Was up in Oxford today on family stuff and the place is, probably as expected, full of tourists. Mainly groups of Japanese and Chinese. What surprised me was how many of them were wearing Chelsea and Man Utd shirts. That aside, one among them who got my beady eye glare was covered in tattoos heralding the wonders that are Chelsea. Passing time on the way back to town on the Tube, this got me musing as to why people, and it’s not just youngsters, proclaim the faith so indelibly. Which took me to the whole role model thing and whether it was simply a ‘Bend it like Beckham’ trend? And why do so many footballers have tattoos in the first place? The cult doesn’t seem to be very prevalent at Fulham – so far as I’m aware only Jazz Richards, Jack Grimmer and Bodurov are covered in the things. In the recent past there was, of course, JAR and come to think of it Nando has a fair few. But that’s about it. And they’re all fullbacks!! Any theories why they get so many tattoos? Come to think of it some more – anybody on here got a tattoo or better still a Fulham one?
A complete fad Cottager. I as a teenager had a Tony Curtis and an Italian suit with Winklepickers which have long gone, but what about the tattooed at 70,many undoubtedly will have many regrets for actions which will have long past its street cred appeal.
I don't personally like them and never seen the fascination. I see some women with tattoos and I think it spoils their appearance. Some players are so covered in them it makes their arms look blue. I think they are ugly... but it's just my opinion - others must think they look good. Another thing I don't like is women who wear the tops that are short and show their belly buttons. It looks good on a young slim girl but, call me old fashioned, on older pot bellied women ..... it gives me the shivers.
As for the trend in society in general, I have no theory as to why it's popular. For footballers, the combination of huge disposable income and large amounts of spare time may be a factor. I know that lots of people say once they get one the process can become a bit addictive, and they feel a need to get more and more. For the record, I'm ink-free, apart from a life-size tattoo of Simon Morgan's face over my own face.
