cheap investment. Obviously if it were worthless and classless, people would not pay the amount of money that do to hang a beautiful painting above their mantle or to put art on their body. Shut your mouth and work on yourself. =)

  355. Maggie says:

    Do you have ANY idea how absolutely stupid you sound???????? And you’re an editor???????? GET OVER YOURSELF YOU RIDICULOUS SEXIST!

  356. Quinna Diana says:

    First and foremost, I’d like to address the people calling the author ugly and so on…..don’t stoop to her level of petty judgement. Judge her on the content of her character . Also, calling her a “cunt” “twat” “bitch” is misogynistic, and I think her little write up MORE than covered the whole women hating thing.

    To the Author of this….piece of utter crap: Part of having class is being a gracious and understanding person. Passing judgement not based off of someones appearance, but off of their goodwill, and kindness. You seem to have “class” and “snobbery” very very confused.

    Furthermore, not all women want to strut around in lipstick and high heels. Some women are content to just be themselves, and not to strive to kill their knees and backs in foot aching high heels. Also, so you know, going to the gym, tanning, make up, hair dye, and getting your nails done are all forms of body modification. Granted, for some women, being who they are DOES mean heels and lipstick and short skirts, but not to all, and your assumption that we should all strive to be that is outdated, sexist, and pathetic.

    My tattoos have taught me that I am not made of glass. They are a physical reminder that no matter what, pain is temporary. I see them as a beautification of myself. And when my kids and grandkids ask about them, I have a gorgeous picture book laid on my skin to tell them the story of my life. On my right wrist I have a tattoo of my best friends initials. It reminds me every day to be grateful that I am alive, and to try to live my life the way he lived his: Smiling, thankful, gracious, sweet, and kind. I wish you had met him. You’d have learned a lot.

    My children have no danger of being confused about morality and values. They’ll learn patience in people, kindness, gratitude, the good value of being humble, and, of course, not to judge anyone based off of the shape of their body, their sexuality, the color of their skin, their sexual orientation, nor off of the gender they were born (regardless whether or not “society” deems said “gender” as their correct one) My children will learn to love rather than hate, to see the good in people, and to feel sorry for people such as yourself, who clearly weren’t taught that the make up of a person is inside of them, not the outside. They will grow to love their bodies as I love mine, and if they choose to adorn them in thanks to god/the ether/the universe, then I will be happy to teach them the safest ways to do so.

    A little love goes a long way. You’d be very surprised at how amazing and liberating it is to see people as the people they are, free will and all, and not to try to put the world into neat little boxes.

    I hope you someday learn to see things in a more beautiful light.

    Best Wishes,
    Quinna J. Diana

  357. michael reilly says:

    Let start with the word temple that you put in your piece of $hit Article. Last time I check don’t the temples of Egypt have markings all over the inside of them…. Another thing I find women with ink to be pretty dang sexy. Before you start talking about the gym or this and thats how bout you look in the damn mirror and realize a few things.. 1 you might want to take your advise on the gym idea 2. yeah instead of writing about something that you know nothing about and the pride we have with our art and realize before you talk about “GOD” (sarcasm) read that little book called the bible where it does state thou shall not judge… Let me do some judging on you, you don’t see anyone with a shallow mind that cant look beyond whats on someones skin because they are so damn shallow they cant see the beauty that the art carries. So shut up play with yourself and dont f*****g worry about the tattoo communit!!!! ( we do stick together)

  358. Jared says:

    Pop culture and modern capitalist society has trained Women to believe they need to shop, wear high heels, get their nails done and gossip in order to fit in. These things are certainly not true. You subscribe to a shallow belief in what women should be and unfortunately a lot of other women do too. Just because some women intentionally try their best not to fit in with your cookie-cutter crowd doesn’t mean they don’t have class. You say their body is a temple? Sounds like a religious belief to me. Women’s bodies are what They intend for them to be, not elitist prescriptivists who think their narrow opinions are gospel . Even the Sistine chapel is painted. I think Tattoos are beautiful and tribal cultures who invented this art lived a better way of life than we did today.

    This state of thought represents the arrogance and ignorance of our age. Quit judging people and realize your approval doesn’t matter to people who are more enlightened than you.

  359. Charley says:

    Umm excuse me I have a answer to your questions… Yes tattoos on a female are very self empowering and Is a form of beauty And expression, yes they lead to self growth and make you a stronger person , I’m am very attractive on the inside and the outside so I would like to express that on the outside how i also feel on the inside but how could I expect some one like you to understand that when you have no tattoos and are not in the culture. Have u ever thought about the stupidity and ignorance we have to deal with every day because of you “non-tattooed people”, there’s a difference in people who have tattoos and who don’t … The difference is that people with tattoos don’t care if your tattooed or not , we don’t go up to you ask you why you are the way you are so don’t stick your nose in our business and try to ask us our personnel reasons why we do what we do and have what we have . I have alot of morals And strong values and I bet you my grandchildren (if I even decide to reproduce and if my children decide to reproduce ) will respect me more and value my opinions because I’m fearless and have acctually have done something with my Life that not alot
    Of people get to experience, I feel sorry you and people like you, because u will never know. Tattoos are beautiful if they are done right and no matter how old u are they will always be yours and you or someone like you will Never take that from me or anyone else like me. I hope u find some form Of intelligence to understand our way of Life in if you don’t oh well that you loss of Enlightenment , so stay up there on your high horse and be a coward and pass judgement on us but I have a feeling karma’s a bitch only if u are. 

    • joe says:

      you didn’t do anything with your life because you got a tattoo, it didn’t, overnight, turn you into a “tattooed person” who suddenly understands the mysteries of life. More likely than not you were a self-righteous hippie type before you got any tattoos and now you’re unbearably smug, so much so that you actually tried to draw a real distinction between tattoo and non-tattoo people, ascribing such positive qualities to yourself such as beauty and confidence that somehow the rest of us lack. I have never made a point of attacking people because of their tattoos, most people probably feel this way. However, i love attacking idiots and idiots seem to be very vocal ink-magnets with a lot of half-thought opinions and trendy interests that they feel necessary to brand themselves with

      • joe says:

        Also, I really hope you don’t design your own tattoos because you can’t spell for shit and you can barely make a coherent sentence. It would really suck if the Che tatto on your ass read “viva la revilooshun!”

  360. Stacey says:

    I’m sorry but who ever wrote this has no idea about tattoos at all!

    Just because a woman has tattoos does not mean she has ruined her body! Some guys like tattoos on women.

    Also just saying about women is totally sexist! Guys are doing the exact same thing to their body’s!

    If you don’t have tattoos you don’t have the right to bad mouth someone that does by saying they’re ruining their body. It’s personality that matters. Not the amount of tattoos you have. Jeezzeee!

  361. Cheryl Rider says:

    seriously love, this is the most peice of shit nonsense i have ever f*&king read, that is 3 minutes of my life i will never get back.

    Tatoo’s for the most part mean something to someone, a lost loved one, a great holiday and for some the tattoo reminds them of a place they were at and how they grew to get out of it and how strong they really are (ie depression, anorexia etc)

    telling people to go to the mall, get your nails done dye your hair go to the gym, do you wnat us all to wear prada or calvin klein while you are at it.

    Tatoo’s define a person, just like a hair cut, clothing style or the car they drive, tattoo’s are not tasteless and they do not ruin ones body, yes some might have lots others may have one, but what you have to remember is it is A PERSONS CHOICE to get tattoo’d just like its yours to try and dress like a fricking barbie doll do you next want us to all act like the characters in “Clueless” as well.

    you are a narrow minded individual who obviuously has no life, you obviously go to the mall spend all your hard earned cash on clothing and accessories to make yourself feel better about yourself because you are so unbeleivably boring.

    i think you need to re-evaluate your self mate, discrimination is a sin.

  362. rachel says:

    Wow…what a load of crap. You can’t be serious! My tattoos are my art. It is how I choose to decorate my body. Art is art. Are art gallery shows not classy. I see no difference between the two aside from the fact that my art stays with me forever and I wouldn’t have it any other way. No one has the right to say that I have no class based off of the way I look. There are tons of people who don’t have tattoos and actually have no class. Tattoos are beautiful.

  363. Linndy says:

    I think your full of it. Not all tattoos are ugly as you say. Mine are small & nice. I don’t like the huge tattoos but a small one can be attractive. Get facts before you speak Miss Perfect.

  364. joe says:

    Personally, I tend to be indifferent to peoples’ tattoos: I like some, others suck, I never got one because I haven’t thought of one I would want and it’s ridiculously expensive. However, I do see many of my peers permanently branding themselves with something that’s important now but may just be a passing fad to them later, only the tattoo is permanent. Also, you all go on oabout what sheep people are and how unique and expressive tattoos can be, but may of you have tattoos that are just as zombie-minded mainstream bullshit as any popped collar on a bro is. Also, i know you want people to just “get over it” and accept you… but they won’t, you really are hurting your chances at certain career paths as unfair as that may be.

  365. Christine says:

    Part of her article sounds like its from a christian point of view just because she talks about the body being a temple, ect. thts wht ur taught and getting piercings or tattooos is disrespecting ur body. But where she talks about having to go out and buy clothes, etc as the way to treat your body well I can’t exactly agree. She’s making it sound as if beauty can only be seen on the outside by lavishing yourself. Which Is not true. I think the point shes trying to make is not exactly hitting the nail on the head.

  366. Hannah says:

    Having class has nothing to do with looks and everything to do with how you treat others. Hey Lisa Khoury, judging others for their style of self-expression demonstrates no class!

    -sincerely, a woman with class and tattoos.

  367. downandoutindublin says:

    What an idiot.
    So I am not classy because I have one tattoo on my lower back. But if I had decided to dress in trendy clothing, get my nails done and go to the gym – that makes me classier????? How the hell does she justify that?????
    Just another bland boring article from what looks like a bland boring student who has a nerve suggesting people should go to the gym….

  368. jfx says:

    This girl must be an extremely sheltered child. Ever hear of a memorial tattoo?
    I’ll tell you a story about the music note, colored in red, yellow and green, tattooed on my left wrist.
    I had a friend who was closer to me than my own brothers were. Hell, I called him my brother. He was the friend that at 4:30 in the morning, whatever I needed he’d be there for. Flat tire? No problem. He’d come fix it. Guy problems? He’d come kick their ass. He was my protector, my psychiatrist, my party planner, and definitely one of the only friends I’ve ever had that I had a spiritual connection with. He was an avid follower of Rastafarian beliefs, (hence the red yellow green in my tattoo) and with those beliefs instead of pushing them on me, taught me openly how to accept and love myself, taught me how to live life and enjoy it, and how to let go of the stresses of everyday life and find something beautiful in every person and every day. He turned me into a Positive person. On October 15th 2011, he was taken from us in a fatal car accident.
    I was a mess. I couldn’t cope. I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t smile, I couldn’t overcome and continue living positively and I know that’s not what he would have wanted. So I decided, I’m getting a tattoo. I got a music note because he was a DJ, and a musical inspiration to me. I colored it in to remind me of his positive beliefs. I got it on my left wrist so that every night when I sleep in the same position I’ve slept in for years, my left wrist is crossed right over my heart. I got it so that I can always remember the good things he has done for me. I got it so I can close the door of grief and open the door to move on.

    SO GO AHEAD, you ignorant little bitch, and tell me that “you get a tattoo and that’s it.”
    Because i’d just LOVE to knock the stupidity out of your ugly little head.
    Go cake on some make up, and tell me how you feel when a girl with no makeup, jeans, a tank top, and a set of sick sleeves walks by and everyone’s looking at her. Bet you’ll feel like quite the asshole.

  369. Rebecca says:

    This is horrible. I am a heavily tattooed female, mother and wife. I personlly think the journey ive had so far with my body has made me a better person. I dont judge other people harshly.. I accept them for who they want to be and their choices of what they do with THEIR bodies. See thats the thing… The women youre talking down to chose to do this to themselves.. They arent hurting anyone. People who think like this should be ashamed of themselves. Close minded pricks. I am much happier of a person now then I was before my body modification. I have great loving friends and an amazing family.. What do you have? Built up anger for something that doesnt involve you, if you dont like it dont look at it. Uts that simple folks.

  370. Kayla says:

    Wow… I’m blown away by your article. Not in the sense that you’re hoping for, either.

    You say all this jazz about beautifying a woman with nails and trendy clothing. Superficial if you ask me.

    So I ask, where are you trendy clothes? Where’s your classic French manicure? Also, there is this new wave thing, stop me of you’ve heard of it, MAKEUP! There are women that men drool over, I’ll give you that. But honey, you are not one of them.

    So before you judge a lady for having a tattoo. Make sure you aren’t worthy of the same distasteful judgement.

    Hypocrite.

  371. Dick Burdine, Devil's Advocate says:

    His isn’t actually where the article was originally posted so there’s a good chance she won’t ever see any o these comments, which is a shame….

  372. Kelli says:

    I myself have a tattoo. As for the learning and self-growth aspect, I did learn something about myself and grow. I learned that with life comes many troubling days and a lot of stress. Every single time I look at my tattoo and notice how strong I was to be able to get it (especially because I have it in one of the most painful areas; my foot.). I created my tattoo myself and I am very proud of it. It is a symbol of the bond my sister and I share with music (she is getting the same one when she turns 18). I am in college and am far away from my family but when I look at my tattoo everyday, I am reminded of my sister and all the memories we share. Tattoos are just a way to show uniqueness in oneself, it should not be consider destruction.

    I also think this article is VERY sexist. I am a woman, I love being a woman. I also love men being around. I think men contribute just as much to the beauty of the world as woman do. We are all equal! We just look different, and that’s okay.

  373. Bethany says:

    This is drivel! I don’t have my masters… YET! I have my bachelors though in fine arts! Don’t even attempt to tell me that tattoos hold no class! I am working to improve myself as a tattoo artist because tattoos are the most magnificent art form in my opinion. Nothing to learn from a tattoo?! I call bullshit on that! Obviously she knows nothing of its amazing history and the spiritual awakening that comes from getting one. It’s a ritual that should be respected. I carry myself with class and have nothin but respect for myself. And when the arthritis I already have gets worse as I get older and I can’t use that stupid gym membership anymore, my tattoos will still be here making me feel beautiful.

  374. cozzi says:

    tattoos & piercings are not fore every one but i love my ink & love giving ppl the tattoo or piercing they want some ppl just need to think before the talk … thanks tattoocozzi

  375. Marcus says:

    She looks like Sonny Moore – aka Skrillex.

  376. mnlittle says:

    I don’t have a tattoo. But I don’t see how getting a tattoo is any different than what the author says that she would prefer. Any change that a person makes to themselves is their own business. How can new clothes, nails, hair, glasses, etc be any different? It’s an expression that a person makes. Who are you to say that they are wrong for making it? To me it’s classless to say someone is wrong for adding a permanent expression to their body.

  377. Brooke says:

    I really can’t believe someone would post something so stupid!!! I am a proud mother and women that has tattoos!!!!!! There is nothing wrong with it and I love what the STAND for!!! They do not make me a better or worse person!!!! They make me who I am!!!!! Wish people would not write such stupid things!!!!! Everyone has a right to do with there body what they want!! And NO ONE should judge them because of it!!!!!!!!!

  378. Carrie Coffey says:

    it is my temple and I love my “art” ,it is part of me ,like my giving loving heart , or my laugh, my blue eyes and wide hips…..I may not have been born with it but God gave me free will and I don’t think he will mind me making myself more beautiful ! I am sure he does mind that this woman judges other people which is supposed to be left up to him.

  379. Karleigh says:

    I would be ashamed… I would love to know this girls reason for embarrassing herself to such a degree.
    I am truly sorry for her and her closed mindedness
    especially as a young woman in the is day and age . Think of how many beautiful opportunities and experiences daily that she has and will continue missing out on due to her outlook on life.
    It’s 2012 for crying loud, how would anyone other than a fellow conservative frump relate to such a judgemental, demeaning, obviously unstable with their own personal self esteem (I could understand why)… Although I agree with the statement relative to women being goddesses and how naturally divine we are I am a 20 year old female with two tattoos and plans for more, I am a goddess as well as an esthetician whose body is considered a temple not only by myself but by 99% of those I come into contact with not because of my pretty face banging bod or beautifully done ink but because I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ENERGY I bring into every situation I stumble upon and real people APPRECIATE that because I will say maybe her own advice may help her better herself, maybe meet some new people experience new things and wake up to a conscious life. One where she would be confident in herself to not have to judge others…. Segregation Separation is the worst thing you could do to yourself wake up and get real before you waste another blessed day.

    ONE LOVE ONE CONSCIOUSNESS
    sending love and light you’re way sister

  380. Tara Young says:

    ok wow. this girl needs to get down off the pedestal that she’s put herself on and see that some guys are drooling over girls with tattoos and not the uptight sticks-in-the-mud girls who write judgmental articles. is she really insinuating that me and my friends are less classy because we have tattoos than girls that run around with $800 purses and fake nails?? i don’t think “trendy” = classy. and yes, as a matter of fact, my tattoos did challenge me. a lot!! and everyday when i look at them, I’m reminded of why i got them and of what they mean to me. so, when my grandchildren ask about the ladybug on my wrist, i will proudly tell them all about a sexual assault that i survived and how this little tattoo gave me pride back and makes me feel pretty and innocent no matter what that criminal may have put me through. and as far as God is concerned, well i think he loves me and my tattoos because no matter what girls like this say, I see worth in myself with or without anyone’s approval.

  381. Martine says:

    This is just hilariously ridculous.
    Perhaps, open your mind to the world rather than your narrow naive perspective of what a woman really is and then think about why you say before judging others.

  382. King Dado says:

    What a small minded and ugly person to write this article.

  383. MAX1MUS says:

    I still can’t get past the fact this Skrillex looking b*tch thinks she’s a “beautiful creature”. Who the f*ck lied to her? Plus it has nothing to do with class. It has to do with personal preference and choice. Class is all about how one carries themselves. I’d love to see her tell all the Japanese businessmen covered w/ irezumi tattoos that they’re classless. haha

  384. It is just ink under the skin, long before bullshit hiarchys ,formulas and even religion this was celebrated in almost every culture. Not that it needs any justification. Tattooing is not one thing just like food and dance is not. In 20 years Ive Ive suffered at the hands of many narrow minded people like yourself being in the business of tattooing, from what ive seen thus far you will have a rib piece in 5 years. Or I bet you end up dating a Tattoo artist after some people that look normal date rape you. This class you speak of helps nobody. It is true the female form is among the most beautiful things on this planet. I have spent most of my life honoring what I believe to be beautiful. Unfortunately life is to short to get to all these things as an artist. Simple men are drawn in to this powerful beauty because we are genetically programmed to…. you freakin idiot. I believe women to be more competant in most situations. This is mainly because I surround myself with strong women. Maybe you havent been shot at while you were tattooing or molested as a child.
    Maybe everyone didnt abandon you through out your life or you didnt see your child die before you. Their are lives out there that you cannot imagine, and having a tattoo generally makes them feel better. I can say One thing for sure those that are tattooed are not hating on you for not being tattooed. So please just keep your stupid bullshit to yourself until you have lived a bit. remember people died to save many and those people were mostly tattooed in WW2. Im sorry that isnt classy enough for you, enjoy your squishey life.

  385. dan says:

    I really hate when holier than thou types want to talk Shit to us who are different. It’s all about the pain to me. The jewelry and the ink are just souvenirs. I have nobody to impress and have a high standing job in my company. My pierced eyebrow and 10+ tats make me who I am. So continue to be a sheep in the herd.

  386. Megan says:

    This makes me feel sick. I have never nor will I ever understand the stigma against tattoos. It’s like wearing a piece of clothing. How the frig does it matter? Seriously. This article is sexist and disturbing. I’m sick of a ridiculous prejudice that makes no sense. Tattoos shouldn’t be associated with anything they are just art. I’m proud that I have a tattoo. Judge away human race :-)!.

  387. Morgan says:

    Clearly you need to do a little more research on your topic before you have an opinion on it.
    This will forever be a topic that no real answers come of because we all have different opinions on what respect to our bodies mean.
    Saying that, I do have several tattoos, none are able to be seen on a daily basis. They are for me, they are things i love and to me that is why I have them. I do not need anyone else’s approval or to tell me they are beautiful.
    Tattoos are a new age form of artwork, when all else is lost sometimes it is nice to have something that is yours, one of a kind and with you at all times.
    There are much worse things we could be doing to our bodies.
    Needless to say, I really do not think you should be telling people what the definition of what beautiful is. THAT falls into the eye of the beholder and I doubt most of this world is looking to you for that approval.

  388. Durdan says:

    this chick probably masturbates to the bible and should get a tattoo of an upper lip.

  389. LeAnn says:

    My tattoos mean so many things, they mark so many memories and represent the most important people in my life. They are a small piece of my soul peeking out at the world. To you and to others they may not look like much but they’re special to me.

  390. JMiller says:

    Wow… Just… WOW…. what a worthless piece of writing. While all tattoos may not be done with the use of good judgment, they are definitely a creative way for individuals to express themselves. Tattoos do not devalue a person, but uptight and degrading opinions certainly do. I have several tattoos and my husband even more – and we are educated, happy, and are trained save your life. I am wondering if those girls in fancy dresses with their hair done and perfectly manicured nails walking around in their high heels could even make sense of your article let alone keep you alive under dire circumstances? To the writer – if you ever (god-forbid) get terribly sick or have a bad accident, make sure you DO NOT give your opinion to the EMT, Firefighter, Paramedic, Police Officer, or Emergency Room staff PRIOR to them making sure you are okay because 99% of them have tattoos and I would hate to see your opinion that they are basically a second or third class citizen bite you in the ass.

  391. Erika says:

    The first thing I thought after reading this article was that a tattooed woman must have stole her man or the dude she likes. Worthless and classless is what every beautiful woman was called in each generation by the prude other half.

  392. Jacki says:

    How dare you pass judgement on a subject you clearly do not understand. It is ignorant, deplorable individuals like this little girl who continue to make it a harder struggle for heavily tattooed individuals. It still amazes me how close minded so many people are in this world. I wear my artwork with pride and sneer at the people who have other feeling towards it. Maybe you should go and pray to your God that tattooing will cease to exist and let me know how that works for you. You ignorant, disgusting ****!

  393. elle says:

    Women’s Rights Movement… she she look it up. Dumb shit.

    PS- her email is at the bottom of her article. Some friendly emails couldn’t hurt 😉

  394. doug says:

    All those pricy things u mentiond r forms of mody modificatipn….as far as learning something about yourself…u dnt believe Allowing some one to intentionally hurt u for hours on end while u give into their artistic expression is a learning experience …take a look around u tattoo art is mainstream u cant get away from it. It touches every part of ur day….its been thr for thousands of yrs and will b here…my profession…my lufes work u cannot stop…especially when ur at the mall buyin Ed Hardy and Sailor Jerry clothes…..DUECES TO THE CLOSE MINDED PPL

  395. Beth says:

    This woman is OFF her ROCKER. I agree with Ashley in post #1…I doubt this woman has any tattoos, and for her to mention that going to the gym, or buying new clothes, or going to the mall with friends is supposed to be fulfilling and rewarding for our bodies is pure crap. Sure, I can go to the gym, get my nails done, get my hair done…and how long does all of this stuff last? Clothing, shoes, and hairstyles go in and out of fashion, but tattoos are a forever reminder to you of something MEANINGFUL and IMPORTANT TO YOU. I know that I, personally, have four tattoos, all in places where they are easily hidden so as to avoid the typical “stereotyping” that occurs in the legal profession (although I know MANY legal professionals who have tattoos), but every single one of my tattoos has a highly significant meaning to me. For this woman to assume that tattoos have “arguable meaning” and are probably to “prove a point to yourself or to the rest of the world” shows how truly naive and incredibly misinformed she is. Not only will I be proud to have my tattoos WELL into my old age, but I will be glad to share with my nieces and nephews what they mean, should I ever be asked. And what is my favorite tattoo on my body? The one in Latin that says “only God can judge me”.

  396. Pauline says:

    Your right, my body is beautiful…a temple..some decorate thei temple with makeup , pretty clothes..nail polish.. Me? I decorate mine with INK!! And that ink has special meaninh to me, and I smile evertime I look at it! Dont talk.anout somethimg you obviously dont understand! Dont like it, thats fine.. U are entitled to your opinion.. But that does not make you a better person. And just a side note.. I am a professional woman with a brain and ink!! And I still turn heads when I walk by!

  397. Danii Decay says:

    For starters you are saying if your unhappy with your body that you should change it. Instead you SHOULD BE saying “you should always be happy with what you are given… Secondly… Most women do not get tattooed because they want to feel beautiful… It is self expression. It’s The same as when a woman is gothic or hippy etc… The only difference is that it’s perminant…

    I am merely a budding tattoo apprentice, however I hear the same reason come from women… They just want to express themselves through the artform of tattoo. I myself plan to use my body as a canvas and cover 95% of it in beautiful artworks… PURELY to express myself and my love for art and the tattoo art form. Tattoos are not always done in a shed anymore with skilless tattooers… The time and sacrifice it takes to learn this skill to me is harder than any job or traineeship I have ever undergone… Get your facts straight before you judge…

  398. Cs says:

    The true measure of a woman’s class is whether or not she bullies others with close minded, ill informed opinions.

  399. Drake Smith says:

    You have to give credit where credit is due. You don’t really hear ignorant opinions from 1950 very much now a days. Bravo fat ugly chick who has more class than us. Bravo!

  400. 1. You are incredibly sexist. Woman are more than a body, and even if this is one of your arguments, than if women are a symbol of art and beauty, why can’t they lavish themselves in other symbols of artwork? Did you ever think maybe women get tattoos to do just the opposite of what you are stating? Men have them, so can women.
    2. Are you really going to offend every woman with a tattoo, every artist, and every feminist? Lets get it straight, girl, if tattoos offend you that much, think twice about what your doing to offend other people.
    3. NOT EVERYONE IS A CONSERVATIVE, CLOSE MINDED, JUDGMENTAL, CATHOLIC! Open your mind. This just shows that you’re poorly educated. Think twice, or at least do some research before you offend a countless amount of people.
    4. I AM AN ARTIST. I GET MY TATTOOS OF THINGS I BELIEVE IN, AND WON’E BE ASHAMED TO SHOW MY GRANDCHILDREN, IN FACT I PLAN ON INSTILLING THE MEANINGS OF ALL MY TATTOOS ONTO MY FAMILY FOR GENERATIONS. I create everything that goes on my body, and every tattoo on me is BEAUTIFUL. For example, do you think that a tattoo symbolizing pain being the only way to experience pleasure is awful? Or how about the irony that i went through pain to get that tattoo. Oh, what about the beautiful tree woman tattoo going up my spine? It’s symbolizing growing free and living strong. Something you clearly don’t know about seeing as your article was very one track minded. Oh, and it’s on my spine for a reason, the reason that i have a VERY strong backbone. Part of what makes my INSIDES what they are, because fortunately i don’t only think about the outer appearance of myself.
    5. I do yoga, work out, have a keen fashion sense, dye my hair, and have tattoos. Therefore your alternatives are not very relevant at all. You have no right to compare an experience of getting a tattoo to yoga. That is just plain ignorance. Tattoos are painful, yoga is relaxing. Tattooing is a way of showing to the world self expression, experience, culture, and beliefs. Yoga is an exorcise. 6.People generally don’t get tattoos to be “rebellious” or to give themselves a better appearance. For my sake, i get tattoos to resemble my past experiences that make me who i am inside that people can see when examining my tattoos from the outside. I suggest you watch NY ink, or LA ink, look it up. Maybe then you can respect tattoos more. For each tattoo, the person describes the experience in their life that has inspired them to imprint it on their body. If your going to offend this many people, it’s the least you can do. Another suggestion is to look up the history of tattoos. Tattoos are not new in any way, in response to your “I get it. It’s the 21st century.” statement.
    7. In an effort to ATTEMPT to understand where your coming from, i believe getting meaningless tattoos are not attractive and am offended by them. Maybe you should learn to reword this article so you are not saying that WOMEN should not get tattoos because instead we should go SHOPPING. This attempt to understand where your coming from has only led me back to the thought that this is the most sexist article I’ve ever read, and your a woman. Maybe you should research Rosi the Riveter while your at it….

    I DO TAKE OFFENCE TO THIS ARTICLE. I will not stand to be called trashy. Tattoos are a part of my family. It’s part of what brings my family together. Tattoos are a way for a person to express themselves to others.

  401. Jack says:

    Is this broad serious? Be happy with yourself amd don’t ruin the temple that is your body? Interesting so how about make up fingernail /toenail polish? Is that desecrating your temple? Wow easy there hard core. If you’re such a choir girl then you should remember you shouldn’t be judging anyone by the way they look. I can’t believe there actually a website that would publish such a nonsensical ridiculous article.

  402. Shirl says:

    Talking about closed minded. If a person can’t say that they are against something without having the hoards jump on them, call them every name in the book, attack their looks, their features, swear at them and about them, have people make up stories of how successful they are, how they are so beautiful with the ink on their face, head, back, leg, arm, or from head to toe, then you all need a lesson in being bigots, prejudice, insensitivity, intolorence, and the like. She has a view that happens to be opposite of yours. Get over it. No need to fly off the handle and attack her. No need to get ugly. Just because someone has a difference view doesn’t mean you shoot them with the firing squad. Just to let you know I don’t have a tattoo, but my husband does, he says he wishes he would had never gotten it. He also wishes it wasn’t so expensive to have it removed because he says hed much rather have a scar, than a tattoo anyday of the week.

  403. Rachael says:

    Come to my Emergency Department, where I got a job as an RN (tattoos and all), and I will show you how the woman with tattoos is saving your life.

  404. Harrison says:

    I would post something with a bit more to it but i’m at work. To conclude, you mam, are moronic.

  405. casey says:

    The author of this needs to suck a dick….fuck you bitch. I know people with PhD’s that have tattoos all over their body and you don’t think they are classy? They make more money in 2 weeks than you make at your pitiful editorial job in a whole year you pitiful slut. Go get a life

  406. mike says:

    wow this person is a fucking moron, that needs to stop writing bullshit articles that have no value on anything since she obviously is stuck up her own ass.

  407. casey says:

    oh yea,,,,and you need to get a tattoo to cover that ugly ass face of yours anyway (to the author)

  408. Brittany says:

    Sounds like someone is bitter that the tattoo’d girls are getting more attention from the boys in Buffalo…

  409. DON SALLEROLI says:

    ITS OBVIOUS YOU ARE NARROW MINDED,SHELTERED AND HAVE SOME SERIOUS OPINIONS ON THE SUBJECT OF PEOPLE GETTING TATTOOED,AND YOU ARE ALLOWED TO HAVE THOSE OPINIONS.AS FAR AS ELEGANCE AND CLASS..CHECK OUT A MIRROR,MOUSY BROWN HAIR IN NEED OF A TRIM AND CONDITIONING TREATMENT, OVERWEIGHT,IN NEED OF A NOSE JOB.SOUND IGNORANT ,PETTY AND JUDGEMENTAL??YEAH I AGREE,THATS HOW PEOPLE WHO CHOOSE TO BE TATTOOED PROBABLY FEEL ABOUT YOUR IGNORANT,PETTY AND JUDGEMENTAL ARTICLE….NUFF SAID

  410. lauren says:

    My tattoos remind me everyday of my morals. I’m a nonconformist and I would hate my life if my ideal of beauty revolved around going to the mall and gym. Would that make me pretty enough to marry and breed? Is that the writer’s idea of female success? Well, I suggest she celebrate her close mindedness with a trip to jamba juice and the limited and let the rest of us live our alternative and individual rich lives. By the way, I’m a burlesque performer and I’m damn classy.

  411. courtney says:

    Wow what an ignorant piece of shit.

    I’m an educated professional with tattoos. They are a part of me and my life forever, and have tremendous meaning to me. I am proud of my body, tattooes or not.

    You’re ignorant, and although you have the right to have your own opinion, quite frankly- until you have the balls to lay under the needle you should probably keep your opinion to yourself.

    PS- I have a gym membership. Thanks!

  412. lauren says:

    by the way, those glasses and hair are classless, since we’re sharing opinions.

  413. Sarah Hauk says:

    Really? YOU’RE going to talk about what is deemed “attractive”? Those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw rocks. Maybe you should heed your own advice and go to the gym and buy new wardrobe.

  414. Jamie says:

    uh hello?!?
    “She goes to the gym. She dresses it up in lavish, fun, trendy clothes, enjoying trips to the mall with her girlfriends. She accentuates her legs with high heels. She gets her nails done.”
    All ways of modifying your body to look the way you want. What the hell do you think dying your hair or permanent cosmetics or boobs jobs are about.
    “So what’s more attractive than a girl with a nice body? I’ll tell you what: a girl with class. Looks may not last, but class does. And so do tattoos.”
    Where does it say that tattooed girls don’t have class? oh and did you forget about tattoo removal.
    “Ladies, I know you’re at least at the legal age of making your own decisions, but before you decide to get a tattoo, allow me to let you in on a little secret. A secret you may have not fully realized yet thus far in your life. What you must understand is, as women, we are – naturally – beautiful creatures.”
    What you don’t understand is that I have realized “this far in my life” that I can commit to what I put on or do with my body.
    “An elegant woman does not vandalize the temple she has been blessed with as her body. She appreciates it. She flaunts it. ” oh and she may choose to decorate it.
    “But at the end of the day, are you really a happier person? Has this tattoo, for instance, caused you to learn something new about yourself? Has it challenged you? Has it led you to self-growth? Nothing comes out of getting a tattoo. You get a tattoo, and that’s it. You do something productive, though, and you see results. That’s a genuine, satisfying change in life. Not ink.”

    Yes I am a happier person. My tattoos mark chapters in my life and serve as reminders of what i have learned about myself, what has challenged me, how I’ve grown. So yes something did come out of my tattoo.
    I could go on but I feel no need to further point on how ignorant people really can be. You really should have researched this first and maybe looked into tattoos meanings around the world and the significance. oh and that people have been getting tattooed for thousands of years.

  415. Sarah Desa says:

    This article is not only sexist, but absolutely ridiculous. Pushing girls to go to the mall and get a gym membership instead of choosing to get a piece of artwork on their body? I’m not really shocked that someone from Orchard Park would feel this way, mostly just appalled that someone let this be published in a “newspaper.” Are you going to tell me I should be spending more time in the kitchen next?

    I have many, many tattoos. I had them done by amazing artists, who are to be extremely intelligent people. I have very few tattoos that have “meaning” but I love them all, equally. Of course getting tattooed has made me grow and change; each one came from a different part of my life that I can remember and move forward from. My tattoos have taught me that I am much stronger than I once thought – and I am not just talking about the physical pain part. It’s a mental process as well. Of course something comes out of getting a tattoo – a beautiful piece of art, always with me, for the rest of my life.

    And to imply that I am somehow less classy than a girl without tattoos? That’s just extremely ignorant. I am a full time student, with a full time job. I am incredibly intelligent, talented, and strong. I treat people with respect, and above of all, I treat myself with respect. I suggest you sit down and attempt to read Aristotle’s Virtue Ethics; though I have a strong feeling someone as simple minded as you would be able to wrap your head around what it really means to be a good person. I say this because you have clearly judged an entire group of people, without knowing any of them.

    What troubles me most is how ridiculous your image of what a “classy” female is. Someone who goes to the gym, gets her nails done, and buys new clothes? Someone who wants change or wants something new should be looking within to find it. When I’m having a challenging day, and I happen to glance at my tattoos, I remember that the day will pass – that time moves forward, and that I am strong enough to handle whatever comes my way.

    And calling tattooing a form of “vandalizing” your “temple”…?! Really? I suggest you take a good hard look at the many other things people do that actually harm their bodies.

    I know plenty of ladies with tattoos and a great deal of class, just as I know many ladies without tattoos and a great deal of class. But I can say for certain you completely lack any capacity to understand anything beyond the horrible, horrible forced female image of what is “beautiful.”

  416. Anika says:

    All I am going to say is I’m heavily tattooed and I definitely turn heads never in a bad way. I have never EVER judged someone that doesn’t have tattoos and would never, I don’t see the point in putting people down for no reason…it’s funny how tattooed people are always judged to be mean nasty types but have you ever been judged by someone with tattoos for not being tattooed? I am very offended by what you have written and still I won’t put you down… I feel I don’t need to as you have to live with what you do and that must be hard enough… I really think maybe you should have interviewed some tattooed and non tattooed people and got a majority opinion instead of just writing your own down for the world to see…because well no one has agreed with you yet! It saddens me that some people are so low and feel the need to belittle others. Oh and by the way just cos I have tattoos doesn’t mean I don’t get my nails done, have nice hair, dress nice (and by the sounds of it I dress “classier” than you act) or any of the other things you listed… I never cover my tattoos and I always get positive comments on them. I live in Australia and I know for a fact that they are less accepted here in the work force than in America but every boss I have had has said they would never judge a book by it’s cover. I wish everyone was more like that. I really feel sorry for you it must be hard to live with yourself being so so shallow.

  417. Emily says:

    i find it relieving that you find self growth at the mall getting your nails done and having men (ahem) drool on you. it reminds me to thank my parents for not inbreeding….

  418. TheTruth says:

    She’s arguing taste like hers is gospel. Don’t get tattoos just conform and here’s the recipe. eh, I would be upset about the things she says, but she included a picture.

    Let me let her in on a little secret, that bitch is turning zero heads. She’d be better off if something covered her face. I don’t care if it’s tattoos or dog shit, it would be better than what god gave her. She has severely overvalued her vagina. So in light of that, I forgive her because if I was her I’d be pissed too.

  419. Elle says:

    First off I would like to say, that as a “news-editor”, you shouldn’t base your story on opinion entirely. And with that said, I have yet to see a single “fact” stated in it.
    How dare you as a woman with “class” judge anyone, whether tattooed or not, whether the same religion, race or gender. What do you feel makes you so superior to anyone? I have
    a news flash for you.. Sometimes, even “classy” women are unhappy, unfulfilled, and rarely ever challenged. Maybe someone whom people consider of the highest class/rank, for example royalty, would be happiest if they were able
    to express themselves with a tattoo, or even a hairstyle that may not be socially acceptable. Guess what, they can’t, because of close-minded individuals like yourself. Instead they will put their “classy” attire on, get their nails manicured, and where the tiniest of heels all the while dying inside.
    Nearly all of the tattooed community will respond in saying that they love what they have, that it means something to them, that it reminds them of something fond in their lives, even growth. But it’s highly doubtful any of them would go out of their way to bash you and your beliefs, uninvited. Maybe you, and others alike, should reasses the meaning of “class”.
    And on my final note, many nationalities get/have gotten tattooed based on their class/rank to their society, and I can assure you, for the most part are “ranked” higher than their commoners.
    I truly hope one day, you’ll read this.

  420. Jess says:

    Oh my GOD !!!! Maybe you should get your head out of the 1950’s . Next you’ll tell us that women should be aloud to vote !
    I am a tattooed woman and I’m highly proud to wear my child’s name and family’s crest on my body .
    So you go get yourself a new hair cut if that “floats your boat” and leave us tattooed proud women alone !!

    Tattooed & Proud

  421. Lauren says:

    An article like this will help her career go nowhere FAST! Could you imagine if this was published in the New York Times or LA Times? She’d have a hoard of any mother fuckers outside of her office. I much rather spend my money on a tattoo for my best friend that passed away then on some fake nails that will break off in 3 weeks anyways, or for my grandmothers that have also passed away versus high heels. I rather have them with me for life, then material things that only last for so long. I adore the art, and my body is a canvas. Tattoos, I believe are the FINEST form of art. Moving, living, breathing art.

    Besides I can’t wait to explain to my grandkids why my angel wings cover my ass. LOL!

  422. Mod Flash says:

    What a stupid cunt

  423. Johnson says:

    I hope someone burns everything you have ever touched. For ever.

  424. Jessica says:

    I couldn’t even finish reading this crap! It makes me beyond angry to have some closed minded Dbag telling me how I should have lived my life! No offense sweets but at the end of getting my tattoos, YES I am a happier person, YES I’ve learned about my self, YES I feel I’ve done something to challenge myself ! I never got any tattoo to be “cool” or cutting edge! Ive done it because it is my body and i have the right to do as i please with it! and on top of it, I’m pretty sure most guys find it pretty sexy to have a women with ink! Why don’t you do us all a fav and taking ur judgements and jump off the near cliff, building or anything high enought to break every bone in your body.

    P.s. I personally hope my kids and grand kids ask all about my ink! And can’t wait for my children to be old enough to make their own choice on “ruining” their body’s with beautiful art!!!

