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athletes, culture, tattoos in Mini-Editorials
athletes, culture, tattoos in Mini-Editorials Inked
by, Emma | Friday, February 28, 2014 at 8:00PM
Emma | Friday, February 28, 2014 at 8:00PM Who thought it would be a good idea to stab yourself REALLY deep with a sharp pen? While I don’t know (and don’t think I want to know) the history of tattoos, it’s hard to deny their popularity these days. Tattoos are becoming more and more mainstream, and they seem to be especially prevalent in the CrossFit community.
I’m sure there are already divisions in the gym about tattoos, whether it be existence, placement, or design. While you may feel free to share those, let’s talk about them in terms of our isolated little sphere of CrossFit.
Tattoos Contradict CrossFit
- CrossFit is all about being functional, not appearance. If you’re just joining to get shredded you’re not going to make it past fundamentals. What’s the point of concentrating on aesthetics? Do you really care about what shorts you’re wearing or what random skull is tatted on your bicep if you can deadlift 500?
- If you take care enough of your body to measure out how many almonds you eat, doesn’t it seem a little contradictory to permanently damage it? If you care enough about the food that enters your beautiful temple of a body, why graffiti the outside of it?
Tattoos Support Our Subculture
- Time to be honest here. We can go on and on about how this gym is different from all the others cause we don’t glorify 2 hour AMRAPs or Fight Gone Bad followed by Fran. But I don’t think any of you can deny the shiny, sweaty, and slightly stinky glory that comes with being a CrossFitter. “Yeah I do handstand push-ups daily.” “Yeah I’ve done Murph.” “Yeah I listened to Chris for 8 fundamental sessions in a row.” We’re tough as hell. Not only do we do the workouts, but we do them with better form than anyone around. Why not be proud of being tough? The CrossFit Journal brought up this point in an article about tattoos last month. CrossFitters have this weird obsession with getting through ridiculous stuff that other people can’t. That’s why we sit through two hours of being stabbed with the needle that’s got some ink on it. Is this why most CrossFit affiliates sport athletes with ink? Is it a good enough reason?
Which side are you on?
Reader Comments (25)
My thoughts on tattoos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tcdo-vrGerw
As long as the tattoo has a big heart with the word MOM in it, I'll love it!!!
I'd never get a tattoo, I strongly encourage my kids to not get tattoos but I wouldn't disown them if they did (I guess...). The reasons for my aversion? There are many but a few major ones are: 1) I've always worked in suit & tie environments and I don't think a huge dragon neck tattoo works well; 2) I've known many, many people who have had serious regrets about tattoos that seemed like a great idea at the time; 3) if you've ever seen a plump 65ish guy with a saggy barbed wire bicep tattoo you'll know to think twice...
I think if someone wants a tattoo they should get it, but they shold consider what it could look like 50 years from now-faded,wrinkly,streched, etc. And I strongly encourage to not get one on your face; that's a HUGE no!
I was expecting this article to be a lot different lol
I agree with everything, except with what chris said.. although I might be that bitter too if I cringed and peed my pants every time I heard the word "nee-" (not even the whole word because he's already got his hands cupped over his ears like a 6 year old who doesn't want to listen by then). But anyways I'm actually on the other side of the fence on this one. I don't see it as wrecking your body, though it is not something that is natural like how we are all born with great tissues and the ability to squat ass to ground. Sure getting a tattoo is not kosher and maybe it's the "art student" in me but I'm all for self expression and personalizing things to yourself. It's your own statement or memory or something that means a lot to you or it can be a really cool design. Since it's something that you get to see all time it's obviously not something that should be taken lightly when going to get even though I know some people who have some pretty stupid tattoos...
To me, getting a tattoo is something to do for yourself and no one else (so relationship tattoos... screw that). It's just something that is your thing. Like how might have a fetish for going to see a band you really like or eating starbursts or peanut butter. Everyone has their own obsessions and quirks that make them stand out or (as sappy as this sounds) makes them feel good about themselves. Like I have a fetish for making random doodles at random times and once I finish a doodle I'll put it in my sketchbook and I like to look back at the stuff I've created and remember the memories that are attached with it like the nostalgic cheesecake that I am. So tattooing is a way wear your fetish on you I guess for lack of a better way of explaining that.
I have a small tattoo and it took a year until I figured out what I wanted it to be and I don't regret getting it at all. Now I really want another one with appropriate placement of course so that I can still present myself in a business casual setting and not feel like a burnout. At least for now until I solidify my career and I don't have to worry about how others perceive my looks because my work will speak for itself.
However, with that said, I work in a business casual setting (a credit union) and there are a few women who have tattoos in visible places, the one lady even has them all over her feet and ankles and she wears flats and dresses all the time. It seems like tattoos are becoming a little more apart of all culture and not just crossfit.
