Why do tattoos seem to be more accepted in the UK than the US?

[PinoyBoy]

Yes, another tattoo thread.

I've been spending quite some time in the UK for work, and I've noticed that there seems to be more tattooed people from all backgrounds. The tattooed people are not the stereotype blue-collar workers who seem to be the people that many in the US associate with tattoos. I've seen quite a few white-collar workers in typically conservative environments -- banks and other financial institutions -- sporting visible tattoos as well at work and elsewhere.

Just this weekend, I was playing golf at one of the Marriott hotels affiliated with a local private country club. Based on the typical stereotype, you'd think that tattoos would not be found on the so-called elite members. But lo and behold, I met some high-ranking execs on the course who had tattoos on their forearms (most common), around the bicep/tricep area, and neck. I've played at some posh courses in the US, and never got to see these many tattooed folks on the course.

I like the level of acceptance actually. Most of the tattoos I saw were IMO all tastefully done. They weren't just the normal "I love Mum" type but included a variety of designs -- symbols with family heritage significance, religious significance, etc.

But this gets me wondering... why does it seem that tattoos are more accepted in the UK than the US?

[atquinn]

More accepted? Tattoos seem to be as common as ear piercings in the US from what I can see. I suppose most are fairly hidden, but there doesn't seem to be much of a stigma associated with them nowadays.

-Austin

[kush06]

I would say it just depends on who you're hanging out with. I doubt they're "more" accepted in the UK than the US. There are probably more tattooed people in Austin than not at this point. Maybe it's just your part of Texas?

[Dave Shoop]

I never associated tattoo's with a desire to be accepted. Maybe back in the day being accepted by the motorcycle gang or now a street gang, or prison gang.

Today they are so common the only one's that get attention are the one's that cover a major part of the body so you look like a comic page. That's not a judgment just a description. I don't care what people choose to do with their own body. Small tattoo's don't seem to be an issue with anyone.

There are tattoo shops all over town where I live. Like fast food places.

I've often thought of getting a small tattoo, just never have.

[Luke]

Tattoos use to be a sign of rebellion. They have jumped the shark now that your mom got a tramp stamp and is dating guys your age. You couldn't be more delusional IMO than to get a tattoo today and somehow think it makes you unique.

For full disclosure I will say that I has 5 earrings in the mid 1980s, three on the left ear and two on the right, the Robert Smith haircut, a mohawk and the Billy Idol bleached flat top and in the early 1990s the 3ft permed, highlighted Bon Jovi doo. So I went through all the phases and was no prude, but my phases were never permanent.

I'm already starting to see people undergoing tattoo removal, which I believe will be a booming business over the next 10 years.

[tonemeister20]

It all starts with the teeth! Once you can accept a smile only a mother could love the tats come easy

[8mileshigh]

Originally Posted by tonemeister20

It all starts with the teeth! Once you can accept a smile only a mother could love the tats come easy

Nasty....

[A-Bone]

Originally Posted by kush06

I would say it just depends on who you're hanging out with. I doubt they're "more" accepted in the UK than the US. There are probably more tattooed people in Austin than not at this point. Maybe it's just your part of Texas?

This sounds more accurate to me.

[EADGBE]

I see them almost everywhere here in the states. Personally I don't like them. And I'll never get one.

[The Guy]

i dont know dude. . . i see tattoos all day long. so many in fact that i really dont see them anymore.

[HurricaneJesus]

Tats are everywhere. I actually work with a guy who's even got his face covered with tats. Seems like a good guy and I really applaud my employer for allowing that. That being said, I'd never get a tat that I couldn't cover up for court.

[v-verb]

Originally Posted by Luke

Tattoos use to be a sign of rebellion. They have jumped the shark now that your mom got a tramp stamp and is dating guys your age. You couldn't be more delusional IMO than to get a tattoo today and somehow think it makes you unique.

For full disclosure I will say that I has 5 earrings in the mid 1980s, three on the left ear and two on the right, the Robert Smith haircut, a mohawk and the Billy Idol bleached flat top and in the early 1990s the 3ft permed, highlighted Bon Jovi doo. So I went through all the phases and was no prude, but my phases were never permanent.

I'm already starting to see people undergoing tattoo removal, which I believe will be a booming business over the next 10 years.

I think you're bang-on.

What people never seem to think about is how the tats will look when they are old. Ever see retired sailors with their faded out blurry tats?

Fugly.

[shadesofgray]

Because americans have a stick up their ass for most things

Although alot of the US people on this forum seems to be alot less so than the general public

[HurricaneJesus]

Originally Posted by v-verb

I think you're bang-on.

What people never seem to think about is how the tats will look when they are old. Ever see retired sailors with their faded out blurry tats?

Fugly.

Isn't it true, though, that now they use different inks and techniques to avoid the 'old guy blue blur' tat syndrome?

[v-verb]

Originally Posted by HurricaneJesus

Isn't it true, though, that now they use different inks and techniques to avoid the 'old guy blue blur' tat syndrome?

Possibly - not sure and apologies if I'm wrong. But what happens if that teen or 20-30 something gains weight as they get older - as we all seem to do.

Wouldn't the tat stretch out? Just wondering