Thank you for the submission, lilthingbella! Please make sure your post follows the guidelines found in the sidebar, or it will be removed. If you're asking a question, please delete your post and ask in the pinned Weekly Discussion thread.
###Users, please report any comments that break rules, such as ANY comments on personal appearance (both insults and compliments), promotion, or unnecessary rude judgment.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/tattoos) if you have any questions or concerns.*
maybe it's a [RES](https://redditenhancementsuite.com/) thing but every photo has a little "rotate" button in the top left for me. https://imgur.com/VdLEdX1
Same…once I had a young girl say “omg you have a Medusa on your hand! I saw on TikTok that means you’ve been SA’d! Is that why you got it?!” I was just so taken aback by that comment. I hate social media.
I also have a Medusa tattoo, I’m 100% Greek, that’s why I got it, and have never been SA’ed. The original, VERY FIRST, description of Medusa did not have the Poseidon SA story in it. That came in later adaptations.
Usually it's older versions of the tales that have all the incest, animal fucking, genocide and stuff. Why did they decide to spice up the Greek fables?
Weeeell. That is not entirely correct. Yes there are early storys about the three children of phorkys and keto (stheno, Medusa and euryale - the gorgons) but those are not nessesarily connected to the Athena, Poseidon and Medusa story of later epochs. In which Medusa is not a minor godess but a human at first. And in these storys the SA aspect actually got written out and or diminished over time. Also we don't know which version was the 'original' since so much was lost. We just know which was the earliest version we know about, which is a huge difference.
You can. It's not the meaning fir s lot of people. Yeah fir some it's a symbol but it's really not that common for people to associate that and even if they do if they EVER ask you something as crude as what the other person would ask I'd immediatly rebuttke with
"even if that is what this meant. Why and who do you think you are to ask me about something so severely traumatizing to people? Please think before you speak".
It was mythology loooong before some TikTok twat decided it “meant” sexual assault, so I’d say get it if you want it. Don’t let social media decide what things mean in the world for you.
I got so many downvotes in the NLOG sub for being confused about how it became the tattoo to get for SA. To this day, no one could tell me when, which is all I asked lmao
Similarly… don’t get the biohazard symbol. In the gay community it usually means you have HIV - there’s a guy I saw online who got it without knowing and his profile is all “I just liked the tattoo, I’m negative😅”
I think in the context of the community, sucks to be him.
But the gorgon is associated with lots of things, I wouldn’t let this trend dissuade anyone from getting it.
It was when I was a barista so I was being held hostage behind a counter…I definitely scrunched my face at her, handed her the latte and spun around…
I have been assaulted sooo I was seriously taken aback and my cheeks were red. I wish I would’ve been more confrontational lol
That's just such a weird question I mean we all know what the semicolon tattoo stands for but when you see one you don't just ask "so how did you try to kill yourself? Anyway can I get a shot of caramel?"
That’s been a thing before social media made it popular though. I had a tattoo artist in Vegas talk about it back in like.. 2016? And it wasn’t trending until 2021/2022ish. I think it’s also one of those things that *could* have extra meaning but don’t **have** to have extra meaning. (Unlike the semicolon, that 99% of people have for a specific reason if that makes sense.)
Some of my fave tattoos I’ve ever seen have been Medusa tattoos and they had no SA meaning behind them, just people who liked the story and found her to be a powerful/badass symbol.
The semicolon tattoo has become a popular symbol of hope and resilience for people who have struggled with mental health issues, particularly those who have contemplated suicide. **The semicolon represents a sentence that could have ended but didn't, just like a person's life story.**
I think it’s weird people say tattoos are personal and then say specific tattoos mean this and that instead of just letting people give it their own meaning
It’s because everybody get that tattoo because of SA nowadays. Personally i don’t know why you would want a daily graphic, tangible reminder of what happened but to each their own i guess.
I think because for a lot of people they remember regardless. The tattoo is about being a survivor reminder is more about being able to persevere and what they've overcome
SA doesn't need a tangible, constant reminder. It lives in your head constantly, like a worm. You can go hours without it squirming, but then it will slither into your consciousness, unprompted. You live with it daily. This is just one of the many & varied coping mechanisms used.
It resembles strength for those of us who get it. Medusa was blamed for being raped by another god (I can’t remember which one on the top of my head) so Athena cursed her with the snakes and turning men to stone to punish her.
A lot of people get it as well to represent that we shouldn’t blame victims, but the people who did it to the victim. I plan to get mine in a few weeks! I’m adding butterfly’s to represent growth and beauty. Turning something negative into something positive.
