Interesting - there are roughly as many people pro-tats as con-tats... and one guest even said that "Ignorance, and personal prejudice - those are the only reasons for not getting tattooed."

My humble 2 (two) Zimbabwe cents-worth:

Tats are a matter of choice. Every single individual on this earth has the ability - actually, the RIGHT! - to make decisions that affect them themselves, and do not harm others. When, however, the individual has to make a decision that will affect others, then that decision has to be (should be!) made in the context of how it will affect others, and of whether the nett good resulting from that decision outweighs the bad; particularly in respect of that individual's children who should always be that individual's first and foremost priority.

However, to state that the only reasons for NOT getting a tattoo are "...ignorance and personal prejudice..." displays a breathtaking lack of comprehension of the issues at stake. viz. Just as nobody has the right to enforce a decision upon any individual which is not prescribed within the social contract we enjoy with society (steal - and go to jail, for instance), so nobody has the right to describe any right to make a decision NOT exercised by that individual as the result of "...ignorance and personal prejudice...".

In fact, the arrogance of the posters here who criticise people for getting tattooed is only matched by the arrogance of those who criticise others for NOT getting tattooed.

When will we all learn that whatever anybody decides to do with their own body, as long as they are of a legal age to make such decisions and are fully self-supporting and financially independent into the bargain, and as long as their decision to perform that act (or not), no matter HOW much you disagree with the act (or not), does not infringe on others' rights to make their OWN decisions (or not), then that decision is theirs and theirs alone to make, and does not warrant social coventry or aggrandisement?

In other words, when will people grow up enough to discuss issues like tattooing with enough maturity that you can discuss the subject without either belittling or lionising those who have (or don't have) tattoos? When will you learn to look beyond the outside, and see inside to the real person within?

A very good friend on mine who is an artist by trade, designs and creates tattoos for people. He has many tattoos of his own. I don't notice them. I only see the person I have come to know over the last 5 or more years, the person I knew for over 2 years before I actually met with him. I have other friends who don't have any tattoos at all. I don't notice a lack of tattoos - I see only the people I have come to know over the years, the people I discuss things with and whom I can rely upon to be there when I need them, and vice-versa. I believe that I am friends with these people, all of them, because I have chosen to be friends with the persons themselves, not because of what is written upon (or within) their skin.

Heck, I probably have friends who DO have tattoos but of which I am completely unaware. Are these people somehow less deserving of my friendship - or paradoxically even MORE so - than their counterparts?

What REALLY is it that makes people worthy of being considered as good human beings? Marks upon their skin? Or a lack thereof?

Seems to me, tattoos (or the lack thereof) are a very poor basis to form any sort of opinion of another human being's worth...

I have four tattoos, my wife three, all in pretty visible places (arms, hands, shoulders) and we add at least one per year. Between us we also own and operate a multi-million Rand guesthouse. How does that equate to zef, common or lower-class in any way? Also, being inked has never stood in our way when it comes to doing business - in fact, even our bank manager loves our tattoos. The world is changing and attitudes are changing with it. I find a tattoo a great way of marking significant events in life: the tattoos we got to mark our engagement are my favourites. So, if you want some indelible reminder of personal achievement, get a tattoo. There are plenty of places on the body where it can be covered if needs be, so you can also have your cake and eat it. The bottom line, IMHO, is this: it is your life and your body to do with as you see fit. Never allow narrow-minded, parochial idiots to dictate their prejudice to you. (To the Christians: your holy book also recommends adulterers be stoned to death and prohibits the wearing of garments woven from more than one type of thread - how many of you adhere to those injunctions? Beware of selectively trotting out the Old Testament to justify your beliefs, you only end up exposing your own hypocrisy.)

PS: Wildfire is, without a doubt, the best place in Cape Town to get your ink done.

Oh just admit it people - when you get tattoos you lose a bit of credibility!

Just because you know the word zeff tells allot of you... I think tattoos are art and a way to express yourself.
If everyone have the same views of everything then the world will be a boring place.

I have 2 tats and I love them, I have always had great complement about them.
My sister is an tattoo artist and her son now 4year have never thought funny or different about his parents. More and more people are getting them,
It’s a funny thing to see anymore… and it’s not from the devil ;-) God still loves me with my pretty ink.

So for you that is too scared to get one and has a big mouth towards those who have one or more… Shame you poor thing.

Grow up and get over it.
You don’t see us (people with tattoos) tell you, you are zeff because you are not inked…….

I DO NOT believe that some people on here are so narrow minded! Tattoos can be beautiful and meaningful and to be totally honest screw what anyone else thinks! I have a hibiscus flower on my foot that I show off every single day!!! It means a lot to me and I will teach my daughter never to judge someone based on their appearance. People who judge others because of something like a tattoo are ridiculous! I'm having difficulty comprehending that still in this day and age people can be such morons. Just be sure that its something that you really want and not off the tattoo parlor wall.

Really now! They are beautiful! Go for it chick! Ignore the 'common' comments that have popped up - they are usually the kind of people who sit at home baking cookies with absolutely no social life because they are too busy judging other people!

I dont know any place in CT - but good luck finding one!

Crikey

I really cannot believe the things i am reading here! When you get a tattoo you loose credibility?? HEY? im in the corporate world and 2 of my tattoos are actually visible (ooo, arent I trash?) and i am taken VERY seriously in my job. I was a national manager of a major organisation by the age of 26...YES! WITH tattoos!? VISIBLE ones. and my tattoos MEAN something and they are actualyl cause for conversation.

I am also a Christian. The Lord if my first pure love and whether i wear red nail polish, earings or have tattoos my Father loves me and I live my life with integrity and morals and having a tattoo doesnt change that and i think its very sad how most of you non-tattooed people have branded us as common, heathens, stupid etc ! i find that extremely offensive.

My boyfriend doesnt have tattoos and also wont ever get. Its not for him. But i dont look at him and think 'what a closed minded guy". I love him for his individuality. he loves me for mine.

You non tattooed people say we loose credibility and its a tramp stamp? Well, i can tell you now. I dont look at a non tattooed person and immedietly assume they are CLASSY so why would you look at a tattood person and thing they are common?

What a stupid debate this is! a simple question has just made me loose all faith in human beings. I thought we had passed this stage where we judge people by their clothes / preferences/ colour/ etc etc.

My worth is not determined by my tattoos.

After losing my baby last year I had her name tattoed on my wrist. Best thing I could have done. (check it here: http://bridesmaid-to-be.....com/2009/10/inked.html)
That being said, I wouldn't want a tattoo unless it was really really really special and relevant. I think in ten years time your graduation may not seem like your greatest achievement.

Cazzieb... that is a truly beautiful tattoo... wish you all the best! It is not only my graduation I would like to celebrate but rather everything I have achieved in the first phase of my life.

I would like to thank everyone who replied, even those attackers... It gave me a lot to think about! I was able to weigh up the pros and cons and have realised that most of the cons mentioned are either not really cons or do not apply to me. It also means that if any of my friends or family question my decision I will be ready with an answer.

I am now both nervous and excited and will wait another month or so to ensure that I get the right design for me :)

Seriously the Guest who had the time to type this trash does not know society.... what do u define as "Common" ????
please explain.. does your bank account, place of residence, job title etc determine if you "common"

Clearly u think money gives u status but it does not give u brains in ur case.. learn to spell correctly as "THIS COMMONER/ PEASANT" can spell so i "Beg" u please go back to school.

Best place for a tattoo in Cape Town is Wild Fire in Canal Walk...as for Simon if you van...he did mine is he is brilliant!!!!