Tattoos and Skull & Bones

**Jamal** · 07-17-2008, 07:17 PM

Are Black Folks now mimicking and emulating counter culture groups, such as the heavy metal genre and the goths? It is becoming more and more popular among Black Folks to wear tattoos and sport clothing (including caps, handbags, belt buckles, etc.) with skull and bones (the symbol of death) on them. Tattoos as well as skull and bones have always been a mainstay of Heavy Metal Rock groups, Motor Cycle gangs (such as Hells Angels) and more recently the Goths. As we all know the symbol of skull and bones is associated with death, another symbol, 666, is associated with the devil. Why are so many Black Folks (who basically come from a God Fearing culture) embracing such a demonic symbol as the skull and bones? I first started noticing the skull and bones being worn by rap artist, and now it seems to be fashionable among their fans. So far, 3 six Mafia is the only group I know of that has embraced the 666 symbol. Not only have the rap artist adopted the skull and bones symbol of death, but many of their names reflect death and destruction ie. "Death Row" , "Murder Inc" etc.

Until Dennis Rodman started wearing tattoos (when he played for Detroit) tattoos were not that fashionable among Black Folks, as a matter of fact he was thought of as being a freak for wearing the tattoos along with the multi-colored hair do. Then all of a sudden, athletes and celebrities started following his lead, then the rap artist and subsequently their fans, and now today tattoos are in vogue among Black Folks. Personally, I don't care for tattoos, especially on women, to me there is nothing more unattractive, then seeing a lovely woman with a evening gown on and tattoos on her arms (a good example is Mary J. Bliege). IMO a lot of tatts make a woman appear masculine.

**cc5k** · 07-17-2008, 07:45 PM

I mostly agree with Jamal. Occassionally, I will see a tattoo on a woman that I find sexy, but those are few and far between. Although I wouldn't say tattoos always make a woman look masculine, I'll definitely agree that there's nothing feminine about them.

I haven't noticed an increase in skulls/bones/666 though. I don't see much of that around here.

**kisha29** · 07-18-2008, 12:26 AM

I haven't noticed the tattoo thing but then again I don't see many black people around here. I have a tat on my back but you have to look for it to really see it, it's a private thing not for the public. I think it really depends on what tattoo you get and where for me to consider it un-sexy.

**BISHOP** · 07-18-2008, 06:19 AM

Well, since the counter culture is only mimicking customs of tribes around the world I don't see a big deal. Too many tats IMO doesn't look good. Just my opinion.

**sista** · 07-18-2008, 09:47 AM

i'm a fan of tattoos, got one myself and am lookin to get another on the other arm.... haven't seen the 'influx' of death style tatts on black folx that i've seen, just on whyt folx and not just goths (who get a bad rap, IMO )... i've really seen an increase in neo-nazi type tattoos....

**angeladc** · 07-18-2008, 10:30 AM

I agree with most of what you said as well.My pastor often associates tattoos with the old testament in the bible that states we are not to get any markings on ourselves.I'm lenient on it though.Having said that i have 3 tattoos and plan on getting one more of my daughter's name on my back.I actually love how people express themselves through various art especially on the body so it just all depends on how the individual person views it.

**Shontae** · 07-18-2008, 02:05 PM

i've noticed the skull becoming popular as tattoos, clothing/belts, etc.
I have three tattoos myself, and would love more. I cant wholeheartedly agree that
tattoos make a woman masculine, but i do think that seeing a woman covered in ink
isnt something i would do. lol to each his own, i guess.
I guess, like angel stated, its pretty much just a way for some to express themselves.
I cant knock anyone else for it, especially since I am tatted and pierced.

**TUCKER** · 07-18-2008, 03:19 PM

I worked with a lad once who had a tatoo of a guy on his shoulder. Eventually I asked if he was gay because there was a man on his shoulder for life. He said it was a picture of his best friend who was killed in some gang action when they were in high school. I asked if he ever regretted it and he said yes, especially after he'd matured.

I can't speak to the other folks with tatoos of skull & bones or anything else, but take a look around the NBA. When I see guys like Allen Iverson, or Damon Stoudameir, or Rasheed Wallace and others and just shake my head at that issue. Look at Missy Elliot or Queen Latifa, Lil Kim, etc and wonder why? I know to each his own and it has to be a commitment to something to put something on your body like that for life. Guys with their girls names and girls with their guys names, tut, tut, tut.

I think the action is beautiful, but the body is the wrong medium for it, imo.