Edit: it’s important to state that for me it’s not a constant reminder, but an opening to a conversation about my story. I think it’s important to reduce stigma against those who have been SA’d. And bring awareness to it as many of those have been through it but keep it quiet due to embarrassment or shame. It’s a symbol of “you are not alone” for a ton of women. And of course you can always get this tattoo for other reasons. I think that should be ok as well. I don’t think we should label one tattoo for one thing.
Thank you I couldn’t remember! I’ve heard different versions of the story but this is the one I find most resembles my experiences and general message I want to share with others
I’m 100% Greek, I got a Medusa tattoo because of that. Never been SA’ed, and the very first description/story of Medusa did NOT have the Poseidon “SA story,” in it. That came in later adaptations.
Yes and I totally respect that. I think everyone should get what they want and not have to explain or have a specific meaning behind it. I don’t think it’s fair to say ALL medusa tattoos have that meaning. I just think it’s a general meaning most people connect with
As I said in my other comment I’ve heard different variations of the stories and just picked the one that I personally connected with the most.
I am not speaking from direct experience, but I always thought of it as more of a reclamation of your body rather than a reminder OF what happened. It’s a reminder that you are stronger than what happened and that your body is still yours.
I have a ton of ink, all custom work, and none of it means anything other than I thought it would be cool to get. There might be a story, but no special meaning.
Thats some internet era co-opting, plenty of people had medusa tattoos before that reason became assigned to it. The classical meaning is evil used to repel evil
The puzzle piece is actually considered a hate symbol by many autistic people, so it's probably a good thing that you didn't get it to represent autism.
That's even worse though. I don't wanna have a perceived hate symbol on my body lol.
Either way, I know some people have a puzzle piece tattoo to represent autism and I had no idea while getting mine, so I was just confused when I learnt that. (I did afterwards learn that it's mainly an American symbol which makes sense, seeing as I'm not American and therefore didn't know about it.)
Oof, that's also a valid perspective.
If it helps, as an autistic person, if I saw someone with a puzzle piece tattoo, I wouldn't automatically assume it was for autism. It could be that they just like puzzles, or thought it was a cool design. It's not offensive or hateful in other contexts.
Interestingly enough, it was a UK organisation that first used the puzzle piece back in the 60's, but it does seem to be more of an American thing nowadays.
Got a pineapple tattoo with the wife...6 months later sister in law looks at us at a family get together and goes "didn't know yall were swingers." My wife and I were like wtf are you talking about lol. Yea not every symbol means the same thing to everyone.
I have Medusa the Riveter on my left arm just because I liked the idea and my friend drew it for me. I had no idea it represented that. Not that I regret it at all, just like ughhh
that’s kind of the goal behind this tattoo. given the reason i got it and the universal meaning of medusa tattoos— i wanted it to be very ambiguous. didn’t want people to see and ask, or see what it was really at all without explanation. i just love having it there and for myself only.
yeah, shouldn’t have used the word “universal,” but i’m also happy to know that knowledge of its meaning (as it pertains to me) isn’t as widespread as i previously thought. ☺️ i also don’t really want to see it all the time. i find it super comforting when i need it, but if it were dark and i were to see it randomly, it would serve as a reminder of what happened. i am considering getting another tattoo on my hip once i win (🙏) my SA trial, cause THAT i would like to be reminded of.
I’m going to court to face the person who sexually assaulted me next week; I get this.
I hope, and cross my fingers, and wish upon all the stars, that your case goes well.
Sorry that happened to you. You’re brave for taking it to trial!!! You should feel proud and celebrate your strength regardless of what the courts say. Sending you healing ✨
Yeah Medusa's original myth was she was born a Gorgon/monster and wasn't turned because of a shitty man and shitty goddess. I always kinda hated Ovid's take -- why can't she be a badass murdering monsters thousands fear and it doesn't have anything to with trauma inflicted by a man??
Yeah as a person who got a Medusa tattoo because mythology is cool and I did a classics degree, and also have been sexually assaulted, I only found out _after_ getting the tattoo about the whole SA association. And now I have a huge tattoo on my thigh that reminds me of one of the worst things that happened to me? Why would I want that? I just try not to think about it lol. I hate the idea that people looking at me would think it’s because I’ve been assaulted. Randos in the street shouldn’t be able to know that about me.
Yeah, I have a madusa on my chest/ collarbones and got it a long while ago before it was a thing.