  425. Milla says:

    First of all, there is nothing wrong with tattoos. Most people get them as a symbol for something. It’s what they can symbolize that’s the problem. But what about graffiti? That portrays the same thing…… I can only speak for myself but I have a couple and they all symbolize something close to me….family. All mine have something to do w that. They aren’t ugly or horrendous. I am proud of them and wouldn’t take them back.

  426. Jenn says:

    I agree with Ashley my best friend passed away 4 years ago today the say after his 19th birthday and his name is forever on my shoulder and I don’t regret a single second of sitting in that chair and getting it! This woman’s ignorance is her own curse! Good luck trying to find that “classy” fairy tale honey you’re going to get awfully cold laying in your glass casket waiting for prince charming. Without tattoos that is.

  427. Rick says:

    Picture a mousy girl in the corner having a bad hair day who has fallen behind on laundry and just did nothing to “enhance” her appearance. Ignore her, right? Add tattoo. Prey at the alter that is her HOTNESS!!! I do not know why it works this way. It just does. I apologize but thought you should know.

    Get some ink and rule my world.

  428. I totally agree with many of the women above. I myself have a number of tattoos. All are in places which are easily covered- so I have not got them as this writer so crudely suggests to prove something to the world. I have got them because they were designs that I drew and loved. With phrases and symbols that I enjoy. As someone who has studied hard, worked hard, paid my taxes and done everything a man does, as have many other tattooed women, I don’t see why I should be perceived any differently to a non-tattooed woman.
    Feminists fought for freedom of expression which you here dismiss. If someone wants to spend their money on make up, haircuts, gym memberships, and other luxuries, that’s absolutely fine, but how is that any better than spending money on something you’ll enjoy for years to come? Sophistication is how you act, and carry yourself, not what you have or do not have inked onto your skin. For example, Kat Von D: an internationally acclaimed tattoo artist with her own business. People flock to her shop to get a piece of her art. She is a sophisticated, talented business woman, and a damn sight more attractive than the writer of this article. As is her attitude.

  429. xane says:

    i seriously wonder how many heads that chick turns

  430. Jonuck says:

    My first tattoo was the marks I got to align my body correctly for 58 radiation treatments for my cervical & uterine cancer. I in returned took those unasked for tattoo dots into my celebration for GOD letting me beat the 70% odd of dying. I’m alive. And now according to your article I’m suppose to be regretful if my grandchildren see those tattoos or ask me about them? I hope to heaven above they ask me. The fact that I get to live to have grandchildren shouldn’t have been a possibility & I will gladly share my cancer story & how my unasked for tattoos came to symbolize the life GOD gave me. You dear are a closed minded immature uncultured bigot. Shame on your parents for raising you as such.

  431. Sammie says:

    So, basically, what she is saying and no offence to anyone who does enjoy the nail, hair and clothes thing is that it’s okay to flaunt your body, give into to stereotypes and be a floozy, but it’s not okay to express yourself, your thoughts, feelings on your skin? I have tattoos. Several, actually and they all mean something to me. I have one to my son I lost in 08, stars (which inspire me), a heart of music lingo (my life!) and a “Regret Nothing” on my wrist. I have learned about myself. I learned who I am, what inspires me, and most importantly, I have found self peace in my body art. It’s closed minded freaks like her, that make it hard for people like me to find a job. I, however, stand PROUD of my tattoo’s and can not WAIT to explain to my futures kids about their old brother who’s no longer around and help them grow through my inspirations! I pray my kids branch out on their own…and have the peace and tranquility in their selves that I have found in myself through my body art.

  432. Tron Johnson says:

    Skrillex lookin in the face ignorant lady!

  433. Babysnakes says:

    OMFGoodness!!!! Its people like this that make me sick when they pass judgement on someone and something they know nothing of!! I am happier than most “normal” people I know!! And I believe that I have put beautiful things on my body, to show the beauty that is inside as well as out! Not to mention that most of my ink DOES have meaning and I know what comes with every prick of the needle, something that a girl like this will never comprehend. You know whats classy! Open minded people, nonjudgmental people.People that don’t try to tell you how to live your life because they cant handle to take a look at their own. People that know their self worth no matter what they look like. I have no qualms telling my daughter why I look the way I do and that is beautiful and she should look at every person with love and hope that people like this one day will no longer exist. My body is a temple and my mind is a universe of endless possibilities.

    After reading some of the replies to this article. She seems to be standing alone. Maybe she should have thought twice about trying to speak for the rest of the world…..

    And finally I’m convinced that she just did this because she got cheated on by someone with a tattoo and this is her way of rebelling.

  434. Tara says:

    I can not believe I wasted five minutes of my life reading this garbage. I have three tattoos and I love ALL of them and put careful thought into each of them. I also have four dermal anchors that I got six months ago. I know that the world is still very judgemental and closed minded, however I thought we were evolving past that. I am in a job that is paying better than minimum wage and this job also allows me to have visible tattoos as long as they are not offensive. I am working on paying off student loans for an education that I did not complete. I also am working on paying back rent to my parents at this time (it’s a long story that I don’t want to elaborate on). I may not have a degree, but I consider myself successful in life considering that I am in a job that I love doing and have overcome a lot in my life. I disagree with Lisa Khoury that appearance is what makes a woman calssy. If a woman does not respect others opinions and beliefs and moreover puts them down, that makes her classless. I think character is what gives a woman class and last time I checked, putting others down and judging them is not what makes good character. I also hate that she took a jibe at the parenting of tattooed women. Just because a woman has tattoos does not mean that she is a soul-less monster that is not passing on good morals and values to her kids.

  435. Crystal says:

    Ashley, I couldn’t have said it better myself! This girl needs to be fired and u should take her position! I have one small tattoo on my wrist and I can’t even think about getting anything bigger than that. But! I would never judge anyone who would or cover their whole body with tattoos! I have many friends who have sleeves or many tattoos. They are amazing people nothing different from me or you. They just express themselves thru thier body art. This is the most ignorant, narrow minded, sexist article I’ve ever read written by a women. I honestly feel sorry for her is she feels that the only thing in life is looks, shopping, gym, hair and nails…. And you know there something wrong with that coming from the girly girl hairstylist from Texas. I say to each their own… and it’s what’s in ones heart that matters.

  436. Faye says:

    This really is a ridiculous article.
    Ladies, here’s an idea – instead of following the ‘advice’ offered, feel free to do what the hell you like with your bodies. Yes, women are beautiful, whether or not they have tattoos.
    I have tattoos. Does that make me ugly? Tattoos are a form of self-expression. Of having something meaningful engraved on your body permanently. I love my tattoos. I don’t have the perfect body, but actually, my tattoos make me feel more confident, happier in my own skin. They may not be for everyone, but if you think that there will be a generation of kids worried about their own morals and values maybe you should question your own beliefs? Surely it’s important that the next generation are given the opportunity to express themselves how they like.
    And just to rub salt in the wound… I’m a primary school teacher. So I’ll be teaching the next generation to express themselves however they feel appropriate, and to accept each other regardless of how they look.
    🙂

  437. Craig Spud says:

    Written by someone who truly has no f***ing idea exactly why the vast majority of people (female or male) people get attoos. An ignorant article by an uninformed author.

    • Craig Spud says:

      PS, got a good laugh out of the concept that getting ink is a bascially a pointless waste of human endeavour, but buying yourself new clothes is something meaningful and worthwhile. Makes me wonder is Lisa is a corporate shill, or just a shallow idiot.

  438. K says:

    you all sound like fools 2 me.

    Tattoos are self expression?
    or
    a need for attention?
    be honest with yourself for just 5 seconds.

    I’ve got a tattoo. They are a a joke.
    They are the reverse progression of human evolution.
    They are tribal, and primal.

  439. Giorgia says:

    This girl is obviously somewhat sheltered, so I’m not too personally offended by her opinions, but… can someone at the University of Buffalo at least teach this bitch what the word “rut” means?

  440. Rachel says:

    I respect your freedom to have your own opinion. I do believe in freedom of speech, and all the other freedoms this great country has awarded us. However, this country was also founded by people who did not want to be persecuted based on their personal beliefs.

    In your article, you say, “She goes to the gym. She dresses it up in lavish, fun, trendy clothes, enjoying trips to the mall with her girlfriends. She accentuates her legs with high heels. She gets her nails done. She enjoys the finer things in life, all with the body she was blessed with.”

    In response to this, I would like to tell you that I am a mother of a five year old girl. She is beautiful, and some day she will turn heads. But I would also like to teach her that beauty comes from the inside, not what is on the outside. I would like her to be happy with the smaller things in life, such as family, friends, and her accomplishments. She already tells me that she wants to be a veterinarian, not a cheerleader or a princess. She is going to be intelligent, beautiful, and accomplished, all without thinking she has to dress up in fancy clothes or conform to other media-driven female concepts. I also want to teach her the importance of earning money, and how to use it wisely. For some reason, spending money on getting your hair and nails done, and buying new clothes and shoes, all to increase your outward physical appearance, does not seem wise to me. Vanity is not something I want her to focus on. I believe she should treat others the way she wants to be treated, and not based on what someone looks like on the outside.

    This includes people with tattoos. Just because someone has ink on their skin does not mean they have no values or morals. It also does not mean that they are not good people who deserve our acceptance and friendship just as much as someone without tattoos. My family is originally from Upstate NY, and my sister (my daughter’s aunt) came to live with us in Norfolk, VA to help me take care of my daughter. She did this out of the kindness of her heart, because she loves me, and wanted to help. Does this sound like someone who has no morals or values? According to you, she must not have any because she has (roughly) eight tattoos. They are all tasteful and hold special meaning to her.

    Another thing I would like you to think about is why my sister chose to help me raise my daughter. She came to help me because I was in the United States Navy, and my ship was being deployed a lot. I think now is a good time to tell you that I also have tattoos, two of them. The first is a matching tattoo that my sister has. It is important to me because it will forever remind me of the sacrifices she made to help me, her sister, just because she loves me. The second is a collection of Japanese symbols stating my blackbelt creed, which is modesty, courtesy, integrity, self-control, perserverance, and indomitable spirit. Martial arts was a huge part of my life, which helped me become the strong woman I am today. And I don’t know about you, but I would say those are pretty good values to have.

    So, in closing, I would like you to think about these things:
    1) The article you wrote was very judgemental and close-minded about people that you don’t know anything about.
    2) There are more important things in life than dressing in fancy clothes and shoes.
    3) You just insulted most of the men and women who protect your freedom to say derogatory, untruthful things about them.

    I hope this letter helps you broaden your views on different people, and what it means to have class, morals and values. According to the dictionary, class is: of high QUALITY, INTEGRITY, status, or style. So I guess people with tattoos can have class.

  441. Janice says:

    You are an extremely short-sighted woman who pretends to understand a culture she knows nothing about. Next time you decide to stick your nose where it doesn’t belong, why not do a little research first? And i’m sure i can speak for all those in favor of my comment to you, i hope my grandchildren have the confidence to express themselves in any way, shape or form without fearing what a closeminded person such as yourself has to say about it.

  442. Carly John says:

    I think you have no insight to why some people have tattoos. You seem clueless as women i know who have had tattoos none of them have had them for the reasons you explained. I totally disagree with you when you stated that nothing comes out of having a tattoo.

  443. Tattooedandlovely says:

    I’ve been called the c word and this pile of shit article offends me much more.

  444. Dyablo says:

    Get fuckd ya ugly bitch no artist would Wana tattoo yo ugly ass anyways

  445. Ha, can’t wait to see how 99% of my friends reply to this. A) Articles pretty much summons a womens’ role as nothing more than a pretty face. B) Art that you wish to live with and express your whole life shouldn’t be shared on your skin C) Ink on the skin is fine, just don’t put it in your body D) waste money at a gym instead of going outside and doing something E) You can only turn heads with beauty, hell i’ve seen ugly people turn heads F) Beauty is the only way to be happy G) Beauty is the only way to express yourself H) roflcopter I) A tattoo is nothing mere but wasted ink/money, but wasting chemicals/money on her nails, toenails, lips, cheeks, eye lids, hair every day is a better choice to express yourself

  446. Squid says:

    okay there are a lot of replies out there and I’m not sure if a guys opinion was stated but as a guy reading this article I find tattoos on women to be highly attractive. If you want to go out and get a piece of really awesome artwork or just get something that is a simple reminder of path you are on in life do it. and ashley you rock yo. good stuff. I just hope one day we can break away from those stupid labels man. ladies please get tattoos and feel free to show them off.

  447. val says:

    I highly doubt the author turns heads. Not exactly what you’d call drool worthy.

  448. assasinkil3r says:

    WOW! THIS CHICK JUST GOT SHREDDED FROM OVER 100 PEOPLE!

  449. Shawn says:

    Tattoos are a form of art not vandalism. What is pathetic and unclassy? – Judging another human, male or female on a personal choice. And being a male, trust me when I say that not all women have that “drooling” power over men. Some just have to open their mouths (or write), and it all disappears. What makes a women beautiful is her independence, not one like you telling all other women how they could be beautiful and “classy”. You are no better than an abusive male to women…disgusting.

  450. MK says:

    This was my personal email to her:

    I recently came across your tattoo and women article and I feel you are deeply misinformed about your subject matter. I am a woman who has many tattoos, many of my female friends have tattoos as well. Just as your outer appearance does not define ones true beauty, neither do tattoos. Tattoos are a form of self expression for some, for others it is a vanity and for most it is a statement. Our bodies are not temples that become graffitied, they are blank canvases in which we can create art and become unique in society. Tattoos often have a negative stigma, yes I agree, but you are perpetuating stereotypes about not only persons with tattoos but women as well. Tattoos are becoming far more accepted in the workplace and professionals (like myself) many times have them. The world is changing and stifling individual creativity is not to be tolerated. As for “nothing comes out of getting a tattoo”, you could not be more wrong. Getting a tattoo is freeing and boosts self confidence to new heights. I feel alive and in control of my body and my true self. Do yourself a favor, as a journalist and as a woman, and seek factual evidence before writing your next article on a subject you clearly know nothing about.

  451. phil says:

    The beauty of freedom is that it allows one to be whoever they want, and live life as they dream and want to. The author of this article is offering her opinion on tattoos. Though her opinion is one of an ignorant person, it is still an opinion. She mentions what women should do and how they should act according to her beliefs….And for her own sake I hope she lives just the way she describes otherwise she just stamped her own face with the word “Hypocrite” for everyone in the web to see. The point is, who are you to say how should an individual act? Nobody has the right to govern how you live. I wonder if the AUTHOR has ever been loved….? The reason I say that, is because love is blind! People fall in love not for how someone looks but rather how that person makes them feel! Let’s think of a scenario here. AUTHOR is in the hospital and it’s a life or death situation. There’s only one Doctor available. This Doc is covered in tattoos(yes, they do exist!!!) Other than the tattooed Doc there is a male nurse who has no tattoos. In order for her to be saved she needs to pick one (Doc or Nurse) so who does she picks??? The nurse w/o tattoos but “pure” in appearance or the Doc who knows how to save her, but to “her eyes” he looks like a criminal…. Another example… People that are blind can tell a good person from a bad one without being able to see them. Blind people also fall in love with other without sometimes ever knowing what they look like. Some tattoo for art, some tattoo for redemption, some do it to take away the pain. A tattoo is very important to an individual, it is self expression, soul healing, and most of all its a piece of you.

  452. JoJo says:

    I agree with you in many ways, however, if that person enjoys their tattoos or the art, or the meaning of that tattoo, then who cares? The tattoos are not for anyone else but themselves, and they are well aware that it will be on their body for the rest of their lives. I get what you’re saying that women are beautiful human creatures and several tattoos can take that away from a woman’s pureness, grace and beauty. These days, women are hardcore, independent, crazy people… not like they used to be, times have changed. We like, what we like. But if women are getting tattoos just because they are the “latest trend,” than that’s just plain stupid. Unfortunately there is always going to be those type of people in every type of group or culture. What it comes down is that you’re beauty is another persons disgrace and vice versa. That’s why you can’t judge art or music or even have to understand it.

    P.S. When your parents say “ya know when you’re 90 and wrinkly, you’re going to regret those tattoos.” You know what my response is? “Yeah so is every other 90 year old Mom, thanks.”

  453. Katie Atkin says:

    A lot of what I’m about to say has been said, very well, by many here :)….But let me tell you this, Lisa….. I do not have any tattoos, BUT, I will be getting my first tattoo VERY soon. Your ignorant, narrow-minded, absolutely ridiculous article has pushed my tattoo plans into high gear. Getting a tattoo will in NO WAY make me feel classless, worthless, or make me feel any less beautiful. I have no idea why you think you can “preach” your feelings on tattoos to women as a gender. Everyone has a right to their opinion but please, did you really think that your article was going to stop women from getting inked? Did you think your “clever and witty” (which I’m sure you thought it was, since your a writer and all) article was going to change the minds of millions of women who get tattooed everyday? For whatever reason they get tattooed, it’s THEIR body, THEIR life, THEIR decision. Don’t judge her for making that decision. I hope you are actually taking the time to read the responses here. Most are very intelligent and really worth the read. You’ve upset a lot of people, calling them “classless & worthless”, and if you don’t understand why, you have no class.

  454. Rage Girl says:

    “Has this tattoo, for instance, caused you to learn something new about yourself? Has it challenged you? Has it led you to self-growth?”

    Yes.
    The day I got my first tattoo, was the day I signed myself.

    That may sound lame and airy-fairy to a lot of people. But that’s exactly what happened. I was in this dark, horrible place. I allowed other people to put me there. Let other people take charge of who I was and how I lived my life. But when I made the decision to get the tattoo, and went through with it, my life was mine again.

    Someone asked me “How could you do that to yourself? You’ve scarred your body forever”
    I didn’t have the confidence to say it then, but I wanted to yell at them “How could I not? I’ve had this tattoo since before the ink was under my skin. I’ve lived with it for years and loved everything it represents. The only difference now, is that you can see this part of my life on me. I chose to show it to you.”

    So, I don’t care what other people have to say about my tattoo. I’ll happily discuss designs and placement. It’s a science as much as an emotional thing. Everyone we encounter, leaves a mark on us, good and bad.

    My tattoos are the very meaning of ‘forever’ for me in this life. They’re going to be on me for the rest of my life, the way the good part of my life will always shine when times are dark. And they’re going to outlive the bad times, just the way I have.

    I’ve gotten my hair done, I’ve gotten a tattoo. I know which one fills me with more pride when I speak about it.

  455. Stacy Kimber says:

    Excuse me, but my tattoos are a part of me, and not just physically. They explain who I am as a person emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. They help me every day and remind me of all the shit that I’ve overcome and that there’s more shit to come, but I can handle that too. It’s a lifelong reminder that I’m a strong person, a fighter who won’t give up. My body is a temple. It’s my temple that’s experienced everything I have emotionally. And you know what, I am happier at the end of the day knowing I have these symbols displayed on my body. They mean everything to me. I literally spent months perfecting the two I have to make sure they were exactly what I wanted. I have no regrets. It is not vandalism, it is pure art and emotional catharsis. How dare you or anyone else try to tell me I’m less of a woman for expressing who I am in an artistic way. And that’s another thing, why is this attacking women, and not men? How come men can do whatever they want but woman are supposed to be sexy and elegant and turn heads? Fuck you very much, asshole. There is such thing as a wrong opinion.

  456. Shaun says:

    Dear Lisa, you’re an idiot that is not very desirerable AT ALL….. You could use some tats…… Yup, that’s all that I need to say in response to that crap, I want that 2 minutes of my life back…..

  457. christine says:

    Lisa- if you are so into fashion and style…why not invest in some makeup and a real hair cut? I have tattoos. The most symbolic 3 are 1 for my son. 1 for 911 and the firefighters and lives lost and another that is for our freedoom. All of the things that made me who I am today. And if a guy of another stuck up close minded female cant accepte for me then I don’t need or want them in my life. I’m a firefighter. A single mom and a damn hard worker. I’m proud of who I am. My son loves me as well as my boyfriend and friends. Just because I have a few tattoos doesn’t make me a classless person. Take a look in the mirror. I will bet you 10 to 1 I could get more date offers than you in a single night. Tattoos and all!!!

  458. Chiara says:

    Your disgusting writing and ludacris ignorant close-minded opinion makes me ashamed to be of the same gender as you, let alone of the same race of human beings. Do me a solid, and stop writing.

  459. danni says:

    iv got 8 tattoos done and i love them everyone of them has a meanin to me and i say its your body you treat as you want if someone dont like it then f**k them.

  460. Jade says:

    I would hate to hear this womens opinion of me. I have 26 tattoos,so far. To include a portrait of my daughter that passed away. (i suppose thats a meaningless tattoo in her eyes) I have piercing to include snake bites. I dye my hair black from blonde with bright red streaks. I also ride a motorcycle. Not one of those little tiny ones either.
    I’m also a wife,a mother, a girl scout leader. Professionally I work as a photographer, with my own studio and I contact as a corporate consultant.
    Curiosity, wonder how she will judge me, my oldest daughter has bright blue hair, has for a couple years. She also has her belly button pierced….she will be 12 next week.

  461. guy that thinks you need to have more in life then dumn ideas says:

    So when your boyfriend fucked a skinny girl with tattoo you climbed right back into your cunt CAN… NOW THAT SAYS EVERYTHING

  462. It’s unfortunate that woman with tattoos are looked down upon still in this day and age. It’s not “rebellion” or anything like this, it’s expression. People express themselves with Art; This “Art” can be expressed in various ways, such as this article or even tattoos. One cannot put a stamp on what is considered to be beautiful or “sexy.” Maybe tattoos aren’t your thing, I totally understand that, but it’s unfair to the woman that are. They are put at a disadvantage because of it, and honestly, it really shouldn’t be this way. Who really cares if they have wings tattooed on their back and their grand kids ask about it; it’s just another awesome story to be told. Because that’s what art is to me, a story. To all the people that got angry or bitter while reading her article, you shouldn’t. This her way of expressing herself. I don’t agree at all with what she wrote, but I’m not going to be angry about it. I truly feel bad for these people that are this insecure to make such asinine observations.

  463. jo ann says:

    you should point out more that it is your opinion rather than writing it as thought it is a fact!!

  464. Tiffani Lee says:

    I will preface my reply with a little insight as to my perspective. I have lived in almost every corner of this country and many in between. I have lived on the Gulf Coast for most of the last 20 years. I am educated and come from a good family. When Hurricane Katrina hit my mother, my sister and many, many dear friends lost everything they owned not the least of which was their homes, their peace of mind and sense of stability. A core group of these well educated and world class women came together and all had a fleur de lis tatooed on their ankle. It is a constant reminder of their loss, their solidarity, their love for their city and their strength to rise above the challenges and obstacles of biblical proportion. I take offense to your narrow minded statement. Maybe you won’t have to ever experience something so devastating as Katrina. I pray none of us ever do again. Maybe you should consider that you don’t speak for women with class. Such a woman would never belittle another in public. Be careful stepping down off that self righteous high horse you’re riding. You need to get out more!

  465. While you are entitled to your opinion, I disagree- whether or not other people like your tattoos is their problem- not yours. I have 11 tattoos that I have had put on me b/c I like the ideas & cultures they represent. I have two Egyptian, a Celtic, and two Mayan glyphs. ( I have studied these cultures during my schooling). I am 33 yrs. old and intend to get more. I see the body as my temple and like many in ancient times, I shall decorate it as I see fit. I hold three degrees (a BA & two MA’s) from two universities, so I am not an uneducated twit nor am I some bimbo that merely gets a tramp stamp so guys pay attention to her or so she can be a twinkie w/her pal. I think you are speaking of the dumb people, girls in particular, that get tattoos only b/c they think it will improve their self esteem or make them feel sexy. These girls do not already feel confidence, etc. so they have to get ink to boost what little self esteem or inner sexiness that they have. Also, they are often the same type of females that are “ditzy” or rash in their choice of what and where to get inked. Class is a matter of opinion and not to be confused with proper. I think some people feel a proper girl- well behaved and such, should not have ink. Well behaved women seldom make history. Now you say females should dress up and go to the gym, etc.; while those are all healthy things to do- one must look at intent. Many females do yoga and go to the gym, shop for trendy outfits b/c they are seeking to fit an ideal- not be the individual they are and appreciate their own beauty and how they would like to express themselves. Websters defines class as: high quality or elegance. What should matter is not what people find classy or not but the high quality in which they treat themselves and appreciate their own inner beauty. There are many females out there that APPEAR classy but are real trash inside due to the way they treat others, themselves, etc. Watch NY INK, LA Ink or other tattoo programs and see that there are a lot of females and males, that do get thoughtful and meaningful tattoos that yes- make them happy and that they look at in joy or pride, for years to come. P.S. There are many in Asian cultures, monks, and others that get tattoos as a celebration of life- not worrying about how “classy” it looks which is a matter of opinion and a rather narrow minded one at that.

  466. Mike says:

    I agree with the lady that wrote this article. Wake up, grow up and be ladies not white trash scum. Thats basicilly what your saying when women get tattoos, stop kidding yourselfs,they are not art. They are more a symbol of low self esteem 😦

    • Katie Atkin says:

      You are just as ignorant and narrow-minded as her if you truly believe this. TATTOOS ARE ABSOLUTELY ART. People have made careers of it, putting their incredible artistic drawing talents to very good use. And did you not read some of the responses? Some women get tattoos in memory of loved ones, representing memorable things that they have experienced throughout in their lives, OR FOR NO REASON AT ALL OTHER THAN THEY JUST LOVE THE ART. How can you put them down for that??? How can you be so ignorant to say that it automatically makes them “white trash scum”…and why “WHITE trash?” Ridiculous. And unfortunately a lot of women have low self esteem…admitting that myself being one of them, I have no tattoos.

    • Taylor says:

      You are disgusting.”White trash scum”? Obviously white women are the only ones getting tattooed; let’s disregard all the other races. In WHAT way are tattoos a symbol of low self-esteem?

    • Brandi says:

      basicilly?? And who’s white trash??

    • Scooter says:

      what a completely ignorant person. die in a fire.

    • Laura Nicole Atkin says:

      Hey Mike,
      Let me take a wild guess. Lisa is your sister, cousin, daughter, or girlfriend.
      Regardless, shut it.

      • Ali says:

        Having absolutely no spelling and grammar skills is a symbol of ignorance, so Mike you may want to spell check before calling people trash and scum.

    • Jennifer says:

      I have 1 tattoo on my left wrist that is a tiny music symbol heart thats smaller than a silver dollar. SO now Im white trash?? Youre kidding me with your statement right?

      • Tracy Jones says:

        Mike, I’ll thank you not to project YOUR thoughts into my KNOWLEDGE of how I feel about myself. My self worth is at an all time high. As to being white trash; I don’t steal, do drugs, rape, maim, murder, cheat on my spouse or make false promises. There’s plenty of “white trash” in D.C. without me adding to that particular population of detestable species.

  467. Shadowz says:

    People can View art on a wall, or in a frame? But when its on someones body its classless. The only thing class less is the writer of this article. I can say one thing, when I get old ill have stories to tell, ill be able to point out my first tattoo, not my first liver spot. This writer is so sexist, and close minded its ridiculous. The only thing she mentions is women. So men getting ink is fine right. People dont get ink just because they want to be “rebellious” theres meaning. And yes at the end of the days I look at my tattoos for my deceased father and brother and they make me smile. You know nothing about tattoos or the culture. Dating back over a thousand years to tribes and the first tattoos. You should learn things before you speak about them. Your a waste of space and garbage like this shouldnt be published. Garbage like you shouldnt be let outside.

  468. thanks for posting article; what i noted above is what i am sending her… i am aware that others may not like my tattoos; i think it’s wrong for writer of article to come across as if she’s doing a favor to females out there- great, i am surprised she does not tell us women folk to get back into the kitchen, shut up and not work, etc… b/c that’s what a good little woman does.
    grrrr.

  469. Rachel says:

    A lot of people in the military have toattoos, including me. They are the ones who choose to give up everything, so people like Lisa can have her freedom and say horribe lies about them.

  470. Jj says:

    Classless and worthless is saying self expression is not valued. I’m an art teacher (who has tattoos) and believe fully in self expression. So to tell people you shouldn’t value art and expression is in itself worthless. This editor clearly Doesn’t understand the worth of diversity in this world and the morals and values associated with it.

  471. gini says:

    i think she shouldnt have attached her picture to an article about beauty

  472. Charles says:

    God help us, when someone like this has the opportunity to speak their mind I feel the world becoming that much more of an undesirable location for me to exist in.

    • Ann says:

      Someone like this? Someone with a very eloquent and well-written opinion of a popular matter? What does this even mean?

      If you have a problem with good writing and a difference of opinion, then I feel bad for you. I’ve never met someone that close-minded, and I hope I never have to.

    • Ali says:

      @Ann ” Eloquent and well-written” ey? This may be well written for a high school English class, but to focus a University article on the viral spread of hate and discrimination is indeed a sad sad fact.

  473. Scooter says:

    a tattoo or 2 would make your ugly ass a bit more attractive. fuck you for your stupid garbage of an article. if this is the trash that you write, hopefully you wont have a job much longer. i happen to think that tattoos make women more beautiful in the way that they arent playing into society’s idea of beautiful and it shows a bit stronger of character and confidence. so while you are talking about nothing you know about, go back to sucking societys penis. your voice is meaningless and demeaning.

  474. Tom says:

    I totally agree with the news editor. Tattoos are classless, unattractive and silly. Not to mention you are going to look ridiculous in 15-20 years, even if you have the tattoo regularly touched up.

  475. hey ugly chick. you shouldnt be allowed on the internet anymore. tattoos are a way for people express themselves. most of us put careful thought and spend hours on designing them. so by you posting this is pretty much saying “hey all artists are fags for wanting to show off what we believe in and our art work”. as for all of you that agree with this are in the same boat as her. you are judgmental and condemning towards people with tattoos and will pick on a group of people because they are different. now if you take away the keyboard and say that to one of us face to face especially me i am pretty sure we would beat your arse into the ground. now grow up, stop getting your balls from a freakin keyboard and try and actually put down someone who has one instead of on the internet. Freakin children man.

  476. Drake Smith says:

    I actually have to admit I found this article very enlightening. I had no idea my eyes could actually vomit. Between seeing her and reading the article my eyes literally puked.

  477. Webb says:

    Are you out of your mind? What a narrow point of view you have on life! Tattoos are extensions of the people that bear them. I wear mine proudly because every single one(and I have 13) means something to me. Does it make me classless? No it doesn’t because I am comfortable in my skin. I’m not some shallow, judgmental low life who only looks at what people are on the outside. What if the doctor saving your life had tattoos? Would you not let him do his job? Because they wear lab coats, you don’t know if he has full sleeves or not! You need to open your eyes to the world of art, the body is a canvas and we are free to do whatever we want with it! You make me sick!

  478. msmunster says:

    So, what she’s saying is that she wouldn’t paint the walls of the temple? Well all of the generations before you disagree.

    That aside, there are MANY cultures who tattoo themselves. Pierce themselves. Cultures who bind their feet, stretch their necks, DON’T wear bras. There are cultures who find the “consumerism” nature – Which the writer of the article seems to have – disgusting. Cultures that are repulsed by the “spend money money and dress up for the benefit of others” mindset.

    She should take a look at cultural relativity and ethnocentrism. Then she should look at the United States – which is culturally diverse- and get off that high horse.

    We do what we do because it makes us happy. I have plenty of tattoos. Plenty. I would also never launch a smear campaign against an entire culture simply because I do not understand or embrace it. Who has more class?

  479. Taylor says:

    I’m sure it’s fine for men to be tattooed, however. This article was appalling. It’s necessary to buy expensive, trendy clothing that’s going to be out of style in a season, going on meaningless shopping trips with ones “girlfriends”, get a haircut to be current and coat yourself in nail polish that will fall off in a week? Flaunt, flaunt, flaunt. Who gives a fuck what is “necessary,” besides basic necessities? How do new clothes make you a happier, better person?

    And you know, I still possess my beautiful female body, even though I am covered in tattoos. It didn’t go away because of some ink.

  480. brittnie says:

    This makes me sick.

  481. Tessie says:

    Tattoo is a lifestyle not jus something put on your body to piss off “normal” people… If you really think that women should be going to the gym & shopping to feel Better about themselves that jus proves that your point of view is very wrong & one sided! Although I agree there are some really misguided tattooes out there your view about what a girl needs to do to make herself feel better is breed of fear & prejudice. May god help you to become a more accepting person of all people on this earth!

  482. devillocked999 says:

    I’m glad to see that “The Spectrum, the independent publication for the University of Buffalo.” tackles the real issues of the world. Journalism at its finest… Why does it matter what anyone wants to do to their own body? Don’t like tattoos? Don’t get one. Don’t waste your time complaining about someone else doing what they want with their body.

  483. Alan Truism says:

    I like to do stuff to people.

  484. This is such SHIT! First of all who is she to talk about anyone???? Tattoos are pieces of art that we decide to put on are canvas! I love every single one of my tattoos i think they are gorgeous and very sexy! All my tattoos have a meaning which I take to offense to her comment about! My body is beautiful skinny fat black white whats the gym gotta do with anything ?? Thats just ignorance !!! If I was rude or judgmental Id talk about her face hello your not anything to talk about but guess what EVERYONE IS BEAUTIFUL IN THERE OWN WAY!!!! BLACK WHITE FAT SKINNY SHORT TALL GAY STRAIGHT ALLLLL BEAUTIFULLLL!!! IGNORANT BITCH …. What were you looking to get out of this other then people taking offense to this and being upset? My parents are old school and hate tattoos but after knowing the meanings of my tattoos they are ok with them and think they are beautiful you should be fired this is ignorance at its finest !!!!!

  485. Alan Truism says:

    I knew a guy who had a tweetie bird tattoo over his left nipple.

  486. Unimpressed says:

    Dear Ms. Khoury, your article paints you as a silly, rude, judgemental person. Are you aware of how many people you have offended with your superficial, opinionated nonsense? Were you really so desperate for a topic for your article that you had to insult such an enormous group of people, many of whom are your peers and fellow students? Shame on you. Why don’t you think a little harder next time and come up with something more meaningful and less offensive. By the way, is this your opinion or merely something you were taught?

  487. KKummer says:

    The person who wrote this needs a reality check. Tattoos can be beautiful, especially if you go to a great artist in a great shop. Sure you can have your own opinion on tattoos but saying that a woman has no class? I am sure there are tons of “woman” out there without any tattoos that shop at the mall, get their hair, and nails done and have NO class what so ever. I have a decent amount of tattoos I have two jobs that support me and I sure as hell know that I’ve got class. What ever happened to “don’t judge a book by it’s cover”? Maybe you should think about what you’re writing before you post it.

  488. Pingback: Clearly Beauty & Class Are Exterior… « A Thespian Girl

  489. Syd says:

    Ignorant Bitch……… She doesn’t have a damn clue what she is talking about

  490. Dude says:

    How in the hell does this troll Lisa Khoury even have a life? Hello miss out-of-touch….the real world is calling…so is the photographer that took that pic of you…they want $$ for the broken lens from your ugly mug. HOLY fugly.

  491. Stephanie says:

    Oh, Lisa. You fit so well into your gender stereotype. I do appreciate the splendid inspiration you have given me for my next tattoo. I’m thinking a giant portrait of your face on my buttocks. In an elegant banner it will read “Classless”. The C and the L will be crossed out in lipstick so it will really read: “Assless”. What do you say?

  492. Jennifer says:

    I mean..I feel really bad for her. What other type of blog would this girl write? Take a good luck at her picture. Her opinions on tattoos are as dumb as her whole look. Her thoughts on whats classy like getting your nails done and going shopping for pretty clothes are prettier than her. Some of the classiest people I know are tattooed head to toe. Shes also saying that looks are everything. I think she is just anger with herself because of her parents looks. Its blog in itself makes you less classy.

  493. Stuy says:

    Your miss are a narrow minded twat. My grand parents did a lot for me when I was a child and I wanted to show them I loved them more than anything and got a tattoo of our family coat of arms on my arm. This showed them I cared about them more than any word I could ever use described. Earlier this year my grandad had a stroke and can’t even remember who I am…I will always remember him every time I look at my arm and that keeps me happy. It keeps the memories I have flowing through my head.

    So fuck your narrow minded bullshit lady. grow up. I would only guess your a churchy?

  494. Erica says:

    No offense to those with tattoos, but I agree with Lisa on this area. Tattoos are cool, and sometimes I wish I had one, but they’re a trend. A very permanent trend, and I think that people are rushing into them without much thought as to the consequences. I think that people work too hard at labeling themselves through their tattoos, and they aren’t given the necessary consideration that something so permanent needs.

    And I think it’s pretty unfair for you to say this writer isn’t “understanding and open” when you yourself don’t embrace her right to dislike something. I don’t like salmon, do all those salmon lovers out there get to call me close-minded?

    You say that people that don’t understand the tattoo lifestyle cast the most judgement, but look at all these horrible comments that are being posted. Calling her ugly? Really ladies? Here is a girl that is simply embracing her love for the female form and her distaste for a cultural trend and you respond with catty middle school responses like that? That’s an embarrassment to women. And no, she’s not ugly, she’s actually a beautiful person, inside and out, because unlike everyone here who has taken her views of femininity and bashed them into a pulp, she has showed class through a subject that is distasteful to her.

    If you don’t like her article don’t read it, but it’s pretty cheap to take a well-written editorial piece and toss it about without taking an inch of time to respect the writer as much as she so obviously respects her reader. Cheap blogging, in my opinion. I’d be embarrassed if I were you.

    • Ali says:

      There is nothing well written about this article. To look at it purely as a piece of writing, (I am no professional writer) it opens with a semi facebook-ish “post” introduction. As it continues she bounces from one topic to another making several gender stereotypes, and finally at the end she attempts to bring a religious aspect into the article.
      People on here have a right to opose this article and to be upset by it. A female is still a female with or without tattoos. You may not like it, but others do and you know what? The person with the tattoos loves them! The most important thing in life is to love yourself.
      I myself am fully covered in tattoos and have no regrets, that is not to say that tattoos are for everyone and a majority (I understand not all) of tattooed people realize this as well. Please note that people who are tattooed rarely ever insult and degrade people who are not tattooed.
      As for your response, you have a right to your opinion as well but realize that you may have opened your response with ” no offense to those with tattoos” but within your try at “protecting” the author you yourself ended with name calling such as cheap and disrespectful. You may feel some comments were uncalled for, but the blatent disrespect and viral spreading of hate about a group of people is wrong.

    • Rachel says:

      I’m pretty sure you didn’t read all of the comments left because some of them don’t name call or bash the author at all. I myself left a comment, which I also emailed to the author, explaining my perspective on the subject. I do believe she has a right to her own opinion, but that doesn’t mean she has to judge and name call to a whole group of people. You give an example of not liking salmon, but you’re not out there calling all the other salmon eaters classless and worthless. She says that people don’t get anything out of a tattoo, and “she promises” that it would be better if you don’t have to explain it to your grandkids when you are old. Those are not facts, they are personal opinions, so she cannot actually promise anything. And she has never had a tattoo, so how is she knowlegable about what a person gets out of it? I’m pretty sure she isn’t old or has any grandkids, so how does she know that it’s better to not have a tattoo? Also, a well-written piece of work doesn’t flip flop between first, second, and third person.

    • Erica, the fact that you assume everyone just jumps into getting tattoos with no thoughts of consequences makes you, in my very personal opinion, a douche bag. I hope you will embrace my right to dislike your stupid comment.

    • Prof. Falcon' says:

      Weird, that you consider a practice that has been around since the beginning of time a “trend.” What other people do to their bodies, how they do their hair, their make-up, getting liposuction, wear high heels, pierce their ears, nose jobs, pluck their eyebrows, shave their legs, etc. should be of no concern to anyone else. People aren’t ignorant to the permanence of their decisions when they get tattooed and how they feel about these decisions has nothing to do with anyone else’s opinions.

    • MelikusPrime says:

      It is not well written, not by a long shot. Everyone’s point here is that it’s okay to dislike tattoos, it’s okay if you have such a strong opinion about it but keep that opinion to yourself if your going to attempt to degrade someone about it. I’m more embarrassed for you, what have you been reading to think that work is better than what a high school student would come up with without looking at the facts, that’s tabloid journalism at its least entertaining.
      Some replies are offensive but no more offensive than this girl has been about anyone with a tattoo.
      Also, tattoos are a permanent trend? If it’s permanent doesn’t that mean it is just part of a culture….

  495. Jennifer says:

    There is nothing factual about this whatsoever either. Who gives a shit about her opinion enough to put it up on the internet.

  496. Kelly Tuberdyke says:

    Artwork? Who’s artwork? Do you know this person enough to be his or her personal billboard?
    I love tattoos. But I also completly agree with the beauty of a woman’s body, the way it was naturally created. There’s a million dumdums getting tattoos that they have no clue why or what for. It’s become a thing that everybody’s doing, and it kinda takes focus away from the woman what she was already blessed with. Being happy with what nature gave you. That’s all.

