I absolutely consider myself to be an open minded individual who believes intensely in personal freedom and choice.  That being said, I am always confused by those who practice body art.  Although I understand symbolism and even employ it in some of my decor, I think that putting it on one's body is a choice that evokes some need to be seen or heard beyond the natural ability to simply say or write your meaning.  

It is a personal choice to be sure, but for me - it is a total turnoff.  Or as one of my more beautiful acquaintances once said when I asked about it?, "Why would I put a bumper sticker on a Bentley?"  My feelings exactly!  Maybe a Sharpie to a Rembrandt would be how I say it, but you get the idea.

Interested to hear rebuttals.

I understand and respect some may not find tattoos attractve.. therefore I place in my profile that I have 2....... because I would hate to meet someone and disappoint them w/ my "body art."

I agree.. at least in my case.. that my tattoos absolutely represent my need to be heard..... but not necessarily in the fashion you are stating...

Although I want the world to know I FOUND MY SAVIOR.. (LOL) and as a Christian, I want the world to find "HIM" as well...( as this is my belief for eternal life....) But my tats are more a "personal reminder" to "myself" above all else during my personal "down times" in my life. My life has not been one of privelege or ease.. There have been many times I felt I walked alone.. When I start to feel this way now.. I look to my arm.. and am reminded of the beautiful feeling which transpired when I finally "surrendered!" It is a CONSTANT reminder.. I DO NOT WALK ALONE AND NEVER REALLY DID! I am reminded of my belief how God suffered in order to grant us divine "forgiveness and mercy" in an often times dirty world where people lack tolerance and love.

I gather strength when no one is around due to my beliefs... It's about as personal a statement as one can get!

GREAT TOPIC BTW.. and YES.. I knew I decreased my odds of finding a man when I decided to "apply a permanent statement" on my body.  However, I also know when my "knight" does find me.... (LOL.. a Princess w/ tattoos.. who-da thunk!! HaHa) Well, I knew the man who eventually chooses to share his life with me will choose to view me much as my choice in "Savior" does.... He isn't going to be moved so much by a few trace ink marks on my arm or ankle.... because he will be too busy reading my heart...

Thank you~~

OOPs.. My apologies.. I hadn't known editing my remarks would pull my post to the top... I'm still learning this site! I was in advertising and a pet peeve is misspelled words! :)

Strategically placed tatoos are sexy. 

Oh and PS.. I loved what your GF said about "Why put a bumper sticker on a Bentley?" I can certainly see her point.. Why trash a beautiful vehcle? But I guess I would have to say.. (and again it goes to "personal freedom" and what one has endured in their time..)

I WOULD place a bumper sticker on a Bently, a Jaguar, a Rolls...  or even on my hemi quad cab.. And it might say something like....

"DON'T BLAME ME.... I VOTED FOR THE AMERICAN..."

Because at the end of the day... I'm not all about what I look like... I'm a woman who prefers to be "heard" ....... not just "seen."

Again.. GREAT topic! I know tats are quite a controversy.... even among Christians... Some say it goes against the Bible's beliefs.. Good thing I'm a newbie in that arena as well!

Have a great night anyone reading! :)