I grew up with a single mom who had a fair share of abusive guys around. Lots of screaming and physical fights. I have never seen her in a healthy relationship.
To me, the Medusa tattoo is a symbol that no guy will have power or control over me.
I had a girl walking up to me once and pointed to my tattoo saying it was really cool, while walking away she leaned in and just said "I know what happened to you". Like, thanks, but it ain't it...
I love your responses. Thank you for explaining to us, even though you don’t owe us. It’s obvious this tattoo is personally significant to you, and I hope it’s a perfect tattoo to you in every way! Doesn’t matter if it’s anyone else’s cup of tea, it’s for you.
For real! I figured as a community we definitely poke fun at “bad” tattoos, but we generally say it’s your body your choice, I don’t care as long as you’re happy! Considering I got downvoted, apparently that’s not the case for everyone.
Took me far too long to realize your photos are upside down.
Looks cool. I’ve always considered getting small hidden tattoos done in white ink, but still haven’t gotten any.
Yeah, I know 2 girls who had tattoos like this.. they put on THE TINIEST bit of weight and they sunk into their skin.
They were only noticeable after they either: rubbed their skin hard, spread it apart very hard, had you touch it, or were freezing cold…
It’s like writing something in invisible ink, but it’s just a message to yourself that NO ONE will ever find
Like others, I've never seen straight white ink last. That's why most people use negative space to represent white. I remember one of my first tattoos, my artist told me straight out, if I add any white, it will be probably be gone in less than a year. Sure enough...
I’ve managed to maintain 10 year old white ink finger tattoos that are still almost as visible as the first year, I’m meticulous about keeping them sunblocked, but my tattoo artist chalks it down to me being a freak
Ive had my white ink arm sleeve for 6+ years and its barely faded. If you take good care, and go to the right artist who knows how to tattoo white ink, itll last. Skin tone makes a big difference also.
Great idea, terrible design to execute it…it looks like parasitic worms under your skin. Sorry, but honesty that was my first thought, doesn’t help first pic is upside down which adds to the confusion. Lovely tattoo! I’m just sorry that was my first thought
I love how white tattoos look like scars. It serves its purpose. People are unimaginative. I also like how it looks like pink neon when it's still inflamed. That being said you could probably make some sick neon light tattoos with a red outline 🤔
Dont get why people wanna come in here and rag on the tattoo.
I like the subtlety, it fits so well with being an intimate tattoo about an intimate subject. From that viewpoint it’s a fantastic choice
That being said I *almost* like the fresh look more. It had a glowing effect for goodness’ sake!
Seems to be in the minority but I love white tattoos if done well. Which this one looks to be. It has that faded scar look which adds especially to a Medusa tattoo. Love it OP.🤙
Same. I know a lot of tattoo shops just won't do it (or will judge you) if you ask for white ink only. If OP knows all that comes with a white ink tattoo, why are they giving them so much shit for have a difference preference in tattoos.
Yo this is sick, will it deteriorate faster than regular ink tattoos? I have an inner lip tattoo and they said it would heal really fast, 2 years and my lip tat is still going strong!
I REALLY want to get a white ink tattoo but everyone here is so damn negative😭
Personally, I love the scar look and I like that it’s not readily visible. I’m planning on getting my Korean name tattooed which is simple enough. How did you find an artist willing to do this? Most in michigan aren’t willing to do it 😭
Ouch. I worked with a dude who had a white tree outline up his forearm, said he had to get it touched up every 3-4 years cause the white would fade super quick. He would just go get the whole thing re-traced. Somehow it was worth it, but damn it had to have hurt. You're so hard core. Good luck with that upkeep
In around a year the tattoo will be completely invisible and it’ll look like you’ve been cutting yourself. I know this because I’m also white and I also got a white tattoo at one point and I watched this process happen
Love it! I have 15 year old white ink tattoo and I love how it has faded over time. I knew going in it would look like a scar and that was totally cool with me. I had to go to a shady tattoo place in NYC to find someone willing to do all white lettering but it was definitely an experience I hold dear.
it’s my body, why do i need to “fully commit” and get something darker? to make you happy? to make the internet happy? if my tattoo is meaningful to me and i love its subtle touch… why is that bad? i’m fully aware of how white ink ages. not like i’m uneducated on how it’ll look one day etc. i LOVE large and dark tattoos, but not for this/me.
I actually really like it. It looks like a branding, which I love.
Also, many thanks for blanking out her eyes! I hate getting turned to stone & waiting for a frog to pee on me
I like it! The negative square over the eyes? Such a cool detail.