  497. amelia says:

    really this article is not worth the internet coding it written with… if it is or ever was printed on paper, i’d burn as many copies as i could. she needs to grow up and get some class, and keep her judgemental mouth shut. my extremely classy grandmother (who got a tattoo for her 80th birthday) always said, if you can’t say something nice, don’t say it at all.

  498. Hugs says:

    There’s a million things I want to respond with. Still, short and simple. If a woman wants to invest time and money into a tattoo because it makes her happy, than she should.

    I’m a man, heavily inked, in the military, I’d wager quite a bit more fit than you. My girlfriend is fit, is covered in ink, and so much better looking than you. We both love the way they look on us, we get them as presents for each other, and above all they make us happy. That’s more than enough.

    My last point, I’ve yet to meet anyone in the tattoo world that get’s a piece done for other people. We do it for ourselves, and everytime I see my own ink in a photo or a mirror it brings a smile to my face.

    Speaking of which, Practice what you preach, i’d be a bit more fitness oriented and spend less time judging if I looked like you.

  499. Brittany Lynn says:

    When the fuck is it rebellious to get a tattoo? And why is she just targeting women? Last time I checked women can do what they want, including getting tattoos. I don’t have any myself but I have 2 planned out for my grandmas who have passed away, they were SPECIAL to me.
    And screw people who aren’t as “open minded or understanding” if someone doesn’t like something on my body then they can fuck off.
    Typically I can take someone else’s opinion that is different of my own, but my god she’s pretty much attacking women, telling them what they should/shouldn’t do. Go to the mall and spend thousands of dollars on new clothes, nails, shoes and a new hair style. But a big FUCK YOU if you wanna put something on YOUR OWN body that means something to you.

  500. Chris Dean says:

    I read your worthless assortment of words today. Thank you for presenting your opinion in such a demeaning way. Viewing woman the way you do must be satisfying, truly sexiest. As a father of a beautiful little girl I disapprove of how you make an effort to make woman think that they have to fit your image to be beautiful. My dear Lisa, you are narrow minded and forget that people make choices in life. A tattoo is one of the least worrisome decisions anyone can make. Attacking a living art form is just plain stupid. Its beautiful if done by a true artist. Tattooing is an ancient art form that you clearly do not understand. Research your thoughts before vomiting them. Thanks

  501. Future Mrs. Goncalves says:

    TATTOOS are the only thing you take to the GRAVE. Having tattoos does not make someone a delinquent or a thug. Its art people. Art is about self expression and creativity. Some people hang their art… I wear mine…

  502. Lisa P. says:

    While I respect the fact that everyone has a right to his/her own opinion, I must likewise verbalize mine and respectfully dissent…

    Tattoos for most are a beloved art form and are fraught with deeply profound choices and meaning–to say to the world that they are less meaningful cosmetological acts than TRULY superficial activities (like shopping, wearing trendy clothes, buying and wearing high heels) is pretty damn insulting.

    I leave the author with this thought: my first tattoo was a memorial piece, commemorating my loss of four loved ones within a span of 3 months… should I have hit the gym or bought a handbag instead?

  503. dante says:

    you are obviously one close minded bitch and you’re talking bout the 21st century. that’s awesome. too bad you don’t even have a brain to compensate for no looks. i hope your classy ass pisses out any kid inside you before you fuck them up too.

    you’re a clown

  504. Doedee says:

    Wow, really? My body is my temple, eh? It’s not okay to permanently ink MY body with symbolic and meaning words and symbols but it’s okay for you to wear high heels that cause major hip and neck damage? How about the makeup and nail polish you insist I wear to be more attractive to the male species? I hope you wear sunblock 24-7 and never dye or “highlight” your hair, and about those specks, well, those aren’t natural either. I can tell you that my body art has made a meaningful impact on my life and those around me. My body art has LITERALLY saved my life and I proudly wear the “to write love on her arms” phrase on my arm to honor those I’ve lost and as a symbol of my strength that I have not fallen ill to the same fate. And I proudly sport two breast cancer ribbons to honor lost friends.
    My body art hasn’t changed others? I started a nonprofit organization called “Get Inked for Pink” where individuals get tattoos in honor of those who have fought, conquered, and lost their battle with cancer and 100% of the proceeds are donated to the American Cancer Society (who willfully sponsor us). So, you tell me, what have YOU done to save the world or make some great change, because I’ve done plenty. Tattoos and all.

    And just an FYI: I work in a corporate professional office and have several tattoos on my forearms and wrists and have been told on more than one occasion, by management even, that my tattoos are so elegant and CLASSY that they forget I have them. Instead of focusing on my body, they focus on my skill and personality. Thank your God that people still have morals and values.

  505. I really don’t see how she think she’s so high and mighty that you can judge whether there is meaning or not to anyone’s tattoos. Its art, expression, and a personal right. Just like she have a right to write such a piece of crap for the world to see. So, I guess since she can judge all of us tattooed women so openly with out apology, then I can judge the fact that she look like she’s wearing Groucho Marx joke glasses minus the stache. Have fun being ignored at the mall.

  506. Mandi says:

    I have never seen a Temple without art work.

  507. medic with a little ink says:

    All i have to ask this Hoity-toity editor is what ever happened to “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” and why does that not also apply to the color of the INK under their skin as well!! By virtue of this woman’s words and the action of blogging it for all to see, I judge her to be simply a bigot.

  508. kay says:

    This article makes me sad. I recently got my first tattoo and I put a lot of time and effort into picking the perfect tattoo with perfect placement. What seems so silly to so many people means the world to me. I love to show it off just so people will ask “Is that the periodic table of elements on your feet?” then I can tell them all about my infatuation with science and why I chose a chemistry tattoo when I’m a biology major. I learned so much about myself in the last year and did a lot of growing up and my tattoo marks a significant milestone in my life that I perminantly put on my body. I need that constant reminder of who I am and what better way to keep grounded in such a fast paced world than every time I look down seeing my hopes and dreams and goals are staring back at you? A year ago my grandmother was someone who hated tattoos and does not see any point in making up your body she would side with this article if she read it. When I got mine she didn’t talk to me for 3 months then one day asked me about it. When I told her why and what it meant she understood. You don’t have to like someone’s tattoos but you don’t have to say you don’t like them either.

  509. Gozzy G says:

    Its funny how women believe all men “drool” over them. Get over yourselves! Young women of today think everyone watching is their audience. “men practically drool over your beautiful unmarked temple.” Please lady save. Take a look at yourself!! You could use a little color!

  510. elizabeth says:

    ignorant little girl. i have tattoos. i met my fiance because he is a tattoo artist. i am successful. i am attractive. i am a middle school art teacher. i am respected. this is coming from someone with no tattoos? mine are beautifully done, and whether or not they look good is your own opinion, and just like an asshole everyones got one… but anyone that needs to go at voicing a judgmental and ignorant opinion like this is just that. an asshole. and ignorant.

  511. sheena says:

    The chick who wrote this looks like Skrillex. ugh.

  512. Mike says:

    The only thing I agree with in this shit-crap article is, “Your body is a temple.”
    In fact, I’ve always said your body is a temple. But, every temple needs decoration….
    Tattooed, pierced, and damn proud of it.

  513. kan says:

    So far the only regret I have is reading the article. And for Lisa’s sake I hope this is all a joke because I find it hard to believe a woman like THAT wrote something like this. It’s all too ironic. A woman who shakes her finger at permanent art/expression and calls it classless all the while expressing these thoughts in permanent ink of her own? She can say or think what she wants about the lotus flower on my hip that my sister designed but funny enough I shall never have to answer to it the same way Lisa will have to answer to this. My other tattoo will never cause me the shame and embarrassment this blog may one day make her feel. My permanent ink also doesn’t hurt anyone or judge anyone. They are there just for me and unlike the blog I can choose my audience. They will never go out of style like a haircut or a pair of shoes. And while my sexy stilettos, mani/pedis do help me feel sexy – they never come close to telling the stories about me that my tattoos do. My husband didn’t marry me for the skirts I wear, or the long legs I flaunt any more than he did for my law degree. It’s the whole package Lisa, it’s every way that I express myself and assert my independence. Like I said I hope the joke is on us because it just seems too… Tragic to be real.

    But regardless, thank you for uniting the rest of us tattooed, classless, ugly women! It’s an honor to share their company!

  514. Jessica says:

    spend money on gyms and clothes and shoes?!?! make your life better by buying things that fall apart and cost more than they are worth?! How about bettering yourself by buying shoes for a child in need, how about helping a young girl with no money get an education so she doesn’t grow up to be as close-minded and judgmental as this Lisa gal seems to be? I have a tattoo that reminds me every day when I wake that I am here to fight for something more than my next pair of “sexy” shoes…

  515. Alove22 says:

    You obviously have never had male attention nor do you understand that not everyone enjoys the stereotypical bullshit your spewing from your huge orifice in your face. Your rediculous article is not only sexist it’s a plain waste of time especially on your part. A woman can do whatever they want to their body this is America and your perception of beauty is not the be all end all. So get off yor high horse and pull the stick out of your ass and get a new life. Your opinion means nothing and if your looking to write do your research about women and don’t assume anything or you’ll never make it.

  516. Steve says:

    You ate stupid, fat, ugly, and have no idea what you are talking about. Go eat some pie.

  517. Chris says:

    I do see the point in this article but what you don’t understand is that people need motivation sometimes. Yes you can go to the gym, eat healthy, exercise, dress up
    In fancy close. Why do we do that ? Because want to look good and just because you think putting something permanent on your body is degrading “the temple” that was givin to you doesn’t mean that your temple is the same is someone else’s. You may not gain confidence from tattoos but someone else may. Tattoos can change someone the was closed off and shy to someone that is confident and open because the tattoo gave them the start to let them express theirself in a different way. Your entitle to you opinion but it’s like telling someone the religion they believe in is wrong. It’s a tad offensive.

  518. lisa says:

    So, according to Lisa, apparently a girl with “class” is a vapid, materialistic, image obsessed, consumer-driven, insecure b*tch. Last time I checked, I could would not define “the finer things of life” as wearing “high heels”, “getting my nails done”, or “flaunt[ing] it” in “”lavish, fun trendy clothes.” According to Lisa, I should go to a mall to be more “productive” with my time.

    Lets turn the judgement table on Lisa. If I were to deconstruct this article I would say she clearly is stating her own insecurities. She’s intimated by women who are strong, fearless, confident. Women who are unafraid to project to the world their inner self. I have an entire back piece, including two others. I wear them with confidence knowing the personal message they represent. This is something that I do not believe Lisa understands. Why? Because she does not VALUE her true naked self. She will only judge herself and and other women – make that ALL PEOPLE – on the surface level.

    My advice to her: do some soul searching before you turn around and make such steely judgements of a culture you clearly does not understand. Now I’m going to go contemplate what new tattoo I should get on my body that I will later have to explain to my grandchildren what “self-expression” means.

  519. DANI says:

    I just finished reading your article and usually I just roll my eyes at the ignorance I come across but today I decided you earned a response from me.
    While I am in agreement with you that some get tattooed because it’s “cool” or “trendy” that is not the overall reason for being tattooed at all. That is just a small group of morons who are followers with no self-identity and who are bad decision makers blindly following what they think is just another great trend. You can compare that to the fools who think those God awful “nerd chic” glasses you are wearing in your photo were a good idea (here’s a hint: they’re not!).
    How you gained your position as editor is beyond me considering that title usually requires intelligence, and the ability to be unbiased. From the blurb you wrote you seem like an uneducated, judgmental little twit!
    You are putting so much emphasis on objectifying a women’s physical body that you have no clue that TRUE CLASS comes from within, from how you treat others, and how you participate within your community. An example of that would be The Modified Dolls, an organization I belong to in which heavily tattooed women come together and hold fundraisers and awareness campaigns for a different charity each month. We are professionals in our communities as well. We are nurses, children’s book authors, artists, mothers, grandmothers, and so on. We are working, parenting, mentoring and volunteering our time to give back to others WITHOUT being asked and WITHOUT looking for anything in return.
    While you were busy dictating what your ideal of a classy woman is, you never once touched on a woman’s character. You babbled endlessly about superficial things such as clothes, shoes, getting her nails done but you never recommended anything about a woman getting an education. Why is that? If your self-esteem so low that you can’t see beyond the superficial exterior of a person, and yourself? Do you really lack such depth that you can’t even write a well-balanced article of what a TRUE woman of class is like? I pity you. You are pathetic not only as a writer but as a woman.
    You posed some questions in your article that I am happy to provide answers for. You asked if you can get meaning out of a tattoo. You obviously know that you can. You asked if you are a happier person at the end of the day, the answer is yes! Absolutely, because I am a good person who does for others and I don’t judge others. Has my tattoos caused me to learn something new about myself? ABSOLUTELY! When I had a brain aneurysm and an 11 hour brain surgery I fought to survive and learn to live in a way to accommodate my illness, getting a tattoo to reflect surviving that awful point in my life reminds me of what I was able to pull myself through. Getting “Relentless Strength” 5 years later on the anniversary of my brain surgery reminds me that I have to be relentless in battling this crippling disease and the strength reminds me that I am so much stronger then this illness or the doctors who are trying to treat it give me credit for. I can go on and on about each piece of ART that is on my body. They are carefully selected, well thought out pieces unique to me and the path my life has taken.
    I go to church, I give back to my community, I don’t drink, smoke, do drugs and I have NEVER slept around. I am happily married to an amazing man for a decade and my life is full of happiness and love. I respect people. I don’t judge people so I have the ability to get to know some incredible people. The problem with people like you is that you see people who don’t have tattoos and then you see people who do. Tattooed people only see people.
    If you want a lesson on class, I suggest you get down off your high horse, learn what it means to be kind and open minded and learn how to RESPECT people.
    If I weren’t a classy woman I would tell you that if you would rather take your own advice, the get to work on that nose, get some contacts, some veneers, introduce your eyebrows to some wax & tweezers and get a weave to cover up that awful dried & fried hair. Stepping out into the sun here and there would only improve the pasty white skin that seems to match your personality. OOPS! Looks like my tattoos made me classless and I just passed judgment on you…can’t imagine it feels good to be you right now.

    • Doedee says:

      Dani, thanks for sharing that! I’ve honestly met very few people with tattoos that didn’t have very deep meaning to them and if it doesn’t, guess what? it doesn’t matter. Although we all make complaints (or at least I know I’m guilting) about not like this or that about our country, we have our awesome First Amendment protecting us “classless” tattooed gals, as well as, the very classy Ms. Khoury. *sigh* on the latter.

      It makes me very sad to know she is an editor too, it makes me sad for her readers (if there are any outside of herself), and sad for her school (as this is clearly a poor respresentation of any school; even the most religious of schools do not condone such articles). Journalism is about supplying the audience with FACTS. She’s obviously a candidate for one of the biased, scrolling-bar-of-terror news stations like FoxNews and CNN (although I am a CNN fan, I’ve heard/read an article or two that had far too much opinion obstructing the truth).

      I’m very glad to see so many people showing her, and whomever else is reading this article, that a tattoo doesn’t equal a drug using criminal. We can tell her/them exactly how we feel without lowering our standards and being classless with a just as ignorant remark cursing her. Intelligence is becoming, Ms. Khoury, I suggest you get some.

  520. Tanya says:

    I haven’t read all the comments here, as there are so many. But, what about a woman commemorating an event, such as a passage of a loved one? I have something indelible on my body, something a gym membership wouldn’t give me. Its not about “vandalizing” my temple, its about adorning it with the beauty of the world that life has given me. Body modification only modifies that: the body; it doesn’t change one’s character.

  521. Brian says:

    It seems like the girl who wrote that essay was angry when writing it. She felt scared and unsure of her own life, her own body and for sure her emotions. To take a random shot at a culture, probably one she has never taken time to learn about, is the sure sign of immature writer. Learn, then make a personal deduction on the subject. She made a mistake.

  522. Sitty says:

    You….are an idiot.

  523. Raquel Baca says:

    I wonder if her going on this rant made her feel better about herself.. I didn’t know how a person dressed or what they looked like defined class. I couldn’t DISAGREE with the post anymore.. I could also go on to say that in this photo of this Lisa girl she looks pretty cheap.. no makeup so she must not care about herself. She has acne so she must have a bad diet and not drink enough water or smoke.. but that’s just what I would say if I was as narrow minded as her.

  524. amanda says:

    Wow this really amazes me! There is nothing wrong with tattoos! I have one on remembrance of my grandmother! Is that trying to make me feel sexy? No! It’s there for one who had a huge impact on my life! And what your expressing is for is girls to go blow wide loads of money, to again feel or look sexy? I don’t understand. If you say we should appreciate are bodys the way we’re made, why are you addressing we get are nails done, buy sexy clothes etc??

  525. Alix says:

    i have one tattoo engraved “choice” on my wrist. i do not use it for attention, i do not think of it as degrading, it is a word to remind myself i’m alive and i have the choice and free will of a women….how could you ever… write something like this. powerful yes, but very closed minded, i get it i do love my body as a temple, i placed a delicate word engraved forever on my wrist to show i have the choice to do what ever i choose, not for the “rebel look” not for the attention, but for me… it isnt used to make me feel beautiful its used to motivate me, and make me think about what actions i do. i am elegant, and i am classy, but i will not agree to something like this tattos arnt just about the look, ask someone who has a tattoo why, each art piece word, etc… is a memory a meaning to that persons life. it may or may not have to do anything with attention, or whatever you seem to think getting a tattoo is. i didnt get it cause “oh thats a cool idea” i did it to save myself from being stupid. you have your rights to your opinions but you need to do more research on actual tattooed people and see they are unique, colorful life filled individuals not brain washed, women who let the men drool over them, who let man take advantage of them. thats what this article screams to me. we women, must see the choice, and not worry about “class” and “elegance” we need to love ourselves tattooed up or not. do not look down on someone because they have “disgraced their body” they have done something not many women have braved up to do. they have spoke out to the public they are a free-willed, and proud to be who they are.

  526. John D says:

    It must be really easy to live that close minded. Congratulations, you have officially made yourself look like a complete idiot. Everything you were ever told about living your life the way you would like to, was completely wrong. Please step in line behind the rest of the people who have absolutely no culture or taste.

    This was a fantastic effort on showing anyone who reads this terrible article, that you are terribly ignorant. What is worse is that you have put on this on the internet. So I must say once again, a fantastic effort on showing anyone who reads this, that YOU are the one, that has no class.

  527. Happy I'm Not You says:

    What do mean question my values when I’m elderly??? I’ll have dementia by then! That’s why I had your name tattooed over my heart, so that I would never forget how much your words mean to me…. Is our love for nothing, sweet Mona Lisa-Skrillex faced angel?

    You’re so cruel.

  528. Kylee says:

    I love how the woman who wrote this is incredibly un-attractive… Someone beat that temple with an ugly stick. Maybe she should cover it up with the tattoos… It would at least draw the attention away from your close minded face 🙂

  529. Sammi says:

    I am a big believer in the phrase, “The only difference between tattooed people and non-tattooed people is… Tattooed people don’t care if you’re not tattooed.”
    I have never seen a tattooed people scream at a non-tattooed person that they’re going to hell for not having tattoos.
    You don’t like tattoos? Great, kudos to you.
    You do like tattoos and choose to have some (or many)? Also great, and kudos to you as well.
    But what I do with MY OWN BODY has absolutely NOTHING to do with ANYONE else. Period.
    You think my tattoos are hideous? Wonderful, but unless I asked for you opinion, you have no reason to come up to me and tell me so. That is beyond disrespectful, and shame on you for being so petty. You are a very bad person.
    How would you feel if a stranger came up to you in the middle of a grocery store when you’re wearing your favorite shirt and started touching the shirt to see what the fabric felt like, while babbling on about how they hate that kind of material and saying that that color just looked horrible on you and you should never wear it ever again? Rude, right? Beyond rude, really.
    So why is it okay for strangers to babble on about the same pointless crap to those with body modifications? Please, explain to me how that is okay.
    It’s not.
    So, like I said, you don’t like them? Great for you, but unless I asked, keep your rude, disrespectful and judgmental mouth shut.
    You do like them? Great for you, too. Doesn’t make you any better than anyone without them.
    “To each his(/her) own,” you know.

  530. Nikita Alles says:

    OH NO. I WENT BACK TOO FAR IN MY TIME MACHINE. SEND HELP

  531. Breannah ackerman says:

    U have a point that we are beautiful, but i honestly think u should shove a sock in it.! Some people express there personalities by peircings/tatoos. So stfu.

  532. Heather says:

    I think its hilarious how everyone pegs us tattooed women as having no morals or class. And even MORE hilarious to me that so many people who go to church every sunday judges us because we have less “morals” then they do. What a load of bull shit. Doesnt the bible say to not judge your fellow man? Now who is ignorant and classless. I totally agree with the statement “Your body is your temple” but I say “….and I can decorate it however I want!!” There are so many meanings WHY people get tattoos. Mostly from a struggle they dealt with in life, a person passing away or something that means alot to them. Why can’t we express how we feel our own way? Not everything can be solved by spending money at the mall… By the way I am a very proud happily tattooed woman and own my own very successful business!

  533. Jenn says:

    I just wrote this to her:
    You, miss, are sadly misinformed. Yes, a body is a temple, and I’ve chosen to paint mine like the Sistine Chapel. I’ve chosen to make myself happier by getting tattoos. And yes, they do make me happier. Every time I go and get a piece of art (because despite what some think, tattooing and tattoos themselves are art forms) I get a little closer to being satisfied with myself as a person.
    I have piercings and tattoos, and let me tell you something: They HAVE enriched my life. My tattoos have taught me a lot about life: How much pain I can take, which has shown me I’m a lot tougher than I thought. They’ve also shown me how prejudiced people (like you) can be.
    They have challenged me. Every day, I face a barrage of comments from people like you, calling me “freak”, “trashy”, etc. They’ve taught me that some people are narrow minded.
    They have led me to self-growth. Each tattoo I have has a meaning behind it, a lesson learned from life, a memory of a loved one, a milestone I’ve reached. Each one, a rite of passage from one phase of my life into the next.
    Just because you don’t agree with what women like myself do DOES NOT give you the right to pass judgement on us. Do you know how many women you’ve interacted with in life have probably had tattoos, and you just never saw them? Not all tattoos are visible, some are very easily hidden. Lawyers, doctors, teachers, people from ALL walks of life have tattoos.
    Also, dying your hair, going to get a tan, going to the gym to modify how you look? All different forms of body modification.
    I guess what I’m trying to say here is just because you don’t agree with something doesn’t give you the right to judge people. It’s because of people like you I’m viewed as a freak and get followed by store security when I go to somewhere like Macy’s. I have a right to look how I want without fear of judgement.
    And I have a question for you: When it comes to women who live in tribes where tattooing is common, are they trashy? Are they less classy? No. It’s a part of their culture. And whether you like it or not, tattooing and other forms of body modification are considered a cultural movement. Have you never heard the term “Body modification community”?
    Think before you speak, because words hurt more than you know.

  534. My name is Amanda and I am a tattoo artist, I work at a shop in Lancaster Ca , and I am covered in tattoos that I love, and there is a meaning/story behind everyone of them. More than anything I feel really sad for you Lisa. You are entitled to your opinion I understand that, and that’s all it is “your opinion”. Cool, rebellious, cutting edge?? Seriously!?!? that’s what you think not what you know, Who do you think you are? What makes you believe that’s what people with tattoos are trying to be? I’m not saying that everyone has a great story or happy ending to a tattoo, maybe that person regrets maybe they don’t, but its a decision they made. Try spending one day at the shop I work at, at least maybe you can understand another side other then “what you think.” all you’re doing is judging other people. Going to the mall, nails done, yoga, etc that’s all materialistic things, and you’re saying that’s better spent money?!? I have class and elegance and do not need materialistic things to make me feel good about myself. Tattoos are a way of self expression, art, memories, life stories, and spirituality. I know and love who I am, with or without tattoos, it wont change that. I just don’t understand how you could feel so strongly on something you know little about. It really is just ignorance. In my opinion you’re a disgrace to women. I will say a prayer for you, hopefully one day you can open your eyes.

    • let me add, I am a proud female artist! I work at Electric Soul Tattoo in Lancaster Ca, I love my career and what I do to help others. I am honored and so proud to have tattooed so many men and women, and that those tattoos add more strength, and beauty to my customers. don’t let this chick’s opinion bring you down or make you feel that you are worthless for having art on your skin.

  535. Bianca Uyttenhoevn says:

    Wow. You narrow minded twat! Seriously? I don’t want to say too much, because it will be damn harsh. But all I can say is, that I have a full sleeve, and busy working on the reast of my body. I am a woman, and I look god damn beautiful! I’ve chosen to make MY temple, into something unique, colourful, and my body will tell a story just by looking at it. I get the best reward when I’ve gotten a new tattoo. Screw going to the mall to buy shoes or get my nails done, I’m not some high maintenance oros lady with an orange face. So why don’t you shut the fuck up, go get your nails done, and be boring. You don’t know ANYTHING about beauty, class or elegance, if you say stuff like that.

    Phew

  536. David DeMar says:

    Ho-lee crap. I just… I have nothing to add to this besides I think my brain just vapor locked at the sheer arrogance of Ms Khoury’s “article.”

  537. Daniel says:

    I’m just going to copy-paste the response I left on a Facebook comment about this article:

    What a moron. I got halfway through and lost all respect for her credibility to write anything objective. As soon as she said…

    “But at the end of the day, are you really a happier person? Has this tattoo, for instance, caused you to learn something new about yourself? Has it challenged you? Has it led you to self-growth? Nothing comes out of getting a tattoo. You get a tattoo, and that’s it.”

    …I thought, “How presumptuous that you’d assume knowledge and experiences of something you don’t know and don’t have based on… what exactly? Pulling opinions out of your ass? Journalism these days. Jesus Christ.”

    I don’t have tattoos, but I know for damn sure I WILL be happier to have had them. And they WILL serve to help me grow because they’ll be constant reminders of things VERY dear to me and my insides. Fuck this bitch and her half-tard article.

  538. Kayla says:

    What an idiotic argument. I don’t give a damn about making some guy happy with my “classy” act. I am unbelivably happy with my tattoos, as are most people probably, if you had asked. And how materialistic for you to suggest we just go to the mall, get our hair and nails done, and play dress up. Wow. I guess we should get in the kitchen as well, huh?

  539. Stephanie says:

    My name is Stephanie and I am a successful, TATTOOED woman. I own my own business, I am a tattoo artist, and a model. I am a mother, a daughter, a sister, a granddaughter, a niece. I am changed, stronger and more myself than ever because of my tattoos. I do not judge ignorant people such as yourself on a daily basis, like you so apparently do. My day is not ruined because you’re ignorant but I’m pretty sure yours is. I am educated, a college graduate, and not ‘trash’ just because I am tattooed. I could easily turn around and ridicule you for wasting money on mindless self indulgence. I buy what I need, I do not waste money on hair, nails and a gym memberships. Instead, I can use that money to take my family on an amazing vacation. I was born with the right to be me, and me I shall be. Tattoos and all. Next time you pass judgement on a tattooed woman, stop and think “how miserable am I” to have to bring this negativity on to someone who, for all you know, could be working on the cure for cancer. Just because you’re not happy with your appearance doesnt give you the right to verbally attack and insult people for being comfortable with who they are. It’s because of people like you racism, stereotypes and bigotry exist. And what is this sexist garbage about men drooling over us and us holding the power because we have ‘tits and ass’?! That’s appaulling. Luckily for the rest of us, there’s a vast variety of people in this world and not everyone is as dim as you are.

  540. Ross G. says:

    Went on Facebook to look her up, saw her, send her a message: “Great article on the tattoos, putting down women a step down closer to staying in the kitchen and making me sandwiches, I applaud you.”

  541. Lady tattooer says:

    So wearing high heels is a more “productive” use of my time and self? Wow. See, I tattoo for a living. Each tattoo is a therapeutic experience. It helps 18 year olds feel rebellious in a perfectly safe and legal way. It marks friendships, love, suffering, death, and joyous occasions. It forms bonds and forges bravery. It shows girls they can be as tough as the boys. It makes mothers cry, sometimes in joy. It makes dads proud. It says I love you, or I love this so much I want to share it with the world. It says I trust you. It says loyalty, honor, and solidarity. It should say respect. We don’t care that you have no tattoos. I’d like to see a pair of heels do all that.

  542. Michael "Stu" Pfost says:

    Look who else just got classless

  543. Jenny says:

    I have never came across such a sexist statement. I actually feel sorry for the writer for having such narrow minded views on the world. It is fair enough to have your opinion on something, and of course have different views to somebody else, but when you insult someone just because they have something you don’t like, or their actions do not conform with your own, then you cross the line & lose all respect. I went past anger with this post, I don’t even really think the statement is really worthy of a response.

  544. Ben Adams says:

    what an astounding, belligerent, buttoned-down, excruciating moron you are.

  545. Tracy Jones says:

    I cannot recall ever having seen a more biggoted piece of so called journalism than this. While everyone should be entitled to voice their opinion, what they should NOT be allowed to do is twist it into a deragatory blanket that targets a specific gender without basing it on firm fact. I highly doubt this “editor” has associated or aquainted herself well enough with women who have tattoos to be claiming that any woman who chooses to embed permanent ink into her skin is classless or unproductive. In fact she has proven herself to be the embodiment of that which she seems to find so distasteful. A person of class would not look down upon others for the personal choices they make in their lives. They would be open minded and accepting of the differences of others and understand that it is these harmless choices (such as body art) that make the world a much more interesting place to inhabit. And it is hardly productive to spew such an anally retentive view when she could serve a higher purpose and choose to address much more important issues affecting her community, state, nation and planet. I refuse to stoop to her level by insulting her, tempting as it may be, but would, instead, suggest that she walk a single day in the shoes of any of the inked women I know for they are women of terrific morals and values. They are mothers who care for Autistic children, friends who create donation drives to help people in time of dire need, they are business women who not only work a full day in corporate or manually intensive labor jobs then go home to ensure their family’s needs are met. They are genuine. Never once have I heard a tattooed individual speak in a defamating manner about those withOUT ink. This is probably due to their belief that everyone in this world has the right to follow their own path.

    Furthermore, each and every tattoo I have holds special meaning to me. They are symbols of my heritage and signifcant milestones in my life journey. I’m sure that the telling of the story behind them will be far more adventurous than explaining to my grandchildren that I spent my days at the mall, having my hair and nails done or some other selfishly materialistic pursuit of climbing the social ladder.

  546. Dennis boseman says:

    Someones jelly ^_^ ..shes too ugly to have a tattoo, inside and out

  547. Jj says:

    If your going to write an article like this you can’t exclude the people who get plastic surgery, or any type of body altering. How are you going to call a group out and ignore the otherswho are essentially doing the same thing? You say go to the gym if they don’t like their body, what if they say why work that hard when I can pay for the body I want? How is plastic surgery not defacing the female “temple”as it is so called in this editorial. Does this also mean people who have had gastric bypass surgery are wrong as well even though they have tried everything to lose weight. Honestly if your going to write an article like this is it ok for the writer to impose their perspective onto the reader? Class and elegance mean different things to different people. So does that make them wrong? If so how does that make you any different than the religious fanatics who are constantly arguing about whose religion is right and all the others are wrong. And please explain how having a tattoo means you have no morals or values? TRYING to sound intelligent inarguably makes one sound ignorant!

  548. Jazz Parfait says:

    WTF!!!! This lady has lost it and so be it to anyone else that feels jst the way she does! Who are you to JUDGE!! Ok for one tattoos are ART and a way people use to describe their own individual self as a person rather its personal or for the world to see!! People are beautiful inside out but most importantly beautiful on the INSIDE! Havent you ever heard of the saying “never judge a book by its cover”!! ok so y and how could u say these things about women and people who have tattoos and piercings,, Honestly I think a girl can still be classy beautiful have their nails hair done wardrobe and all and still work it in heels with tattoos and all and still be sexy as a women should b sweetie!! And yes getting a tattoo does make most people happy because it means something to them!! Personally every single one of mine represents something and half of them on my body is for my mother that passed away a few years back so hell no i am not degrading my body cause at the end of the day i feel fucking great that i have a remembrance of her on my body that i look at everyday less than a grave or a pic @ home!!! There are way more worst things in this cruel world and tattoos and piercings are one of the least concern and very harmless to anyone.. You wanna talk about something lets talk about the drugs the crimes the killings the rappings and the fucking list goes on!! but sweetie im sorry tattoos and piecing should b the least topic and should not judge a person because they have them once again tattoos and piercings are beautiful art and its how u place that art on your body and still carry yourself like a lady!!!

  549. First off….. I’m a Tattooer. Have been for the past 3 years. I love what I do. I have a gorgeous wife and 3 beautiful daughters. All of whom love what I do. Tattooing has given me the chances to travel over seas and I’ve meet awesome friends along the way.

    To say that a woman is classless because she’s tattooed is complete gibberish. Have you ever seen a Marine get a portrait of his mother who passed away while he was fighting “The War on Terror?” Did you see this soldier break down and cry openly because he felt like he got a piece of his mother back? I have. Tattoos can mean alot to people. A damn lot. Just because it means nothing to you, doesn’t mean it’s meaningless to the wearer. How dare you pass classless judgement on these CLASSY TATTOOED women! The funny thing is, you probably wanna be just like them. But, lazy classless people find becoming a hater easier.

    Bottom line is, I love my tattooed wife. Her full sleeve looked amazing in her wedding dress on the sunny island of St. Lucia. I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. We’re happy. You…… You’re gonna grow old, miss everything cool and die angry.

  550. Chester says:

    This is so offensively sexist, against men and women. Not only that, it’s just flat out ignorant.

  551. Dane says:

    So look may not last but classs does!??!? Who cares about class! If you are that worried about class and the fact that some people may not like your life choices go back to mommy and daddy cause guess what, not everyone is going to agree with you. Oh and FYI not all men drool over women cause sometimes we do have more important things but in the case of where i am, i dont drool over my woman cause she would probably make me sleep on the couch!! But to be honest and serious, our bodies are a temple and a way of showing who we are. I’m not going to tell you how to live your life and the things that you do are just plain and dull but i will say dont ever talk down on people who have a passion and desire for ink!!!! How bout you start learning to love others for there imperfections and try not to help them “fix” it!

  552. Bunny says:

    i am beautiful i am smart i am classy i am colorful i am not judgemental and i am everything you wish you were. when people look at me and see my tattoos they see my heart. what do people see when they look at you? cause all i see is a small minded individual who judges others by the color of their skin. who’s really classier? be honest with yourself.

  553. Justin says:

    Women with tattoos are total babes.

  554. K says:

    Wow. What a load of nonsense. For the record I don’t have any tattoos but I don’t judge people who do, how can you say these things when clearly you have never had a tattoo? Foolish and small minded article, massively generalised and stereotyped and I hope nobody takes it seriously

  555. liscia says:

    Rude. I have tattoos. Some are visible and some aren’t. I feel confident with them no one looks at me different. I’m a hairdresser, I change my styles all the time. I enjoy having a peice of my youth on my body. Were only getting older. And to.keep something so personal throughout your life means something. You need to get off your high horse. Yes welcome to.the 21st century. Get a tattoo.and then tell me this.

  556. Randy says:

    Well, my body is no longer mine. I gave it to Jesus over 25 years ago and being the Temple of the Holy Spirit I will NOT defile it inside nor outside.
    Oh, and by the way, we ARE our brothers keeper.

    • Well, lucky Jesus wants it bc honey, with that very Unchristian-like judgmental attitude, no one else would want your body, mind or your class.

      Maybe start practicing some of Jesus’ own acceptance.

      Moron.

      • Randy says:

        At least I’ve read in the Bible on HOW to judge rather than calling someone names. Jesus also taught us how to judge and I do follow Christ to judge and how to judge. I’m sorry that you haven’t read that part yet.
        I’m sorry if I’ve confused you in any way. I try to have a Christ-like attitude.

  557. Kim says:

    Did naive little girl here just get dumped for a confident sexy bitch with killer tattoos? She obviously knows nothing about what she’s saying. I feel sorry for her and for what little she will get out of life if what she’s written is actually what she thinks to be true. I like most posters here, have hours upon hours of work put into my body and they have made me emerge stronger and happier with everyone.
    My children look at my tattoos and they know which ones represent them and they are filled with pride. My heart is in all of my ink, and while mostly covered unless I decide otherwise I am proud of my art.
    I am a successful, educated business woman, I enjoy the finer things in life and I most certainly know how to carry myself with class. However my idea of a “good” time has never and will never be heading to the mall to throw away money on fake nails and fake happiness.
    The finer things in life are being confident and happy in your own skin, being surrounded by people you love and who love you in return for who you are. Not because you flaunt a gym perfect body and accentuates her legs with high heels.
    This article is ignorant filth and if anything I pity the author her narrow minded view of the true beauty of women.

  558. ertworks says:

    Hey! Guess what? It’s my body, and I can do WHATEVER THE HELL I WANT WITH IT. And perhaps my tattoo is EXTREMELY meaningful to me. Perhaps it changes me every day? Perhaps you should think about these things before being a judgmental twit.

  559. Jennifer says:

    THIS IS A OUTRAGE!!!

    Maybe i will just write a article on how all lebanese people think they are superior to all other nationalitys. But No i will not because its LAME! Just like u are for writting this! Its stupid just because your scared of being different and ur culture is different and ur scared of it …

    YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF URSELF ..YOU GIVE UR PEOPLE A BAD NAME.

    THERE I SAID IT

    XX

  560. Steffu says:

    I have six tattoos, one of which took twenty seven hours. I plan to get many, MANY more in the future. But what surprises me every time I get one is the moment at the end, when I look down at my new ink, and realize ‘this is what I am SUPPOSED to look like.’ On my skin is marked the things that have changed me, things I believe in, things I want to remember to believe in. Waking up to find out my friends had survived a massive earthquake and devastating Tsunami only two weeks after I had come home from visiting them. Twenty-one concerts and a family that spans nations and languages and religions and was brought together only by MUSIC. The awareness that love can be lonely and that loneliness can be lovely and nothing stays the same forever. You don’t have to always fly to be free, but you can FLY regardless.

    Elegance is not an outward appearance, but something you carry inside of you that leaks out through your words and your movements and your very existence. It is something you can practice and learn, but you can NEVER buy it. Hair styles, makeup, and clothing cannot provide it; it can accentuate only what is already there. Elegance exists in how you perceive the world; even more in how you interact with the world. There is nothing elegant about the article above, which I think says more about the author than any photograph could. No one worth knowing will shut you out because of your outward appearance; they will look past all of it to see who you are inside. That is the only elegant thing to do.

  561. TOYGIRL says:

    NO TATTOO IS THE NEW TATTOO IDIOT

    WAKE UP ITS 2012 IDIOT

    IDIOT

    IDIOT

    IS THAT YOU IN UR PICTURE…

    ELEGANT ??????????

    REALLY ???????????????

  562. Jeremy Angotti says:

    First of all let me start by saying, FUCK YOU. Secondly, it’s close minded ness like this that shake this country to it’s very core. I have owned and operated my tattoo studio, Bleeding Heart Tattoo, in KCMO from 2004 to present day. During this time, I have seen people from every walk of life come through our doors, moms, daughters, rich, poor you name it we’ve seen it and tattooed them all. And let me tell you this, everyone of them is as classy and tastefull in their own right. So before you go off the deep end and talk about things you do not fully comprehend, swing that judgemental gaze to yourself and think before you speak.

  563. The truth is…The woman that wrote the article desires to have a tattoo. She is just unable to free her heart and mind to take the step.

    Oh, and she most likely needs to get laid…way too much frustration, way, way too much!

  564. Kaycie says:

    Congrats,
    You have a clouded opinion of what a female should be.
    Note: it’s fine for men to have tattoos, but not women.

    So, while were all off shopping and joining the gym, should we also be cooking for our husbands and having children rather than a career or an opinion etc?

    Also, I’d like to point out, you said that rather than getting a tattoo to beautify yourself.
    Perhaps take your own advice before critizing others?

  565. Donna C says:

    It is very interesting that one would say that tattoos are not classy. Who is to say that they are not? Where fancier clothing, working out to better shape your body does not constitute class. That sounds to me you are materialistic. Monetary gains does not buy class. Women with tattoos does not mean they are not classy. I have met many women whom are well educated ans classy that has tattoos. How women choose to represent themselves is their business. This article almost pushes women back to the dark ages. It seems like we all should go out buy those 6 inches heels, low cut Chanel dress, and put on some fancy jewelry and we have instant class. There are meanings and thought that goes into putting on a tattoo on your body. Yes, there are people out there that just slaps anything on their body and think it is cool. But it does not mean that every case is the same. This article just shows how shallow and narrow minded the author is. Having tattoos does not say you have bad moral judgements and can’t raise moral sounding children. The author needs to be more open minded and associate with more people and get out of your well.

