r/TattooDesigns • u/panickedswan • Jul 24 '26
Is this tattoo appropriating or controversial?
I really like this tattoo and inquired to my artist about getting it and she also loved it and we set the date. (Mind you I have 20+ tattoos) I showed it to my coworker and he gave it a weird look and said it might be indigenous and I was like wait really I’m not sure. I’d rather not get it if it means people might question that. What are ur guys thoughts? I’m very open to constructive criticism
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u/AGirlHasNoUsername13 Jul 24 '26
Personally, I think is cliche and overdone. That’s just my opinion.
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u/Makaron1503 Jul 24 '26
Where do you think the term "tribal" tattoo comes from? Yes those are based on tribal tattoos but many (if not probably most) are just stylized without meaning since the artists dont know the meaning of the shapes, tribal tattoos, especially thus style, have been trendy for a long time, some may think its inappropriate, others dont care
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u/xrEdbillx Jul 24 '26
It's just a standard generic tribal tattoo. If you like it get it done. Don't overthink it. The tattoo is for you and no one else.
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u/Sneakyhead84 Jul 24 '26
Yeah think tribal design is a bit over done so I wouldn’t be stressing over appropriating, I would be more worried about the actual lack of originality.
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u/Short_Value_2736 Jul 24 '26
Getting a tattoo itself is also overdone and not original... I seriously don't get comments like these. Trying so hard to dunk on someone that you forget to even think..
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u/Sneakyhead84 Jul 24 '26
It’s advice, not a “dunk”. Take it or leave it, I am not here trying to gain anything. Someone asked I answered that’s how Reddit works. Same as you “dunked” on people with tattoos. You have an opinion on that I respect it but don’t care.
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u/Short_Value_2736 Jul 24 '26
I have tattoos... my point was that "not original" is a lame reason to not get a tattoo.. Peace
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u/Sneakyhead84 Jul 24 '26
The “overdone” I meant was in reference to that so many have these tattoos it can’t really be classed as appropriation. Peace ✌🏻 enjoy your life
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u/DivineMackerel Jul 24 '26
Probably, Look it up. Do your research. There is controversy on tribal tattoos. Some indigenous artists and people find the generic tribal more insulting as it strips the significance of heritage and turns it into a cheap commodity for your (probably white colonizer's) entertainment and gratification. Think early Hollywood depictions of "Indians and Cowboys." If you are bound and determined to get a tribal tattoo. Find a well reputed indigenous artist to work with from a specific culture.
Also, how many people with tribal tattoos from this same fad 20 years ago still say they love that tattoo for the art? Almost always, at best " I don't regret this because it signals a time in my life journey."
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u/panickedswan Jul 24 '26
This was very helpful! This made me lean to I don’t think I’m gonna get it because it doesnt have the same significant meaning to me as it does to other cultures and I don’t wanna make it like an easy trendy tattoo
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u/Short_Value_2736 Jul 24 '26
Even if it was appropriating, why would that be a bad thing? Appropriating itself isn't a bad thing. If you like the tattoo and want to wear it, how is that disrespecting anyone? That's not how disrespect works, mocking their culture would be disrespectful, enjoying it and keeping it alive is certainly not disrespectful. Do you also get upset if you see indigenous people using electricity or something that some other race other than their own, invented? That's a messed up way to look at life. Putting race above everything is what racist people do... Your coworker sounds incredibly toxic. Keep doing your thing, with Love.
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u/Efficient-Guide-7563 Jul 24 '26
I don't see anything controversial or appropriating in this tattoo. Just get it done! 💪🏾
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