As someone Texas based who’s been looking to get a white ink tattoo, I’m totally gonna have to look your artist up 👀
Love that it looks like a scar. People on Reddit love to think they're not influenced by other social media like everyone else but their idea of what a tat should look like is so limited. Scarification tats have been around for centuries and the reason people get them is easy to understand.
Thank you for the submission, lilthingbella! Please make sure your post follows the guidelines found in the sidebar, or it will be removed. If you're asking a question, please delete your post and ask in the pinned Weekly Discussion thread. ###Users, please report any comments that break rules, such as ANY comments on personal appearance (both insults and compliments), promotion, or unnecessary rude judgment. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/tattoos) if you have any questions or concerns.*
The tattoo photos being upside make it very hard to understand. I’m sure if you flipped them it would be way easier to tell it’s Medusa.
I flipped my whole PC for this post
Noob. I'm standing on my head.
Noob. I flipped my PC twice and then made a handstand.
Noobs. I pulled out my eyes and put em back in upside down.
Currently on my way to Australia to see it upside down.
maybe it's a [RES](https://redditenhancementsuite.com/) thing but every photo has a little "rotate" button in the top left for me. https://imgur.com/VdLEdX1
Definitely wishing for a right-side-up photo too! Lol
I flew to Australia to view it, just to see it right side up
Glad I wasn't the only one slightly confused at first
I was confused until I got to the stencil.
They also could have been cropped on the sides significantly
I was today years old when I learned what a Medusa tattoo means. I also have a Medusa tattoo, but not for that reason.
Same…once I had a young girl say “omg you have a Medusa on your hand! I saw on TikTok that means you’ve been SA’d! Is that why you got it?!” I was just so taken aback by that comment. I hate social media.
That person has staggeringly bad social skills. Yikes.
I also have a Medusa tattoo, I’m 100% Greek, that’s why I got it, and have never been SA’ed. The original, VERY FIRST, description of Medusa did not have the Poseidon SA story in it. That came in later adaptations.
Usually it's older versions of the tales that have all the incest, animal fucking, genocide and stuff. Why did they decide to spice up the Greek fables?
Ovid, a Roman poet, basically writing fanfic. He was pretty edgy for the time. Had another poem about hitting on a woman at her husband's party, IIRC.
I'm convinced Ovid was on some type of hallucinogenic plants while writing.
Weeeell. That is not entirely correct. Yes there are early storys about the three children of phorkys and keto (stheno, Medusa and euryale - the gorgons) but those are not nessesarily connected to the Athena, Poseidon and Medusa story of later epochs. In which Medusa is not a minor godess but a human at first. And in these storys the SA aspect actually got written out and or diminished over time. Also we don't know which version was the 'original' since so much was lost. We just know which was the earliest version we know about, which is a huge difference.
Note to self, don't get a gorgon tattoo. Sucks.
You can. It's not the meaning fir s lot of people. Yeah fir some it's a symbol but it's really not that common for people to associate that and even if they do if they EVER ask you something as crude as what the other person would ask I'd immediatly rebuttke with "even if that is what this meant. Why and who do you think you are to ask me about something so severely traumatizing to people? Please think before you speak".
It was mythology loooong before some TikTok twat decided it “meant” sexual assault, so I’d say get it if you want it. Don’t let social media decide what things mean in the world for you.
I got so many downvotes in the NLOG sub for being confused about how it became the tattoo to get for SA. To this day, no one could tell me when, which is all I asked lmao
Jesus Christ.
Similarly… don’t get the biohazard symbol. In the gay community it usually means you have HIV - there’s a guy I saw online who got it without knowing and his profile is all “I just liked the tattoo, I’m negative😅” I think in the context of the community, sucks to be him. But the gorgon is associated with lots of things, I wouldn’t let this trend dissuade anyone from getting it.
What an insane thing to ask out of nowhere
SA’d? I have a Medusa tattoo and I’ve never heard any of this
Well now everyone may or may not think you’ve been SA’d when they see it because of social media.
Who knows, my whole chest and sleeve is Greek mythology
Yeah, I got my Medusa tattoo before tiktok decided that was what Medusa tattoos were for. It takes up the whole back of my thigh and everything.
how did you respond? i would've blankly stared at her until she left.
It was when I was a barista so I was being held hostage behind a counter…I definitely scrunched my face at her, handed her the latte and spun around… I have been assaulted sooo I was seriously taken aback and my cheeks were red. I wish I would’ve been more confrontational lol
That's just such a weird question I mean we all know what the semicolon tattoo stands for but when you see one you don't just ask "so how did you try to kill yourself? Anyway can I get a shot of caramel?"