  566. Samantha says:

    Omg….. I can’t believe that your a reporter, here this.. You went to uni to write about things that are important right?
    Well here me when I say that your not a reporter you have given your opioin very strongly on a topic you know nothing about!!! Why do ppl get tattoos well let’s look at that! I got tattoos because they are who I am an each marking on my perfect body has meaning not because I have low self esteem or because I am not perfect these tattoos are priceless! And I can still walk down the street with my beauty and flunt my sexy TATTOOED self and men still fall at my feet you ignorant little no- body…..
    Every woman is beautiful in there own way weather they have tattoos from head to toe, the tramp stamp or a dolfin on there ankle!!! No matter what we WOMAN still have the world to rule with or with out tattoos so maybe do your home work before you preach little girl and never write about the world you know nothing about. …….

  567. Josh says:

    I think your idea on tattoos is completely wrong. People find women with tattoos attractive, just because you don’t understand the point doesn’t mean you should cast judgement on the people with them. It’s people like you that stop progress. I know guy with full sleeves that are the hardest working nicest people you will meet. If its articles like this that you plan on writing then just stop and go elsewhere. We don’t need close minded people like you writing.

  568. crissy says:

    I get it, it’s the 21’st Century, you’re cool, you can spell, you have a computer, you hide behind your blog and you have no point to make that anyone with half a brain ( because ink must have seeped through to the other half) cares about. While you talk to your kids ( whom you probably should have aborted, oh wait, you are probably against that too ya bigot) I’d like you to really really think about what you are saying to them. That it’s ok to change the way your legs look through painful high heels, to waste money on nail polish that has to be re-applied every week or two and to use the gym as a means to change the way your body looks to impress who? Do something productive like a new fucking hairstyle? Do something productive like get a masters degree in early education. Do something productive like become a licensed massage therapist? Do something productive like graduate with honors with a degree in journalism and spend the rest of your clouded days blogging about people, im sorry, specifically women, with tattoos. Aren’t we at war? Aren’t we in three wars? I’d like to tell your children that a classy woman is educated and empathetic. A classy woman can look at the world around her with clear eyes not distracted by trendy fashion and the undeniable soul sucking self esteem reducing cesspool of hypocrisy and manipulation that is THE MALL. She can look at this world and see that we are all on the same road to salvation. Or hell. A classy woman will enjoy the finer things in life like friendship, trust, and equality. A classy woman wears her class in her eyes, her soul. Her skin, no matter how trendy the clothes she puts on it, no matter how inky the ink she lays on it and no matter how surgical the surgeries she does to it does not measure her class. So your answer to class is the mall? Are you really a happier person? Kids, girls, my little princesses, I promise by the end of the day you will be happier doing whatever you damn well please wether it be buying a book, eating beef jerky, learning the harp, killing your friends tamagachi, painting your nails and your brother’s nails, running 15 miles to raise money for soul cancer, downloading the new Florence and the Machine album, punching your mother in the face ( don’t do it unless it’s Lisa Khoury, then by all means, pound away) because I promise, it will be a much more rewarding experience, and you won’t find yourself in a rut when your future grandkids ask you what’s up with the squid on your ass or the sugar skulls on your hips or the pirate ship on your arm or the initials next to the RIP on your neck or the hearts up your sleeve or the bird on your chest or the snake on your leg or the portrait on your ribs or the dolphin on your ankle or the awesome tribal design on your low back or the Asian lettering on your wrist as you’re in the middle of giving them a life lesson on the importance of values and morals. When you have values and morals worth passing on to your kids it won’t be your tattoos they see or remember it will be that my Mommy is a good woman who doesn’t judge people on how they look but rather on how they contribute to the survival of our world, our ever progressive minds, and our planet. God knows the last things we need in this world is another generation of kids questioning their basic values and morals.
    Crissy
    ccretara@gmail.com

    (my personal email, I do not hide)

  569. Jamie Larie Has-A-Ton-A-Ink says:

    May I just begin by saying that judging by the above photo, this girl looks like she could use a haircut, facial, gym membership AND lay herself? ……Anyway, here is the email I sent to her:
    So you must just think you are the greatest thing to ever grace the presence of this earth mustn’t you? You know the funny thing? I have probably 45% of my body covered in ink- and I can GUARANTEE you, that I have more class in my LITTLE FINGER, than 90% of the women in my town. Or rather this country. Maybe before writing articles about tattoos lowering my level of class or elegance, you should try having some yourself. My body? My body IS a temple. So religions like to honor or celebrate differently than others. Just because someone’s belief is different, doesn’t mean that its wrong. Knowing that, and being able to see the difference and accept it, is what gives me all the more class and elegance than you. Being classy and elegant is not what’s on the outside. I think you know the rest of that statement… or do I need to explain that to you too?

  570. Fishcat says:

    “Ladies, making your own decisions, Seriously, though.

    Guys drool over us.
    An elegant woman does not vandalize the temple she has been blessed with. She goes to the gym.

    Invest your time, money, and effort into a gym membership.
    I promise, it will be a much more rewarding experience,

    God knows the last thing this world needs is another generation of kids questioning their basic values and morals.”

    That last line is the killer.

  571. Danielle says:

    Obviously dear you are convinced that you and your class are gods gift and let me tell you now, you aren’t. A woman with class does not judge and a woman with class does not worry about not getting noticed over people with tattoos. My tattoos are an expression of me, the things that have made me who I am and only add to the confidence that I have. I do not worry if someone doesn’t ike them, because only I will have them until the day I die. I don’t have to worry about people not liking me because I don’t have the personality and opinion of a jealous pre-teen. Though you may not like tattoos, along with many others, people will continue to get them and continue to express themselves through their own personal art. I will go to sleep tonight knowing that people love me not because of how i look, or how i dress or the tattoos that I have and I will continue to get but for who I am and who I will continue to be, which is more then you have got going on.

  572. larry hoover says:

    Well as I sit and type this I can see u now … in high school you were that girl that had cloths from big lots , the one who always smelled like moth balls and cat piss , th one who never got a date to any of the dances you we’re that girl! Now ur older still a lame as person and when u take half of ur hair and cover it in ur pic u look like skrillex [not to hate he’s a boss] u nevr got tattoed cuz ur a pussy and worrie about wht ppl think of u. And u shouldn’t because so far in ur life u have been rejected over and over and u always will .. clean ur self up broad fer fuck sake then u could write this .. I haven’t took the tim to read ur trash but like u I took one look and judged u for being a loser an a ugly person

  573. Gina says:

    This is the email I have sent her…

    Dear Miss Khoury,
    I have just read your article on the worthlessness of tattoos, as posted in The Spectrum.
    I applaud your desire to disuede young woman from having “ink done” just because they think it is fashionable, but I disagree that tattoos are worthless and a waste of money. I am a mature, married woman, my husband of 30 years does not have tattoos, nor do either of my sons, the eldest of which is presently studying at university. I had my 1st tattoo at the age of 43, I now have 6 and would like to have more.
    I know my body is a temple…I know the power I have over men.
    Do you intend telling church going folk that their votive decorations are worthless? I consider my tattoos votive decoration of my temple, each personally designed with specific refferences. Are the frescos in Italian churches worthless? I do not prejudge people on how they follow their faith, even with many years of study under my belt.
    As to “moral values”, I do not believe there is any correlation between moral standards and tattoos. A persons morals come from within, tattoos are on the outside. I and my family are held in high esteem by our neighbours, becuause of our high morals, which we manage to live by without looking down our noses at others who struggle with theirs.
    I would, however, take you to task over your promotion of vanity amongst young woman. If you believe a womans body is a temple, why are you telling them to plaster them with chemicals and trinkets.? I personally consider, scorched hair and plastic glued on nails, a far more destructive form of vandalism, and you can’t be a Goddess AND a slave to fashion. All your choices in life should be your own, and nothing to do with “fitting in with the crowd”.
    I wish you clarity of thought, and a long purposeful life
    Blessed Be

  574. Danielle says:

    My husband just looked at your picture and I read this article to him. He believes that there is nothing in your statement that will improve your image.
    He said that the only thing that might make you attractive to him and others is a back job and some piercings.
    Stop being a prude and live your f%#^*+g life.
    He also said that you’re very insightful and articulate, but are you happy and do you have a life?
    He said…..Have a think….ie.He wanted you to know that this was delivered with no malice but you are ugly.

  575. Mary-Anne Valla says:

    This has got to be one of the most ridiculous & pointless articles I have ever read.
    To say ‘get your nails done’ or ‘experiment with hairstyles’ but don’t tattoo yourself is just stupid. All of those things are a sign of expression & I think the individualism that tattoos bring shouldn’t be degraded.
    I only have a small tattoo myself, which is a pair of birds that is a memorial tattoo after we lost my brother to suicide. Does that make me ‘classless’? Certainly not.

  576. Amy says:

    Reading this article made me furious but then reading the comments telling her what a clueless twat she is has really cheered me up.

  577. Amy says:

    You have got to be joking!
    How the f*** does expressing myself with masterpieces degrade myself! I have 2 tattoos, one is my sons name, the other an angel, in memory of a close family member on my back! I love tattoos, and yes everyone knows they’re there forever. That’s the point! I could not care less what people like you think of me when I walk past you! It’s people like you that male people commit suicide!
    What you have written may be your opion, but it’s going too far! I’m a women, a spraypainter, and I hate HATE being girly. So what are you trying to say by ur comments? Because I’m a girl I should get my nails done, dress & act like a skank like most other women!!!! No thank you! I’m true to myself, and express myself through art, tattoos!! Keep your self-centred comments and opions to yourself, and get your head out of your arse!!!!

  578. jessiwahls says:

    Awww…leave her alone! She’s clearly quite unattractive and to add to the mixture, not the smartest cooky in the box. I bet she was bullied in school…possibly by a tattooed girl?!
    She has obviously no idea what she is talking about!!!
    I have a few tattoo’s, am a i shall say rather classy lady,- have no issue with my looks and am not per say trying to make a statement of rebellion. I am an artist and like to see my ink as art on a different canvas. But then again..the genius of this article lives in such a narrow minded world that even to ask her to understand would be a waste of time,- time i’d rather spend thinking about what else i would like to get tattooed.
    The only thing i would ask here is, why not stop wasting your time being a judgmental idiot who’s trying to sound knowledgeable about something you clearly have no idea about and stop trying to get over your bullied past….

  579. Jack says:

    This starts off by saying it’s wrong to directly tell someone they’re wrong… Then this article goes on to say that personal choices are wrong it feel’s, because the article is written in a personal way that it is talking directly to you so this is the most hypocritical article iv ever seen personally I love tattoos and spending alot of money to get something personal/memorial or whatever is worth it it’s a part of who you are

  580. meeshee says:

    Honestly…is this a real person?!
    Tattoos are worthless but nail polish is worth while?
    I’m confused.
    This person is real?
    This isn’t a joke?
    Are you sure??!!!!!
    Wow.
    WOW WOW WOOOOOW.

  581. tattoo man says:

    What a cunt she is. Simple as

  582. I’m white hot with disgust, anger and pity..and yet, I’m not surprised.
    As long as we have non-conformists,who challenge the norm and want to express creativity, in any way, we will have conformists who will try to hold them down.
    Frustrating but it’s life.

  583. Tattooed says:

    I was going to write a tirade about that article but I see it has been done and quite satisfactorily at that.
    My first tat was meaningful but very badly done, but the redo 10 years later fixed that.
    My next was meaningful and done brilliantly.

    The next was with my oldest daughter and it was her first. We designed each others tats

    Now, I will never remember when or where or what the many times I took them to get school cloths.
    They will always remember the times we spent out doing things in the sun.

    They will never remember the time we spent wandering the mall

    They will always remember the time spent at wolf sanctuaries, not at wal mart.

    They will remember the times we went fishing (these are my daughters I am talking about)
    Not the times looking at fashion (Which we/they would not do)

    Tattoos are art. Maybe only to the person wearing it but to me that is all that matters.

    If it is just a jumble of ink that blends in to a dark blob or not, well, it is that persons art still.

    I had a family member tell me once, “people with tattoos are gang members and trouble makers.”
    Then I looked at my oldest daughter and we both pulled sleeves up to show some of out favorite work. The look on that family members face was priceless.

    It is not YOUR business to be so negative about someones style or art unless it directly interferes with another.

    Where I work says, “No exposed tattoos”. umm too late for me although they haven’t said anything.

    But I doubt there would be enough people where I work that would have anything to say about them.

    Let people have their art, their personal style and what ever else they see fit to call it.

    Because YOU don’t like it does not mean YOU have the right to assume anything about it or call it something negative. You want to hear what everyone REALLY thinks of YOU? You face? Your hair? Your fashion choices? You want articles posted about that? About your boyfriend/husband/girlfriend/wife?

    Do you want a whole community trash talking about you and anything you hold as meaningful?

    Didn’t think so.

    Unless this article you wrote is just to troll and get exposure.

    Then you are even less of a person.

  584. Tony says:

    People with class do not judge others on how they choose to dress our decorate themselves, permanently or otherwise. People with class choose to standout not blend in with the herd and conform to hackneyed stereotypes. People with class do not look down on others who choose not to follow their lead. The person who wrote this article is entitled to their opinion. However so am I. I love my partner and she had many tattoos on her.Ser

  585. Mike says:

    First of I would just like to say, DAMN! It is very true that women hold elegance and beauty, in fact my girlfriend is a very beautiful young woman and is also loaded with tattoos. I think that it is AWESOME! This broad that is talking about tattoos on woman being degrading and all that crap is, how do I say this, WRONG!! If nothing else she is a sexist pig! Tattoos just like the clothes on your back, shoes on your feet or anything else that a person feels make them feel beautiful as an individual person. So I guess what she is saying that everyone in this wide wide world must be the same, giving ll there time and money to THE MAN. Buying fancy clothes and crap. I’m all for looking and feeling good about yourself and if that means getting a tattoo, then by all means get as many as you want. I think nobody needs to subject themselves to any one stereotype, man or woman. Shit, if you want tattoos get them, if not then don’t. You don’t hear us tattooed people going around saying that those without tats are plain and boring, now do you. I only have one thing more to say. “Be yourself, be free, be whomever you want to. Just make yourself a promise that with or without tattoos, you are a beautiful person.” Well I’m off to enjoy the day with my beautiful tattooed girlfriend, maybe we will both get some ink today. Have a good one.

  586. Adrian says:

    Thanks for the article. It’s great we live in a world where we can have an opinion. I do not agree with the article however will claim that the ceremony, process, feeling and out come of my many tattoos are planned, executed and genuinely very pleasing. I can reference my tattoos like a timeline, much the same as my academic certificates or sporting trophy’s. As a parent of a boy and a girl, I’ve often queried my motivations for skin art and also how I may explain should I need to, the presence of tattoos to them. it’s a unique situation that thankfully my personal confidence and authentic motivations for wanting them put them and myself at ease. My hope is that these same behaviours will translate to my own children being equally confident in them selves and more over, satisfied that in more ways than just tattoos, that the presentation of skin, be it inked or of varied colour, is of little or no impact on the worth and value of anyone- to be educated enough to know this a not project a view which would indicate otherwise.

  587. Tony says:

    People with class do but judge others by their clothing or personal adornment. People with class choose to stand out not follow the herd that try to conform to hackneyed stereotypes. People with class do not choose to look down on those who choose not to follow their lead let alone have the arrogance to make public their self aggrandising notion of superiority. The person who wrote this article has a right to their opinion. We all do. This is my opinion. I love my partner and she has many tattoos. She even has one I designed specifically for her. It’s on her skin. Skin does not a good person make. Skin is a shell that is meant to wither with age. It is the person inside that makes it beautiful not the shell. Going to the gym cannot make you generous and warm, proud and confident or even just simply nice to be around, just as tattoos do not make you untrustworthy, feckless, of criminal mind or mean. If you feel the need to pump endless money into a gym to feel good about yourself, wear loads of make up just to go out, sit in nail salons to fit in or pay stupid amounts for clothes and hair because you feel it would lower you in others eyes then heads up it’s you with the problem not others. If you choose to do any of the former simply because you want to then thats fine. Going to the gym to keep fit is also fine. It am not saying don’t do it just don’t do it for the wrong reasons. if you feel good in yourself why is it anyone elses business what you wear and what you do. Go your own way just don’t tell others their way is wrong because you choose another road!

  588. Keira says:

    What a narrow-minded opinion piece. The author apparently believes that tattoos are merely used as sexual magnets, not to mention the fact that it appears to be a tongue-lashing directed at women only. Does that mean that it is ok to be tattooed of you are a man? And if you derive self-growth from shopping at the mall with your “girlfriends” or getting your nails done I pity you. As for The Spectrum, I am surprised that it wasted the ink used publishing this story.

  589. Caroline says:

    I get it. It’s the 21st century. You’re cool, you’re rebellious, you’re cutting edge, you have a point to prove, and you’re a woman. Awesome.
    Ladies, I know you’re at least at the legal age of making your own decisions, but before you decide to get a tattoo, allow me to let you in on a little secret. A secret you may have not fully realized yet thus far in your life. What you must understand is, as women, we are – naturally – beautiful creatures.
    a) Not all women are beautiful
    b) Describe ‘beauty’.

    Seriously, though. Your body literally has the ability to turn heads. Guys drool over us.
    c) Guys who drool are limited, mentally.
    We hold some serious power in our hands, because – as corny as this sounds – we hold the world’s beauty.
    d) You really advocate using sexuality as a power tool?

    But something girls seem to forget nowadays, or maybe have not been taught, is that women hold the world’s class and elegance in their hands, as well.
    e) This is a ridiculous statement, girls, do not singularly hold any such thing…
    An elegant woman does not vandalize the temple she has been blessed with as her body.
    f) Does this apply to cosmetics and ear piercings as well? The adornment of jewellery?
    She flaunts it.
    g) What??? How is this directed at women alone? And are you again saying a woman should flaunt themselves for gain?
    She’s not happy with it? She goes to the gym. She dresses it up in lavish, fun, trendy clothes, enjoying trips to the mall with her girlfriends.
    h) What about preaching acceptance of oneself, as one is? Not promoting change to allay discontent with a social standard of body image…
    She accentuates her legs with high heels.
    i) The high heels which cause problems in the spine, and leg formation? The heels which have been historically associated with a form of literally ‘slowing a woman’s escape from an attacker? Go modern day feminist I’m loving you right now…..
    But marking it up with ink? That’s just not necessary.
    j) You are right it isn’t necessary, similarly it is not necessary to wear make up or wash your hair or wear earrings or a wedding ring or anything people choose to do…

    I’m not here to say a girl should walk around flaunting her body like it’s her job – that’s just degrading.
    k) Oh, you do know a little about the concept…..
    Instead of getting a tattoo, a more productive use of your time would be improving and appreciating the body you have been given, not permanently engraving it.
    l) Id rather spend an hour getting a tattoo than 9 months engraving myself in permanent stretch marks again….

    Can you get meaning out of a tattoo? Arguably.
    m) Can you get meaning from any Art? The answer is yes.
    If you want to insert ink into your skin as a symbol for something greater than yourself, then maybe you are proving a point to yourself or the rest of the world.
    n) I’m not sure any one believes a tattoo is a symbol of something greater than themselves (except perhaps the religious/spiritual/political symbols) when they have a tattoo

    But at the end of the day, are you really a happier person?
    o) On the whole yes.
    Has this tattoo, for instance, caused you to learn something new about yourself?
    p) sometimes yes, but then so do a lot of things like how angry I can get when a substandard writer can’t formulate a balanced piece based on her opinion, and rather use her opinion to dictate how the world should see things…
    Has it challenged you?
    q) Yes, most of the time…
    Has it led you to self-growth?
    r) Now we are venturing into USA style evangelism which I will never subscribe to……..self growth give me a fucking break…
    Nothing comes out of getting a tattoo. You get a tattoo, and that’s it.
    s) Yeah, except being able to carry art with you wherever you go, that’s true, that is it. And?
    You do something productive, though, and you see results. That’s a genuine, satisfying change in life. Not ink.
    t) What is considered productive which a tattooed person never engages in? I’m curious as to whom are the people you are referring.

    Invest your time, money, and effort into a gym membership, or yoga classes, or new clothes, or experimenting with different hairstyles if you’re craving something new with your body, not a tattoo.
    u) Or do all of it, or a couple of those things, or some of them or none….whatever……

    I promise, it will be a much more rewarding experience, and you won’t find yourself in a rut when your future grandkids ask you what’s up with the angel wings on your upper back as you’re in the middle of giving them a life lesson on the importance of values and morals.
    v) Id be more concerned about future grandkids asking me why I couldn’t carry them or bend down to speak to them because my back was so fucked up from wearing the high heels which apparently made me so classy and desirable…

    God knows the last thing this world needs is another generation of kids questioning their basic values and morals.
    w) ‘God’ knows that everyone has the right to be loved and not judged by any other human. ‘God’ knows that people deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.
    Kids do not judge, adults do. And adults with narrow minds at that.
    The problem with kids in this day and age that they do not understand social etiquette and moral purpose, this means that they need not to look down or judge others but to engage with fulfilling their lives to the best of their ability without impacting directly on others. They should understand how to form a balanced debate, know the implications of their actions and be responsible for them. They should believe that class is something that comes from holding themselves in high regard and that the belittling and disrespect of others for making choices which whilst do not impact them, is merely vulgar and really rather common.
    Caroline Panico.

  590. Daisy says:

    Your body is your canvas, you can choose to use it or not also your saying Kat Von D is ‘classless’ she’s one of the hottest woman out their, open your eyes

  591. Richy says:

    MORALs and VALUES… i cant realy take up the whole female stated side of this post as im a guy (but as a guy married to a tattooed wife, son of a tattooed mother and brother to a tattooed sister, i think you must have a low opinion of yourself and are trying to justify your choice in life while you berate others for theirs)

    but i can refer to the next generation having lowered basic values and morals because of its elders being tatooed…. FUCK OFF! i myself am a tattooist, my wife ha a large collection of tattoos.. we have 2 amazing young boys with manners and a good work ethic when it comes to school. I do not claim they are sainted or perfect as any parent will tell you the ammount there child sends them crazy at times

    I believe being tattooed is not a sign that you can not instil the basic morals and key rules of life
    …. one thing i think our kids will know (or rather i hope they know) is to be more understanding of people choices and not to belittle them for it, and that appearance has little to do with the person or who they are.

    maybe its personality that needs to be looked at not appearance, as often or not .. a total cunt, will have been a total cunt befor they even got their first tattoo

    you speak about class asif a tattooed person is of lower social standing or that such a person has no place in an educated world.. i would like to point out that untill recently many heads of state / Royal famalies had tattooists on their staff to tattoo them on a whim .. as for education i would like to also inform you that the peerson i am about to name was tattood is creddited with design of the first mechanical tattoo machine

    Thomas Alva Edison (American Inventor)
    The inventor of the electric tungsten light bulb, the phonograph, and the motion picture camera is probably one of America’s most famous scientists. He holds more than one thousand patents for things he came up with.

    i know id rather my kids were more like Edison then Barbie!

    the clothing you wear, the car you drive, the dye in your hair, and the food that you eat ….. these all modify your body to what you want it to be in connection a certin task and are changed readily… i tattoo is for life… maybe the person with the tattoo knows who they are and what they want from the life they lead.

    and who are you to try and degrade another persons choice, this is based on this article and the kind of person i think writes such thing, but i believe you are a disgusting bigot and i am glad you wrote this so i can educate my children on bigotry a little better

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  593. Gotta say, I don’t support tattoos, but this article is so unbelievably sexist that I think I’d rather have a tattoo then share the same opinion against them.

  594. Kara says:

    Glad you threw that little “God” comment in at the end there. He would probably agree that you should want guys to drool over your body, be materialistic, and invest your time in getting your nails done. I mean, I don’t know him personally, but it seems like you’ve hit the nail on the head!!

    Your article reeks of narcissism, and it’s extremely unfortunate how close minded you are. You obviously haven’t done ANY research on the history of tattoos, and the meaning and significance they have played in our society throughout history…but i’m sure you’re too busy working on your ass at the gym to look up something as stupid as that!
    And who the fuck are you to say nothing comes from a tattoo? It’s an art form in my opinion, who are you to say what it means or doesn’t mean to someone? Art is completely necessary to life, regardless of you admit it or not.
    Music and visual arts are the most powerful form of communication. You don’t have to speak the same language as someone to comprehend the same photograph…it’s the language of creativity. Who are you to deny someone of that, because it is permanent? Further more, what the fuck is it to you? Don’t like tattoos. Don’t get one.
    (I hope you appreciate the abrasive, condescending attitude I used there. I used your article as reference!)

    So over all, I really love how you have a true understanding of jesus. I like that you let his ‘will’ shine through this article, as a materialistic, judgmental, commanding ass hole. You’ve done him proud!
    Next time someone says they don’t believe in god (And i’m willing to bet you’re the person who persistently asks why) think about your terrible judgmental attitude, and why people associate those two together.
    Step away from your bible, and be a fucking human.

  595. Craig Tanner says:

    Wow just wow, you are one close minded individual if I’ve ever seen one. Tattoos are art on display for free, they’re an expression of ones self, they’re other people’s passion. Not a disgrace or tasteless especially not classless. I’ll admit there are some stupid people when it comes to tattoos. But that’s like 2 out of 20 tattooed people that are stupid. I know a plethora of girls and women all with tattoos. Theyre still elegant and classy WITH tattoos. If their body is a “temple” it requires sacrifice to make it beautiful am I right? The tattoos they get ARE their own sacrifice to their body to make it beautiful and it does wonders to the already gorgeous women out there. So before you go voicing your opinion on a topic you’ve NEVER participated in. How about you talk to people who have tattoos and ask them real questions. And actually justify your argument and back it up better with actual FACTS, you stupid motherfucker. Ugh!

  596. Steffers says:

    Very high and mighty coming from someone who looks like they’re wearing joke glasses, with a fake nose attached!

  597. Stephanie says:

    This girl is ignorant. Not all girls want to go shopping all the time, get nails done, etc. She has a Stepford mentality that is just as crazy to me as my tattoos would be to her!

  598. Christina Brant... says:

    So so wrong.. She is so judgmental…

  599. Kara says:

    ‘I promise, it will be a much more rewarding experience, and you won’t find yourself in a rut when your future grandkids ask you what’s up with the angel wings on your upper back as you’re in the middle of giving them a life lesson on the importance of values and morals.’

    My aunt Virginia died of breast cancer after a long and painful battle. After her funeral, my mother went out directly and got her sister’s name and a pink ribbon tattooed on her ankle in memory, because it was that much a part of her life and her sister had been that close to her.

    Guess what my mom shows her grandkids. A lot. As she’s telling them about the importance of values and morals.

    I tend to not respond to things online that enrage me, because at the end of the day it doesn’t help me or the person who wrote it. Everyone is welcome to their opinions, and Ms. Khoury is free to spout her nonsense into the ether if she pleases. But this whole thing sounds like it was written by a ten-year-old parroting her parents.

  600. bobsom says:

    There are lots of girls with tattoos That are a hell of a lot more attractive than you…..

  601. Edward says:

    This author is a idiot.

  602. Doedee says:

    My fellow tattooed gals and various non-tattoed folks speaking up for us, the “classless”, please keep your comments “classy” and refrain from vulgar language as it only reinforces that her stereotypes are right. With every derogatory remark, she is surely patting herself on the back for a job well done.

    And I’d also like to add (I posted this as a response to someone’s comment, but I felt the need to reiterate): I’ve honestly met very few people with tattoos that didn’t have very deep meaning to them and if it doesn’t, guess what? it doesn’t matter. Although we all make complaints (or at least I know I’m guilting) about not like this or that about our country, we have our awesome First Amendment protecting us “classless” tattooed gals, as well as, the very classy Ms. Khoury. *sigh* on the latter.

    It makes me very sad to know she is an editor too, it makes me sad for her readers (if there are any outside of herself), and sad for her school (as this is clearly a poor respresentation of any school; even the most religious of schools do not condone such articles). Journalism is about supplying the audience with FACTS. She’s obviously a candidate for one of the biased, scrolling-bar-of-terror news stations like FoxNews and CNN (although I am a CNN fan, I’ve heard/read an article or two that had far too much opinion obstructing the truth).

    I’m very glad to see so many people showing her, and whomever else is reading this article, that a tattoo doesn’t equal a drug using criminal. We can tell her/them exactly how we feel without lowering our standards and being classless with a just as ignorant remark cursing her. Intelligence is becoming, Ms. Khoury, I suggest you get some.

  603. Johnny says:

    No hope that the author would turn heads anyway. She looks more like Skrillex than a woman.

  604. Sash says:

    Aha….so you justify intolerance by saying “you are beautiful dont do it”….ever heard of “having your own life”??? ever heard of living your life how YOU want?
    Raising a point is one thing, but this is just simply intolerance, written by a girl-minded woman, spoilt to the max.
    Tattooing goes far far back in time, and for some it’s decoration, and for others even more.

    Please don’t wear jewellery, because you as a woman should know : women are beautiful creatures…why wearing rings and necklaces which make you look like christmas tree???

    This article is an oxymoron

    You are not superior, and their are no rules of how to live your life. The only rule which applies is : With whatever you do, don’t harm others or yourself. be happy!!
    So I would refrain from telling people ” this is right, this is wrong”…because clearly, this article is an insult to any human being with an individual mind, which you obviously don’t seem to understand

    Why not go as far and point at cultural modification : Africa-Scarification , India- Tattooing, Kamchatka – Lip and Neck modification as well as in Balkans, Sudan etc the list goes on

    You clearly aren’t tolerant , and your conformist statement is just a simple indication of how gullible you are.
    It’s everybody’s own decision, it’s decoration, and in case you should be concerned of how it will look at a later point : don’t worry, I think everybody will be able to cope with it, though we say Thank you for your concern.

    There is just one race, and it’s the human race…no diversions/differences. Your words are intolerance in its purest form, and make me wonder , which hole you have been living in the last years

    Learn to live, do what you want to do, because clearly you seem to be in need for attention and love “Guys drool over us”.
    I hope that at some point you will come across somebody, who will point out your “beauty mistakes” ( “what a big nose, your hair needs a cut”) and stuffs you into the same ugly drawer , you just put a large amount of people in.

    So I wish you good look to find a guy who will drool over you, because clearly: Everybody in the right mind space, will turn around and walk off seeing/listening such a massive amount of ignorance and intolerance.

    A beautiful physique blessed with a beautiful mind is everything that you are not….(harsh? ….read YOUR article)

  605. Mary Jane says:

    Well I don’t know about everyone else but when I have kids I want to be able to say ” I love my tattoo’s and piercings,” and when they are old enough as long as they are sure of what they want I will have no problem with them decorating their bodies to suit their personality.
    This world is finally starting to accept that people are individuals and should be able to do exactly what they want to themselves. People like this woman want us to be uniform, to not stick out from the crowd. It will be a sad day when the world ever becomes how this woman clearly wants it to be. I suggest that this woman takes a couple of hits off a spliff then she might see things more clearly.

    Be yourself inside and out, Legalise Weed, Be good to each other, Live your life.

  606. Jonathan says:

    Wow you can tell who the people with tattoos here are. I don’t have tattoos nor do I find them attractive on anyone, male or female. I also like how everyone just takes what this woman has said completely out of context, at what point did she actually say it was “classless” to have a tattoo? She didn’t she simply said that women to an extent represent the classes. You all need to calm down, do you not realise how most of you sound as bad if not worse than her? “let’s hold her down and forcibly tattoo her” yeah that’s bloody mature. I don’t agree with everything she said though, I know tattoos can hold a lot of meaning to someone, but I personally find most of them gawdy and totally unattractive but that’s me.

    • sofia says:

      Excuse me, the entire article was about how tattoos are “classless” and women shouldn’t get them, but because she didn’t specifically say “In sum, they are classless and I hate them!” you don’t see what she was saying there?

    • Jamie says:

      Yes Jonathan, but piercing and tattooing are a part of some cultures like mine. How would you like it if we took your heritage and used it in the same context? I think you would be a bit offended too.

    • Alice says:

      Saying that tattoos are classless is also saying that we are classless. And I’m not a woman that wants to run around shopping and playing the perfect Stepford wife. My husband does not have near as many tattoos as I but he loves my tattoos. He says it’s art. But once again this is your opinion and you are entitled to it.
      I just find it judgemental and insulting to me as a classy tattooed woman.

  607. Chesty LaRue says:

    I have beautiful tattoos that tell a story of my life and my experiences. They were done by a beautiful woman, who like me, has her own unique story colored into her flesh. Tattoos are no different then penning your life to paper, with our paper being our flesh. If you research into the past of this great world of ours, you’ll see in various cultures that tattoos were a symbol of life’s achievements. Hunting, births, marriages, skills- are you calling our ancestors Classless?

    A tattoo doesn’t define a woman, a man, anyone. The only thing that defines that person is themselves. I define myself as a beautiful mother to be that immortalizes her life on her skin. To suggest that I should go to the gym more, go shopping with my girlfriends and prances around like a dimwitted Barbie doll is forcing me into a gender role that WOMEN have fought against for years. I think that if you’re going to insult the tattoo community, you should also insult every person that has had plastic surgery to enhance themselves- I am included in this world as well.

    I have learned that I am a strong woman through my tattoos- I have learned to work a little harder to save that money to get my memory penned into my skin. Every time I look at one of my pieces, it brings me back to why I got it. I am then reminded of how far I’ve come since that event. When my baby asks me what each drawing means, I can confidently express how Mommy made it this far and how you too, my little angel can as well. My child will grow up knowing that his/her aunts, uncles, grandparents, great uncles, great aunts, cousins are all classy, intelligent, beautiful people that have brought themselves through a bad point in life and kept pushing.

    I suggest prior to publicizing your hateful papers, you go to a hospital and ask each LIFE SAVING doctor to get nude and inspect them for tattoos. Go to you local fire department and police station and do the same. Make sure that you’ve actually met these people that SAVE lives, that promote wellbeing and education prior to showing how ignorant you really are.

  608. Tone says:

    Let me guess….straight edge and christian.

    The next article will be “Why homosexuals shouldn’t marry”.

  609. Pingback: Somebody just got a lot of hate mail. « Amateur Professional

  610. denise says:

    I am a mom and a grandmother..I also have more than one tattoo and I have piercings….My favorite tattoo is the lunar moth that covers the scar on my chest ..The scar is from having a port put in when i got Lyme disease and then it got even bigger a year later when they finally took the port out..The lunar moth looks a heck of a lot better than the ugly scar and my self confidence got a giant boost because I no longer have to hid beneath turtle necks.

  611. sofia says:

    Jesus, it took me 10 minutes to scroll down to the bottom of this page to leave a comment.
    Lisa Khoury is clearly a sexist dumbass who likes to shove her standards of beauty and class down peoples’ throats. She should never write a goddamn article again, her narrow-minded and degrading opinions aren’t of any worth.

  612. Bella says:

    If that is your opinion about tattoos, fine. DON’T GET ONE. This article makes you sound like a moron.

  613. Matt says:

    Let people do what they want to their bodies, it’s their right and if they don’t confirm to what YOU think is normal then so what??

    Don’t judge others because of what they do to their skin! Why are you so perfect?

  614. Jamie says:

    This is complete rubbish!! Tattoos, much like the ear piercing, has been around for ages. I bet most women have their ears pierced, and this is decorating the body (vandalizing the temple). This person must excuse herself from society as a whole, and foremost if people think this way — they must be racist. The Indian heritage has been doing these things to our “temples” for as long as our ancestors began. For this woman to say that an Indian has no class is completely racist and trashy. I would think an editor, writer, etc, would take a class on ethics, allowing themselves to write with respect in regard to different cultures that encompasses our society!!
    .

  615. christine says:

    you lost me at “I get it” because clearly you don’t.

  616. Alice says:

    As a 37 year old woman of class and who has tattoos. This article is just an opinion. Everyone is entitled to one. However saying that us women with tattoos are women without class is very jugdemental.
    Class is the way you talk and carry yourself not what your skin has on it. And just as you might like things that make you who you are, tattoos are apart of who we are. Not that we have anything to prove. Just as you hang art on your walls at home, we choose to put our art on our true home. There are also a lot of men that find women classy and sexy with tattoos.

  617. Ashley Hollings says:

    You my friend are a very confused individual, That’s all I have to say on this matter.

  618. Missy says:

    Wow. Kids say the darnest things. Does she even pay any of her own bills yet? Publishing an article puts your opinion out there permanently, too. What if she got a small version of this put on her body? Think she would regret it 10 years from now?

  619. Kerrie says:

    I have tattoos and ambition. What did prove by getting a tattoo? Nothing, but i never got one in order to prove anything. I am an artist and whilst the type of women you expect us all to be wear make-up on their faces, I view the entire body as a canvas. Practically all women and men customise their bodies in some way or another, it’s just that the majority do it to fit the typical man/ woman stereotype. Should women stop shaving their legs and all men grow their hair and beards long? Something you don’t seem to grasp is that we should all have the freedom to do as we please with our own bodies, I feel happier having tattoos because looking this way makes me feel comfortable. I am not here just to please a man’s eye. So you don’t like tattoos, in what way does it affect you if other people have them? Has there been an article written saying people like you should have tattoos? No, because we’re not sad enough to poke our noses in and tell you what you should look like. So the typical man may not find me attractive, I don’t care, my boyfriend does. Women have fought for their freedom of speech and here you go trying to put us all back in a box.

  620. Paige says:

    I completely disagree with this article. A tattoo is not meaningless, it tells a story, it serves to pay respect to loved ones, many countries use it as a part of their culture, or maby its just something you like. who is this girl to tell us how we should treat our bodies? she has no idea who we are. i have several tattoos, one for my father and one for my singing, and i will be getting another one. i eat well, go to the gym, and get my hair and nails done. This woman was probably raised in a very sheltered enviorment with strict parents. That sucks for her. If she doesnt like tattoos thats fine but millions of people around the world do like them. So if she doesnt like it them dont involve tattooed people in your life but dont tell us how to treat our bodies. oh and btw, elegance has nothing to do with looks, it is about confidence and the way you carry yourself. Get a clue ^_^

  621. pete says:

    I think this lady and everyone that making a big deal about this is a retard. No offense to retards. Her statement is obviously an opinion and she doesn’t even know why she has it. The real point is tatoos are a sin in 4/5 of the wrolds religions. Athiest or not this is why it’s taboo none of that bullshit that moron was saying. The point here is that tatoo art is still a great minority compared to radical religious nuts.

  622. Kylee says:

    I know I already commented but I just can’t get over it 🙂 Has anyone told this woman she’s beautiful with a straight face?! Look at that nose! Its like someone took a glob of clay while making her and smashed it in the middle of her face thinking to themselves “good enough.” The roundness of her face and the black sheet she’s draped herself in lead me to believe she could stand to go to the gym to work on that sad excuse for a temple… And what could her parents not afford ortho apointments for her when she were young? Maybe they blew all their money on tattoos and that’s why she feel this way, but her teeth look like they point inward instead of straight down, she shouldn’t smile with her mouth open… Don’t even get me started on that $10 haircut with the tewo layers of shelf layers, do yourself up honey or don’t preach to me about being sexy. I could give a shit less about you opinion on tattoos, but if you are going to tell me I don’t look good when you look like that is just redic! Extreme make-over time bitch, or keep your mouth shut. Next you’ll be saying women belong chained to the stove with just enough slack to get to the bedroom because those are the only two places we’re worth a damn… Wake the fuck up. Sorry for language but good grief she looks like a gargoyle.

  623. pete says:

    my point exactly stupid people getting offended by opinion. I never said I didn’t like tatoos.

  624. I am disgusted, as a woman, as a former UB Alumni member and as an art educator. Her email is on the bottom, I emailed her, I suggest other people should as well.

  625. jenny says:

    not vandalize our bodies??? did she ever think that we are adorning our bodies with expressions of who we are. and i know a lot of men who love tattoos on women. vandalizing, please

  626. Lynn says:

    What a load of SH*T!!!!! This woman needs to get her head out of her arse LIVE AND LET LIVE!!!!!
    Who are you!!!!

  627. Jeff Taylor says:

    I think any who judges people because they have tattoos are just plain ignorant! I dont think it should be anyones buisness what on my skin or my wifes skin. Ive got a news flash for you most people that have tattoos dont care about the rest of society or there beliefs. Its not about you, you closed minded jackass. I find you opinion insulting and even alittle sexist. Go read a book and keep your opinions to yoyr self

  628. Jef Kopp says:

    Wow. You really don’t know what you’re talking about. With the exception of letting you know that I think you’re a self-righteous turd, I wouldn’t give you the time of day, tattoos or not, because being judgemental, pushy, materialistic and stupid are truly qualities that lack class. They make you ugly, not tattoos.
    Get a clue, little girl. Why would anyone considering a tattoo or any kind of self-expression listen to someone, such as yourself, who offers a trip to the mall as an alternative. Your article is laughable.

