Raymond/Jigg, I originally wrote a much longer reply to your tattoo post, then accidentally hit my back space key and lost everything.  I learned my lesson that whenever I write more than a paragraph, I’m going to copy and paste it from my email!  Having said that, I will try to compose my same thoughts.  The question though, is whether this new post will be better or worse than the one I lost?  There are valid reasons for each response, just like there are valid reasons to get a tattoo or not get a tattoo, or whether something you do now, will be thought of as better or worse later in life.  The reason this is a fairly controversial topic, is because it is such an individual decision.  There is no one I know that could talk me into, or out of getting a tattoo if I really did or did not want one. (Let’s assume there is no alcohol in this equation).  Now, I’m a very strong willed person, and I realize not everyone is.  However, it is an important decision because theoretically you will have to live with that decision the rest of your life.

You make a very eloquent case (both in this post and the ones you link to), why this decision is an important one for you.  What you need to decide for yourself (as I think you’re really asking here), is whether or not you can have a relationship with someone who is so diametrically opposed to your views on this subject?  Keep in mind that we are all products of our environment.  The way we were raised, our religious beliefs or lack thereof and our personal experiences.  A girl who was mugged or sexually molested by someone who had a tattoo, might not be able to get over that correlation.  Conversely, if a tattoo reminds you of a wonderful person or experience in your life, you might be more apt to have a tattoo or at least like them on others.  If you’ve had a friend who has gotten hepatitis or worse from a dirty needle, it might factor into your decision as well.  You could argue that there are completely safe methods, but again, it’s all about perceptions.  It’s kind of like visiting a city you’ve never been to, and how your opinion of that city is formed because of the fact that you were alone or with a friend or local.  Your perspectives are different.

Now, let me play devil’s advocate for a minute.  You again speak quite learnedly about why you feel tattoos are art forms and essentially life’s storyboard.  You later edit yourself however, to tell us, your faithful readers, that you would always keep your tattoos hidden from the outside world.  This line of reasoning is completely logical as (American) society has not yet come to terms with the appropriateness of such “art”.  Therefore you (intelligently I think), have concluded that you cannot let your beliefs keep you from attaining the goals and status that you want for yourself (and your future family).  Having said that, would Leonardo cover the Mona Lisa?  Would Michelangelo shroud The David?  Admittedly then, you must ask yourself the same question.  How much are you willing to compromise?  How much should you be willing to compromise for a potential mate?  How much should they be willing to compromise?
  I, like you, find tattoos sexy.  But unlike you (I think), I do not find this at all sexy or attractive.  Now, just to clarify, I think Angelina Jolie is attractive to nearly everyone; gay, straight or otherwise.   I find her tattoo however, somewhat tacky with such an otherwise beautiful ensemble.  (Of course maybe I’m just sickened by the fact that the tattoo was for Billy Bob Thornton, LOL).

The last and final thing I will dare to bring up, is the future.  No one knows what will happen in their future.  Happiness, heartbreak, pleasure, pain. One thing for certain however, is that unless you are Dorian Gray, you, like all of us, (God willing) will get old.  Now, I don’t know you, but you appear to be an attractive and relatively fit young man (from the photos you’ve posted through the years).  Now you are Asian, so you’ll probably look like that when you’re 70 (see, some stereotypes can be good j/k).  But to me personally, tattoos are usually not that attractive when they’re all shriveled up and wrinkly.  I suppose it depends on where they are, but the point I’m trying to make again, is that it’s a permanent, personal decision that may not be right for everyone.

I appreciate the comments you made on my blog.  Though you say that your etiquette post was not your best work, it doesn’t matter.  It was better than 90% of the drivel you read on the Internet, and it introduces you as someone with good manners, strong views and a good moral compass.  You are likely more conservative than I am (though one could argue that tattoos are hardly conservative; your mother for one), but that’s what makes these debates so lively.  Keep up the good work.  Your blog is a breath of fresh air, and a credit to your readers.  Having gone back to the beginning and just skimming a few posts, I’m sure it will be a testament to a well lived life as you continue to grow older and wiser. I hope you had a “happy” birthday.  Peace. –Carey

Touche my friend. I do indeed know all about wynand and rand,and you’re right about that being an apt analogy. I was just playing devil’s advocate anyway. Your tattoo looks good, as I’m sure all the others will!