November 09, 2004

Curious, George: Consolation Tattoo? I told everyone, in lieu of the standard "I'm moving to Canada," that I was going to get a tattoo if Bush won, as a consolation prize...

I figure something this nasty only happens once in a lifetime, so my body should bear a mark. Sort of like how geologists can look at layers of sediment and say "that's when some serious volcanic shit went down." But the question is, what to get? I've decided that it should be a positive thing, symbolizing values that I hold dear, including any or all of the following: secular humanism, liberalism, atheism, the Enlightenment, science, harmony, philosophy, wisdom, reason. (obviously there's overlap, but it gives you an idea of where I'm aiming) And yet it should be simple and easily recognizable, because I don't want to spend the rest of my life explaining what it is. I considered Vitruvian man, but I don't want a wang on my arm. I've decided that it's going to go on my bicep, and will be about the size of index finger and thumb making a circle, and should be vaguely circular in its composition. Ideas? Has anyone else thought of doing this?

posted by condour75 20 years ago
  • This?
  • I've decided that it should be a positive thing, symbolizing values that I hold dear, including any or all of the following: secular humanism, liberalism, atheism, the Enlightenment, science, harmony, philosophy, wisdom, reason. A Maple Leaf?
  • An interrobang‽
  • Zombie Reagan!
  • How about we shut the fuck up about Chimpy McAwol for a few days? I mean, seriously, it is starting to get beyond a joke, now. The rest of the planet has had just about a guts full hearing about this retard & having to observe the horrendous details of your nightmarishly fucked-up excuse of a political system. Please stop dwelling on it, you couldn't kick the bastard out, stop making a friggin' melodrama out of it & deal with the consequences. A tattoo? Is this seriously some kind of rational response to Chimpy getting re-elected? I suppose it passes for one in the U.S. Let me ask you this, how many people do you know with Nixon consolation tattoos from 30 years ago? Isn't that idea rather.. insane? Why don't you give Bush a tattoo.. from atop a tall building using a high powered rifle? That would be worth a FPP, & be good for the environment, to boot.
  • Chimpy McAwol I'd been thinking of sending quonsar a fawning herogram for that piece of brilliance.
  • I think I'll get a Michael Moore tattoo -- I hear he's all the rage in some circles.
  • You might want to look here and here for some examples of geeky tattoos, though that might not exactly be what you were after. Aside from that, I like dhruva's idea. Maybe a favorite formula, if you're into math? On preview: I agree that getting a tattoo solely on the whim of the nation is kind of silly. But if you're looking to get a tattoo simply because you want to (and I doubt you would have made that bet if you weren't planning on possibly going through with it), then there are still ideas.
  • Why not get a serial number tattooed on your arm? It'll save you the hassle when it's made compulsory in six months time. /Nazis! Nazis! They're going to kill us all!
  • Please stop dwelling on it, you couldn't kick the bastard out, stop making a friggin' melodrama out of it & deal with the consequences. Mr Nostril: Thank you!
  • Atheism is a value?
  • To some.
  • Then I suggest a tattoo of nothing. It's so post-modern! Plus, it's just the right size and nobody will have to ask what it means.
  • You should get a full body tattoo of yourself, only two inches taller. (I forgot where I stole that from)
  • You could have Vitruvian Woman. Agreeably wangless, but I'm not sure people would understand it meant enlightenment, atheism, and the other stuff.
  • Why not get a serial number tattooed on your arm? It'll save you the hassle when it's made compulsory in six months time. Laugh now, while its still allowed. Meh, maybe Steven Wright?
  • the meh - it's a Steven Wright joke. Perhaps the tattoo could be a picture of an open book? Something like this?
  • A "W" on each butt cheek. It would either be MOM, or WOW, depending on which way you are oriented.
  • Swanky ideas all! Yes, the Bush winning thing is an excuse, sort of a way to trick myself into bellying up to the needle. On several points herein: 1. I'd considered the ourobouros and the mandlebrot. I was concerned about having to explain the mandlebrot, but the ourobouros is a definite maybe. 2. Atheism can be a value. You might be thinking of nihlism. Those men are cowards. 3. Vitruvian woman: Rowr. I had also thought of neutering the poor guy, but I figure, why mess with DaVinci? In any case, I'd get drawn into endless "did you read The DaVinci Code" conversations. 4. and on the subject of geek tattoos: WOW. I think i'll be going through that whole gallery. I don't want anything that's a brand or trademark, but I'm liking the moebius and the DNA, along with various and sundry eschers. Thanks everybody!
  • Nostrildamus I believe that knock at your door would be the Secret Service.... ;P Actually, on second thought, that's not all that funny. :(
  • As for tatoos, I've seen some really nice DNA tatoos that encircle the arm. I've always wanted to get an X-ray of my spine tatooed over top of the actual bones. I think that would hurt alot though...
  • No, I was thinking of atheism. I'm an atheist myself, so my question wasn't snarky or anything. I also don't believe in Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, UFOs and/or ghosts, but I don't see how any of that can be considered a value. Unless you're thinking of antitheism, which is more of a bigotry than a value.
  • how many people do you know with Nixon consolation tattoos from 30 years ago? What a great idea! I'm getting a Nixon tattoo!
  • three words: barrel 'o' monkeys
  • that's really 2.5 words.
  • How 'bout an Ass? I don't mean the donkey--I mean the butt.
  • I have a dove resting inside a peace symbol - works for me. A guy I'm seeing has an ouroboros half way up his back - the detail is very crisp & it looks great. Good luck!
  • Commemorate Chimpy McAwol and MonkeyFilter thusly.
  • I think I'll get a Michael Moore tattoo
    Your arse is *that* big, Alex?
  • This tatoo with be a two-cheeker, no worries.
  • with=will
  • It's obvious. "Potato Farmer". In Russian.
  • The Darwin fish would make a pretty good statement. Although not as visually appealing as an ourobouros. Unfortunately the Brights don't have a nifty logo.
  • An image like this has potential. If you moved the dove inside the globe, it would be a nice circular image for world peace.
  • but, verbose, then the bird would be in a cage. Not a good omen, is it?
  • I am considering getting this.