  629. Pat says:

    Clearly this author has not taken her own advice as far as getting a gym membership. Physical health advice coming from her is like a catholic priest telling other priests how NOT to touch kids, pure hipocracy. Furthermore, the US Government just passed a bill allowing our own military to indefinently abduct, detain, and torture us for no reason at all, in the name of “national security” and this bitch is going to waste our time with a “dont get a tattoo speech”? Do your homework before you open your mouth to preach to me. We have all been declared enemy combatants in our own country…whether you have ink or not. The number of responses to this are overwhelming, considering there are no riots about the above mentioned bill passed (which is known as the National Defense Act of Fiscal Year 2012 if you actually want to do your duty as an American citizen to know what our government is doing). Keep bitching about tattoos rather than the future of our country and there will be no malls, or yoga, or shoe stores to drag your fat sorry ass to so you can bitch about people who had more balls than you and wanted to do something meaningful with their body, as THEY see it. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so write a real story you stupid fuck

  630. nicole says:

    I am appalled at the disregard for human expression in this article! This woman has no right to tell me what is classy and beautiful. Obviously if this woman had any idea what real class was she would find her own self lacking. Being judgmental and condescending is not now nor ever has been classy! I respect that many do not care for tattoos and I personally believe that a tattoo should have some personal meaning not just be pretty. However, I also feel that the only difference between getting your nails and hair done weekly and a tattoo is that in the long run a tattoo will cost less. We all alter our outside appearance at some point but I think this lady should spend more time working on her inner beauty.

  631. Duston McCreary says:

    So how long ago was it when your ex dumped you for a more attractive woman with tattoos?

  632. Sarah says:

    I love how us girls are being told It’s a waste of money buying a tattoo, however it’s NOT a waste of money to go out and pay someone to glue plastic crap onto our nails and paint it a pretty colour….
    furthermore were being told how to live our lives…. last I heard, we were allowed to lead our own lives and make our own decisions.

    allow me to say to YOU Lisa Khoury

    1. Angeline Jolie, Megan Fox, Ferne Cotton….they are just 3 celebs off the top of my head who can look classy as hell but still have tattoos.

    2. I’m guessing you don’t have a tattoo so who are you to tell others what you can gain from getting a tattoo.

    3. I go to the gym 3 times a week and work out daily at home… To make my body look better to put a pretty tattoo on 😉

    4, my final most important point here is that you are more than welcome to have your own opinion and if you wish to not get a tattoo then don’t get on but don’t you DARE judge other people and look down on them just because you have different taste and choose to live a different lifestyle… the wonderful thing thing about diversity is it keeps things different and interesting instead of EVERYONE being the SAME! . . . BOOOOORING!!!

    K Thanks Bye

  633. Becky says:

    I really hate to post something like this, but I think it’s important to have an actual well-rounded view on how tattoos are perceived in the world today. Sometimes we surround ourselves with like-minded people. But I think an important thing to recognize is the sometimes we are surrounded by people whose opinions are close-minded and judgmental.

    It’s always people who’ve had no real life experience who try and “teach” people about what the real perception of beauty is, and they often have the strongest opinions (or work as news editors).

    I get it. You represent the women of the “world” who spend all their days at the gym, dresses in trendy, often unaffordable clothes, and enjoys trips to the mall with their girlfriends. In your opinion, these things make you feel like you’re one classy woman! Well let me explain something that’s a bit more realistic and well-rounded…beautiful women all over the world often DO NOT fit into your tacky mold.

    On the border of Burma and Thailand, members of a Kayan tribe wear brass rings around their necks. This ritual has lasted for centuries-long before your shopping malls and botox. In the Karo tribe in southern Ethiopia, girls allow elders to cut scars onto their stomachs when they are children. This is believed to attract the males in the tribe. In Oman, some women wear a veil over their face. They believe it makes the eyes look really sexy. In Mauritania, a West African country, being overweight is sexy! Young girls are force fed in order to make them more desirable to the men. It increases their likelihood of finding a husband. (I bet 24-Hour Fitness wouldn’t exactly succeed there.) Finally, the Maori people of New Zealand practice the sacred beauty ritual of…tattooing! They believe that woman are more attractive when their face is tattooed around their chin and lips. Blue, full lips are considered the most desirable and have the best chances of finding a husband.

    It appears that the idea of beauty and classiness is not all about high heels, manicures, and shopping malls. It’s not about who can afford yoga classes or new clothes. It’s about doing what you feel to make YOURSELF feel beautiful. And although I don’t practice any of the customs of the women of Ethiopia or Mauritania, I do believe that they really are beautiful. More importantly, I would never judge other people for expressing themselves with things like tattoos.

    I myself have tattoos. And when my future grandkids ask me what’s up with the drunken snowman on my arm, or even the gay unicorn with rainbows shooting out of his horn, I’ll be giving them a history of where I’ve been, who I’ve loved, and the lessons I’ve learned. In other words, I will be giving them a life lesson on the importance of values and morals.

    Dear God, I hope we have another generation of kids who question everything in this world, including the opinions of others.

  634. Tracy says:

    I’d love to see the author of that article face to face and hear her tell me my tattoos are meaningless, that I’ve gotten nothing out of them. I have a tattoo of a pink owl wearing horn rimmed glasses with a compass on its belly. Many people would see it as just a strange owl. To mean, it is a way to keep my mother with me forever and show her how deep my support for her runs. She was diagnosed with Stage IV Meyastatic Breast Cancer in May 2011. It is not curable and eventually it will be terminal. Treatments can only hold it stay for so long. So my owl is my tribute to the woman who has been my everything for over 30 years. It’s pink to support breast cancer awareness, an owl because my mother and I refer to ourselves as “book owls”, the horn rimmed glasses look like a pair my mother used to wear (the pair she wore every day when I was four and she taught me to read), the compass points East with a red Fleur de Lys: my mother is Cherokee and French. The Cherokee tell a story of the RedMan who lives in the East and is called upon by the shamans to keep their people during times of struggle. The entire tattoo has a profound meaning and I’d love to meet the author and hear her say it doesn’t, right before I deck her.

  635. Bree says:

    Although I’m not judging your opinion, as it is your opinion, you should remember that all people are unique and enjoy different aspects that life has to offer. That is what makes the world go round. Where you may be held beautiful for your flawless skin, someone else may be beautiful for the artwork that is portrayed on theirs. It may not be just “rebellion, cutting edge, or proving a point”; maybe that artwork has an actual meaning behind it (a religious belief, a memory, a tradition). You never really know what’s beneath the surface unless you get to know that person, and that is where the beauty really lies. This comment comes from someone who holds no tattoos.

  636. Brittany says:

    Not that I feel that it needs stating again, but REALLY?!!?! What ever happened to “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” as stated by the magnificent Martin Luther King, Jr. We are upheld by our character and not about how classless we are by what color or how much ink is displayed on our skin. I myself work in the medical field. I am fully aware that there are people out there that judge solely based on ignorance and my tattoos are hidden on a daily basis for my profession. I am proud of my art, because it isn’t a tattoo, it is a part of who I am. The best part is when people find out I have tattoos and say “I never would have guessed!” I am proud that I am a GOOD person that provides a POSITIVE impact within my community AND I have tattoos. It gives me an opportunity to educate people like this woman that a tattoo doesn’t change WHO I AM, it amplifies and personifies my life, my personality, my passions, and my goals.

  637. Emily says:

    I can’t even focus on what I feel is a genuinely interesting topic of debate because the article is so poorly written from a logical perspective. Basically all of the implied assumptions that the article are based on are completely unfounded and inarticulate. Using “elegance” and “class” interchangeably, asserting that ‘elegant femininity’ is fostered through shopping, dressing nicely and exercising, treating ‘class’ and ‘tattoos’ as antithetical absolutes without any basis. The overarching opinion I also happen to disagree with. But I always get hung up on opinions people choose to make public that are inherently negative or judgmental toward a group of which they are not a part, particularly when that opinion is presented in an inarticulate, ineffective way. Ironically classless, in my opinion. If you are going to slander a group for a something, at least have the courtesy to do it in an intelligent way.

  638. Alexander says:

    I guarantee that not many guys drool over you, Ms. Khoury.

    And I, for one, actually find things like tramp stamps to be hot/sexy.

    It’s a matter of taste, and your relationship with symbolic meaning plays into the equation as well.

    I would guess the author has no clue about art, and much repression of emotion and/or self-honesty.

    Tattoos can be removed. The happiness they bring can never be taken away.

  639. I just found this article sad. To think that women have been oppressed for centuries, have died in their efforts to get the vote, still don’t get equal pay or treatment in employment their male colleagues do and a generation of women embraced feminism, burning the bra as a symbol of female oppression; after all of that we get somone suggesting we need to be fembots.

    She’s entitled to her opinion but she does our sex no favours by suggesting we adhere to one ‘ideal’ of beauty and an antiquated one at that. True beauty comes from within and feeling good about oneself, some may find that in getting tattooes some from barely leaving a gym other than to go to the beauty parlour or mall. Having freedom to choose how to express your beauty and femininity is the point the author appears to be missing.

  640. Nikki says:

    I got a large bible verse tattooed on my side after very bad things happened to me to remind me everyday that I am strong and can accomplish anything. I do not regret it at all. It is classy and if I am the only one that has self satisfaction with it, so be it. I don’t flaunt it. I’m thin, and don’t need to go to the gym or try a new hair style to better myself. I am happy with myself and that does not make me less classy than the business woman sitting across from me. I have a wonderful boyfriend who adores me and wants me for me, not for what my body or what i look like, but for my heart. I just recently had my eye makeup tattooed as well. I am 39, beautiful, tattooed, and classy. Grow up a bit.

  641. Abe says:

    A materialistic feminist and you think you have room to talk. A tattoo can be for a cool look, get in touch with your history, (Japanese, Polynesian, Samoan, any other traditional tattooists I missed) or memorialize a person or event. My wife has a beautiful body, I love it. Her tattoos only increase my love and attraction for her.

  642. Patriciana says:

    I am leaving a reply simply to show that I am yet another woman with tattoos who finds this article utterly ludicrous. I was in cosmo girl when I was 18 years old for “living outside of the norm”. I used that opportunity to express my views on staying drug and alcohol free. I believe that women with tattoos can be a good influence and have good morals. It is ridiculous to judge people based on how they look. As if people without tattoos are better women or classier. I am very traditional in my beliefs however, I have tattoos. I don’t think there is a difference between buying clothing, getting your hair done, and getting a tattoo. They all change your physical appearance. However I do believe getting a tattoo has a lot more meaning and “accomplishment” than buying clothing. Therefore preaching about natural beauty, and then encouraging women to change it with clothes and high heels, is hypocritical. However, these opinions have already been stated by so many comments above me. I’m only posting this to show my support for all the women with tattoos.

  643. Erin says:

    Sexist and narrow minded. Tattooed people get productive things done, also, but they also find time to get tattooed. Also, this girl expects us to believe that something like high heels DO lead to self growth? Ridiculous.

  644. TRomey says:

    You’re awesome! I couldn’t agree with you more! This editor is an insensitive, mindless, hopeless, petty, spoiled teenaged, caucamamy brat; with no common sense or creativity. My back piece is beautiful and it makes my ass look like a botanical garden of Eden. I love my tattoo!

  645. Miranda says:

    Im frustrated that she implies that getting a tattoo isn’t rewarding. I assume you have no tattoos, so how do you know how it feels. And doing yoga or exercising just makes me tired.

  646. Danielle says:

    You are the thing God fears. Your narrow minded judgement of others is a plague of this world. Matthew 5:7….read it…then we can talk about the log in your eye.

  647. Troy Patton says:

    She’s just pissed off people keep mistaking her for Skrillex so she thought hating on someone else would make her feel better…

  648. IRISH MOSS says:

    I’m sure this writer’s parents are so thrilled, how their child received an education, so she could post inane articles like this on a wordpress gallery. Who the fuck ever asked you what you think about tattoos or anything for that matter. Get the fuck outta here. I hope you’re still trying to pay you college loans with this level of “output”. LMFAO. – IRISH MOSS

    • Liz says:

      Umm, Irish, the person who runs this blog cites the article as from another publication. Lisa Khoury writes for The Spectrum, the University of Buffalo college magazine, not this blog.

  649. Lancealiscous says:

    Honestly, It’s bad on both sides of the picture. Btw, I do have a few tats. The only difference is, I don’t get offensive or take offense to someone putting down tats/getting tats. Seems to me it’s more like the guys & gals that got some tats for something badass or to look sexier just use the “it’s art!” defense. If all you have is a tribal tat on your arm, a tramp-stamp, or an un-original butterfly on the ankle, sorry, but that doesn’t put you in our category of uniqueness. ACTUAL original art is what we draw up or have a friend draw up for our tats. A friend of mine has a beautiful one, which is a black feather with small pieces of the feather floating off towards the tip, and those small pieces become small birds towards the tip. That’s original art people. Not somthin you chose outta the book in the parlor.
    If you got something memorable, like a friend of mine’s for her mother who passed when she was 6, then that’s great. It’s mainly about WHY you get a tat. Not where, or cuz of how it looks. Lastly, some of us create a tat that isn’t memorable or JUST art, but more of a way of life, or somthing we live by. Mine, for example, is a northern star with vines hanging down that turn into the words “Never Forget The Ways of Old” in celtic font. You have to believe in the meaning behind the tat you get. After all, it’s with you for good.

    • Liz says:

      2 of my tats were designed by me. One is, in fact, a piece of flash from the wall of the tattoo parlor I got it from. I really liked it, it balances my first tattoo nicely, and it was a thank-you to the parlor that allowed me to interview its artists at length for my first published article (on finding a safe and skilled tattoo parlor.) Harshing on people because they were inspired by flash is just as prejudiced as the kid who wrote the article. You are not in their skins, you do not know their situation, and hell, I’ve seen some gorgeous flash out there.

      • Lancealiscous says:

        Thanks for proving one of my points with the “i’m offended” response. & no, my post doesn’t concern you. If you read what you posted, you said you were ->inspired<-. That would be the meaning as to WHY you got that tat. We are of course assuming you meant it actually inspired you in something you didn't state.

    • Jessi says:

      Are you describing a girl name Hannah’s tattoo?

      • Lancealiscous says:

        Negative. Friend of mine named Ashley. Best looking female tat i’ve seen yet, and to oppose this topic, that tat definitely add’s “elegance”.

      • Jessi says:

        Gotcha. My friend Hannah recently got a very similar tattoo. There are some very well done artwork on females that definitely add elegance and should be recognized as beautiful artwork.

  650. 1000toes says:

    Lol this bitch is dumb as hell.

  651. Kayla says:

    What a utter waste of internet space. Luckily you’re equivalent of insight affects no one who is actually passionate about their body. Oh no! What is this urge to wear yoga pants!?!?!?!

  652. Wow really? not all tattoos are meaningless there are a lot of people out there that get tattoos that have deep meaning for them. You should not be so quick to judge another person. Yes I do have tattoos and they all have meaning for me. I would much rather get a tattoo that will last me forever instead of going to a mall and spending money on shoes or make-up I have many beautiful friends that have tattoos.

  653. alialison says:

    Being judgemental is pretty classless..

  654. jkraus says:

    Man… This lady! I have a tattoo on my foot and it’s my mother’s actual signature, she died when I was young and you think shopping would be more important than that! I think ignorance is the correct word to use here. And what makes it classless for ladies to have tattoos and not men. I’m not taking this article to the extreme because obviously this lady is wrong but someone needs to teach her that girls aren’t full of fairy dust and unicorns.

  655. Jessi says:

    This is the email I sent her. The tattoos can be viewed here. http://imgur.com/a/1AvO4

    Lisa

    I am by no means a writer so I do apologize if this is not written to journalistic standards.

    In regards to your article, I, as well as many others, are quite disgusted with most everything you state. Please tell me how shopping for new clothes and getting my nails done etc are going to make my life richer.

    I won’t disagree that there are some tattoos that are just ridiculous. But at the same time, you have no idea what those might mean to people. I have 5 different tattoos and I do not regret a single one. Though they may not make sense to you, they speak volumes to me. I’ve attached photos of my tattoos for you and will explain the meaning behind each one. These are presented in the order that I had them done, starting with the first.

    The anchor: This is for me and my deceased father. He and I were both in the Navy. Navy values were instilled in both of us and he was so very proud of me when he I told him that I was following in his foot steps. He passed away 2 and a half years ago when I was only 22 years old. Granted, he had been battling cancer for years but he was my best friend and there is a piece of me that will forever be missing because he is no longer physically with me. He did not like tattoos but I remember showing him what I would be getting prior to his passing and he thought it was beautiful. For my father – a grizzly, strong man – to tear up at a tattoo? That is something special.

    The swallows: Swallows have quite a few representations. Mine is based on, surprise, the Navy. Swallows are the birds that fly furthest from shore so before all of the fancy navigation equipment, when sailors saw a swallow they knew that they were near land and quite possibly home. This I got after my marriage ended. I had changed during my marriage into somebody that I didn’t recognize. I became meek and allowed my husband to dictate my actions. That tattoo will forever be a reminder to myself to never change to just accomodate somebody else. To be me whether people like it or not. To remain true to myself. To be at home within my own mind.

    Mog (the odd looking thing sitting in a chair): Now while video games may not hold much of a place in your life (if they do or not, I do not know), the series that this character came from has been huge in my life. This is Mog from Final Fantasy III (technically VI). He is somewhat of a guardian to the other characters in the game. He is a moogle and moogles are one of the only constants in the entire Final Fantasy series. I started these games when the first one came out for the original nintendo and have played every one since. I spent hours watching my father play and help me with this game. It was a significant bonding tool. This is my guardian angel.

    Chocobo (the “chicken”): Another character from Final Fantasy. Another one of the only constants in the game. Chocobos are a means of travel. They help you to get away from danger and help you get to where you need to go. There is always an escape even if just a temporary one. Such is life. And escapes are needed at times. Whether it be from a situation or from your family or from your mind or just from the everday duldrums. Not to mention, my father’s ashes are in this tattoo. There is not a time when I see this tattoo that I don’t think of him and smile and remember how he would help guide me to where I needed to get myself. As I’m sure you can tell, my father was a giant influence on my life.

    Cereal Guy: If you know rage faces, you know Cereal Guy. This one doesn’t have as eloquent of a meaning as the others. It was done in my basement by a very good friend of mine. Two of my best friends were there and also got rage faces but yes, different ones. Whether or not we are friends forever, we will be able to look at those tattoos and remember each other. The good, the bad, and the ugly. What adds meaning to it for me is that my friend created this. We had lost a very dear friend in April. He tattooed, mostly his friends. Now he has a permanent spot on their body that they can be proud of and remember him always. He was the type of person that left his mark on the world. He was genuine, true, amazing, and just one look at him could brighten your day. We were crushed. Have you ever seen almost all of the young people of a town completely lost? I have. When we lost Rich. You never know when you are going to lose someone. Even though cereal guy isn’t as aestetically artistic or beautiful as my other tattoos, Tom did that for me. I’m not sure if you will understand or not.

    I am not the type to go shopping or wear dresses or get my nails done. I am by no means a typical girl. I have always been one of the guys, even in relationships. The latest trends do not mean a thing to me. They do not make me feel more confident or give me more self worth. My tattoos do. I can’t necessarily explain that all to you but I feel empowered by my tattoos. I feel more beautiful than ever with my tattoos. I chose them and I took time choosing them. I do not regret for an instant getting any of my tattoos.

    I’m assuming you don’t have any tattoos of your own. That is perfectly fine and your choice and that would not diminish my perception of you. However, what has brought you down quite a few notches with me is the fact that you are seemingly stating that women are supposed to act and look a certain way. We do not uphold the beauty of this earth. We never did. Women will forever be gawked at by men, tattoos or not, latest fashions or not, nails done or not, heels or not. None of those things determine a woman’s class. It is how you present yourself and to what standards you hold yourself. Tattoos do not deem you morally deficient. I still know what is right and wrong. I still know how to treat people. I do consider myself a very strong-willed yet kind person. I will help anyone if I have the means to regardless as to if they will repay me. I still hold doors for people that are complete strangers. I am still polite and will say excuse me and please and thank you. I give people the benefit of the doubt even if I shouldn’t. Yes, I can get wild and loud and obnoxious but that is me, with or without tattoos.

    Just to make sure you are aware, I am a Navy veteran. I was a 3rd Class Petty Officer (E4) Nuclear Power Machinist Mate. NNPTC/NPTU is rated one of the most difficult and challenging schools in the nation. It is arduous, time consuming, and exhausting. You start at 6am and you are lucky to finish your day by 8pm. That is just the classes and the homework. It takes discipline and self control. I was accepted into NROTC and would have gone, all expenses paid, to the University of Illinois to get my degree in Chemistry. Then I would return to the Navy as a Nuclear Power Officer and been a lifer. Unfortunately, I was not able to follow this dream of mine due to an injury that I sustained during training.

    I am classy. I am elegant. I am powerful. I am beautiful. I am a person worth knowing. I have good morals. I have beyond basics values. Please do not judge me on the fact that I have tattoos. Feel free to ask questions and not like them, but do not judge me. You have no right as my equal to do so.

    Also, I think you should read the comments found here where your article was posted. While I don’t agree with how some people presented themselves, there are quite a few that are very well written.

    Sincerely
    Jessi

  656. Shalee drake says:

    Wow. As a woman literally covered head to toe w tattoos, this is upsetting. If you don’t get why “we” do what we do that still doesn’t give you the right to make such narrow minded remarks. Clearly you were raised in an uptight conservative household. I am the first to admit tattoos aren’t for everyone BUT either are manicures or fur coats at least getting tattooed doesn’t kill sweet little furry animals

  657. Stephanie says:

    I am all for people having their opinions on tattoos, considering I have a lot of tattoos covering my body and I am married to a tattoo artist- I hear it all, HOWEVER, I wasn’t aware that the moment a tattoo needle touches your skin that your morals and ethics disappear. Do they just leak out of your skin? I mean, what about all the people who rape or murder that don’t have tattoos? Their morals are surely still intact then, right?

  658. Emily says:

    As a woman with tattoos and a graduate degree (ooh! I’m such a rebel! Education is for men-folk), I was very put off by this article. My worth is not in my beauty, class, or elegance, especially not as it is perceived by men. I could not care less whether some random man sees me as beautiful – because men are no better than women (such is true of the inverse). To imply that women should feel great and powerful because men find them beautiful actually assigns a greater value to those with a penis – feeling that solely by virtue of their Y chromosome, their judgement of us has any sort of merit. No thank you.

    As for any sort of destruction of a temple, my tattoos affect only those parts of my body on which they were placed, and heal quite quickly. High heels, on the other hand, cause major misalignment throughout the body and damage feet and joints, causing pain long after they are removed and increased damage over time. But we should go ahead and keep wearing them? Does not compute.

    I really hope the writer will read some feminist classics, and perhaps “The Beauty Myth” should be first on her list.

  659. Shea says:

    I’m going to tattoo my penis and put it in that girls mouth

  660. Im not personally a fan of girls with tattoos but i know lots of people are! To say that getting a tattoo doesnt change anything is ludicrous! Im 24 and getting my first a few months was the most confidence building thing ive ever done! Its a ‘Oceansize’ tattoo, my favourite band of the last 8 years, (who remind me of every emotion of life challenge ive had since then) and its great striking up conversations with people who recognise the logo when im out!

  661. Ren says:

    In her commentary, women are being portrayed, as nothing more, than as a necessity in society to “…hold the world’s class and elegance.” Essentially, ignoring behavioral tendencies of what it means to be classy, and simply focuses on the superficial, physical aspects.

    As much as I like to think that the world is moving forward and encouraging women to be more than a physical prop, it is a daunting when I see a woman speak so cheaply about the importance of physical appearance. Using women getting tattoos as a representative for “a generation questioning their basic values and morals,” only shows how narrow-minded our society can still be.

    The most disappointing factor, is how she is not only a woman condemning other women, but she is young. To see a girl of my generation being so shallow, as to what women are capable of despite physical appearance, simply brings me shame—as both a woman and a young adult.

  662. Oh and the girls i know that go to the gym, wear high heels and ‘flaunt’ their bodies are far from ‘elegant’ (and are usually the most classless women around)!

  663. you’re barking up the wrong tree girl.
    pun intended.

  664. April L says:

    I do believe it is GODS job to judge, not you. I have 22 tattoos, I have 2 degrees, I’m raising a very intelligent child, and at the end of the day I am very happy. My ink has stories behind it. If you don’t like seeing the ink, and you think we have no class, then pack your shit and go live on an island. Only the jealous pick on others for how they CHOOSE to look. Get a life.

  665. Queenie says:

    Tattoos are classless, royalty can have them just the same as a street sweeper can. The big difference between those of us who have them an those who do not is we tattooed people don’t look down our noses in judgement and pretend to know your worth or personality.

  666. Heather says:

    I wonder if she thinks strippers have more class…..

  667. Melissa says:

    I am a female with many tattoos. My husband is a tattoo artist and supports our family of 5 doing so. I pay taxes, go to church and all my children are on the honor roll. So clearly my being tattooed hasn’t had a negative impact on their “morals and values.” It’s sadly another example of someones ignorance and “quick to judge” attitude. I think the only classless and worthless thing is her judgement! Take the time to know someone before you disgard them as “worthless”!!

  668. David says:

    Nonsense – absolute rubbish.

  669. randijotaylor@yahoo.com says:

    Why are we tattooed people always seeking acceptance? Simultaneously, why are we tattooed people generally annoyed when someone gushes over our tattoos out in public? I see and hear many people doing both. If you’re truly content with yourself and your decision to collect tattoos, the opinions of others should hardly register on your radar. I can deduce by this piece that the author has some gender bias issues, but that’s okay. I’ll never hear from her again, nor will her writing change anybody’s mind (I think we can all agree she’s not a talented writer nor is she skilled in the art of persuasive writing.)
    My point is this: some of us seem so quick to judge people’s reaction to our tattoos, whether the reactions are positive or negative. Consider letting miserable, talentless, slovenly, old school marms be content with with their thinly-veiled self loathing and enjoy your own freedom of self-expression. After all, isn’t that what we’re all in pursuit of?

  670. mon-mon says:

    wow. bet Lisa is awesome at parties.

    yeah. nahhhhhhhh lol. lotta inner hate going on there woman.
    why not go do something awesome than hating on others.
    #wipeouthate

    ps) next time you find yourself thinking/writing: “I really hate posting things like this” … protip. dont.

  671. jacqueline says:

    Ok, we get it. You’re self-righteous and a conformist; awesome. Bottom line, you don’t know what you are talking about. You are making generalizations, conclusions, and assumptions about a culture and about people you know nothing about. Did writing this make you feel better? Did it challenge you? If I had to guess, all that came out of you writing this was pure embarrassment. Next time, instead of wasting your time spreading your hateful rhetoric, why don’t you educate yourself about the tattoo culture, or any culture for that matter before you write an article about it.

  672. 100% inner beauty says:

    I would like to say to all the people who have voiced their opinion in a reasonable manner with opened minds and a range of tattooed and no tattooed bodies Thank you. I feel sorry for this girl she has yet to experience life in the real world with a mixture of people and beliefs. I have 6 tattoos and I began getting them when I was 16 each tattoo I have means something to me I have memories of my first dog, My nanna who we lost at the young age of 48 before I was even born who still managed to have impact on my life with her morals and class, another is a cross which symbolises the strength I need to enjoy life and change from the teenager I was to woman I am (and I am not a religious person in the slightest) and another is a cruel reminder to keep me from making the mistake of settling for less than the best when it comes to my partner my job my happiness and my life it pushes me to be the best I can be and be proud of myself without outer gratification.
    I direct this to the girl who wrote the article in the first place, you should go look in the college library for tribal history or the history of tattoo’s and see how long they have been around and this should show you that it is not about being cool or rebellious but about expressing who you are.
    Also, class is not looking like every other person on the street it is about holding your head up high and not making a fool of yourself but feeling proud of who you are and inspiring other people to follow in your tracks.
    And another point I want to make BEAUTY COMES FROM WITHIN! this in simple terms for little miss I-know-whats-right what you might think is beautiful in one culture or subculture may be seen as vile and unbecoming in another, I don’t get my nails done or have perfect hair everyday or wear heals that often but I can stand but naked in front of my partner and know that I am beautiful and that my tattoos only add to that beauty.

    I may be young in years but I am mature in mind I believe that everyone is allowed their opinion but I also think that it is important to word your opinions well and have information to back up your statements.

    I hand it to all the other successful beautiful women out there who don’t need to change there bodies or adhere to social views in order to feel as amazing and powerful as we each are.

    Finally I find it rather amusing that there is no response from Lisa to any of the comments posted to defend her words and I believe this is simply because she has no leg to stand on or words to explain her narrow opinions.
    Louise

  673. Cameron says:

    Doesn’t the author know that by getting fake nails, dying her hair, wearing makeup – she is also “defacing” her body – meaning it is not being respected in its original/true form? I also love it when Christians preach similar bullshit but all the wives have had multiple plastic surgeries and breast implants to be the ultimate soccer mom. I feel sorry for the author, she is so sheltered.

  674. michael says:

    While I respect the opinion of fellow americans I love to see tats on a woman its expressive n colerful n if its meaningful its a way to express it openly to the world when u decorate ur home its to give it coler n life am I right? Though ur body may not b ur home its still somthing our spirits occupy before judging what a tattoo does or does not do for somone try it somtime it’ll open another world to u ur opinion is based on ignorance and ur lack of knowledge my fiance has ink n I think it looks good on her she may not need it to look good but I enjoy it nonetheless and I luv getting tattoos myself I’m all for freedom of speech but the way uve used it is all based on an opinion and uve basically insulted a great deal of the female population that’s all I have to say ty for reminding me of how narrow minded some ppl truly are

  675. 100% inner beauty says:

    opinions are good in some ways but having information to back them up is important, don’t keep your opinions to yourself just don’t jump to conclusions and preach them as truth.

  676. Emma says:

    She sounds jealous to me. Like someone said above – it sounds like she saw a woman with tattoos and felt the need to then log online and tell everyone how bad they are. I’d be willing to be that the guy she likes is dating a beautiful tattooed woman! Nothing like a bit of hormonal jealousy to get the close-minded and mindless judgement rant going.

    Like many others who have posted here, I am a female with multiple tattoos. I’ve got a Masters Degree, I play in a successful band and I also am a hairdresser part time when I have the time. I know for a fact that there are people like this girl in my day to day life who are judging me everyday. My own father still has a problem with my tattoos, although I think he’s getting more used to them now as he realises they’re not detrimental to my life.

    Not going to say anything else intelligent, just going to say this chick is fuckwit.

  677. Jake Brown says:

    You’re DUMB.

  678. Kyle says:

    You clearly have no idea what you are writing about and it’s downright awful! I may be a male but let me defend the art, yes art, of tattoos and tattooing. I myself have collected many and each one has it’s own special meaning. It either reflects personality, helped me in a healing process, or serves as an everyday reminder of certain events or people. Your close minded view is just pure ugly and you have no idea what you are saying. Simply attacking an art form because you don’t like or don’t understand it. Also, I find females with tattoos to be quite attractive and don’t see it as a lack of class at all, I also know many others that agree with me. I think you really need to think things through a bit more before you sit down down ad write. And a tattoo that serves as a reminder to a best-friend that was shot and killed in a robbery attempt just because he was trying to earn a living, seems like a great thing to me. It helps in healing and serves as a memorial to a special person. Beauty is different to everyone and no one is right or wrong. I appreciate your opinion, but there is no need to post garbage like that web you so clearly don’t understand the culture.

  679. Danielle says:

    “But at the end of the day, are you really a happier person? Has this tattoo, for instance, caused you to learn something new about yourself? Has it challenged you? Has it led you to self-growth? Nothing comes out of getting a tattoo. You get a tattoo, and that’s it.”
    —this may be the dumbest things I’ve heard. My father passed away unexpectedly and I have his initials, birth and death year on my upper ribs. I got a lot out of my tattoo. I am a happier person, I did learn something new about myself, I do everyday. It has led me to self-growth in several ways. And I also feel as if my father is with me at all times. Don’t judge something you have no experience with. I would rather spend MY money on a tattoo that will be with me forever than a pair of shoes or clothing that will only last a few months to a year. And I hope my grandkids ask me about my tattoo so I have the chance to tell them stories about their great-grandfather.

  680. Talk about sexist – people still think this way? I printed this article just so I could wipe my ass with it.

  681. erica says:

    “Guys drool over us” Bwahah! she doesn’t know anything about turning heads. At least not with those lenses. Secondly, investing money into other things? Yeah I’m doing that. Into my gym membership, into my personal things. I find it hard to believe that this article was even published. I understand that everyone is entitled to their own opinion about tattoos but since I’ve gotten them, I’ve gotten nothin but praise. Especially when I go into detail as to why I’ve sleeved myself out. I didnt do this to prove a point, its simply my own body modifications. Kinda like plastic surgery, you add or reduce whatever you don’t want. She needs to reduce the blabbering and her pinocchio nose but you don’t see me writing an article on it.

  682. smackinisaiah says:

    What’s funny is, she talks all of this stuff about pampering yourself with trendy clothes and embracing your beauty, blah, blah, blah. Except, she’s as ugly as sin. This girl has her head extremely far up her ass.

  683. Rui da Silva says:

    A brain fart like this, should be discussed on Dr Phil where every idiot can learn a thing or two.
    ;p

  684. Jess says:

    my wife and i feel this way. my body is a temple, and we will decorate it anyway we choose. my wife is tattooed and pierced and she is the most beautiful woman in the world to me, and that is all that matters. every one of your tattoos have a deep story behind them, and it doesn’t matter if someone else can understand what they mean. all that matters is that the person with the tattoos understands them. and on a side note, when was the last time someone was shot because someone was trying to steal their tattoo? i think makes them much safer than clothes, shoes, and handbags.

  685. Isaac Phelps says:

    I believe tattoos are an abomination of God. I agree with the writer of this article completely. For the truth, look to Jesus, Did Jesus have any tattoos? NO! I rest my case. For further proof, please refer to: Ezekiel 23:19-20

    • Jessi says:

      Well if that’s the road you want to go down, good luck living by the bible. It is pretty much all out of date and just stories to boot. Oh, and don’t forget to treat women like they owe you something and are worth less than you. I believe that is said in the bible as well, but it has been a while since I’ve opened that book.

      • Isaac Phelps says:

        I was actually just kidding, I think the girl who wrote this article is actually slightly retarded. If you want to see how I really feel about the bilble, you should seriously check out Ezekiel 23: 19-20. I believe you will get quite the kick out of it 🙂

      • Jessi says:

        Well I couldn’t tell. Maybe I’ll check it out.

  686. Caitlin Ryan says:

    Im sorry, as someone who has been involved in the body modification industry for 10 years and owns a tattoo studio with my artist father, I am so incredibly disgusted by this one way viewing of our society as a whole. I have over 13 tattoos and many of them have been done by my father which means more to me than you’ll ever know. Here are some interesting facts for you my dear.

    *Tattoos have always had an important role in ritual and tradition. In Borneo, women tattooed their symbols on their forearm indicating their particular skill. If a woman wore a symbol indicating she was a skilled weaver, her status as prime marriageable material was increased. Tattoos around the wrist and fingers were believed to ward away illness. Throughout history tattoos have signified membership in a clan or society. Several female Egyptian mummies dating from the Eleventh Dynasty (2100 B.C.) show evidence of being tattooed for ritualistic purposes or for therapeutic purposes during pregnancy.

    *The Ainu people of western Asia used tattooing to show social status. Girls coming of age were marked to announce their place in society, as were the married women. The Ainu are noted for introducing tattoos to Japan where it developed into a religious and ceremonial rite. In Borneo, women were the tattooists. It was a cultural tradition. They produced designs indicating the owners station in life and the tribe he belonged to. Kayan women had delicate arm tattoos which looked like lacy gloves.

    *In the Maori culture, tattooing commenced at puberty, accompanied by many rites and rituals. In addition to making a warrior attractive to women, the tattoo practice marked both rites of passage and important events in a person’s life.

    *In the more modern times, while tattooing was declining in popularity across the country, in Chatham Square it flourished. Husbands tattooed their wives with examples of their best work. They played the role of walking advertisements for their husbands’ work. At this time, cosmetic tattooing became popular, blush for cheeks, coloured lips, and eyeliner. With world war I, the flash art images changed to those of bravery and wartime icons.

    *Outside the military, many worried parents had their children tattooed after the Lindbergh baby was kidnapped in 1932, and women became interested in tattoos as cosmetic makeup. When social security cards were issued in 1936, men and women flocked to get them tattooed on their arm. And in 1955, the Assistant Secretary of Defense suggested that citizens get their blood type tattooed on their bodies in case of a military attack against the U.S.
    WOW A SECRETARY OF DEFENSE SUGGESTING SOMETHING SO DEGRADING!

    • Andy, inked and proud! says:

      Congratulations on this well researched reply. It sounds like YOU should have written the article…not her. Much respect.

  687. libby says:

    i’m pretty sure no guys are drooling over you. you’re a pig.

  688. Blonde Betty says:

    At the end of the day, has bashing tattoos made you a happier person? Has writing this article, for instance, caused you to learn something new about yourself? Has it challenged you? Has it led you to self-growth?

  689. Damian says:

    And this “creature of beauty” has the right to judge who…maybe she should take some of her own advice and work on her own image…narrow minded bitch

  690. Afc says:

    I had my first and only tattoo done when i was sixteen, which was about ten years ago. When I had it done, it represented a spontaneous and beautiful part of myself that I wanted to make sure I never forgot. Over time, the meaning has changed, as have I. My tattoo is part of my character development in the story of my life, so to speak. Putting on a dress or new clothes doesn’t make me feel like a woman. My philanthropic actions and values that I never forget to uphold, however, make me as confident as I am about how hot I am – and probably would even if I was not the least bit attractive to the typical first-world American male.

    I’m sorry if there are typos, but I don’t feel like looking this over. I know what I said.

  691. Chloe says:

    It’s upsetting that a woman is judging women’s worth by how they look. can we move on from this mindset?

  692. Petra says:

    “But at the end of the day, are you really a happier person? Has this tattoo, for instance, caused you to learn something new about yourself? Has it challenged you? Has it led you to self-growth? ”
    Yes, to all of the above. Getting tattooed was a way of reclaiming my body after years of abuse at the hands of others. About overcoming fear of physical pain, so I wouldn’t pass out at the doctor’s office while having blood taken or getting a shot, and having something beautiful to show for the pain. It is about committment and learning to live with your choices, every single day. Being tattooed was therapeutic and healing.
    Psh. This article author sounds like a judgemental child.

    • Kaylie says:

      and how does getting your nails done and your hair done challenge you and lead to self growth. i’m not quite sure…

  693. Intelligent human says:

    You probably are a bitter girl who is jealous of artistic expressions, because you yourself are not a artistic person. I love girls who have tattoos and love he ones who don’t.
    I have a really big piece and will continue to get more. To me it’s a concoction with something you love. It’s a special one of a kin piece of art that goes on our bodies. To us it’s like having a Warhol original piece. Nobody else is going to have the exact original twice.
    People like you who are judgmental from the sight of another human alone, are not happy with their own life. Maybe you were judged for being a bookworm with nerdy friends. Or maybe you didn’t fit in with the crowd you always wanted to be a part of. Whatever your reasons for writing such a insanely stubborn story is, it’s about time you figure out what is making you judge people from the looks of them. You probably don’t even aknowledge a person as they pass you walking by. Cconfidence is something you have when you wear a tattoo proudly. It’s something you lack and hide behind what you believe is a way to get at the people who are not what you want them to be in your own eyes.

    Have a wonderful and boing day in your boring life.

  694. maria says:

    Id like to start off by saying im a licensed massage therapist, licensed esthetician, and certified personal trainer. I have had my own business since I was 19 and I am 23 now. I work 12 hours a week and make more then people with 4 year degrees, but I too am working on a college degree while I do everything else in my life. I have paid for everything in my life with no help from my family because we have very little. I have a clientele that consists of people who are very well known, and I service an entire church administrative staff. I work out 2 hours a day and do yoga 6 days a week. I am a very well respected person in my industry, and I also happen to be very beautiful. Wait theres more, I also have a quarter sleeve, my foot tattooed, and the hips, ribs, and a few other places. Your article is so biased and naive its unbelievable.