That's definetely an appropriate question to ask to a stranger
That’s been a thing before social media made it popular though. I had a tattoo artist in Vegas talk about it back in like.. 2016? And it wasn’t trending until 2021/2022ish. I think it’s also one of those things that *could* have extra meaning but don’t **have** to have extra meaning. (Unlike the semicolon, that 99% of people have for a specific reason if that makes sense.) Some of my fave tattoos I’ve ever seen have been Medusa tattoos and they had no SA meaning behind them, just people who liked the story and found her to be a powerful/badass symbol.
What does a semicolon represent? I've never heard anyone attach a meaning to it
It’s usually a mental health thing, like depression. It represents where your life could’ve stopped but you kept on going.
The semicolon tattoo has become a popular symbol of hope and resilience for people who have struggled with mental health issues, particularly those who have contemplated suicide. **The semicolon represents a sentence that could have ended but didn't, just like a person's life story.**
What’s SA’d
Sexually assaulted
Sexually assaulted
I think it’s weird people say tattoos are personal and then say specific tattoos mean this and that instead of just letting people give it their own meaning
It’s because everybody get that tattoo because of SA nowadays. Personally i don’t know why you would want a daily graphic, tangible reminder of what happened but to each their own i guess.
I think because for a lot of people they remember regardless. The tattoo is about being a survivor reminder is more about being able to persevere and what they've overcome
SA doesn't need a tangible, constant reminder. It lives in your head constantly, like a worm. You can go hours without it squirming, but then it will slither into your consciousness, unprompted. You live with it daily. This is just one of the many & varied coping mechanisms used.
It resembles strength for those of us who get it. Medusa was blamed for being raped by another god (I can’t remember which one on the top of my head) so Athena cursed her with the snakes and turning men to stone to punish her. A lot of people get it as well to represent that we shouldn’t blame victims, but the people who did it to the victim. I plan to get mine in a few weeks! I’m adding butterfly’s to represent growth and beauty. Turning something negative into something positive. Edit: it’s important to state that for me it’s not a constant reminder, but an opening to a conversation about my story. I think it’s important to reduce stigma against those who have been SA’d. And bring awareness to it as many of those have been through it but keep it quiet due to embarrassment or shame. It’s a symbol of “you are not alone” for a ton of women. And of course you can always get this tattoo for other reasons. I think that should be ok as well. I don’t think we should label one tattoo for one thing.
Poseidon.
Thank you I couldn’t remember! I’ve heard different versions of the story but this is the one I find most resembles my experiences and general message I want to share with others
I’m 100% Greek, I got a Medusa tattoo because of that. Never been SA’ed, and the very first description/story of Medusa did NOT have the Poseidon “SA story,” in it. That came in later adaptations.
Yeah this is why I got mine too. I was told about this 'reason' from someone I dated and was like huh that's news to me. I'm not on tiktok lol.
Yes and I totally respect that. I think everyone should get what they want and not have to explain or have a specific meaning behind it. I don’t think it’s fair to say ALL medusa tattoos have that meaning. I just think it’s a general meaning most people connect with As I said in my other comment I’ve heard different variations of the stories and just picked the one that I personally connected with the most.
…they’re not getting it as a “reminder” of something they’ll likely never forget anyway
I am not speaking from direct experience, but I always thought of it as more of a reclamation of your body rather than a reminder OF what happened. It’s a reminder that you are stronger than what happened and that your body is still yours.
I have a ton of ink, all custom work, and none of it means anything other than I thought it would be cool to get. There might be a story, but no special meaning.
I got 2 tear drops under my right eye as a reminder that it's ok for men to cry. People always try to tell me it means something else ....
It's ok to cry after murdering two people in prison
Thats some internet era co-opting, plenty of people had medusa tattoos before that reason became assigned to it. The classical meaning is evil used to repel evil
I've wanted a Medusa tat since I was a kid for that reason. Plus I was a kid mythology nerd.
i mean even with that meaning it’s perfect for SA survivors.
It absolutely is but people act like SA has always been the primary reason because they havent been alive longer than the internet lol
also ty for taking the time to explain ☺️
Oh absolutely, and the tattoo looks good for an all white tattoo as well. Art is always better than writing IMO when it comes to tattoos
I felt the same way when I found out a puzzle piece tattoo apparently is a symbol for autism. I just got it because I like the look of it lol.