It's pretty simple...tattoos make you tough thus I have a tattoo and Chris does not. (That might explain the two year hiatus from z-ball from this supposed ankle sprain)
Brian......you have a butterfly, and you know where it is......there is no toughness from that
Exactly...there is nothing tougher than that, a monarch butterfly is king of the butterfly world! I can't take anything serious from Chris jr.
Butterfly tattoo>butterfly pull-up
Yes, the monarch butterfly is, but your butterfly is blue!!!!! Last time i checked, monarchs are orange
So.......http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tcdo-vrGerw
I can speak from personal experience - I have a tattoo. Like Meghan said I got something that is extremely personal to me and I don't go around showing it off and telling everybody how tough I am because I have one. I took two years to pick my design and got it in a spot (on my upper arm that is covered by sleeves). I don't think it's something anybody should do on a whim or god forbid a drunken dare - watch a show called Bad Ink and you will know what I mean!!! It does seem like some of the Crossfit people I have seen in the Crossfit games go a bit overboard for my taste but to each their own.
Sometimes I think people that get sayings or Bible verse tattoos are just too stupid to remember those things themselves without drawing it on their body.
As far as just artwork, I suppose it's different. But I still think art is kinda gay.
Then why do you want artwork on the walls at the box? :P
Always one for wisdom Chris.
I loved Meg's comment. I don't see it as ruining my body. I have two tattoos right now, and I designed them both myself. Of course, this means I'm stingy about the tattoos that I think are "acceptable." I don't think tinkerbell is really that meaningful to anyone, but whatever.
I just hope that you kiddies realize that just because you CAN get a tattoo once you turn 18, does't mean you should (Mariah). All through high school you don't really get to make your own decisions and now you can make one in a big way. That's not a reason to get a tattoo. Cause if you do get one right at 18, ask the people who have them at the gym ,t they're generally super addicting in a weird way. I had been thinking about my first one for a year on and off, and I'm really really happy I took the time to solidify exactly what design I wanted and where. I did a lot of research. Never get white ink! But anyways. For those of you around 18- wait 6 months and see if you still want it.
I'm right there with Emma on this one. It took about a year to decide on my first one, and I waited another year before I got my second (even though I was ready to get it 2 months after the first). Don't get them just because you can. If it means that much to you, it can wait 6 more months.. Or just frame it and hang it on your wall.
And Chris.. Needles.
Oh okay Emma, from the post it seemed like you were completely against them. That's awesome that you have some tattoos, I didn't know that. Why did you say not to get white ink? Is it just more painful or is there some other reason not to get it?
No no no! I am 100% for them actually haha and it takes like all my restraint to not get a sleeve (well not really because I can't afford a good enough artist yet*). I was just trying to write from another perspective, because I know (from arguments with my parents) that not everyone loves them as much as me.
I love tattoos, love the art, love the story if someone is willing to share it.
White ink can be more painful I guess because it's more prone to get air bubbles so if you google them, some look swelled up like scars. I wanted one but then I found out that they yellow after about 5 years, and then they aren't that gorgeous shadow tattoo that you started with. A lot of the tattoo artists I've talked to actually won't do it, they recommend you find a specialist in white ink.
*Side note: another reason why 18 year olds shouldn't get HUGE tats. Cause you can't afford to pay for a great artist yet!
"I had been thinking about my first one for a year on and off, and I'm really really happy I took the time to solidify exactly what design I wanted and where."
Wow, it took an entire year to decide you wanted a tiny single cursive word under your wrist? Haha. Kinda proves my point.
I still have a running bet with Dan (Wickham) that if Dale Jr wins the cup, I will get the 88 tattoo'd on my back. He has a little piece of paper in his wallet that he carries to this day...(that was probably 5 years ago). I think Emma and Sydni just travelled to the top of the toughness ladder as far as coaches go.
Brian, what on earth do you know about NASCAR that would make you bet something like that?
Little E...enough said. Oh yeah and he reps diet mt. dew. Just like track...no right turns.
I personally think tattoos are awesome. I have 3 and have had 2 of them since I was 15, and I don't regret any of them and never will. They are in places that you can't see about 75% of the time. I think they can tell a good story. I also think it's just fun to do, it's different.
Nice article, Emma! I'm kind of I the fence with this subject. I have thought about getting a tattoo, but like you, my parents would never approve. I still have the right to a decision, once I'm 18, of course. Two of my cousins have tattoos and they said the same thing to me; wait six months, and if you still want it, then get it done.
Now, I do agree with Meghan that tattoos are a form of expression, and that they are becoming more accepted in today's culture. I guess it makes sense that crossfitters get tattoos because they like getting through and experiencing things that others can't. I don't really know if I believe that, because you can get a tattoo and not be a crossfitter and just be tough. I don't know...I'm stuck on the fence with this one.
Pudge consider this...Anita actually agrees with me on this one. And you know I MUST be right if that's the case.
I don't need a tattoo because I have Chris permanently tattooed on my heart!