  695. CaM says:

    I agree, it looks trashy. Tattoos look great if they’re sharp and you’re 20 or 30, but at about 40 both you and the tattoos start getting blurry around the edges, and a woman in her 50s with tats either looks like she’s desperately trying to hold onto her coolness or she’s led a rough life in the trailer park. A little something on your shoulder or someplace easily hidden with clothing when you’ve grown up and want to be taken seriously could be just fine, but a sleeve looks like you have a skin disease.

    • Kaylie says:

      ….i know people with so many tattoos, full sleeves and i respect them and take them more seriously than some people who dont, not because of tattoos, and not because those other people dont have tattoos, but just because they are genuinely better people. im not stereotyping, im talking about people i know.

  696. Sarah says:

    Wow is that offensive. Having spent dozens of hours and thousands of dollars on my own ink, I can’t say that I share her opinion that I have “vandalized” my body. I would urge the writer to consider the historical significance of tattoos. My first tattoo was a copy of my grandfather’s first tattoo – a clipper ship on his right leg that he earned as part of his equatorial baptism. Is it my best tattoo? Not really, but it’s my favorite.

    And about taking care of your body, getting your nails done, etc, I’m sorry, but I fail to see how doing those things and being tattooed are mutually exclusive, but judging from her photo the author might want to spend a little less time being Judgey McJudgerson and a little more on her own appearance if she’s planning on being in the business of telling other women how they should look and behave. Just sayin.

  697. Adam says:

    Tattooing saved me from drug abuse and killing myself. It gave me something to live for. Tattooing IS my life and this woman is, for lack of a better words because I just don’t care, a total cunt. I’m glad I have her contact details :3

  698. S says:

    LOL, wow well done to her, narrow minded, idiotic, thick as pig ****, sexist, discrimantory, well done indeed, she’s successfully sh** all over her own gender, congrats!

  699. Chelsea Jane says:

    Oh nooo! I got tattooed and now I’m not beautiful or elegant. Or a woman. I should have went to the mall instead! Thanks, Lisa, for helping me really see how worthless and classless my tattooed body is.

  700. morgan says:

    I am a 21 year old, female EMT. My best friend is a 22 year old, female police officer. We don’t “get our nails done” because they will bust our gloves when dealing with a patient/suspect that is covered in blood. We don’t worry about how our hair looks, there is no point when you are working a car accident or chasing down a criminal in 100 degree weather. We don’t worry about wearing shoes that show off our figure – we wear combat boots that allow us to run through rain, sleet, snow, and mud, to reach a patient in need or a family that needs to be protected. And we stay in shape, how else could I pull a 200 pound man out of a car, or how would she be able to hold her own in the middle of a riot or take down a suspect that is running from her? So if you want to add to the mud on our shoes, the blood on our hands, the other body fluids on our uniforms, & our runny make up from our own blood, sweat, & tears – WE ALSO HAVE TATTOOS. And to go along with that, we also have more respect from others, something you will never receive. Everything about us makes us REAL women. All you will ever be is a walking sterotype of how we are meant to do nothing but have kids & serve men the rest of our lives. You might want to think about your next article before you insult the people who keep you & your family alive and safe.

    And FYI – REAL men go after women like us – not women who worry about breaking a nail or how many split ends you have. 😉 This is 2012 honey, not 1950.

    • lex lance says:

      mmeeeaaaoooowww… and amen to that… see Lisa, this kind of a woman, gives a man a hard on, even when one has no idea of what she looks like…

      To you Morgan… kudos babe…. kudos….

    • Kaylie says:

      morgan, i think your my hero.

    • Tina Miller says:

      I love this. Morgan, I feel have put this into the best perspective, more so than anyone here. For those truly blue collar, working class women who simply don’t have time to be bothered with make-up, hair-do’s, nails, and frilly clothing (not that you don’t enjoy them from time to time), where does that leave your ability to express your ideas and individuality? A tattoo is an expression of self. Period. Yes there are plenty of inane tattoo’s located on many a women’s butt cheeks, however, it is still a learning experience for us. That woman has learned “that was not the best idea I ever had, but it was worth the insight to my self.”

      In today’s day and age, tattoos are a expression of ones self, for me they make up my views on life, my self, my family, my future. Not just iconic symbols and gestures but whole truths of me and my life. They don’t have to make sense to everyone else. I do consider my self and other heavily tattoo’ed persons walkling pieces of art, similar to that of a geisha.

      More so, Ms, Kohury sees tattoos as a “disgrace” and “vandalism”…I wonder her opinions of botox, breast augmentations, tummy tucks, collagen injections. There are women who may need any number of these thinks…a true need. A woman who has won her battle with breast cancer, but lost hers in the process. In order to feel like a beautiful whole woman again will need implants. A woman who has lost 200 pounds with diet and exercise alone, but has left over skin that will not go away with out surgeries.

      She is too biased.

  701. Martin says:

    You are a fucking moron. Simple as.

  702. lex lance says:

    I think she could use a bit of a gym membership too…

  703. Hannah says:

    There’s a counter piece by a woman named Rebecca Bratek. Her piece is lovely. You can find it underneath the picture of Lisa Khoury on her rather mindbogglingly rude op-ed. The html is faulty, so you just need to copy past the url instead.

  704. amanda says:

    This article really makes me mad. I have tattoos, every single one of then represents a time in my life, a lesson learned and having them on my body is a reminder of the lessons learned. Who cares how others perceive you. Tattoos are not about how judgemental people view them or what they think of them. And saying instead of spending money on a tattoo, women should join a gym or yoga is very narrow minded, what you are basically saying is women with tattoos don’t care about their body! As a women with tattoos, I go to the gym four times a week and am completely health conscious. Women are capable of both! i don’t care if anyone has tattoos or if they do. Focus your energy on yourself instead of putting other people down based on your judgement, what other people do with their bodies should be none of your concern.

  705. Kaylie says:

    morgan ^^ up there, i couldnt have said it better myself. I am 19 years old and am currently in emt school, and yes, i have 2 tattoos, and i am SO interested in getting more. this woman says whats the point of tattoos? well whats the point of getting your nails done? they go away. and your hair? by the end of the day its done and ruined anyway. but my tattoos mean something to me and i dont give a DAMN if they mean nothing to other people. they dont make me classless or less elegant, and theyre there forever, always filled with meaning.

  706. Brad P says:

    You are a stupid bitch. Ha! And you’re really really ugly and you need to go to the gym.

    • Andy, inked and proud! says:

      Ease up on the personal attacks there, mate. This sort of rebuff only makes you look like a fool. Add to the discussion by all means. But keep the hostilities elsewhere.You are doing us blokes no favour with the profanity.

  707. This article is illogical, sexist and offensive all rolled into one. Amazing.

    It implies that changing your body is wrong….but getting your nails done is ok.

    It says that tattoos don’t teach you anything, so don’t bother with them….go out and get a gym membership or a new outfit, because presumably that’s very educational?

    And my favourite, it assumes women’s sole goal in life is to ‘turn men’s heads’ and that’s why women get tattoos, but men don’t *LIKE* tattoos or the silly, slutty girls that get them, so smarten up ladies, it’s time to get classy.

    *sigh*

  708. Andy, inked and proud! says:

    Unfortunately this article is riddled with rhetoric that has little or no justification. Firstly, it fails to take into account the significance of tattoos in various non-European cultures, for instance, the moko of polynesian cultures. A moko in Maoridom signified mana. And I challenge her to look at some of James Goldie’s paintings of Maori (both male and female) and tell me the mokos aren’t beautiful.
    Not only this, but going by this article, I’m unsure of her stance on male body art. Presuming she is anti-inking in general, what is the point of being gender specific as in this article? If bad for one, then it should be equally as bad for the other, no? Or is it that women only hold the esoteric knowledge of ‘class’? This is total rubbish…nothing but a societal construct…a westernised societal construct at that.
    Sadly, this article only highlights the drastic lack of research in way too many ‘journalistic’ (and I use this term VERY lightly here) articles put out these days. We live in a globalised community. Vast arrays of information and knowledge is literally at our fingertips. So before any more missinformed opinion-pieces like this (I hope that’s what this article was, anyway) are promulgated, be sure to do a bit of research first. Or else you’ll just end up, not just with egg on your face, but more likely the contents of the whole chicken farm!

  709. Reblogged this on screwstewedandtattooed and commented:
    I’m pretty sure this bitch wanted a tattoo but was to chicken shit to get one now she is pissed. Class is about how you treat people and how you carry yourself, not about what is on you’re skin.

  710. monkey says:

    why does it bother you if females/people get a tattoo done?? why don’t you mind your own buisness..?? If a person wants to get a tattoo done then they can, they don’t need a person to tell them not to ink thier body if they want to ink thier body.. It’s not your body so hush.

  711. Nikkie says:

    Maybe she should spend less time focusing on others and put more effort into her own appearance.

  712. How does going to the gym or experimenting with new hairstyles classify as a life changing or rewarding experience? This holier-than-thou non-sense is just that, non-sense. It supposes. It assumes. It assumes that people want tattoos to dress themselves up like they’re going to prom. It doesn’t allow that someone likes tattoos because art, spirituality, or their own tastes.

    The whole, poorly written, rambling mess can be cut down this. “Surely girls must only want tattoos to please some big strong man, when they should instead invest on running that chunk off their asses, because being skinny = rewarding.”

    Fail.

  713. Tattoos and piercings alike are body modifications that are chosen in order to have a sense of self worth… self being the operative word… tattoos make me feel beautiful and that’s all that matters…and yes this little girl is entitled to her snide opinion but i value perspective more… she .. i think i was shown this article to enrage me but really all it did was make me feel sorry for a girl who had to be “rebellious and cutting edge” in her own way to even get noticed…… blah ain’t gettin’ a rise outta this tattooed 21st century girl

  714. Marie says:

    I sent this email to the author of this horrible article.:

    The generalizations and prejudices that fill up every line of this opinion piece are disappointing and disgusting. Since when is it acceptable to make such horrible judgements on someone based on their appearance?

    People get tattoos for a number of reasons. To chalk someone’s tattoo up to nothing more than an impulsive, poorly thought out choice is nothing short of ridiculous. Some people get tattoos as a tribute to a love one. How would buying a new pair of shoes (which will eventually be out of style, worn out, lost, etc.) compare to the constant visual reminder of that person’s impact on someone else’s life?

    It would be alarming to me if women (and not just women with tattoos) were not highly offended by this publication. Your views on what makes a woman “beautiful,” “classy,” or “elegant” are so completely flawed, archaic, and sexist. There is nothing “beautiful” or “classy” about being judgmental, closed-minded, sexist, and making degrading remarks as you have done in this article.

    Regarding our bodies, you say, “She dresses it up in lavish, fun, trendy clothes, enjoying trips to the mall with her girlfriends. She accentuates her legs with high heels. She gets her nails done. She enjoys the finer things in life, all with the body she was blessed with.”

    It is clear that you believe that women should strive to be nothing more than a visual appeaser for men. There is so much more that women should be in life and you clearly don’t grasp that. Not all of life’s problems can be solved with a “trip to the mall” to buy frivolous things like “trendy clothes.” If this is all you think women are or should be, you might as well forget that the whole Women’s Suffrage Movement even happened. Women, and people in general, are more than just clothes, shopping, gym memberships, and tattoos. People should be judged as individuals based on things that actually matter and not by what they have on their bodies – be it a tattoo or “trendy clothes.” I don’t regret any of my tattoos. I do, however, regret several pairs of shoes that I spent far too much money on and that have sat in my closet collecting dust.

    And just so you are know, because clearly no one let you in on this before, truly “classy” women don’t need to tell the world that they are “classy.” They simply just are.

  715. its people like that who bring evil in this world. Look at her, she is far more deceiving than women with tattoos. Its a choice not a fashion statement. Why should women be perceived as sexual individuals and live up to the degrading image our elders in society have brainwashed us to do so? Rather than a women who stands her own and lives her life to the fullest the way she wants to without having someone say its wrong. It’s the life God blessed me with, and I am entitled to live my life right? That lady has some balls. lol

  716. anjie says:

    Ok I get the whole have ur own opinion but she used the word elegant correct? Well I don’t know about all of u but I have seen some damn goood art on people and would use the word elegant all day long about them in fact the one on my back is pretty damn elegant!! Thank you! Some people think tattoos ruin a persons body…. let me ask people without tattoos…. do u have pictures and art on ur walls at home or at work!?!? Well we have our favorite art and pictures on our body that will never ever go away! All my tattoos mean something to me! I have shamrocks on my wrist I’m irish. I have a clover on my back with tribal angel wings the irish and I’m part indian.faith love and hope wrapped around my forearm because I believe in all of them. Stars up my left foot for everyone I’ve ever lost. And the love symbol in chinese on my right foot because I also believe in true love!! Now tell me how foolish those are!!?? When we loose a loved one we stop thinking about them after a period of time! Well I think about my friends and family I have lost every single day of my life when I look at my foot and see the stars! U hang ur art on ur walls I put it under my skin! And it goes where ever I do and makes me remeber people I never want to forget!

  717. Gavin Connell says:

    Bigotted, self righteous, conservative rubbish. You have wasted your time and mine. Tattooing means absolutely nothing, or absolutely everything: if you choose to apply negative connotations to the practise then that is your objectrive view, not a universal truth. Incidentally, women hold the world’s beauty? Tell that to gay males. So often in life people claim these arbitrary value sets as the truth and the light, and most often than not, they are pitifully wrong. What you are doing here is being an agent of the continued male respresion of women. Shame on you for repeating essentially the same old line that patriarchy has beaten women down with for so many years…

  718. she probably can’t turn heads so she is upset with women with tattoos. Men find women with tattoos sexy! Believe me.

  719. Keith says:

    My wife has tattoos. I happen to find her and the tattoos beautiful. You however, I don’t find attractive at all. Whether its your Christian, holier than thow attitude or simply your ugly face, im not sure. You should probably hit a gym yourself, or walk, or get liposuction yourself.

    Get cancer,
    Keith

  720. Chris says:

    I agree with the article. Today its trendy and cool, tomorrow you look fool.
    Just imagine if you couldn’t change your clothing style from the 80s or 90s; that’s about how dumb and out of place the tattoo is going to look in 10 years.

    • Dani says:

      People are tattooed for themselves, not for other people. Individuality is a beautiful thing, we should embrace it! I really don’t care what people think about my ink, at the end of the day I love it. I don’t need people to accept me as I am happy the way that I am, my tattoos are just as much a part of me as my taste in music, my favourite colour etc. My tattoos will never go out of date, they will never look dumb because they are personal to me.

      • Jessi says:

        I agree with Dani. People choose their tattoos for their reasons. I will forever love my tattoos and can guarantee I will never regret or hate them even when my skin wrinkles. Why would it look out of place in 10 years though? I’ve actually met a man that has beautiful ink that he got over 30 years ago and I did nothing but admire it. Ask the story behind the tattoo if you really want to know. Then you can go ahead and judge if it will look “out of place” in 10 years.

    • Andrea says:

      I wish you could say that to tribal Africans. Do everyone a favor and learn a concept called research.

  721. Dee says:

    woman can do whatever they want to their bodies. I pull plenty of men, got plenty of class, and a college student and a success in my life… and I got ink. Jealous much?

    who are YOU to judge anyone?

    based on your completely ridiculous article I am now judging you…

    you’re a superficial TOOL…

    what a moron. Some chick with tats is gonna rock your world…haha.

  722. Dani says:

    I was severely bullied by the “cool girls” for years on end, it lead me to a nervous breakdown, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, self harm and anorexia. Why is that? Because I thought that I had to wear high heels, tons of make up, nail varnish & have my hair done every week in order to be beautiful. It nearly killed me. In fact all of the above things make me UGLY. I have a number of tattoos and love them just as much now as I did the day I had them done. I believe they make me beautiful. Valuable lessons learned, inspirational quotes, memories etched into my skin. I’m like a walking photo album. I will take these tattoos to my grave. That is beautiful!

  723. Henry says:

    I like when girls have tattoos. It tells me that they’re good for one-night stands and definitely not marriage material.

    • Todd says:

      Hey Henry, get out of the trailer park already. I know plenty of women with tattoos that don’t fit your category at all and they are great wives and mothers!

    • CeCe says:

      EXCUSE ME? How DARE you, you sexist pig, make a statement of that nature. Just because a woman has a tattoo doesn’t make her a floosy! This is literally THE MOST STUPID THING I HAVE EVER HAD THE UNFORTUNATE EXPERIENCE TO READ.

    • Kayla says:

      Coming from the guy that probably goes home alone every night. No woman (tattooed or not) would go for a shitbag like you.

  724. Todd says:

    The only difference between tattooed people and non-tattooed people, is that tattooed people don’t care that you don’t have tattoos!

  725. Abby says:

    Beautiful creatures of the world? This author of this article must not own a mirror, poor thing.

  726. Tara Scott says:

    You really should think twice about writing a blog about judging other people…maybe YOU should find better things to do with your time! How dare you!

  727. Jossie says:

    lights on but no body home… she is totally empty or full of crap however you want to see it

  728. Dan McKenzie says:

    Woman that wrote this is probably too hairy to get a tattoo and is just jealous.

  729. Lernis says:

    This is just one opinion and it’s important to remember it holds no weight. Except to that of the writer, people men and women are free to express themselves in whatever way they choose. What they do with their body and to their body is between them and their god.

    Judgements are for those who are afraid and feel better by judgeing others with hollow words.

  730. Barbie says:

    Let’s see I have a degree and worked in Corp America for 5 years with full sleeves, chest piece and my legs covered. I wear nice clothes, get my hair and nails done. I have more guys and girls hit on me now than I ever did when i wasn’t tattooed. Now I am not saying that because I am tattooed that it is the reason but I have always been told to try everything once. I like getting tattooed from the moment I walk into a shop and smell the green soap and the humming of those tattoo machines. The end result is a piece of art that you allowed someone to put onto your body. Just like going and wearing some high dollar piece of designer clothing or handbag. We in the tattoo community would rather spend out money on a great piece of art that will be with us forever than waste it on a fad that will go out of style by next season. It’s a lifestyle choice. God isn’t going to shun us away just because we have decorated our bodies with art. If that was the case then other native people would be shunned as well and this is a part of right of passage into adult hood. I think if you are going to rant about something then you should do your homework first on the subject. I know plenty of beautiful, strong, weathly and highly saught after pinup models that have no problem finding work. It’s Corp America that needs to open their eyes because times are changing and Grandpa won’t always be in charge.

    Thanks
    Tattooed Kisses
    Barbie

    • Alicia says:

      I completely agree with you! I have both my sides, my shoulder, both feet, my neck, and my hand done and its amazing how many more people are attracted to me because of them. I too love them smells and sounds of the shop!!! Its my happy place and total comfort zone! lol

  731. Denise says:

    Haha… I’m sorry, but this article amuses the shit out of me. Lisa, you obviously have an imense amount of insecurities to have to voice your hatred for other women because what they choose to do to THEIR body would have no effect on you if you didn’t. It’s a shame you have to waste your time as an author for The Spectrum to vent personal preference and show you lack in social etiquette and respect for others that are different to you.

  732. Stevie says:

    I wrote her the following letter:

    I recently came across your article on your feelings about women with tattoos. While you are entitled to your opinion I am also entitled to mine and I just would like to share it with you.

    While I find everything you’re saying to be tried and true regarding women and our ability to capture the world with just a simple strut or smile, I highly disagree with you putting down the idea that we as women can not express ourselves as we feel fit. I also agree getting a gym membership or buying flattering clothes help us maintain our womanly ways. And I furthermore agree that some women who are just covered in head to toe with ink look trashy, however there are women that pull it off with such beauty and grace I am envious.

    Would I ever get a chest piece or sleeve? Never. Do I have several tattoos and plan on getting more? Absolutely. I believe it is all in the way you carry yourself and how you present yourself that make said ink look classy or trashy. All of my tattoos excluding one can be covered or shown as I see fit. When meeting me, besides the tattoo I have on my wrist, you would never know that said tattoo is actually my seventh. I believe it is my body and I should express what I want on it.

    I also believe it is wrong of you to state that women with tattoos are compromising our morals and values. Does the tattoo on my lower back cause me to have more sex and be promiscuous? Not in a million years. I do with my body what I wish to do, with or without those tattoos. My mother raised me to be a lady. And whether I am covered in a 100 tattoos, one, or none that will never change. And each piece I have has a story. When and if I have children, I will pass down the basic morals and values my mother instilled in me at a very young age to them, and when they ask about the different ink I have on my body, I will share with them the story and the personal battle I went through before permanently marking myself for life. Every person that gets a tattoo is knows it is permanent. Do I think there are plenty of freshly 18 year old’s with the idea “Yeah I’m an adult, I do what I want” and go about getting some Disney character or other cliche ink and later deeply regret it? Yes. But don’t put down a large majority of society for a small number of people. It’s awfully pompous, inconsiderate, and narrow minded to disregard a large number of women as ‘trash’ for the sole reason they want to express themselves with a permanent marking.

    What about all the people and tribes overseas that permanently mark their body as a part of their culture? Are they trash even though it is part of their culture and basic morals and values?

    I ask this of you, go hang out at a tattoo shop for a couple of days. Make friends with the artists and the people that come in there. Some of the most amazing, kind hearted, downright good people I know aren’t society’s version of acceptable. And you will find them there. Guarantee doing so will change your view of women with tattoos as being ‘trashy’. That is unless you are too close minded to do so.

    I could continue on and on because your article truly struck a cord with me. I will end with this. The way I found your article, on the replies said “I still remember my last tattoo, but I could give a crap less where I got my last pair of shoes from.” What you seem to not grasp in your article is that getting a tattoo is an experience and typically it has a deep meaning to the one getting inked. While you’re at that tattoo shop, ask about the different pieces the people have displayed on their body, I promise you will be moved by some of the stories.

  733. Paul Ghilardi says:

    Why would you say you are not biased hahahahahaha
    So, I enjoy your theory of how humanity should live, and how we should obey everything we have been shown- without attempting to find or create our own path (since inevitably everything that has happened in our past has been totally correct; i.e. genocide, poverty, cultural imperialism). Your obviously traditionally biased, so I do not know how you have (grown the balls?) to attempt to say that women hold the world’s beauty. I understand you are a woman and have a feminine or one sided perspective on the beauty of your gender, but there are many different perspectives that you overlook with your statements and accusations concerning-what we are, what society is, and what art is. And did I mention, hahaha.
    From a rhetorical standpoint; you attempt to create an ethos (or alternative) to your black and white ends (to get a tattoo or to not get a tattoo) but your means of expression and wording is disastrous (words such as “temple”) have no place or relevance in such an argument. Unless the writer has religious/capitalistic/ or close-minded persuasion-(Which it is again all to obvious that you write with such influence.) This inevitably shows nothing more than your female mind typically leaning towards it’s usual pathos (or use of emotions, lacking any logical means to an ends). To provide an ethos or solution, as you are surely attempting to do with this essay, you must use both your pathos (emotions) and logos (logic) to reach a conclusion. But it is obvious that you ignore logic, because your entire argument is NOT logically sound in any way, shape, or form and the suggestions or alternatives you have mentioned are completely a display of your pathos taking the lead and writing for you. How can say you are not biased, when it is really too obvious?
    Maybe an alternative for you to stay away from body art, is to distract yourself by superficial means such as shopping, and buyyyingggg. What a naive perspective. Yes, tattoo’s cost money-yes it is/ has the potential to be an expensive habit, but isn’t food, automobile’s, technology, natural energy-expensive as well? Now the argument inevitably turns to, but those products and services are of necessity to life. Haha yes, based on a capitalistic perspective they are of somewhat necessity to function here, but we are still capable of existing without these items. We only “need” them because that is the only point of comparison we have in the year 2012, if we lived in 1850 we would be riding horses instead of driving cars. I like the fact that you make a point of telling people that tattoo’s are a waste of money, when you just give the reader 5 other ways to spend their money.
    So what makes your opinion relevant? Because you are a human that is all. So why do you believe your opinion is more valuable than the other 300 million people living in this country? And, just because you are in a position at the University of Buffalo to publish this article, what made you think this is valuable information? You offer no valid alternative to not get tattoo’s.
    After reading your pathetic essay I am inclined to use such negative adjectives as a means of describing your thought process and close minded approach to the questions of; What am I? What is society? Why am I here? Who controls or influences our choices? And are our choices limited by the role we play in society or does society directly limit us to what we are and can be? These are the type of questions that may allow for a more effective transformation of meaning from signifier to signified. (or in your case, the transformation of meaning from people with tattoo’s, to people without tattoo’s.) Your argument is flawed from the origin, by asking such biased questions. You limit the reader from the beginning with your opening argument.
    Is art not an avenue or vehicle designed to assist in the release of individual expression? Is art not completely based on a point of perspective, and that “point” being an individual perspective? Being an individual is worth more than anything society believes to be right or normal, maybe you should try it sometime.

  734. whitney says:

    I really believe that this girl needs to start writing about something that actually matters. A tattoo is form of art. Some people may go way too far with the ink but for those who put a lot of time and effort into what they want on their body for the rest of their life should never be shamed. I have two tattoos and plan on getting more but my second one was of my son’s hand print. He died when he was a day old and every time I get out of the shower I’m reminded of him and it makes me smile that I have a part of him always with me.
    Sorry hun, but you really need to stop writing about things that people are going to laugh in your face about. Also you should never judge people by their own style. I’m going to school to become a lawyer and having tattoos has nothing to do with being classy or not. You need to find a new career because not only does the article suck but also your perspective on things suck too.

  735. Tara says:

    to read some of the comments below are pretty sad. everyone is entitled to their opinions. to voice them is a freedom of speech as well, but there is a way to aproach things. i myself is a women covered in tattoos. i look at my body as a canvas. to express my visions and the vision of the artist as well. some people hang there art on the wall as i walk on a daily basis with mine. its a decision that i choice for myself. i dont look down upon those that choice not to have them. im proud to say that i have tattoos and to continue getting them.

  736. letherbe says:

    I am only thinking she was stating her opinion. She may be against tats and that is alright. If you don’t agree with the blog or her opinion, its a free country you don’t have to. Don’t call her a closed minded idiot. That just shows how rude and immature you are. If you don’t agree, fine…walk away.

    • Whitney says:

      Isn’t she doing the same thing. She published this piece. Just as much as she has the right to her own opinion, so do I. I have an opinion on her opinion and should be able to comment. Pretty sure that’s why there is a place after the article to make your own comments.

  737. ElitePetite says:

    I used to hate my legs and hide them, wearing long pants even in 110+ summers. Then I got a tattoo on my ankle. Among other the reasons I got it, now I love to show off my legs so people can see my pretty tattoo.

  738. Sara Canalia says:

    You sexist, bigot piece of white trash. I AM one of those women who just happens to have angel wings covering 3/4 of my back. I have 4 total tattoos and plan on getting more. That certainly does NOT mean I have any less class than you. As a matter of fact, by reading what you have written, I woud say I have MORE class than you. I don’t walk around judging people based on what they look like, how they dress, what they do for a living or where they live. I am NOT a materialistic woman who goes and spends all my money on clothes and fake nails, or new hair styles. To even say that a woman should spend money on materialistic items is absurd. A woman goes to the nail salon for a fake set of nails, they last 2 weeks tops and you have to keep going back to have them filled. In the long run, that’s a lot of money to be spending PER year on a materialistic item that DOES NOT give you class status. You grow out of shoes, your clothes get old and you eventually have to replace them. A tattoo is for life. It symbolizes who you are and what you have done in your life. I am a happily married woman with 2 beautiful boys. I have the some of the greatest friends. Not all of my friends have tattoos, and I don’t judge them because they don’t have any. I love them for who they are. My husband also is tattooed, and if my boys want to get tattooed I will most certainly let them. That doens’t mean we are white trash, or have less class than someone like you. It’s hard to believe there are still people out there like you. Maybe you should get to know someone based on their personallity and not shun them because they decided to ink their “temple”. It is their body to do with it what they wish.

  739. joshua hileman says:

    well since we are on the subject…. anyone know where to get some good ink done? trying to finish up a beautiful sleeve dedicated to my love for my life. almost there…. someone send me mail. it would be greatly appreciated. and we should all keep our opinions to ourselves if we know the words we say may wager a war somehow… something like this could go from a decent argument to learning nothing except how to argue better. we do what we want with our lives. if we are not putting anyone in danger or causing harm in anyway then we should all have no problems getting along. last thing we need is a bad day. lets just respect choices and forget about the opinions

  740. Alison says:

    wow, so many ignorant comments, I don’t even know where to begin. an opinion is like an asshole. and when you go flaunting your asshole to the public, that’s just not classy, ladies. so remember, if your shit stinks, keep your opinions (and assholes) to yourselves.

    stay classy.

  741. Travis says:

    I just spoke to most of the alligators in FL. They expressed that anyone that agrees with this troll is invited to come and swim with them. Also read that someone gave their body to Jesus 25 years ago, he said he wanted their computer too…. Aye don’t kill the messenger. Please don’t say Tat that’s about the only thing classless you can say around a tattoo artist ( I have Christians that tattoo with me, they haven’t caught fire yet)

  742. spoon says:

    Im a MAN and i LOVE women with tattoos AND piercings
    i agree..why go to the mall and but chincy lil shit stuff so that you look JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE!!

    people feel like they have to fit in and thats why they go with the NORM

    dont get me wrong some people shouldnt have tattoos but thats just them

    F this editor and F anyone who has enough gaw to tell ANYONE that its looked down upon
    or Classless or Worthless

    Tattoos have been all around the world WAY BEFORE AMERICA
    and will continue…
    they are for religion, signs of manhood AND WOMENHOOD!
    and just to express yourself how YOU WANT

    F Them Bitches!

  743. This opinion article is trash.

    End of story.

  744. bill seleno says:

    Please stick with diary entries and save the world of your mental vomit.
    Thank you.

  745. Donna says:

    This article physically made me mad!! I am absolutely FURIOUS right now!! This chick thinks its so easy to just go to the gym, or buy new clothes, or always wear heels. Well its harder for someone like me who only makes $2.13 an hour. I absolutely HATE shopping. Id rather watch sports than go to a mall. This may be true for some girls, but some of us were raised to be strong and independent. I have 7 tattoos. I absolutely love them. I feel sexier and stronger. Guys dont look at me like im some weak damsel in distress. They see me as a strong woman with a wild side. Just because I have tattoos, does NOT mean I have no class. Thats BULLSHIT!!! I probably have more class than half the uninked girls I know. Every tattoo I have has a meaning to me. They were worth all the time, money and pain. I plan on getting more and NO ONE will tell me no!

  746. Rachel says:

    Idiots…..there everywhere. My tattoos have nothing to do with my morals or whether I have class or not. And really? You think tattoos are the problem with our youth? Sorry to say but in this country tattoos are the very least of our problems.this woman is a nut.

  747. Becky says:

    Y’all. Emailyour thoughts to her: lisa.khoury@ubspectrum.com

  748. Heej says:

    I think the author has no idea what “class” actually is. By my own personal definition, a person with class is gracious, kind and does not presumptuously pile their own negative judgments on other people, especially people he/she doesn’t know. It’s obvious Ms. Khoury has a very limited worldview. I just hope she grows up a bit more before she writes more articles about things she clearly doesn’t know anything about.

  749. I respect that you wrote this and i am not going to bash you because you had the right to post this (first amendment) but there are some things i would like to point out. This article is YOUR opinion and you have no right to call anyone classless because of what they choose to do to their body. Also, tattoos are a form of art, and your body is a canvas. Tattoos do have meaning, they can change you, you can learn from them and it is sure to be an experience you will never forget. Body Modifications have been around for a very long time so there is absolutely no way you can say that it is a trend or that it is pointless. I hope that in your lifetime you learn the beauty of modifications and that you respect others bodies and personal choices.

    good day.

  750. tiffany says:

    I was so mad I had to blog about it myself on tiffsblogspot.com

  751. tiffany says:

    I was so mad I had to blog about it myself

  752. Scarlett says:

    Like millions of other people reading this article, I’m offended. If the author is reading this, I would just like to say that being prejudice is a lot worse than having a piece of art work on your skin. It is awful to see such a outright example of judgmental writing displayed on the internet. The reason the next generation is going to be lacking morals is because we are breeding judgmental clones. Please delete this piece of writing, and try something that promotes personality and being a good person.

  753. Tila says:

    How dare you I am beyond offended. For the record I do go to the gym I do see results but I wanted my tats for memories such as my friends who have died of breast cancer or time spent with the friends I still have who are you to judge. I am a good person who saves lives for a living so obviously I do something productive with my life as does anyone else with tattoos. You need to rethink your class less worth less life. I’d rather have my tats and be accepting than be as cruel and in accepting as you are based on judging people you’ve never met!!

  754. Hyouten says:

    I think that article’s writer is stuck in a time warp and continuously thinks she’s still in the 1800’s.

  755. caleb says:

    what a stupid, arrogent, ignorant and retarded article, this women obviously has no idea about the real world, if she was to ever leave her little bubble and actually pay attention to peoples wants and desires this article would never have printed. we should paint over her stupid head so hopefully she stops dribbling shit.

  756. Allison A says:

    Good god you poor sheltered, small-minded girl. Hopefully you won’t be so uptight, judgemental and opinionated when you mature. You sound like an idiot and you aren’t the type guys drool over. Stop worrying about other women and get to work on yourself.

  757. angel says:

    It seems, to this woman, that getting your nails done or buying new clothes “challenges” you and provides you with some sort of “self growth” .. what an idiot. But as most of us know, the world is full of ignorant, close minded people. As someone who is basically covered in these so called “pointless” tattoos, I encounter the stares and the comments “why would you do that to yourself” on a regular basis. Rather then get offended about it I try to remember that I am an educated, well rounded, beautiful person with tattoos that all have stories and meaning to me. And by choosing to tattoo my body in places others can see I am inviting the good with the bad. People will say they are beautiful and people will immediately judge me, think they are disgusting etc. Bottom line, it was my choice and I know, my family and friends know, that I am a good person. It’s a waste of time to get bent out of shape about things (and people) you have no control over. This article was obviously written by someone who is pretty damn ignorant.. however, it has provided all of us with a good laugh and a good reminder how NOT to act.

  758. Alexandra Hanink says:

    What a fucking cunt!
    I have quite a few tattoos. Mostly all visible, including my knuckles, chest and the lovely Leatherface tattoo on my forearm.

    I am classy. I am a lady. I have tattoos. Who the fuck cares. Guys still drool over me. Guys drool over my tattoos.

    I am successful and still respected.
    I hope the lady who wrote this chokes.

  759. Quana says:

    This is a sad and pathetic post. Just because you ate not comfortable in your own skin doesn’t mean you can tell us women that our self expression of tattoos are basically trashy. Wake up loser, this isn’t the 19th century where we have to play the stereotypical role of a woman. Seriously you need a life and some self confidence because your whole article is just as pathetic as you are for even putting something this close minded as this. Get a clue.

  760. Cyn says:

    To: lisa.khoury@ubspectrum.com
    Lisa,
    You seem to have a love for imposing on the way other people can think. Frankly, its none of your business, nor is it your money or your time, for you to decide what anyone else should think or do. Your letter was quite thought out… but you seem to forget that not all females fall under your idea of what a girl’s life is like or what she wants it to be.
    Yes, women are beautiful, we give life through birth. Our body’s are amazing in every sense of the way, but just like men’s are. The two sexes are unique in structure and even more beautiful in their capabilities.
    As for my personal experiences with tattoos, I am indeed a happier person after getting my tattoos. I have a gallery of my hand drawn artwork tattooed onto my body. I am in love with them and the meaning behind each one so naturally, I love to show them off :). And yes, my tattoos have caused me to learn some new things about myself. I realized my capabilities -among them is self-control and persistence, and I also built up my pain tolerance. No pain, no gain ;).
    I am in fact more appropriate for family gatherings, where there’ll be more interactions with kids. I keep a tank top on over my 2-piece, since my tattoos are only along my mid-section and on my upper back. I cover up because the kids aren’t mine, and I will not begin to treat them like so by trying to explain to them my ideals, especially one that their parent’s may not agree with or like. Out of respect, I try to avoid the situation altogether. When they kids are of age, they will be able to do as they can, and as they will. But, you better believe that when I am with individuals of age, the 2-piece is out! I love to flaunt my art gallery and my body :). And I sure plan to get more!
    I’m also glad to say a little 2- and 4-year old are alive, on separate occasions, because I know what I am capable of. That’s not the end of it. I’m going to start saving people’s lives, as a professional, because I know what it ultimately takes. Self-control and persistence. I have a year left for my bachelor’s in the medical field.
    I suggest you quit worrying yourself, and stop minding what doesn’t concern you. You do as you wish with your life, just like everyone one else can do with theirs.

    Have fun!
    Cynthia

  761. erin fucking sebestyen says:

    where is this broad so my classy fist can knock her teeth back into her throat?

  762. Kelly Michel says:

    Here it is for all you prude bitches in this narrow-minded little country of ours. Women have been getting tattooed for thousands of years, and it wasn’t just for making heads turn (because way back then, the more you had, the more desireable you were). It was for spiritual reasons and also for power and protection. Now-a-days it’s mostly for the same reasons FREEDOM! Freedom of expression, we all know it, and we all fight about. So next time you want to write about something you have no idea or education on, how about you stop and do the “classy” thing (instead of writing an ignorant over-opinionated piece of garbage) and say “I’m sorry I may not understand why you do that to your body, but no thanks, it’s not for me”. I think you wrote you’re little article out of jealousy, because come on honey who do you think you’re fooling? You aren’t turning any mans head.

  763. Katie says:

    To the writer:
    I understand that there are certain tattoos that are classless and tasteless, but then again, that is also my opinion. Tattoos are an expression, whether they are deep to the person, or just a look. An expression, just like clothing, hairstyles and nail art. And I know that these things can be changed while tattoos are a permanent expression, but did it ever occur to you that some women find beauty and elegance in tattoos? Some women like the way that they represent themselves with tattoos (and feel completely elegant doing so), and I don’t think that you have any right to tell them otherwise. Taste and class have something to do with appearance, but those attributes are also in big part brought out with attitude. And honestly, the worst, most classless and tasteless thing a woman can do is feel arrogant enough to judge other women. And even more outraging, try to preach to these women from a pedestal in a school newspaper.
    Please, do everyone a favor and open your mind. You don’t have to get a tattoo (and no one is asking you to, so I can’t understand why it even felt important enough to write about), all you have to do is be more accepting of other people. One day, you might even look past yourself and your narrow minded views to realize that other people aren’t judging you for your different taste. They’re letting you be who you want to be. You should give it a try.

  764. Sue says:

    I was bought up to NEVER judge a
    book by it’s cover

  765. Michaela says:

    I’m going to get another tattoo, then go to the gym. I would be outside, but it’s much too cold for my liking. I will change my hair, and add art to my skin… because it’s what makes ME happy. We all have the right to happiness, so find it in your own way. Disregard the people that don’t agree with you and move on.

  766. toyah says:

    lisa khoury you’re a fucking idiot

  767. vicki says:

    I can bet my months wages that this woman has never changed the length or colour of her hair or the way she wears her makeup since she as about 13! I love tattoos because they are beautiful and mine is a memory and i plan to get alot more. Open you mind u saddo!

  768. bridget says:

    But am I allowed tattoos in the kitchen?

  769. miss V says:

    What a nonsense…This is utterly stupid. I am a young lady with higher education, very elegant, I like nice dresses, natural beauty, I do go to the gym, I have a very normal and healthy lifestyle and a very good job in the creative industry. I love tattoos. And I have two half sleeves. This poor girl is so kept in the dark . Just so passé…

  770. hesher says:

    waste of skin. go fly a kite on the freeway. i’d rather see a bunch of women that have tattoos and appreciate art that accentuates a women’s body than superficial and judgemental cunts like you.

    make me a sandwich. cuz thats all youre good for

  771. Dani says:

    Last time I checked it was a little thing called Individuality that changed the world, not Paris Hilton!

  772. Danielle says:

    Dumbfounded……was so angry until I started reading the responses. Even started laughing when I went to leave one myself and saw how many people wrote back. Let her be ignorant…I have come to learn that even those who don’t like and swore they never would can come to appreciate good art. And it’s even better when you can surprise people into looking at themselves harder because they judged you for being someone who would not have tattoos and you turn out to be covered with them and they like them!! I have yet to have someone see my boys tattooed hand-prints on my ribs and not fall in love with them. Same is said for the angel I have on my back and that’s my entire back………let her judge and sit back saying we women should be stuck in the ’50’s. Kharma!