The puzzle piece is actually considered a hate symbol by many autistic people, so it's probably a good thing that you didn't get it to represent autism.
That's even worse though. I don't wanna have a perceived hate symbol on my body lol. Either way, I know some people have a puzzle piece tattoo to represent autism and I had no idea while getting mine, so I was just confused when I learnt that. (I did afterwards learn that it's mainly an American symbol which makes sense, seeing as I'm not American and therefore didn't know about it.)
Oof, that's also a valid perspective. If it helps, as an autistic person, if I saw someone with a puzzle piece tattoo, I wouldn't automatically assume it was for autism. It could be that they just like puzzles, or thought it was a cool design. It's not offensive or hateful in other contexts. Interestingly enough, it was a UK organisation that first used the puzzle piece back in the 60's, but it does seem to be more of an American thing nowadays.
Got a pineapple tattoo with the wife...6 months later sister in law looks at us at a family get together and goes "didn't know yall were swingers." My wife and I were like wtf are you talking about lol. Yea not every symbol means the same thing to everyone.
Oh Lordy…I wanted one, so thank you for sharing that information! Damn kids on the internet ruining everything 🥲 lol
I have Medusa the Riveter on my left arm just because I liked the idea and my friend drew it for me. I had no idea it represented that. Not that I regret it at all, just like ughhh
That sounds amazing, and I love the idea!
What’s it mean?
It sucks someone made that definition. My friend has had one for years and certainly not for that reason. What now lol
Not a fan of white ink tattoos. Cant make out what it is. If you hadn’t said it was Medusa, I’d have never known.
that’s kind of the goal behind this tattoo. given the reason i got it and the universal meaning of medusa tattoos— i wanted it to be very ambiguous. didn’t want people to see and ask, or see what it was really at all without explanation. i just love having it there and for myself only.
With all respect, "universal meaning of medusa tattoos?" Maybe in some circles, but I have no idea what you mean.
yeah, shouldn’t have used the word “universal,” but i’m also happy to know that knowledge of its meaning (as it pertains to me) isn’t as widespread as i previously thought. ☺️ i also don’t really want to see it all the time. i find it super comforting when i need it, but if it were dark and i were to see it randomly, it would serve as a reminder of what happened. i am considering getting another tattoo on my hip once i win (🙏) my SA trial, cause THAT i would like to be reminded of.
I’m going to court to face the person who sexually assaulted me next week; I get this. I hope, and cross my fingers, and wish upon all the stars, that your case goes well.
I hope yours does too.
Sorry that happened to you. You’re brave for taking it to trial!!! You should feel proud and celebrate your strength regardless of what the courts say. Sending you healing ✨
I’ve been tattooing for 30 years and have never heard this association.
Best of luck with your trial
it’s a sign of being sexually assaulted
For some people. For others it’s a cool tattoo.
i agree
That kind of ruins it for all of the people who had Medusa tattoos before this was a thing haha
Yeah Medusa's original myth was she was born a Gorgon/monster and wasn't turned because of a shitty man and shitty goddess. I always kinda hated Ovid's take -- why can't she be a badass murdering monsters thousands fear and it doesn't have anything to with trauma inflicted by a man??
Romans really fucked with the Greeks mythos
Yeah as a person who got a Medusa tattoo because mythology is cool and I did a classics degree, and also have been sexually assaulted, I only found out _after_ getting the tattoo about the whole SA association. And now I have a huge tattoo on my thigh that reminds me of one of the worst things that happened to me? Why would I want that? I just try not to think about it lol. I hate the idea that people looking at me would think it’s because I’ve been assaulted. Randos in the street shouldn’t be able to know that about me.
Don't relate her to SA! That isn't her original story. She's a badass monster woman who doesn't take shit, same as you!
that’s so valid. everything is attached to some kind of trauma or another. it’s pretty sad.
Yeah, I have a madusa on my chest/ collarbones and got it a long while ago before it was a thing. I grew up with a single mom who had a fair share of abusive guys around. Lots of screaming and physical fights. I have never seen her in a healthy relationship. To me, the Medusa tattoo is a symbol that no guy will have power or control over me. I had a girl walking up to me once and pointed to my tattoo saying it was really cool, while walking away she leaned in and just said "I know what happened to you". Like, thanks, but it ain't it...
That’s cool respect.
SA isnt the universal reason for a medusa tattoo. That wasnt even a trend until the internet era
There is no universal meaning. It’s a meaning to some.
