<p>It’s not a matter of defending honor. Besides, she seems to be doing quite well on her own. </p>
<p>Either way, I don’t think anyone here believes that Loonie (whoever the hell they are) was at all tactful. Believe me, however, when I say we’ve seen far, far worse on these boards, I’m sorry to say. (Just ask Jamzmom.)</p>
<p>HOWEVER… I would caution your daughter that she had better get used to comments like that, or at least be prepared to hear more of them. It comes with having a tattoo on your hip (not exactly a public spot), yet announcing it openly. Did she expect a standing ovation, especially when the issue of regulations and such are mixed in with the discussion?</p>
<p>Actions have consequences.</p>
<p>ETA: I sincerely hope you won’t allow one goon to keep you off the board. We’re a bit of a family here, albeit definitely a disfunctional one. I play the part of the brilliant but slightly maniacal red-headed ■■■■■■■ stepson. :D</p>
<p>No, I don’t think she was expecting a standing ovation. It may just be her way of honestly communicating. She has just turned 18, after all. She may be legally an adult, but she is still a teenager. No, I’m not making excuses, it’s just how things are.</p>
<p>I think perhaps she is discussing it here in order to find out the USNA consequences. </p>
<p>If Loonie ever meets her, or a young lady of her caliber, he’d be wise to take care.</p>
<p>Again, I personally would expect more of a young man who may be possibly a classmate of GHD one day, and more of people that are currently at USNA or have been at USNA. I was the one who “announced” she had it… not her. She does a great job of defending herself and will be amazing at serving and defending her country. God Bless the men and women of the United States Navy whether they have a hidden tatt or not. We all so lucky to have them! But I bow out of this discussion as I tried to make it lighthearted and some wanted to get ugly or personal. Good day.</p>
As a Conservative (Capital “C”), I don’t believe that tattoos should be illlegal, nor do I draw an immediate conclusion about someone’s character if they have one or two reasonably-sized ones. Hell, I admire the art, actually. I just take issue with those who tattoo their whole bodies or do so in a manner intended to generate a reaction in others, simply because the mindset indicates some issues, in my book.</p>
<p>You are an adult now, and you made a decision. You got one that meets regulations and which is not intended for widespread public consumption. All well and good. However, talking about it on a public board removes the confidentiality and brings out guys like Bill and myself (who look far beyond the tattoo itself), and people like Loonie who, well, whatever.</p>
<p>
First off, that’s a contradiction. Secondly, the one displaying a closed mind is yourself. You made a private decision to receive a piece of artwork on a part of your body that can reasonably be considered private, yet you mention it on a public board. Don’t be surprised to receive opinions from across the spectrum. (Note - She didn’t announce it; her mom did. My mistake.)</p>
<p>Also, be careful who you call closed-minded at your age. I thought I knew it all then, too. Boy was I wrong, and even now, more than half a lifetime later, it’s amazing just how often I still find myself realizing that over and over.</p>
<p>No, I don’t think this tattoo in any way affects your ability to be a fine Naval Officer. Anyone who does is leaping to conclussions on bad data. I, for one, hope you enjoy the tat (to the extent that a tat is enjoyed, at any rate). But as I said above, be prepared for what comes with it.</p>
<p>Fear not. If she doesn’t calibrate his attitude, their classmates will. Unless things have changed in 16 years, male Midshipman take a very dim view of others being rude to their female classmates.</p>
<p>A VERY dim view. :mad:</p>
<p>
My apologies for the error. </p>
<p>However, the question then becomes… What did YOU expect? Did you ask her before announcing it?</p>
<p>Mom2 - I don’t know that it is a matter of being closed minded so much as the fact that none of us really knows GHD but for what we see on this forum. I’m surpirsed anyone with aspirations to a SA would get a tatoo because of the potential risk to that dream. I am disappointed in what could be called a crude comment from Loonie, but suspect his (presumably a “he”) comment will not be the last such that GHD will hear of. </p>
<p>On a practical note - I wonder about the various diseases one can get from a tatoo (hepatitis and others that have been mentioned). I had though that I heard someplace that if you get a tatoo it has to be a certain length of time because of the risk of said diseases showing up. Am in recalling incorerctly? It would be aweful if the tatoo itself would be acceptable but that insufficient time has passed since obtaining it thus dashing GHD’s dreams. I certainly have no idea of the validity of it, but I somehow have it in my head that a tatoo has to be at least 12 months (or 18 months) old or it isn’t allowed. Anyone have any idea about that? It is quite possible that there no time frame in question - or a very short one - but it is something to think about. </p>
<p>Mom2 - one more thing, don’t let this thread send you away from the group. This is a group of diverse thinkers each with a common thread of decency and desire to help others who aspire to a SA and to serve our country. There are subjects that come up that cause the group to get wound up once in a while. This thread is one such thread. It doesn’t mean they don’t have things to offer. It only means the topic is one that has gotten the attention of this group and heated conversations aboud.</p>