  773. Applecuddles says:

    Im 19 years old and have about 15 tattoos already, for me tattoos are a lifestyle I choose. It’s more than slapping a bit of ink on yourself sometimes it’s a representation of who you are, what you believe or what you love in life, there are many tattoos out there that are horrible done and look terrible, but there are so many pieces of artwork out there on people that it makes your jaw drop on how beautiful it looks. As for the class factor, some of the most beautiful people and classiest people I know are tattooed. And now who are you to say that it isn’t beautiful to tattoo yourself? Who are you to question thousands of years of tradition within tribes and countries to say that tattoos make them ugly? I say your too scared to actually accept that tattoos can be beautiful and even worse this arrival only proves that you value women through looks and what women wear, beauty is not just for the eye to see how’s about judging a person on hat they do or say. And for that matter you’ve made it very easy for others to categorise you as just another judgemental person ranting about something they know nothing about

  774. Alexandria says:

    I wonder if she will respond back to me. Maybe she’s getting too many responses?

    4:51 PM (16 hours ago)
    to lisa.khoury
    Dear Lisa,

    I am really confused by your article; I’m really not sure at this
    point what kind of argument you think you are forming about women and
    tattoos. It seems like you believe you have somewhat of a feminist
    stance by the way you endorse the ‘natural’ woman, but I am sincerely
    confused about how natural this ideal feminine beauty which you seem
    to be familiar with actually is. The ideas which you disclose in your
    article correlate and add to the pressures that a margin of our
    society places on women: to be way too conscious of their bodies, and
    notably, to be entirely more conscious than men have to be of mens
    bodies.
    You argue that women should go get manicures, go shopping for
    trendy clothes, and wear high heels! Do you realize that you are
    asking women to raise their physical appearance to a standard expected
    of them by society or by men, men being the only members of society
    whose opinions you embrace. This physical standard you endorse is one
    which no female body can naturally meet and a standard which will
    never be met by a woman who has tattoos. You seem to be suggesting
    now that the female body is flawed because it needs to be
    ‘accentuated’, and what i find more offensive, you are frustrated that
    women don’t try to be beautiful according to your listed conventions
    and choose rather to ink their body up with images which make them
    happy about themselves. May I ask what you meant by “But at the end
    of the day, are you really a happier person? Has this tattoo, for
    instance, caused you to learn something new about yourself?” I do not
    understand how anyone could argue that getting your nails done and
    buying shoes with your friends would be a better investment in
    happiness and self-growth. If a woman wants to buy a pair of shoes
    that appeals to her personal taste, by all means she should buy them
    and be happy! But suggesting women cannot find happiness in inking
    their bodies, a happiness which is a lot more intense than buying a
    pair of shoes, and that this decision must be one of a niave woman
    with a point to prove to others rather than to satisfy herself, makes
    me feel like I must not be good at being a woman at all.
    As for your closing statement, (“God knows the last thing this
    world needs is another generation of kids questioning their basic
    values and morals.”) I wonder if the last thing this world needs is
    actually women endorsing patriarchy and misogyny. Or maybe the last
    thing we need is to raise our children to be as superficial and
    prejudice as we seem to be. I think the thing this world needs MOST
    is for people to make a habit out of questioning their ‘basic values
    and morals’, to question EVERYTHING, because anyone who blindly
    subscribes to an idea that has been passed down to them without
    considering its usefulness or truthfulness is NOT going to work
    towards making their own decisions and making themselves happy, but
    rather this blind individual is going to be nothing more than a walking
    corpse, never changing and already as muted as they will be in death.

    SINCERELY,
    ALEXANDRIA
    Revolutionary Artist

  775. Lo says:

    You’re an idiot.

  776. Emily says:

    What about the history of tattoos?! For hundreds of years, some tribes including the Maori have received tattoos as a rite of passage. Is she going to slander their beliefs because she thinks their not classy? Tattoos have always had meaning. Though, American culture has changed that depending on the person, but even those sailors in the navy that choose to get a tattoo of “mother” with an anchor means something. Whether they know it or not, that is similarly a rite of passage, if not just tradition (or stereotype but call it what you will). It still means something. I have two tattoos that mark a time in my life that was difficult for me and through that constant reminder, I grew. The writer of the article has no intelligence just opinion. I pity her for her sad narrow thoughts on life.

  777. Marie says:

    Tattoos make a women look trashy, dirty, and disgusting! Wow so you put stars,butterflys, birds biblical words,tramp stamps, suns, or hearts on your body. That makes you such a beautiful person haha. Its disgusting! Most people that put biblical words on their body aren’t even religious.Find another form of expression! Just letting you know that if you think you look hott… Your not.. You look like AMY WINEHOUSE…enough said.

    • Colby says:

      aw, that’s cute…I feel badly for you. I hope someone doesn’t judge you as harshly as you are judging others.
      Who are you to tell anyone to find another way of expression? To each their own, and of you don’t like it, don’t look, and don’t get one yourself. Easy enough!
      Although, I must say-you ARE, of course, entitled to your own opinion. Even if it’s wrong.

      • Marie says:

        I am entitled to my own opinion as for you. We don’t see the same things but its the truth. You can’t wear an elegant dress without looking disgusting. Thats why they don’t wear them. I look because its so ugly…

    • Jessi says:

      I am now ashamed that my middle name is Marie. Please stop being so damn judgemental. You may find them disgusting, fair, but I really hope your gynecologist has a ton of tattoos that are just hidden. I will not find a different form of expresssion. This one suits me just fine. And last I checked, a person does not need to be religous to appreciate or believe in a specific grouping of words.

      • Marie says:

        Funny. If you read it again I never mentioned they weren’t professionals. Dumb. I respect everyone I just think it makes you look like trash. My gynecologist might have “secret” tattoos and notice you said HIDDEN. Because thats all y’all want to do is hide them. ashamed much? Don’t find a different form of expression I don’t care. Obviously if your getting biblical words on your body, you got them from the BIBLE! contradiction don’t you think. But then again you said it all through the reply.

      • Jessi says:

        But you do infer that if professionals have tattoos, they are trash. And I do not hide my tattoos at all times. I display them. Believe me, I’m not ashamed at all and most aren’t. And have you ever thought that maybe people read the bible to see what the big deal is? Or maybe because it’s been said to be a good read? Reiterating the fact that people do not need to be religious to appreciate or believe in a specific grouping of words. Pretty sure that not every sentence in the bible has the word god or jesus in it.

      • Marie says:

        Wow read it again. LOOK TRASHY…ARE TRASHY Big difference but you might still not understand. Again the Bible if you going to read it and see what the big deal is. You don’t believe in it or the words…let me just write them on my body.. Dumbest thing I ever heard. and no the Bibles sentences don’t always contain those words, but people are dumb when being asked where did you get those words from…they say the Bible…lol they aren’t religious wow what a hypocrite.

      • Jessi says:

        So you’re telling me that you can only appreciate a quote if you believe in the source?

    • Lori says:

      you are SO smart congratulation. How can you that ? I’m sorry if my boyfriend loves my tattoos, and if my dead soldier friend sure loves it too. I get it, you are a stupid religious bitch who is mind closed and ignorant, don’t say something like it will offend people, just like I did with you. What goes around comes around, and be sure, you say something so strong for somebody you don’t even know, will come back at you, and harder than it was for all the beautifull, smart and classy womans with tatto, wich are the opposit that you are, ulgy, ignorant and trashy 🙂

  778. Angela says:

    I have 9 tattoo’s so far and love them all and will be adding a few more. All mine are girly, blue/pink stars/ butterflies etc. And I am bi and find a tattooed woman much more attractive than a woman without tattoo’s. Think you need a tattoo on your forehead. The word dick comes to mind 🙂

  779. Russell says:

    As the husband of 11 years to the 30 year old mother of my child (who is a UK size 10) who has spent her time with myself and my daughter as opposed to becoming size conscious and gym obsessive who has chosen to adorn her body with works of art that just so happen to be tattoos. I find this article utterly reprehensible, sexist and indeed classless.

    My wife does not need to “enhance” her appearance with painted nails, high heels or lavish hairstyles as she is breath-taking regardless.

    I can also assure you that men still “drool” over her regardless of the fact she has tattoos and indeed I consider myself lucky to have someone as “elegant” with high “morals” and “values” and who has much more “class” than the author of this article as she would consider an individual’s own opinion as valid and as important as her own as both my wife, and mother to my daughter.

  780. Angela Clark says:

    I have 9 tattoo’s all girlie, ie stars/butterflies and i sure will add a few more. I am much more attracted to Female and male’s who have tattoo’s. Maybe you need one with the word Dick on your forehead 🙂

  781. Christopher says:

    I only want one tattoo. It’s a full back piece that is going to have smoke rising out of a scar on my back and form into a Phoenix from mid back into my shoulders. It is my way of reminding myself of all the crap that has happened within my life, that I’ve lived through. Like my house burning down when I was 7, coping with suicidal tendencies when I was 12, living through a 65 mph car crash at 21 that should have killed me and the doctors had no clue why I was A) Alive; and B) not a single bone in my body was broken. I will test my physical pain tolerance to have that tattoo to remind myself of my experiences if I ever feel down that there is nothing I can’t rise up from. I’m sure there are a lot of Tattoos that women want to get that mean a lot to them, and this article does nothing but degrade them.
    Way to go Lisa Khoury, I think you’ve proven our point. Don’t get a “trendy” tattoo that means nothing to you. Get one that means something to you. Hell, even the Great Pyramids had Hieroglyphics on their walls that told a story. Oh and weren’t those structures TEMPLES OF WORSHIP?

  782. Christina says:

    Your an idiot. End of story. My tattoos represent who I am and my story. If you don’t like it to bad. You say do things to better yourself. Maybe you should take a quick ride to sephora and pick up some things.

  783. kitty says:

    You are a complete idiot! I don’t even have tattoos and I can honestly say your first few sentences were utter garbage. I know this because I have friends with plenty of women with tattoos You need to open your mind a bit more…or a lot rather.. .and surround yourself with more different people to make a better judgement on others before you open your mouth again.

  784. kylie says:

    lol what a cunt.

    that is all.

  785. Lace says:

    As a woman, with 150+ hours of work in my skin, saying that getting your nails done, going to the mall and wearing heels make you classy, is asinine. Class and elegance have nothing to do with what you do or do not wear, including tattoos. To me, this just sounds like another pointless Internet rant to get a rise out of people and recognition as a popularly read blog. Though I found her blog offensive (because we have all had these kinds of interactions face to face) it is exponentially more entertaining to me the response it has accumulated.  It is face to face interactions such as this that band us together even more strongly as a tattooed community. For those who choose to view the tattooed in this light, they will never have any clue what it means to get or wear a tattoo, better yet, what it means to be heavily tattooed. I say, let her feel this way about the tattooed. It’s what sets us apart from the rubes. It’s opinions like this that allow us to feel a reminiscent feeling of what is was like to be tattooed (in this country) in a time era where it actually was viewed as a rebellious and jaw dropping act of carelessness. (This of course is not including most of tattoo history, which dates back to some of the oldest known human remains). Personally, I’m glad she wrote it, because the whole thing was very entertaining. To all you strong and opinionated tattooed women, you are sexy as fuck.

  786. Not only do I have elegance, class, and a large intellect… but I have two tattoos and soon to be more. My tattoos express my sense of growth and independence. My newest one will be a form of respect for my family and where I come from. My first was in respect to my faith. Furthermore, my tattoos are done elegantly and display the “beautiful creature” that I know I am. I’ve done modeling and know what it is to be on display, but I am as far from girly as it comes and I am extremely proud of that! I have 3 daughters and a VERY strong moral and ethical belief system. My children are some of the most well rounded you’ll ever find. The point that I am trying to make is that tattoos won’t make or break the bounds of moral society but small mindedness like yourself most certainly will. It’s terrible opinions and blatantly idiotic comments that make a person unattractive. We as a society accept ink as a form of expression through cultural and religious aspects from all over the world. So now are you telling me that we have to all conform not to only one respect of womanhood but also to leaving your heritage behind as well? I am American Indian and well frankly that’s more than a load of crap. Moreover, every time you allow these droplets of idiocy fall from your fingertips you are stupefying society and making yourself look more dismal by contrast everyday.

  787. I’m sure many people with modified bodies have had this told to them: “Think about what you’re doing to yourself. How do you think it will look when you’re older? What if it sags, stretches, scars, fades…etc?”
    I’ve had to tell people my opinion on this over and over again, and most of these people aren’t modified because they’re too afraid of the future outcome of a permanent modification. In my opinion, I only have one life to live and one body, so I’m going to do what I wish with it. For some, doing what they wish with their body is allowing themselves to get out of shape, body sculpting, surgery, getting braces, whitening teeth, dying hair…etc. WOAH see what I said there? body sculpting, surgery, getting braces, whitening teeth, dying hair! Bet you didn’t think things like that were modifications did you? That’s because the world teaches you that things like that are okay. Makeup, in my opinion, is a temporary body modification. So what is so taboo about tattoos and piercings? Most holier than thou Christians I run into say, “Your body is a temple and you are destroying said temple.” I bet you those same people will call me ugly for not getting braces at a young age, so yea, shut the hell up. You aren’t any better than I. I say that every sanctuary has art on display and stained glass windows, so if my body is no different from a church, then isn’t adding art to my body the same as adding art to a church? And unless you came out of the vagina sinless, you have no right to judge.
    Back to the main topic: the basic question being “How will you feel about it when you’re older?” Along with other similar questions, my basic answer is that I’m not too concerned about how it will age. I take care of my body, but every tattoo comes with a price. Time will fade a tattoo, skin stretches causing tattoos to migrate and of course stretch. Most easily visible tattoos are still socially unaccepted, and tattoos in places that aren’t as visible are more painful. Tattoos on your lower back are said to make a woman “look like a tramp” and stomach tattoos will stretch and scar if a woman wishes to birth children someday. You may think long and hard about a tattoo, but years down the line you may still “grow out of the phase you were in” when you got the tattoo.
    I remember when I told my grandma about how I wanted bows on the back of my thighs. I was told, “Well when you’re older, they may look saggy and untied and trampy.” REALLY? saggy and untied? Tattoos don’t unravel. Fade, stretch, scar? Possibly. Unravel? haha NO! Most people that get tattoos realize that even with proper care it will not look as wonderful as the few months after you got it, and we can accept that reality. It helps if every so often you get a touch up on the ink and of course you take care of your body. However, one day we will be old and that ship you had tattooed will finally looked wrecked(using an example), but guess what: so will the rest of your unmarked body. Nobody cares after 60, and by that I mean that in general, the elderly don’t care to take care of the body they have; You’re old, possible frail, and regret nothing anyway.
    The reality is that you can’t escape the fact that a tattoo will get messed up eventually. If you want one, you have to accept all the risk. We people in the “modified family” understand this and every other risk that comes with modifications. If tattoos aren’t for you, that’s fine, But don’t assume that we who have them don’t fully understand what it means to get one. We do: It’s a bigger commitment that anyone can fully understand. Bigger than your relationships, your religions, or your clubs. It’s for life and we’re fully prepared to make that permanent choice.
    And if it just so happens that you aren’t satisified with what you permanently etched into your body, you CAN get it CHANGED and ERASED…despite what others tell you.
    Do what make you happy and do it safely.

  788. Dazvort says:

    I have several tattoos…and guess what THERE”RE MINE….not yours…so mind your own fuckn’ business and go back to your whitewash world and be careful not to fall off that horse….it’s a long way down!

  789. Matt says:

    HA HA HA HA!!!!

    She’s convinced herself that a woman’s sole purpose in life is to get guys to “drool over her”, and that somehow getting a tattoo makes a woman “less” of a woman? Somehow less attractive?

    Perhaps to some, and not to others, but isn’t that what makes a diverse society? I would think that someone so preoccupied with “maintaining a perfect body”, would be considerably more attractive.

    Just another ignorant college kid that opened her mouth before she actually thought about the garbage flying out of it.. Either that, or her last boyfriend/husband left her for a much more attractive woman that had tattoos. A little bitter perhaps?

  790. Bixby says:

    Yeah yeah, the girl is an idiot. YES, she’s an idiot for her insanely misinformed opinion (whoever said an opinion can’t be wrong, was wrong; case in point). She’s also an idiot of broadcasting her opinion (which is misguided and wrong, remember) to the Internet community without first testing it for scruitability on a smaller group. regardless of how you, the reader, feel about name-calling on the web, the pure and unfortunate truth is some (many) people are just fucking stupid and there is no more appropriate response to such pontification than to make the offender aware that they are just straight up WRONG.

  791. B Renee says:

    Some of the most successful, happiest, and cultured people I know are COVERED in tattoos. This makes you sound horribly ignorant and racist. Talk about a lack of class….

  792. Cornelius says:

    Wow, how brainless is this crap. And I don’t think your turning any heads With anyone “drooling” over you. You need some serious ink before that would happen!!
    Go back to the mall and look for the latest trendy crap, follower!!

  793. Corey says:

    Sounds to me you’re a little bitter. I’m glad you think you’re naturally beautiful because I think you need to hit the gym.

  794. Ladygrim says:

    Okay Lisa.
    I have something to say.
    I go to the gym, have a rocking body, toned and defined, and covered in tattoos. I am a successful musician, and have a master’s degree in music composition, AND business. I think you need to realize, that tattoos are an expression of art, and by the looks of your ever-so-plain picture, you must not understand that. For all you talk about getting your nails done, hair kept up, and beautiful clothes, you are CLEARLY not doing that. So all of your arguments are empty. C’mon now. A bit bold of you to make these statements, don’t you think? Sure there are tons of girls out there that have no idea why the tattoo themselves. They exist. However, some of us are successful human beings and have have PLENTY going for themselves. I have class, discipline, and many talents that men seem to think highly of. I understand that the whole point of your article is to make an argument, but these are the repercussions that follow. Get over your self. Maybe you should take your ‘classy self’ and expose yourself to some ART. Because art means something too, educate yourself.

  795. peter says:

    I have three from the early 80’s. They were meant some thing when I had them. ( no girl friend or any thing like it ) They represented who I was @ that time in my life. Which was not very nice or even in the ballpark of social participation.
    Today, lucky to be alive wish I NEVER even had them. They are a form of identification to law enforcement & a reminder who I was @ that time. I’m still that person because I have no regrets how my life turned out or how it was @ that time in my life. Any tattoo I have is a regret. But the only one thing in my life,all the good ,bad & ugly I can take. But a Tattoo to identify me or a micro chip the size of a grain of rice or what ever your gov. uses to identify you is out. There is check point Charlie or as German Nazism did, ” show me your papers ”
    You can not get away from any one if your body is deformed on way or another. Its going on now if you look.

  796. I have a full sleeve and tattoos all over my body. Each of them has a deep meaning to me, and I’ve never regretted a single one. I have been told by dozens of people that I’m the classiest woman they’ve ever met. People don’t see my tattoos or piercings first when they see me. They see the entire package that, granted, tattoos are a large part of. Being classy isn’t in how you look or the clothes you wear. It’s about charisma and how you treat others around you.
    Judging someone by their appearance is discriminatory, and discrimination just isn’t classy. Therefore, this young woman should not even begin to give others “advice” on what is or is not class.

  797. Pingback: Friday! « kate achille.

  798. Deryn TenaciousTattoo says:

    If you are going to write about tattooed women you should at the very least do a bit of research.. as you clearly have written this based on this narrow minded opinion you have!! You may as well ask me to write an article about YOU based on the picture you provided.. how ridiculous and offensive can you be? You obviously have a very low opinion of women in general!!!
    Just because you dont understand tattoos and why people want them doesnt mean you have the right to invent (stupid) reasons why we have done this to ourselves!!!!!! I find it equally ridiculous that you DONT want to customise your body and take advantage of the walking canvas you could be!! A tattoo-less world is my kind of nightmare.. i am amazed everday by the walking works of art i meet and am lucky enough to help create (yes i am a female tattooist.. therefore more qualified than YOU to comment on this subject) But i dont assume to KNOW why you haven’t been tattooed.. and i dont assume to understand why anyone else has either.. its a very intimate and personal thing!! I guess i’m simply not as ignorant as you.. and further more.. i couldnt care less what you do with your body… so please stop making retarded assumptions about mine!!!

  799. kerry says:

    Classless? Your attitude is disgusting you should be ashamed of yourself!

  800. Tattoob says:

    Ur an idiot

  801. SneakyPete says:

    I’m actually pretty insulted that this person is a News Editor. Maybe the only people who should get tattooed are sailors like me (preferably reeking of gin), bikers and convicts. I’ve got a Navy tattoo showcasing 150 years of petty officer tradition, a tattoo of a woodpecker with a stick of dynamite and a match, and one of Bettie Page, an evangelical Christian who wasn’t afraid to take her clothes off in front of a camera.

  802. Lauren says:

    I would really like to meet the “men” who drool over this sea hag cunt

    • jordan says:

      well said. id bring my tattoo machine and tattoo “sea hag cunt” on her forehead. i find it hard to believe that she’s turning guys heads in her direction.

  803. kristen says:

    really? so, the definition of class is conforming to someone else’s standards of beauty? wearing high heels to accentuate your legs? did you know that high heels are very detrimental to foot health and posture and wearing heels can have a permanent damaging effect on a person’s physical health? but i don’t judge someone for wearing heels, as it is a personal choice that person has made. a tattoo is an expression of individuality. or it is a mistake someone made, either way, it is not your concern. please refrain from passing your narrow judgments off as wisdom.

  804. Naomi says:

    I’m an Early Childhood educator ( not to be confused with “babysitter”). My tattoos have NEVER been a hinderance to my ability to be hired or to work in a pre school. I’ve even had a few instances where I was able to teach my class using the tattoos on my arms. I have NEVER felt that my tattoos take away from my femininity. It may come as a shocker, but I FEEL PRETTIER with my ink!
    If you’re not down with tattoos, fine good for fucking you, but to decide that I must be some uneducated piece of shit because I have something on my body that YOU find unfavorable only exposes your immaturity and your ignorance. I have a feeling the real world is gonna kick your ass once you leave the sanctity of your soy and granola infested dorm room.

  805. Dawn Dettmering says:

    Talk about being totally classless!! My Mother always said if you don’t have anything nice to say then say nothing at all. You were obviously at the mall shopping the day they taught that lesson!

  806. Michelle hickey says:

    She’s an uneducated, judge mental person who unfortunately feels the needs to put her opinions in ink!

  807. Chastity says:

    This piece of writing is ridiculous. I am woman with an education, a job and children. My children love my tattoos as do I. My husband is a tattoo artist. Most people I come in contact with enjoy my artwork. There are a select few that have something negative to say, but my reply to them is..’it is my body and I will do with it what I want’. My morals are no different then most people. I want to be happy and give my children and husband everything that I possibly can. I do not know where this chic get her information. Everyone has their own opinion but there is definitely a better way to express it. Tattoos are not degrading to women…women are beautiful in their own and and wish to express it in their own way.

    I hope women who are actually reading this…do not believe that just because you have tattoos you have no class. This is wrong on so many different levels. She is degrading women more then some men to just because of their choice of getting a tattoo.

  808. Ruthie says:

    “An elegant woman does not vandalize the temple she has been blessed with as her body. She appreciates it. She flaunts it. She’s not happy with it? She goes to the gym. She dresses it up in lavish, fun, trendy clothes, enjoying trips to the mall with her girlfriends. She accentuates her legs with high heels. She gets her nails done. She enjoys the finer things in life, all with the body she was blessed with.”
    I do all of those things. I’m a business woman, a mother, a daughter, a wife & grandmother….I don’t feel I vandalized my temple….I adorned it with colorful beauty. You live your best life & I will live mine. The difference between us is, that as an elegant lady, I don’t believe I have the right to tell anyone else what to do with their lives & their choices.

  809. maggatessmom says:

    She’s Probably scared to get one. HA

  810. Adam says:

    Lisa you are ignorant, prejudgemental, and rude. Yea a tattoo is just that and others may not get anything out of it. But let me ask you what did you get out of buying that bland shirt, what did you get out of buying those atypical hipster glasses frame? why not something that helps define you? Because lord knows what you picked is not helping. I am sorry you are too scared to express yourself as an individual. I am sorry you are too closed minded to accept others for how they are. I am sorry you are too empty to even have anything to express. I am sorry you have suppressed your self. Most of all I am sorry you will probally never know what it is to truelly live.

  811. Loureen says:

    How very ignorant.

    Obviously lacking in any understanding of the reasoning behind tattoos worn for centuries into the present by both men and women.

    Your shallow perception of beauty and ” class” highlighting the fact that you are simply sharing and ill informed opinion piece on a subject you know little about.

    Luckily this is just an opinion, luckily not everyone has such a narrow minded view on one of the oldest art forms in the world.

  812. Sidra says:

    I wrote this in an email to Ms. Khoury:
    Ask any of my friends and they will tell you that I am an open minded person, who has no problem sitting and debating ideas with people from all walks of life. Having said that, I find your article offensive, not only to me as a woman, but also as a woman who is heavily tattooed. I know you are only 19 and so I understand that your knowledge of the world is still pretty limited. So I feel that maybe I should open your eyes a bit wider to the world of tattooing and what it means to me and thousands of others like me. I start by quoting some things you wrote in this article, “Can you get meaning out of a tattoo?” The answer is “YES” but only if you take the time to ask the person with a tattoo what it means to them. I think you would be amazed at the stories you will hear. I started getting tattoos when I turned 18 yrs old (I am 39 now), each tattoo on my body has a story, some more meaningful than others but each one of them is a part of me that I put forth on display; baring my soul. The sleeve on my right arm is for my father, the other sleeve represents my spiritual side, showing my respect for all the elements in nature. Then there is the angel tattoo on my shoulder, she represents my daughter “Alora”, I lost her when I was 5 months pregnant, a year after having her I had a healthy little girl “Aliza” and so in the tattoo it shows my “Alora” watching over her little sister as the guardian angel that I know she is. Now having read that are you going to question whether you can get meaning out of a tattoo? For many people getting a tattoo is a way to permanently seal a moment in time on to their very flesh…a moment so powerful that it begs never be forgotten. Next time you think to say, ” Nothing comes out of getting a tattoo”, I want you to think of the mothers & fathers who have lost a child, cancer survivors, war veterans, anyone who has been given some amount of closure or cathartic relief from branding their pain or joy for all to see and hopefully you will see that something amazing and beautiful comes from getting a tattoo; and that thing is life.

  813. dammskippy says:

    im sorry hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha im not sure if this has been said but i just cant read all 2000 post but isn’t funny how ugly people always talk about inner beauty . i think lisa should stop spending so much money at the mall and start to save for a good plastic surgeon. TATTOOS FING RULE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  814. Michelle says:

    I am a mother of 3 amazing children. I am educated, involved in several charitable organizations, and volunteer at my children’s school. I am a new age baseball mom that drives a station wagon and has a little girl in girl scouts. I do not shop at the mall nor do I get my nails done. I prefer to spend my time and money where it counts,on my kids. I would rather give them memories and experiences than setting a poor example on how to have class and self worth. We are by no means a traditional family. We listen to music loudly and dance as if no one is watching. We hang out at the tattoo shop shop and embrace everyone for who they are. My kids are nonjudgmental because they have learned to not to judge based on appearance. I am heavily tattooed and my husband is a tattoo artist. We are not classes or worthless. We are people that try to give back to the community whenever possible. I choose to raise my children with values and morals and have a good body. Staying up on fashion and being materialistic is not going to give you class. So please next time you choose to judge me come spend a day in my shoes. The difference between you and I is that I don’t care if you have tattoos or not where as you are close minded and judgmental…

  815. Joe says:

    I write better articles with my vagina.

  816. Brittany says:

    My letter to her
    Dear Miss Khoury,

    First I would to begin by identifying myself as a woman of approximately your age, who is also a University Student. With that being said, I would like to thank you for writing about your opinion on tattoos! I am forced to assume that this is coming as a bit of a shock to you, as you have likely received an overwhelming amount of hateful mail, and for that I am truly sorry. Now, I am compelled to tell you why I am thankful for your article! Normally, a response to such an article would be one of pure anger….which honestly was my first response. As a young woman who chose to get the simple words of “you can’t control a passion that outshines the pain” placed on my rib cage, I almost threw up reading your article. Then I realized that I am putting far to much energy into a closed-minded individual such as yourself. Now, I respect that you do not think that tattoos are the appropriate way to display your body to the world, yet I think it is unreasonable for you to cast judgement on anyone else. I could defend my tattoo to you, explaining that that was the saying of a teammate of mine who died of ovarian cancer at the tender age of 16, I could explain the impact she has had on my life, I could explain that her simply being Meghan has drastically influenced how I behave towards other people and has increased my tolerance level beyond imaginable. I could go off about how her words written on my side make me cry when I look into the mirror, those same words make me want to work to fulfill every passion I dream up or I could perhaps tell you about how driven I have become to pursue my goals in life and how much PASSION that I have for life. Yet I know you do not care about the eloquent lettering on my side, your mind is set. You are content being judgmental to the world, yet to myself I can not help but to hope you will use this experience to grow as a person! I know many people with tattoos who do not cast judgement on those who do not have any, and that tolerance, well that is true class. The reason I have thanked you for writing this is because I know that in the future I can use your article to teach people the values of tolerance in society and the ugliness that radiates off of people who are so quick to pass judgments. I personally pride myself on bringing people up everyday, of helping people understand their true beauty-which has nothing to do with how often they get their nails done, go shopping or how many times they see a mans head turn when they walk by. It is not defined by how other people view their physical appearance, but how they view themselves. I am currently working towards receiving my degree in personal training, in which then I hope to continue to follow my PASSION and help people love themselves. I want to thank you, as we share the same viewpoint, in the fact woman really need to start loving and respecting their bodies and your writing helped me realize an important step I was ignoring, the importance of respect for other woman, regardless of their looks. A tattoo does not make a woman less classy, but this “I get it. It’s the 21st century. You’re cool, you’re rebellious, you’re cutting edge, you have a point to prove, and you’re a woman. Awesome.”, judgemental, sarcastic statement does. Honestly, the only people that have any need to question their morals and values are the ones that do not love others for who they are, and feel that they have to knowledge to cast judgement, without living the life that person has. Your beliefs are your own, but I do hope that one day you will be as thankful that you wrote this article as I am, because your article, although setting woman back 80 years in history, sheds a light on the intolerance that is bread of having questionable morals.
    Thank you for your time an insight,

  817. Rachell says:

    Wow, what an ignorant woman. To think that there’s never anything to gain by getting a tatto, yet somehow buying new clothes is the total opposite. This woman is ass-backwards. And since when does getting tattoos have anything to do with a persons morality? When I have grand kids, I’d be damn proud to explain to them the purpose and meaning of the tattoo I got in memory of my beloved godmother, not be ashamed or struggling to explain it to my grandchildren.
    Yes a woman’s body is a temple. You know what people do with temples? Adorn them. Decorate them. Women adorn their bodies with many things, from temporary things like clothes and jewelry, to permanent things like tattoos.
    It’s not always about rebellion and shock value. Many people get tattoos that represent something that mattered to them, like a person they loved, or an extreme event that happened that changed their lives. Tattoos are not everyone’s cup of tea to remember someone or something, but for some people it means everything. And to sit there and say they’re wrong for it is just ignorant and foolish and it seems like this woman needs a real lesson about what “morality” is truly about

  818. Corina says:

    She looks like Skrillex.

    That is all.

  819. Sam Harris says:

    I love to shop, I dress up and I get my nails done and get my hair done religiously highlighted every 5 to 6 weeks and cut and styled also, however I have three degrees and still want to continue to work on my PhD. I am also a school teacher. I am a soprano and love to sing opera, I love to do art work as well. I am very classy and like expensive things but this article is pointless because guess what I have two tattoos and I love them. Most people don’t even know I have them until I choose to expose them and I have a dragon on my lower back but then I put in a place where I can show when and I want and cover when I want. I have had many people tell what a lovely tattoo I have or the surprise on their face when they see it and look at me and would tell me I don’t look like the type of girl to get one. It has meaning to me and I didn’t get it, just to get it.My tattoos are meaningful specifically to me and if someone doesn’t like it I don’t care, it’s none of their business because it’s my body and I can do what I want to it. It’s all about how you hold yourself as a person and how you talk, it’s not strictly about tattoos because you may be sitting to a person who may have them and never know it 🙂 like me for instance. All I can say is that I love the surprise on people’s faces because I don’t fit the typical stereo type of who gets a tattoo!

  820. Amanda Vella says:

    Don’t get a tattoo but wear high heels to celebrate your body. Moronic and insulting.

  821. Kisa says:

    Yes, I too thought this ridiculous. Maybe it’s a cultural thing. If she’s Jewish, by religious law, she can’t get tattooed. Then she’s writing about something she couldn’t comprehend.
    Also. She’s writing for a university newspaper- she obviously lacks the life experience to be writing about such things.
    Tattoos can be VERY therapeutic. Whether you’re honouring someone who’s passed, or someone that’s alive. You can celebrate events or just express yourself.
    Women and men can be beautiful in a million different ways and there are millions of different people to find them attractive.
    The article above just seems like irrelevant pap and propaganda. I really hope she hasn’t poisoned the minds of impressionable young students. Lol.

  822. Tomas says:

    You can only live in the same house for so long, before you have to repaint the walls.

  823. jordan says:

    how stupid. this is such a load of shit. go ahead and go to the mall and become the same mindless, materialistic bitch, that everyone loves, so when the world ends and the zombies are a flowing, you’ll have no chance of surviving. not saying that girls with tattoos will, but at least they’ll have the brain capacity to realize that there are more important things in life than shoes, clothes, hair extensions, blah fucking blah. and yes as tattoo last your whole life and any of them do have meaning, unlike shoes or clothes which you’ll likely throw away and possibly only wear a handful of times. next time you need more readers maybe you should go after a group of people who aren’t so educated, and strong willed.

  824. James,s says:

    Ok i understand where this woman is coming from in regards to not everyone likes tattoos but degrading people who have them is a bit much. I have tattoos and a successful career.
    I enjoy art, but rather have it on my wall i want to take it with me.
    Each to there own ofcourse, but there are times when you should keep your opinions to yourself,
    Us tattooed folk dont go around saying that people without skin art are boring and mainstream and want to conform with outdated society,

    Last thing, Lady, tattoos 9 times out of 10 tell a story of someones life. They are colourful and express the persons outlook on life. You are pretty far off the mark to think that beauty is only skin deep. And not only women can be beautiful and classy.

    I hope you change your view on us “rebalious scum” and come to realize that you are the minority in todays young society

  825. Jess says:

    For a young college student, you have an INCREDIBLY naive and archaic way of thinking. Let me start by answering some of your posed questions…
    “Can you get meaning out of a tattoo? Arguably. If you want to insert ink into your skin as a symbol for something greater than yourself, then maybe you are proving a point to yourself or the rest of the world.
    But at the end of the day, are you really a happier person? Has this tattoo, for instance, caused you to learn something new about yourself? Has it challenged you? Has it led you to self-growth? Nothing comes out of getting a tattoo. You get a tattoo, and that’s it. You do something productive, though, and you see results. That’s a genuine, satisfying change in life. Not ink.”
    My body is covered in tattoos and they ALL hold meaning. I have reminders on my body that I can look at everyday and know where I’ve been and where I’m going. I have tattoos to remind me of my father who has past. So yes, you sanctimonious jackass, my tattoos make me happy, they write a story about my life, events, people I love. Tattooing is one of the most ancient forms of art there is. The earliest tattoos date back to 2000 BC, so I guess we all come from trashy, tasteless roots….including yourself. Humans have marked their bodies with tattoos for thousands of years. These permanent designs—sometimes plain, sometimes elaborate, always personal—have served as amulets, status symbols, declarations of love, signs of religious beliefs, adornments and even forms of punishment. Maybe do your research before taking a stab at a LARGE part of the society in which you live you unoriginal halfwit. By the way, you have a seriously skewed idea of what a classy women is? Someone who “dresses trendy and hangs out in malls with their girlfriends”? You’ve watched too many episodes of Sex in the City. Class comes from the mind and the heart. A PERSON who is thoughtful, intelligent and tactful is a person of “class.” Your stature is not based on whether or not your skin is tattooed and where you buy your clothes. My guess is that the tattooed girl next door stole your dreamboat. Get over yourself you judgmental cretin. I’ll have you know that I am fully involved in my community, I volunteer, my husband and myself live in a beautiful home and are raising amazing and intelligent children who would never pass judgment of others as you have. I am COVERED in ink and work in the BEAUTY industry, people of all ages and creeds seek me out over the cookie cutter wallflower next to me BECAUSE of my tattoos as I clearly have a POINT OF VIEW and do not lack in CREATIVITY. I feel sorry for you. Learn to open your mind.

  826. Rose says:

    “a more productive use of your time would be improving and appreciating the body you have been given, not permanently engraving it.” Umm I’m pretty sure I feel I’m improving the way I look to how I want to look – not for anyone else, especially men. It may be a little more extreme way of improving how I look, but at least i don’t slog it out in the gym like a lot of woman and still hate myself afterwards. And yes at the end of the day i am a happier person, because i am closer and closer to how i want to look. I find spending hours get a pedicure, with your feet in a bath of water that you have no idea where it came from or what fungal bacteria could be in there to be more classless. Women refusing to acknowledge that it is indeed detrimental to their health and continue to put themselves at risk for a cheap pedicure. At least we know what we are doing is hygienic and aren’t willing to settle for anything less than the very best just because its cheap. People continue to argue this shit – REALLY LISA, REALLY? You think the tattooed community actually care? We acknowledge your opinion and appreciate that you are allowed one. But am I going to sit here and judge you for not having tattoo’s or your lack of colour in your wardrobe? No. Your opinion changes nothing except the amount of hate mail you are going to receive.

  827. Ardias says:

    Who will the author shame in her next article? Women who shave their heads? People with nose piercings?

  828. Kelsey says:

    Dear Lisa the tattoo-hater:

    You are a very close-minded individual. You must have it pretty easy in your mundane life if you feel that women with tattoos is something of a concern in our world. Try AIDS? World hunger? The economy? Drugs? Child abuse? NARROW MINDED FOLKS IN THE MEDIA???? Tattoos have been around for centuries, and really, unless you have a tattoo how can you even come to these conclusions? Mediocre writing skills and a prude attitude (and looks) somehow got you a job as a new editor, a CLASSLESS and SIMPLE-MINDED news editor.

    “God knows the last thing this world needs is another generation of kids questioning their basic values and morals”.
    And being comfortable in their own skin and self-expressing themselves?? You are ignorant in so many ways.

    Women with tattoos are capable of being a lot more classy and non-judgemental than someone with your mentality. AND we do have gym memberships, we do yoga, we can be very elegant and magnificent, classy and intelligent. And if that makes the world a terrible place, then you really are as dumb as your terrible article is.

    What’s the phrase?? Free your ass and your mind will follow. Try it sometime! Then maybe you can worry about real problems instead of your own insecurities and just flat our warped perception on body art. Seriously, your article was garbage!

    It is also funny how you classify all women with tattoos into this narrow-minded category. Why is that? Is it because tattooed women always end up winning over your past romantic endeavors? That is my guess, but hey! What do I know? I’m just a classless, white-trash woman with a lot of ink who needs to work out more than I already do and get my nails and hair done in order to be happy and comfortable and productive: your words, not mine. My bad. Open your eyes and your mind, and THEN you can write something people might take seriously.

  829. Breizh says:

    I have met a lot of beautiful, sexy women with tattoos. Also, saying that a woman can only be beautiful if she wears the same clothes as everyone else, by getting her hair cut the same way as everyone else, basically by being a stereotypical fembot… Are you sure you’re a woman? Are you sure that this isn’t some idiot, sexist guy who thinks he’s a funny troll? It’s women like you who give the rest of us a bad name.

  830. Louisa says:

    Ive never heard so much rubbish in all my life, has this woman time machined back to the dark ages, I thought the days were over when woman were just seen as sexual objects for men to admire, did females not burn their bras so that we had equality with men. Tattoos are amazing, they look gorgeous, they tell a story and they are therapeutic. This woman obviously has made her judgement on her own, as she clearly lacks life experience and knowledge in anything. I have blue hair,piercings, tattoos and a bit of a belly from having children, I take pride in my appearance but not because i think my body is a temple for men to admire, i do it for myself, im a mother, i work,(in a tattoo shop lol ) i study and i excercise, im are a real person with life experience and know that tattoos dont make a person, but they also dont ruin a person, everyone in this world is different which makes living amazing, how boring would it be if everyone had the same snobbish and narrow minded view as this woman.

  831. Mark says:

    This is one of the most mindless pieces of trash I have ever read. Completely putting aside that it is clearly coming from the utmost biased standpoint (which is not the goal of a newspaper in the least) it’s attacking a group of people that she obviously knows little to nothing about. If someone was to write an article about how TLC has ruined the tattoo industry; societies view on it, and flooded teenage minds with nonsense that has nothing to do with tattooing, that would make much more sense to me. The author is clearly a highly opinionated and confused individual who should have a bit more background on the subject matter she chooses to publish.