**angeladc** · 07-18-2008, 03:25 PM

especially w/lil kim i mean DANG!!!!she was really cute to me when first starting out.Now her, michael Jackson and Latoya Jackson can all chill together

**Jamal** · 07-18-2008, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TUCKER

I worked with a lad once who had a tatoo of a guy on his shoulder. Eventually I asked if he was gay because there was a man on his shoulder for life. He said it was a picture of his best friend who was killed in some gang action when they were in high school. I asked if he ever regretted it and he said yes, especially after he'd matured.

I can't speak to the other folks with tatoos of skull & bones or anything else, but take a look around the NBA. When I see guys like Allen Iverson, or Damon Stoudameir, or Rasheed Wallace and others and just shake my head at that issue. Look at Missy Elliot or Queen Latifa, Lil Kim, etc and wonder why? I know to each his own and it has to be a commitment to something to put something on your body like that for life. Guys with their girls names and girls with their guys names, tut, tut, tut.

I think the action is beautiful, but the body is the wrong medium for it, imo.

Nice Flow Tucker, however, tattoos can be removed through laser treatments and other methods. I read recently that actor Charlie Sheen had some of his 13 tatts removed from his chest by laser, but he did say that it was a slow painful process.

**TUCKER** · 07-19-2008, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jamal

Nice Flow Tucker, however, tattoos can be removed through laser treatments and other methods. I read recently that actor Charlie Sheen had some of his 13 tatts removed from his chest by laser, but he did say that it was a slow painful process.

Not only that but, for the most part the tatoo is still there because the laser pretty much removes only the dye, the pattern of the scarring from the tatoo and the laser are yours for life. "Once their on you, they own you". Look at guys like SEAL and po Mike Tyson. Tatoos originally were tribal markings. Invaders saw them and thought they were cute so they stole the technique and introduced them to the world. Now if you aint committed to no tribe, gang, social club, or some other group, having a tatoo does nothing to promote ones image of EL LOBO, solitaire bad boy, UNO, or any other singular expression. What it says is the wearer will join anyone, doing anything, because he has few moments of originality. Well it probably doesn't say all that, but I think most people will get the point.

When you REALLY think about noone does anything to please themselves, its all for show. The statement "I don't care what nobody says or thinks" is bulls**t. Our very existence depends on what others think of us. Thats why some people have low self esteem. Let someone tell your breath stanks. After you've cleaned it up, you'll think of it from time to time for the rest of your life! It aint got nothing to do with personal hygiene because a kid would never brush his teeth or anything else if he wasn't "taught" to do it. So tattoos and stuff are like that. They're body decorations that we choose to adapt for the benefit and pleasure of someone else. Before you dispute this assertion, think it through, LONG AND HARD! That tatt you got in that secret place, that aint for you and you know it. Hell the only way you can see it is to bend over!

Jamal, I'm speaking in general, this is not directed to you in particular, I was just responding to your post. That is my disclaimer! LMAO

**Jamal** · 07-19-2008, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TUCKER

Not only that but, for the most part the tatoo is still there because the laser pretty much removes only the dye, the pattern of the scarring from the tatoo and the laser are yours for life. "Once their on you, they own you". Look at guys like SEAL and po Mike Tyson. Tatoos originally were tribal markings. Invaders saw them and thought they were cute so they stole the technique and introduced them to the world. Now if you aint committed to no tribe, gang, social club, or some other group, having a tatoo does nothing to promote ones image of EL LOBO, solitaire bad boy, UNO, or any other singular expression. What it says is the wearer will join anyone, doing anything, because he has few moments of originality. Well it probably doesn't say all that, but I think most people will get the point.

When you REALLY think about noone does anything to please themselves, its all for show. The statement "I don't care what nobody says or thinks" is bulls**t. Our very existence depends on what others think of us. Thats why some people have low self esteem. Let someone tell your breath stanks. After you've cleaned it up, you'll think of it from time to time for the rest of your life! It aint got nothing to do with personal hygiene because a kid would never brush his teeth or anything else if he wasn't "taught" to do it. So tattoos and stuff are like that. They're body decorations that we choose to adapt for the benefit and pleasure of someone else. Before you dispute this assertion, think it through, LONG AND HARD! That tatt you got in that secret place, that aint for you and you know it. Hell the only way you can see it is to bend over!

I agree with your assessment concerning the reason behind the tattoo phenomenon. Good commentary.

Quote:

Jamal, I'm speaking in general, this is not directed to you in particular, I was just responding to your post. That is my disclaimer! LMAO

LOL

**cc5k** · 07-19-2008, 10:17 PM

Nice analysis... I also agree with you TUCKER. Now excuse me, I'm going to take my temperature b/c I must not be feeling right.