<p>That was my point, Prague (where she got this tattoo) isn’t exactly known for it’s regulation of anything, much less tattoo shops. At least in the US most states have inspections by health departments. It is one step above Mexico.</p>
<p>It seems that it has mostly been older… erm I mean… more experienced people here criticizing GHD’s tattoo, so I feel that I would comment from the perspective of one of her male peers, and (HOPEFULLY) future classmate.</p>
<p>When I see a girl with a tattoo on their lower back (They’re Tramp Stamps in Ohio too) it is less of a runway, and more of an automatic STD test. One that the girl fails. Immediately. Those back tattoos are just trashy. I am a very open minded person… hardly a Conservative with a capital C… but even those I can’t handle.</p>
<p>Now to the gecko… the only problem I see with that is that in my, I’m not ashamed to admit it, hormone filled (but controlled) mind… that tattoo is… well… Hot. Attractive. Exotic. Whatever you want to call it. It would be fine if GHD were going to Daytona for spring break, but unfortunately she’s not. She’s going to a place where woman have had to prove their worth and overcome negative attitudes, especially regarding sexuality. That Gecko, being within 6 inches of her private area draws attention. It could possibly turn the minds of young males straight into a rain drops, throwing them straight into the gutter, especially after being deprived from normal female interaction during the rigors of plebe summer/Academy life. </p>
<p>HOWEVER…</p>
<p>In defensive of GHD, as far as I know, no fellow male classmate will ever see her gecko, so the previous paragraph shouldn’t even be an issue. If she is modest about it, it shouldn’t be an issue in my mind. Hopefully, all male Midshipmen would certainly not make an issue of the tattoo, even if they saw it. I know I certainly wouldn’t make an issue out of it. </p>
<p>So in conclusion, save that thing for summer vacations to exotic locations, while your friends are stuck at home working dead end jobs. :)</p>
<p>if you have a tatoo, what’s done is done…don’t be surprised if you are asked, if not required, to get it removed before your days at USNA are done.</p>
<p>For those of you thinking, or tempted, to go out and get yourself one, do yourself a favor and hold off – until your days at USNA are over, your days as a commissioned officer are over, by which time better reason might prevail</p>
<p>Just remember, what might look great on younger bodies, takes a distinct turn to pure ugly as gravity and old age takes hold… </p>
<p>as for soon-to-be-midshipmen and defending another’s honor- first, take the oath- second, you rate what you skate- tatoos, no matter how “navy friendly,” are not a matter of, or badge of honor- you will be asked to get it removed (for exact info, consult the regs)… It is my guess the mids are kept way too busy to defend this one I’m afraid! In the meantime, if it is exposed, it may very well expose you to, at the very least, unwanted attention, and at worst, ridicule. And… you will find most mids very compliant with the rules and regs… the posters are not the only conservative majority around!</p>
<p>I just re-read what came in my son’s appointment packet. They’re pretty clear about having them removed before year 2 if they do not conform to policy. USNA policy is stated in the above to where they have to be covered according to gender. </p>
<p>I can say that in the Air Force, tatoos among the officers are not smiled on, nor do they garner respect or appropriate attention. One gentleman, and I use that term loosely, was in my husband’s test pilot school class, and did graduate from USNA. Believe me, when I say, he was an abberation that graduated from that noble institute of higher learning. He had a huge tatoo on his deltoid and he struggled constantly to make sure it was covered when he wasn’t in a flight suit. </p>
<p>If you have it, make sure you can hide it per policy. If you can’t, be prepared to have it lasered off.</p>
<p>"you will find most mids very compliant with the rules and regs… "</p>
<p>I would even go on to say they are compliant with the “spirit” of the rules and regs. I’m not sure the spirit is to go out and get one where it cant be seen but is that Naval Officers don’t get tattoo’s. Sure you rate what you can skate but in this case the “spirit” probably wins out.</p>
<p>Let us defer from putting a tattooed private in the realm of spiritual. Please? Holy smokes!:eek: </p>
<p>And yea, Loonie’s observation was sufficiently adolescent, sophomoric, rude, in grossly poor taste, and locker-roomish. But let’s not fry the poor little teen guy. Indeed, as Z or GA or someone rightly noted, in the absence of a severe attitude adjustment and enhanced interpretation of the actions of the opposite sex, he’ll get his prize. And it won’t be no conquered lizard or tanned gecko pelt. </p>
<p>And if that correction of course doesn’t come @ USNA or thereafter, wait until his wife nails his to the wall a time or too … or better yet, his teenage daughter does something nearly as dumb as his dumber comments. Let’s hope his mama gets him straightened away sooner than later though.</p>
<p>^^^^^ Let us defer from putting a tattooed private in the realm of spiritual. Please? Holy smokes!</p>
<p>Certainly didn’t put it there…wrong meaning of Spirit WP: per Webster - Spirit: a prevailing tone or tendency; a general intent or real meaning. </p>
<p>Guess I should have used the term intent rather than spirit. Most will delineate between a literal interpretation of the rules and regs and the intent of the rules and regs.</p>
</p>