  832. chocolatelavacake says:

    LOL!!! She salty cause she’s not raw enough to rock a tat

  833. Tattooed Mom says:

    I am a para-educator working with special ed students, I was a Girl Scout leader for close to 15 years, taught Sunday school, was a Cub Scout leader for 5 years, I am drug free and obey the law, I have raised 5 children, been an active member of the PTA and worked in gang prevention in my community. AND I HAVE TATTOOS!!!

    The woman who wrote the article linked above is beyond ignorant. As they say you can’t judge a book by its cover, even if it has a really colorful cover!

    Oh and to the author of the article, and I mean this in the classiest most elegant way SUCK MY D*CK!

  834. Tattooed Mom says:

    Forgot to add that I have been married to the same man for over 30 years-whats that say about my tattooed morals?

  835. Shaun says:

    It would seem to me that this “lady” is bitter that no men are paying attention to her “temple.” Personally, I find tattooed women sexy as hell, and I also find this chick to be lacking any ounce of sexiness. If she would just open her eyes she would probably realize one thing right away: The ones talking bad about hot girls are usually the ugly ones.

    But she did what she set out to do. She got thousands of comments on this soiled-toilet-paper of an article, even at the expense of making herself look like a fucking idiot bitch.

  836. David says:

    I’m not a woman, but that article offended even me. I’ve seen plenty of tattoo-oriented reality shows (NY Ink, L.A. Ink, etc.) where women of all races, ages, shapes and sizes come in to get ink. Some have lots of tattoos, others getting their first. Who is this woman to say that you get no meaning out of tattoos? Many people choose to honor parents or siblings who have passed on. Others choose to commemorate months or years sober with some fresh ink. Why doesn’t she stand outside of a tattoo parlor and tell these people their new tattoo means nothing? See how many of those people agree with her.

  837. Juicepop says:

    Obviously this girl is just ignorant, and she was the one raised with the wrong moral values.
    To each his own. Everyone is their own person and no one deserves to be judged because EVERYONE is beautiful. That is what my children will learn.
    When my grandchildren ask me why I have an octopus tattooed on my upper thigh, I will tell them it’s because I love octopusses and thing they are wonderful creatures. I wanted to express that with my body, and if they love octopusses just like their grandma, they have every damn right to get a tattoo of one if they want. They will still be as beautiful as they were the day they were born.

  838. canvasedtemple says:

    really agree with ashley at the top! figured i would post what i emailed to the girl (i NEVER do this, but this really struck a nerve!)

    Hi Lisa,
    I’m not going to name call or express my feelings on your little rant there. I will say though that every tattoo I have gotten holds such a special place in my heart. Even the one I got when I was 14, the one I got when I was 18, the one I got when I was 24 that not a soul in the world besides the artists (cause THAT is what these people are) and myself have seen. NOT A SOUL. So for you to go on a tell someone else what something means to them is absolutely ludicrous. What makes you an authority on elegance?! HA! It’s called personal fucking preference (yeah I like to fucking curse too, oh gosh golly!) You should stop and think before you etch something onto the interwebular world, it’s permanent dear.
    Sincerly,
    my body is a temple and a canvas (also old and not regretting)

  839. joan says:

    i can get my tattoos removed and she’ll still be one fat ugly bitch.
    #heightofmaturity

  840. Yeah I have a tattoo… Hmm I don’t feel ashamed of myself, but I do feel beautiful. I felt beautiful before it too. I never wore high heels, tons of makeup, or had my nails done. But I felt beautiful and prideful without it all. I don’t think you can judge your self worth on what is on the outside. If you feel beautiful on the inside what does it matter if you wear makeup OR have a tattoo? Shouldn’t men be more attracted to what is in the book then the cover? Because when it really comes down to it, I DON’T want a man to like me just for my body. I want a man to see whats on the inside first and love me for that. My personalty should be enough to attract him.

  841. ill say this…..im 36 in the music business as well as I own two businesses. I live in Malibu and yes I am wealthy and ive had my tattoos, all five since i was 21. Classless as some may think but did those tattoos keep me from being the success that I am today? Nope. Its really ignorant that some news person would say this. Many people who run companies have tattoos. Many successful people have them. People are different and yes I choose to use certain parts of my body as a canvas for art. My tattoos are not meaningless. They tell a story about my life as it has progressed and another is in memory of a great friend, Paul Gray. Although some of my tattoos dont express who I am now they are part of me and I never will regret any of them. In fact, I’d like to add to some of them.

    I watch NY Ink and I see Megan Massacre with all her tattoos. Im not crazy about plenty of tattoos but either way she is still a beautiful young woman. Tatts or not. I never lay judgement on anyone simply because they choose to use their body as a canvas. Its our right to do so. You can say tattooed people are classless and weird but I bet if you was in dire need a tattooed person would give you the shirt off their back. It doesn’t make us less human. Tattoos actually make us more open to the world and to people. We accept people more because we love a culture that many dont.

    Looks like I will be posting a longer blog on my page about this. I had more to say!

  842. Sarah says:

    HAHAHAHA! Wow! That article was very, very narrow and short-sighted. I’m a little bit embarrassed for the writer.

  843. she says at the of the article that she suggest women spend their money on gym memberships and yoga…really?!? i know plenty of tattooed fit women that already do so! This girl should invest some money in a makeover. geez lol.

  844. Pingback: Ignorance is not for the faint of heart. | Tales from the bathroom stall

  845. Nikki says:

    Blah blah blah. Shut up. I’m going to get tattoos and get abortions and fucking do whatever I want.

    Don’t judge others because you have low self esteem.

    I could say the same thing about your “god”.
    I could say that the few hours you spend in churh each week on your knees like a coward should be spent elsewhere helping and benefiting the world.

    For the love of the earth, stop writing. You’re horrible. But who am I to judge?

  846. Liz says:

    The only way to know what can be gained by having a tattoo is by having one. If you do not have one, you cannot know what can be gained. I have one very small tattoo on my foot and every time I see it, it reminds me that there are good moments even when my life is filled with bad. I have always had a hard time seeing the light in the dark, so, when I was twenty one, I got a physical, tangible reminder of goodness. I see my tattoo every day. And when I am having a really tough day, I see it and remember that there will be good times. And I feel hopeful. So – to answer your question – yes, my tattoo does make me a happier person. It challenges me to find those bright spots in every day. It helps me keep my chin up and I wouldn’t erase it if you paid me.
    Also, for all the talk of feminine beauty and empowerment and class and grace, the author says nothing about a woman’s intellect or soul or passions or values. All of these deeper, more substantial qualities are things that cannot be expressed through pretty nails and lipstick, but can be expressed through tattoos.

  847. Alexa says:

    I won’t sit here and cuss you out, because that’s just going to help prove the classless part of your horrible message.
    I’m a female and I have about 10 tattoos of very large sizes and a half sleeve.
    I’m a successful photographer and I can assure you I still turn heads.
    Men think tattoos are sexy, and if they don’t like them then they wouldn’t like me as a person.
    Body modification is a part of my life, and my husband is a lawyer at a small firm with full sleeves.
    Its funny that you think tattoos are classless and horrible , because my husband and I make more than you and we have tattoos.
    Our family and daughter loves us.
    And we have tons of friends and even friends who don’t like tattoos, but they love us as people.
    Just because women get tattoos don’t make them Harlets or trashy or anything, it makes them unique.
    Your body is your temple decorate those walls baby!
    I support tattoos, and your message is horrible.
    Your blind to the world and have a closed mind like most journalists.

    Are you against gays too?!
    Pfsh, look around sweetie you lost this one.

  848. From a traditionalist viewpoint, all meaningful change comes from within, and attempts to adorn the external body distract from that process.

  849. clementine says:

    I read this a few days ago and had the same gut reaction. I was even getting ready to link to it and lampoon it, to declare pride in my own tattoos and disdain for her outdated view of women.

    But then I realised that this woman is only 19. She wrote this for her college newspaper to run side by side as a counterpoint to a pro-tattoo piece. It was the first opinion piece she’s ever had published. Having edited a college newspaper, I think it’s pretty rich to expect any young first time writer to be aware of the supposed ‘basics of journalism’ that everyone keeps referring to when justifying their sneering criticism of her. She’s not a journalist. She’s a college student who may find herself covered in tattoos in five years time when she’s grown up and figured out who she ACTUALLY is. Sort of like the way everyone’s allowed to do when they’re given the liberty of being able to figure their mistakes out without the screeching criticisms of thousands of anonymous commentors.

    I’m 30 years old and I make a living from writing. I’ve also made my fair share of mistakes. I’ve been too passionate about the wrong things. I’ve changed my mind. I’ve written things flippantly, trying to be clever and glib. I’d be mortified if some of the misguided shit I wrote at 19 spread like wildfire on the internet, and was held up as an assessment of all that I am and all that I will ever be.

    I think the fallout from this story is far more reflective of a damaged society than whether or not she thinks tattoos make a woman look ‘cheap’. In any normal reality, that article would have been read by a few thousand college students and dismissed as total garbage. It would have been left to disappear into the ether of last week’s headlines. But instead, people catapulted something that really had very little sway into the wider internet community and tried to pretend it was an issue worth fighting.

    Her views are outdated, yes. They’re small minded. They’re sexist. But she’s a kid whose first attempt at writing has resulted in hundreds of hate emails, insults, blog posts, personal insults, physical criticisms and a general all round pitchfork party from the internet villagers. I have a number of tattoos. I vehemently disagree with the assertions she makes in that piece. But I have sympathy for the fact that she’s still learning and figuring out what kind of writer she wants to be. That’s what college newspapers are for!

    If she’d written it for the NY Times, everyone would have license to go to town on her. But this is the internet ganging up to bully someone whose very limited credentials – and outlet for them – meant they really didn’t deserve to be thrust into the limelight in this way.

    • Amber says:

      She’s 19 not 14. If you are in university and writing an editorial and can’t tell the difference between misogynistic, harmful commentary, perhaps you should change your major. You can’t attack a group of people and then blame society for the backlash you recieve. The problem lies that someone would raise their child with the level of intolerance they would feel entitled enough to write this junk

  850. Lauren says:

    We now live on a postmodern society, so why are you complaining about women getting tattoos for? It’s like your trying to tell women to go back 100 years when we basically had no rights and to follow the norm that people saw then. The media tells us we’ve got to be all pretty and perfect otherwise your an outcast. Yeah you can follow the medias view on women all you want to but don’t tell others to follow it too. This is utter bullshit, tattoos are artwork and most women get them because they have meaning to them not because they are follwing the crowd. Yeah I’m 18 and I have 3 tattoos WHICH ALL HAVE A MEANING TO ME. I’m not gonna go out an get my nails done because society tells me too.
    If youre gonna slate people on what they do with their body then keep your opinions to yourself.

  851. mindofmila says:

    Personally, I think the article is narrow-minded, unsupported, and incredibly superficial. Tattoos, for centuries, have held great symbolic meanings in a variety of cultures. To degrade someone for having tattoos simply does not make sense. A tattoo represents something significant in someone’s life; How can you perceive someone to be something simply by the artwork they choose to adorn themselves with? Completely unjust. The same goes for clothing; Because you go out and shop, and dress yourself a certain way, such as “frilly”, etc. does that make you feel better about yourself? That is the most superficial thing I have ever heard. Clothing does not hold nearly as much meaning as tattoos hold, at least for me. I have 4 tattoos..nearly my whole back is a canva of artwork that is symbolic to me. All my tattoos have helped me grow, represent an experience, or acts as a reminder of something. My mother passed away almost two years ago, and she always wrote in every card she has ever given me, “All my love,” and to put all my love into everything I do. I had my tattoo artist trace her handwriting, and then tattoo “All my love” on my left wrist, close to my heart. Tattoos have different meaning in placement and in design, so before you go around judging others who use tattoos as a reflection of self or as an outlet of emotion, why don’t you assess yourself and your NEED to constantly feel “beautiful” and “accepted” by society? Why don’t you try opening yur eyes to the fact that YOU feel the need to fit society’s “norm” of what “beautiful” is; Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Being beautiful does not mean having lavish clothing or jewelry, or shoes; it means to hold true to what the value of beauty is – to be open, accepting, having self-confidence, and being a genuine person. Looks fade, but personality is timeless. I strongly suggest you reevaluate your morals. God is the only person that may judge anyone…and I feel awful for you when your time comes. Can you look at yourself confidently and say that you’re a good person? You immediately attack those who hold different values from you. Tattoos or not, that doesn’t define a person or their moral values. You’re merely a blank canvas – whitewashed, and boring. Tragic. I’m sorry you are so narrow-minded to believe that you are better than anyone else, and I’m sorry no one told you what being beautiful really means…I hope you read this and are enlightened.

  852. jivesturkey says:

    I have many tattoos and I still hold the class you think tattooed women have forgotten or decided to throw away.

    I think you lack the courage to be who you want to be!

  853. I don’t have any tattoos and I dont feel the need to get any anytime soon. I think its perfectly acceptable to not like tattoos or understand the appeal of them. However, that being said that is not what this woman is saying. The harsh judgements she has made on people with tatoos is absolutely disgusting. Worse still, its is completely sexist and mentions nothing about men with tattoos. It promotes the idea of there being only one kind of beauty and that women should only enjoy activities that ‘enhance’ the body whether you enjoy them or not. Yeah why dont we all just spend our days going to the mall or the gym, heaven forbid we should do anything else! Oh and the bit about tattooed grans making grandkids question there morals? …eh?

  854. Lily Landrum says:

    Lol. Just another close minded dumb ass that cant mind their own business talking down on someone who is obviously happy with their appearance.. I have LOTS of tattoos but im also a painter its art to me. i dont care if ppl think its worthless or not having class, but i make a lving with my art so, idk know she gets worthless.. =) just let them keep thinking what their thinking. they have no idea, why or what our art means to us. just cause they dont like it does mean they can talk crap about ppl that have love for it. Mind your own business and dont get tattooed as simple as that..

  855. Shreya says:

    This is upsetting I accentuate my legs with heels, dress classy (most of the time), get my nails done, make sure my hairs right, I love going shopping, I do basically everything she describes as classy and I have tattoos I cant believe she basically said you lose class for having tattoos most of the guys I know LOVE girls with tattoos yeah, my body is a temple but my body is also a canvas that i like to paint with tattoos, its part of me its part of my personality who i am. Class is something that is learned not just the appearance of a person I know plenty of girls who are “clean cut” and are the farthest from classy as well, tattoos aren’t about rebellion its about expression.

  856. Sandi Fox -Norton says:

    My Body is my temple and I choose to decorate it just like the stained glass in a lot of churches/temples.
    I also get my nails done and toes and hair and dress nice. Im a mom of 3 my husband loves my art, and Ive had plenty of nice looking men ask to see all of my art. this article sounds like it was written in the 50’s.

  857. JoJo-A-GoGo says:

    Reblogged this on joeyagogo and commented:
    I wasn’t going to re-blog this post, but I just re-read it, and found it entertaining (if anything). Its no secret that I have a couple of tattoos – granted, they’re not on my face or covering my neck/face/arm/calves – if they were, I wouldn’t think thats grounds to consider me class-less.

    You can call me class-less if I belch in your ear, not if I tattoo my back. Biatch.

  858. nicole says:

    Oh wait! I forgot to mention the amazing bonding experience I had with my best friend since the sixth grade, we are both 30 now. She was very scared of needles and the whole process causes her to faint. She never thought she could get tattooed but wanted this amazing phrase in latin on her wrist facing her for her to read whenever she wants or needs it. I held her hand and helped her. Through it. I picked the artist who I knew would be patient kind and do a great job. She almost fainted at the beginning but after that she got through it like a pro! We had an amazing bonding ezperience, she told me she didn’t think any one else coiuld have got her through it.

  859. Jerriel says:

    If you all can, please click that link to the picture. Thank you.

  860. Cydnee says:

    When I first read this my inner feminist cried out in rage; then I realised it’s her opinion no matter how out-dated, demeaning and sexist it is towards women. I’m a student journalist and if I had to face this sort of abuse from strangers on the internet for my own personal opinion I don’t think I’d ever write again.
    I have two tattoos and I have three more planned, all of my tattoos mean something to me. I don’t believe dressing provocatively for men to leer at me and objectify myself defines me as classy. Class is something you learn and earn. No matter how much you spend on clothes, shoes, fake tans and French manicures, if you aren’t classy you never will be. I go to the gym, have my nails done and spend a stupid amount of money on beautiful shoes and tattoos. That doesn’t mean I’m some feral woman who is aesthetically unappealing. I know I have class for a young woman, even if it is an out-dated idea. As for elegance, I’m too clumsy to be viewed as elegant.
    Tattoos have been around for millennia, I should know I had to study them as part of an exam at school, they’re beautiful (if done correctly), expressive and, at the end of the day, art. A lot of people dislike tattoos, my own mother for one but she accepts them even if she thinks I’m an idiot for having them.
    To think that this young woman is only a few years older than myself and has a view on women like this is, to be frank, upsetting and I’d like to believe this isn’t her true view.
    I’m not going to drop to the level of name calling because it’s petty, uncalled for and I’m no longer in primary school when it was acceptable to call people ugly. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and is goes a lot deeper than what you can see on the outside.

  861. Leeza says:

    Wow! I have never been more insulted in my life. I don’t even have a tattoo. I work out 3 to 4 times a week at home or outside. I also have two jobs that equal out to 50+ hours a week. My best friends all have tattoos and they are some of the most attractive people I’ve ever been associated with. They have class and style and a whole lot of other great individual traits that make them special and unique. You speak about tattoos as if they create a category of people less worthy of. I disagree. I think tattoos make a person more independent and unique. (Cause all Tattoos have a story, and all tattoos that are similar are still different from the next). Whether its a sleeve or a small butterfly on an ankle, it’s just expression.

  862. Mrs LaBarre says:

    My opinion classless women are ones who generalize groups of people and judge them.

  863. Emily says:

    wait, so guys can get tattoos and it’s cool?
    Please note, it’s not the 1950’s anymore…join us in 2012 when you get the chance.
    Thanks.

  864. Michael P. Murphy says:

    Hello. I am a male 35 yrs old. I have 3 tattoos my wife has 2. I love her no matter what. We love having them. When my daughter that is 19 months old now is old enough. If she wants I will take her to get her own. I plan on getting many more of my own. My wife does want to get more also. I have to say that your article is complete shite. Telling us what is a more useful way to use our time and body? I am sure you have received so many hateful comments and e-mail. I am not surprised at all one bit. I hope you continue to get them.

  865. I would love to meet this woman. Get off of your high horse ad look around! You know that expensive art piece in your living room? It can be stolen, ruined, etc. But my art will alwaysbe with me. You say we shouldn’t alter our bodies but aren’t glasses a form of alteration at well? I mean for you its an improvement…and for us this is an improvement too. Although maybe you’d see the world better with a better pair.

  866. Reblogged this on Momma's Got Ink! and commented:
    I am gladly following this woman’s blog now, The Hope Blog. It makes me so happy to see someone call another out on their ignorance! Who raises their child to feel so gosh darn self righteous that they deem it acceptable to write something so (ironically) classless and tasteless itself! Infuriating.

  867. Kimmie May says:

    Class is how you present yourself to others, not by what you have on for clothes or what’s on your skin. Some of the nicest people I know have tattoos and some of the meanest people I know don’t. I have 3 tattoos and they have meaning and when I look at them they make me smile all the time. They bring me so much happiness and I don’t regret any of them. I am a mother and I hope that when my daughter is old enough and ready for her first tattoo that I can be apart of the experience. And if some day she does have children I will let them know why I have each tattoo and what they mean to me. Yes everyone is entitled to their own opinion but when you try and tell women that they are wrong for having tattoos you just sound ridiculous, especially when you don’t have one and are too young to know so much about life cause you haven’t even lived. So before you decide to write something else please do better research. People won’t put you down so much cause then you may actually know what you are talking about.

  868. Pingback: Where can I discovery the old category ear piercing things called Pyjamas? « Eyebrow Piercing

  869. Rob Farrow says:

    Nonsense…it’s that simple. She has no idea what she is talking about.

  870. Nicky says:

    I am a women with tattoos. I am proud of my tats. They are beautiful and give me self esteem. They make me feel good about myself. They make me feel strong and yes have taught me and made me learn more about myself. I do get my hair done, I do get my nails done and I flaunt my shit with confidence because I like who I am. I’m a 31 yr old mom of three kids I got piercings and a half sleeve and chest piece n back piece n it’s all stuff I’m passionate about. Tattoos may not be everybody’s choice, but u can’t sit there and tell someone not to get one. That’s ur personal opinion n women don’t need people making the decision to get one for them.

  871. free Lockett says:

    Wow, what a diatribe. Why cant you just say you dont like tattooing which is what you really want to say. Instead you have chosen to suggest that people should prescribe to your morals and values, how is it that you are some sort of authority? Some women put dress themselves in high heels and others in tattooing, the only difference is one can take the high heels off. women are beautiful and the body is a temple and can be adorned in any way one sees fit.

  872. savepabats@gmail.com says:

    When the article insults every women who is tattooed that does imply a response, there is nothing respectful about insulting others decisions to display themselves accordingly. Voicing your opinion is one thing, only uneducated closed minded morons would broadcast women with tattoos are trashy. That’s humorous to me since i’m a biologist and covered in my beautiful skin that I so lightly paint with memories of my past and things that bring me pleasure. I believe instead of negatively voicing something so vague and misunderstood perhaps you should have an opinion on real topics such as women losing the right to make decisions on there body, not the way they present themselves. So many modified women have made there mark on society in a positive way, outreach programs, and being the strong defined women they are. Do not even attempt to say that’s trashy. Your opinion to me is worthless because your intellect level is down there with high class white trash. I take pride in my tattoos especially the ones on my face, it’s more than unique and defined, it’s me.. it’s personal, and something you will never have! Clothes do not define the person, nor a gym membership.. the skin we wear defines who we are!

  873. SkinDeepInk says:

    i look at it as i am a blank canvas and its my job to make a beautiful portrait im sorry you don’t agree but hey to each there own……

  874. Anne B. says:

    This is disgusting. How can you say that no woman gets anything out of a tattoo? A tattoo can represent so many things, and I have personally grown as a person mentally for having gotten so many. My entire back is covered, and I have multiple other large pieces all over my body, and how DARE you say that this makes me any less of a woman. Clearly you are a close minded, ignorant, arrogant person. I get SO many complements all the time on how beautiful my artwork is. Go fuck yourself.

  875. Elisabeth Steinke says:

    I can agree with freedom of speech, and I am aware not everyone share the same opinion regarding certain things. But, should you be “teaching” other people, or rather giving your opinion about stuff you don’t know? How can one be so certain, and have the balls to write such things, when they have not experience it themselves? This article also talks about being “classy” and reference nails, clothes, shoes, shopping centers. Being classy, in my opinion is being a solid individual, whether you’re a man, or a woman. You may ask yourself, what a solid individual is…A solid individual is someone who is well rounded, someone who speaks of their experiences, and shares a VALID opinion about things, he/she has seen in life. An educated person, whether college graduate, or educated by their own experiences, someone who stands for what the believe in, without being ignorant. This article is not only offensive to women who are tattooed, but all women in general. I hope you take the time to read some of this responses, some while offensive, have nevertheless some advise that could help you on your “blogging” journey. While blogging is a new trend of our times, it does not excuse you for such a terrible article that offers nothing, but ignorance to women, young women, and human society as a whole. It is ok to be ignorant, if you should decide that’s the route you want to take, it is just not ok to spread it, unfortunately for you…that is probably how you ended up with this “opinions”

  876. R says:

    How is spending time getting your nails or hair done more productive than getting a tattoo?? i say its less, cuz those two things don’t last…and tattoos can have theraputic meaning to someone, not necessarily just a decoration.

  877. Amber says:

    Oh, you’ll have to excuse me, I didn’t realize the sole purpose of my creation was to uphold societal standards of class. The nerve I must have, to make decisions about the use and maintenance of my own body. Its always these homely out of shape women that preach societal standards. You know what’s classy? Keep rude unnecessary commentary and critiquing to oneself. Girl needs to follow her own advice.

  878. Sarah says:

    This is truly one of the best articles I have ever read.

  879. Lori says:

    This is a ridiculous article.
    Why do we have to go to gym, mall and all that crap she talks about in the article ? To turn ourselves into preppy little girls who don’t give a fuck about anything else but shopping and working out ? Please, a girl with tattoos is not worst or better then a girl who doesn’t have tattoos, we are the same, but with different visions. I have tattoos, one of them is to honor a friend in who was K.I.A. in Afghanistan ( btw a woman going to war is wrong too ? some of them have tattoos, and they don’t go to the gym or the mall all the time. ). It is a reminder for me for his courage and how much he ment to me. So I rather have this tattoo on my body of a person who, for me, was a hero, than spent more money and more time in a gym or a mall. Why would I honor him with shopping ? And when anybody asks me about the tattoo I’m proud to say the reason behind it. And when my grandkids ask me the reason of that tattoo, I’ll just sit with them, and tell every moment and every word behind the tattoo. And I would like to say to my grandkids: “I spent half of my life on a gym and shopping all the time with my friends”.
    So please I’m not judging anyone, everybody do what they want to do, but remind yourselfs, we may be the same gender, but we all have our own minds, so before you say anything about a tattoed woman, think again, classless and worthless, I work and I study and I know how to dress myself as a lady and behave myself as a lady and the tattoos don’t get in the with that. Is your mind that does. Your thoughts get in the way between you have a open mind and you judge blinded by some stupid brainwash ( religious or anything else ).

  880. Sandi says:

    How shallow can you be?? You don’t like tattoo’s, fair enough. But don’t push your opinions on other people. I have a few tattoos and for each one I took at least a year to decide what I wanted because they each have great meaning to me. Get a life and mind your own business.

  881. Ali says:

    Wow. Sad to say I GRADUATED from this University (I continue to work on campus and come in contact with students regularly.) Buffalo is actually a pretty liberal city, with the University at Buffalo reflecting those values. I loved the intellectualism and progressive values held by my professors. I was in psychology and sociology, so perhaps those subjects are inherently progressive in their thinking because when you logically look at a subject such as the topic covered in this article, you are able to see it from all sides. This chick likes to instill traditional gender norms and assumes that everybody is going to be teaching their kids “good morality” the same way she sees it: tattoos are evil, dumb, meaningless, etc. Now that is JUST NOT TRUE. What the hell kind of news reporting is this? Is this an OPINION piece? Where is her RESEARCH? Yikes, UB is well known for being a RESEARCH University. If she did some background reading instead of just jamming traditional gender norms down everybody’s throats, she’d realize that NOT EVERYBODY THINKS THE SAME WAY SHE DOES. Which is a huge fallacy in this country as a whole. Gender norms are changing, and I will tell you, just about every single female student at the University has some sort of “non-traditional” piercing (I myself have 10) and TONS of them have tattoos. Even the ones you’d never think would have tattoos have them! You can look at girls who seem very conservative in their dress, demeanor, etc and sure enough, when the weather is right, rolls up a sweat pant leg and there’s a huge freaking tattoo on the calf as a tribute to her parents. I see tons of wrist/foot tattoos at my job on girls who look fresh out of high school. I was even asked by one girl at my job about my tragus piercing and infection because she told me she kept sleeping on hers weirdly and it would get all puffy. I told her to just assault it with hot salt water. Times are changing and you can’t judge a book by it’s cover. I have a friend who has a tattoo of 2 dates: the day he was diagnosed with cancer (as a 16 year old) and the day he was officially cancer free. Tell me that THAT has no meaning? A teenager who beat cancer getting a tattoo to remember his journey? I know MANY girls who have struggled with eating disorders who end up tattooing the recovery symbol on their body once they’ve recovered. How does THAT have no meaning? This girl is a disgrace to the University as Buffalo. Please don’t think everyone that attends this school is uneducated. She’s a “fish out of water” as far as I’m concerned…

  882. Realdeal65 says:

    Damn!!..what a bunch of trolls on this site..SMH..First of all..the writer has a very valid point and I know personally many people who got drunk and they got a Tatoo..end of story..so don’t try and blow all this symbolic meaning bullshit up somebody’s A$$ . I myself choose to not have any Tatoo’s because the last 10 years it has really become just a fad..Yes..I said it! A FAD..and Dennis Rodman along with many Rappers were the first to kick off this fad.
    I say this because at the end of the day..you can look at the decision to get a Tatoo just like the “REAL HARLEY RIDERS” who decide to ride a Harley no matter what the season as oppose to Wal Street perpetrators who only ride on sunny and warm weekends on their brand new Harley’s.
    If any of you were really sincere about getting a Tatoo..then where were you when folks had them and it wasn’t considered cool? Where were you when Motley Crew and Twisted Sister were wearing them but people looked at them as weirdo’s? To me..those kind of folks are the “REAL” Tatoo wearers that I respect and will defend their right to wear a Tat. But many people nowaday’s are just “SHEEPLE”..”If Bob jumps off a fuckin Bridge..I will too” type of people…I see Tats on women rolling with fat and some have that shit on their breast in a dysfunctional way of saying, “Look at Me!”..I’m the kid that never got attention when I was in grade school and I’m still that attention deprived kid hoping you will see all my funky Tats on my body! And why black people who are dark skinned get them I don’t know..it’s just a waste of ink to get a Tat folks can’t even see.. But rest assure..Fads come and Go and I just read recently that the Military has started to target applicants who have Tats and they are trying to make it illegal to have sleeve Tats and Tats that are visible with the uniform on..Yes..the same organization that led the way for social change like integration and women’s right to serve in combat arms and Gay’s in the military. And once again, they will lead the way and the rest of American society will fall in line and businesses will stop hiring folks with excessive Tats and it will once again be seen as negative..then all the fake “Wannabe” Tat wearers will start to think twice about the decision about putting that Tat on their neck, under the eye, or on that big “Tit” which was done to get attention. But if you are a REAL Tat wearer..then this response is not targeted at you..there are other folks who wear this shoe well. I have wondered about the 80 year old grandma who will have to explain to her grankids why she has a big tat on her wrinkled breast once its so wrinkled no one can see and it looks disgusting ..LMFAO..I agree with the writer about the beauty of a woman..it was never meant to mark all over it like someone trying to demean their body…

  883. DMD says:

    I appreciate and respect the opinion of this young lady. Everyone has a perspective that is influenced by many factors. However, a contrary and healthy debate can do nothing but continue a conversation in a positive direction. So let me offer a differing opinion: I am a 40 year old Woman with fibromyalgia. My age, however, doesn’t make me a woman. (Any good feminist or even supporter of women who finds them as naturally strong based on the feminine essence will veer away from the usage of the term “girl”.) This is a chronic pain disease and I have a very severe case. This means I suffer pretty severe pain every day. I decided a few years ago, after many years of not wanting a tattoo for myself, to get a tat. So I did what you are supposed to do, and that is wait about a year to think it over. I didn’t walk by a tat store and randomly decide to “scar” my bod. I was responsible and thoughtful. I asked myself not only what would truly represent me, but would would strengthen me. It doesn’t matter what tattoo I got, as that info is ancillary to this debate. What is relevant is that the experience has purpose and meaning to me. The pain was almost unbearable…But that too had purpose. I experienced and fulfilled a dream to get a tattoo. Point one. I did not allow the pain of the experience to define me; I conquered it. Point two. And most importantly, I had the strength of mind and perseverance to determine what I wanted to do with MY OWN body and to not allow any interfering opinion alter my course.

    Opinion is great. Use it to express your voice. But don’t try to create action, or lack thereof, via that opinion. To do so is contrary to the idea of attempting to inspire women to find and create their own beauty. How would a woman learn to create her own sense of comfort in her body and what makes it beautiful by allowing someone to dictate it for her? Answer: It won’t.

  884. Kenzi says:

    While you are entitled to your own opineon, i must say it is a very sexist one. I have many tattoos, and i wouldnt write about how i think people without tattoos are so and so ir whatever. Everyone appreciates their body’s differently. If you think tattoos are classless, thats fair enough but do not say that WOMEN with tattoos have no class. I appreciate art, my tattoos have meaning. I have a beautiful poem that reminds me of my late father , i have a tattoo on my arm that states i am diabetic, and it has actually helped me when i faint outside, providing paramedics with an answer as to why i have fainted so that they can act faster, low blood sugar is potentially fatal and im glad my tattoo saves time and gets me the required help before its too late, instead of the paramedics guessing and wasting time. I am proud of each of my tattoos. Each one has a story, each one has meaning, more meaning then buying clothes or doing my nails could ever have. I know that 10/20/30 years down the line, i will still be proud of them.
    Your post is extremely sexist, if the point of your post is to state that tattoos spoil the image of our bodies that God has given us, shouldnt you also mention that the same applies to men too? Why is it that tattoos are only trashy on women? Because we are beautiful creatures? I think tattoos on women, if done nicely, can be very beautiful. If a tattooed person were to have negative views about how you might look because you dont have tattoos, wouldnt that be biased?
    Please open your mind to the world, to equality and to respecting people and their choices to do with their body how they choose.

  885. Someone you don't know says:

    While I agree with *some* of the things you’ve said, remember this is only your opinion.

    You seem to have forgotten that you are talking about OTHER women’s bodies, not your own. Not everyone will take into consideration your two cents because after all, it is THEIR body, not yours.

    By the way: “Invest your time in … New clothes”; do new clothes give you a challenge? Do you learn something new about yourself? Do you promote self-growth with new clothes?
    Think about it.

  886. Ryan says:

    Tattoos on woman are such a shame. Yes people can and should be themselves. The fact of the matter is that a tattoo never makes a women more attractive. NEVER! Regardless of what she thinks.

    What kinda idiot would think that a beautiful set of legs will look better covered in graphiti. Or a pair of smokin Aces….. ya lets cover that with ink. Rediculous.

    The single stupidest most ludicrous idea of all time….. female tattoos.

    • Drew says:

      The idea here is more along the lines of to each his own and allowing people to be themselves. So maybe you don’t find it attractive but someone else does and it was a person choice for the person wearing the tattoo. Its not your place to shame anyone or criticize people for their choices when there is no impact on another individual simply because you disagree. Basically: Its none of your business.

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  888. Kriss says:

    You are truly a self-riotous fool. I am a 28 successful business owner with 31 tattoos, not yet have I had any issues with my self-built success due to my love of tattoos. I where my “costume” aka pantsuit during the day and no one would even be able to tell. How dare you sit and judge a person for how they choose to express themselves. How they do it, why does it matter? That’s right, it doesn’t because at the end of the day it comes down to how they choose to live THEIR lives. Having tattoos doesn’t justify if a person is good or bad. It’s the actions of those individuals and how they treat other people. Say if you were to take a person who is a hot shot, corporate big wig who has a issue of being a sociopath and is rude and talks down to anyone who doesn’t look or seem worthy of their time….Put them next to a person with a few tattoos who would do anything and beyond towards the goodwill of people they love, as well as treating complete stangers in a kind and courteous manner. I don’t know about you, but I would rather shake hands with the person who has pride in being a human. NOT a incompetent droid, who has no respect for the general public. Take some time to really think about your small minded statements. Realize that it’s not how you look, it’s what kind of person you are. Because obviously you need a serious reality check. THANKS!

  889. Alexa says:

    Yes, my tattoo did give me a greater sense of self worth. If I want the word imagine written across my hip in a pretty cursive script, I will fucking have it. I have lost no dignity, none of my “class” or “beauty” and I think you damn well need to stop voicing opinions on something you don’t have. That’s like men giving opinions on abortion; it’s plain unnecessary. And how dare we get something significant embedded into our thoughts every time we look in the mirror? We women must play into stereotypical gendered archetypes and shop all day! Fuck art, how dare we even think of something like that? I’m sorry, all this time from being away from the mall has warped my brain. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to go degrade my body by injecting more meaningless ink into it.

  890. Stephanie says:

    Personally I think your an idiot. Every tattoo has meaning and worth to the person willing to pay and go through the pain to get it. My tattoo is of a cancer ribbon for my father who thankfully has survived cancer and multiple surgeries and it means more to him than anything in the world that I would mark a symbol on my body for his benefit. Just in case you were wondering, nobody cares about your ridiculous opinion.

    • Bruce says:

      “Just in case you were wondering, nobody cares about your ridiculous opinion.”

      Well, you certainly do since you’re responding to it with personal information about yourself. Other than that, I agree.

  891. Moranda says:

    My grandmother has a tattoo. My mom is getting her first tattoo, a heart on her hip, next week and she’s 45 years old and OWNS a successful business making $500,000+ per year. The tattoo has nothing to do with her making a point, she’s very successful, she’s not young, she has 45 years of life experience. My mom’s best friend is 49 and is getting a tattoo of a lotus flower on her shoulder blade and she’s the vice president at a company. Do they have something to prove? Do they not feel accomplished? You say they need to shop and do stuff with their hair, my mom and her friend go on shopping trips and get their hair done together all the time. You say they need to get a gym membership, they go running every morning and her best friend ran in a marathon in Hawaii last year. Grow up sweetie, it’s not just a trend for young adults. So what if it’s permanent. Obviously you’ve never had a guy carve your initials into a tree to know how exciting it is to be able to see it every time you walk by even though no one but you or him knows who it stands for. Ultimately though, it’s none of your business, it’s a personal choice. Just like cutting your hair short or leaving it long or putting fun crazy colors in it or, if you want a more permanent example, a boob job. It’s a personal choice and no one has any right right to tell you if it’s right or wrong. You can put fun crazy wallpaper up but I’m sure you still put up posters and pictures. Your bookshelf looks fine but I’m sure you still have figurines on them. Why? Because it’s pretty or looks cool or it reminds you of a good time. Don’t criticize what people put on their body unless you want someone to come criticize how you decorate your property.

    • Manny says:

      It sounds like Lisa Khoury has elicited quite the reaction. For people who evidently think so little of her, she has certainly managed to get their attention. It’s interesting to note the hostility behind these responses, and confirms what I have long suspected about people with tattoos: People who get them are screaming “Please accept me!” “Please pay attention to me!” Please tell me I’m interesting and worthwhile!” It helps explain why people react so strongly – not to mention violently. People who respond with this kind of intensity are so thin-skinned that they simply cannot tolerate the idea that someone would think little of them and their tattoos. The whole point of a tattoo is to make people think about you in a desirable way, which explains why it is so upsetting to tatoo wearers when they learn of someone who doesn’t think of them the way they want to be thought of. And please, spare me the idea that you don’t care what other people think. If that were true, you’d have shrugged at Ms. Khoury’s article and gone about your business. A response would not have been worth your time.

      • Jessi says:

        Manny, please meet every single person with a tattoo and ask them why they got their tattoo/s. You pretty much just classified a very large group of people as people who need attention and are completely superficial. There are numerous reasons that people get tattoos so how dare you be that small minded to think that it’s just for “attention.” Anybody, and yes, I mean anybody, that says they don’t care what any other person thinks about them is either lying or a complete sociopath so again, not a very valid argument. I can honestly say that I do not care what other people think of my tattoos. They are for me and me alone. My reasons for getting them are my reasons and mine alone, though I am more than willing to share what they are. That is not the same as saying that I don’t care what other people think of me as a person. Sometimes my tattoos are covered, sometimes they are not, sometimes only some of them are able to be seen. That only has to do with clothing selection for the day. Tattoos aren’t a fad. They are almost a style in their own right. Some people like the style, some people don’t. The reason that this article elicited so many negative responses towards the author is because she basically attacked and downgraded all women with tattoos. To sum it up, Ms. Lisa Khoury is saying that simply getting a tattoo will negatively affect your morals and you as a person and that is complete hogwash.

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  894. Blaine says:

    I am a commercial real estate developer who works in my families business. We have around 150 non-construction full time employees in Orange County California and I will absolutely not hire anyone with tattoos, piercings (other than women ears,) or strange colored hair.

    The reason is that although I am 36 and some of my friends got tattoos in college (mostly fraternity letters) we must remember that the class of people that our business caters to do not have tattoos.

    Tattoos for many years were the hallmark of the lower class. In the 90’s it began moving up into the working class. Today it seems to have reached a saturation. You will find virtually no upperclass with tattoos, and in the middle class the tattoo grows more prevalent the poorer one becomes.

    I really think it is a smart idea to skip the tattoo if you ever want to make over $500,000 a year. If you want to marry into that, you definately need to skip the tattoo.

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  896. robert paulson says:

    Your tattoos suck, tattoos are for skanks, drug addicts, prostitutes, criminals and gang bangers.
    why dont you just kill yourselves if you are that unhappy to get your body marked up on.

  897. Randy Prudden says:

    In six decades on this earth I have never seen a tattoo that was not ugly,ridiculous and juvenile.

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