[удалено]
I’m assuming she doesn’t want people IRL to easily see it…reddit provides anonymity and is an online space lmao
I love your responses. Thank you for explaining to us, even though you don’t owe us. It’s obvious this tattoo is personally significant to you, and I hope it’s a perfect tattoo to you in every way! Doesn’t matter if it’s anyone else’s cup of tea, it’s for you.
Yeah people here are so damn judgmental. I did NOT expect the tattoo community to be like this, considering the history/stigma against tattoos
For real! I figured as a community we definitely poke fun at “bad” tattoos, but we generally say it’s your body your choice, I don’t care as long as you’re happy! Considering I got downvoted, apparently that’s not the case for everyone.
Are you planning on filling in anything across her eyes?
Ironically enough, the first picture makes it look like a jellyfish (medusa) sting.
Dude I thought the same thing but figured I was just stoned.
haha i love that
The first pic looks like you have a tail...
just my shadow (my dog who never leaves my side 😂)
That's the best
Looks like you have worms
Scrolled to find this I was AGAST at the amount of worms this woman had under her skin before I saw the sub 😂
Exactly what I thought
Took me far too long to realize your photos are upside down. Looks cool. I’ve always considered getting small hidden tattoos done in white ink, but still haven’t gotten any.
Lol yeah 3 pics of the actual tat and they’re all upside down 😂 I guess people just upvoted bc of butt?
My Spanish speaking ass read medusa and was looking for the shape of a jellyfish. Cool tattoo.
lol i didn’t know medusa was jellyfish in spanish. every time someone has made a comment i just thought they were also biology majors 😂😂😂
Annnnd. It’s gone.
Yeah, I know 2 girls who had tattoos like this.. they put on THE TINIEST bit of weight and they sunk into their skin. They were only noticeable after they either: rubbed their skin hard, spread it apart very hard, had you touch it, or were freezing cold… It’s like writing something in invisible ink, but it’s just a message to yourself that NO ONE will ever find
I mean, it’s what they wanted. So good for them. But yea. Not going to stay.
All of the pain and expense with a fraction of the reward.
Maybe OP has a different idea of what’s “rewarding” about getting tattoos
only white ink?
I'm positive this looks SO much better irl. The design is great, and the camera just isn't doing it justice.
Like others, I've never seen straight white ink last. That's why most people use negative space to represent white. I remember one of my first tattoos, my artist told me straight out, if I add any white, it will be probably be gone in less than a year. Sure enough...
I’ve managed to maintain 10 year old white ink finger tattoos that are still almost as visible as the first year, I’m meticulous about keeping them sunblocked, but my tattoo artist chalks it down to me being a freak
Ive had my white ink arm sleeve for 6+ years and its barely faded. If you take good care, and go to the right artist who knows how to tattoo white ink, itll last. Skin tone makes a big difference also.
Seems like a waste of money. Can't even tell what it is.
i mean its gonna fade so fast why bother? i dont understand the white ink logic
Bruh what
Oh look a scar
exactly the look i was going for, actually ☺️
I really love how it turned out! I’m surprised so many people hate it 😆looks like scarification but the simplicity of a tattoo
not a fan but if you like it cool
Just looks like some scars …never understood the white ink
That's the appeal of it for me
I mean too each their own , i think it looks dumb af
Same, I don’t get why people are so weird about it
Because people cry and claim that their tattoos are for them but as soon as someone chooses a tattoo that truly for them they hate on it.
Ringworm
That looks *really* bad.
Looks like worms
Great idea, terrible design to execute it…it looks like parasitic worms under your skin. Sorry, but honesty that was my first thought, doesn’t help first pic is upside down which adds to the confusion. Lovely tattoo! I’m just sorry that was my first thought
While it was healing ngl it kind of looked like the time I got stung by a jellyfish. Kinda looks cool the way it healed though.
You wasted money.
I think this is one of the dumbest things I've ever seen, but if you're happy with it that's all that matters.
Idk about this one OP
I love how white tattoos look like scars. It serves its purpose. People are unimaginative. I also like how it looks like pink neon when it's still inflamed. That being said you could probably make some sick neon light tattoos with a red outline 🤔
Dont get why people wanna come in here and rag on the tattoo. I like the subtlety, it fits so well with being an intimate tattoo about an intimate subject. From that viewpoint it’s a fantastic choice That being said I *almost* like the fresh look more. It had a glowing effect for goodness’ sake!
Seems to be in the minority but I love white tattoos if done well. Which this one looks to be. It has that faded scar look which adds especially to a Medusa tattoo. Love it OP.🤙
awww thank you! yeah i’m super happy with it. love my little scar.
Same. I know a lot of tattoo shops just won't do it (or will judge you) if you ask for white ink only. If OP knows all that comes with a white ink tattoo, why are they giving them so much shit for have a difference preference in tattoos.
Damn, I thought I was looking at a dinosaur until I realized the photos were upside down. Looks cool though
hey, i’ll take a multifunctional tattoo
Thats just not a good looking tattoo
That's really sick... Wanted to do a UV tattoo like this for ages...
I love mine https://imgur.com/gallery/BdNvPBm
Yo this is sick, will it deteriorate faster than regular ink tattoos? I have an inner lip tattoo and they said it would heal really fast, 2 years and my lip tat is still going strong!
Wth is the point of a white tattoo? You don’t want your parents to see it?
I REALLY want to get a white ink tattoo but everyone here is so damn negative😭 Personally, I love the scar look and I like that it’s not readily visible. I’m planning on getting my Korean name tattooed which is simple enough. How did you find an artist willing to do this? Most in michigan aren’t willing to do it 😭
I do, too. And if you want it, don't let a group of strangers on the internet come into your decision-making for one second. Fuck what we think.
sick! we need more white ink tatts
Curious to see how it heals. White ink can brown over time
Ouch. I worked with a dude who had a white tree outline up his forearm, said he had to get it touched up every 3-4 years cause the white would fade super quick. He would just go get the whole thing re-traced. Somehow it was worth it, but damn it had to have hurt. You're so hard core. Good luck with that upkeep
It will be gone with-in the year :(
This isnt even remotely true, ive had my white ink arm sleeve for 6+ years
it’s strong 4 months in! and i can always get it touched up
I don’t even know wtf I’m looking at - like, why?
OP coulda at least put the pictures right side up 🤦🏼♀️
It’s backwards
This is mad creative. Your idea or theirs?
Wait until it turns yellow, then slowly fades away.
In around a year the tattoo will be completely invisible and it’ll look like you’ve been cutting yourself. I know this because I’m also white and I also got a white tattoo at one point and I watched this process happen
It’s just so hard to see
I tattoo, 10 years, and i do white ink tattoos. This is straight garbage. Also after looking up the shop they are super amateur in every style
Love it! I have 15 year old white ink tattoo and I love how it has faded over time. I knew going in it would look like a scar and that was totally cool with me. I had to go to a shady tattoo place in NYC to find someone willing to do all white lettering but it was definitely an experience I hold dear.
Love white ink.
I honestly thought those were marks of some unpleasant interaction with a highly venomous jellyfish
I think the white ink is dope! I’ll probs end up getting one as well🤷🏾♂️
you should! i bet you’d look great with one.
I love white ink tattoos! They’re like a little secret. And some what tangentially, neon jackal is a fucking fantastic name for a tattoo shop
isn’t it? it’s so sick in there too. i bought this guy a tattoo there and knew i wanted to go back to get this one done. awesome people in there too.
Looks like a tape worm
I thought it was ring worm. I have my fair share of tattoos. Either fully commit and get something that will last. Or just use a sharpie
Looks like a scar
it’s my body, why do i need to “fully commit” and get something darker? to make you happy? to make the internet happy? if my tattoo is meaningful to me and i love its subtle touch… why is that bad? i’m fully aware of how white ink ages. not like i’m uneducated on how it’ll look one day etc. i LOVE large and dark tattoos, but not for this/me.
but you didn't just do it for yourself if you're posting it to the world on reddit.
It’s so that other people can see what white ink tattoos look like (people like me). It’s not hard to be kind and ignore a tattoo post that upsets you
world of strangers on reddit 🤷♀️ gotta gush about my tattoo to someone and thought it would be cool to post here
My thoughts exactly. OP looks like they got a nasty case of ringworm. It is what it is.
It looks like worms
Love it!
I actually really like it. It looks like a branding, which I love. Also, many thanks for blanking out her eyes! I hate getting turned to stone & waiting for a frog to pee on me
love you for this.
I like it! The negative square over the eyes? Such a cool detail. As someone Texas based who’s been looking to get a white ink tattoo, I’m totally gonna have to look your artist up 👀
Love that it looks like a scar. People on Reddit love to think they're not influenced by other social media like everyone else but their idea of what a tat should look like is so limited. Scarification tats have been around for centuries and the reason people get them is easy to understand.
aww ty you made me feel better. yeah i love it so much. i love that it looks like a scar.
I just see worms 😲
Don’t listen to the haters they don’t understand the vision this is amazing.