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drift_g35
05-09-2013, 13:51
I would really like to get an American Flag tattoo, but i don't know whether it would be disrespectful or anything like that. What do you think?

rondog
05-09-2013, 13:55
Where at? If it's on your right bicep, make sure the star field is facing forward (flag looks backwards) for proper flag display & respect. Otherwise, I'd say go for it. I'm sure you won't be the first.

pdr240
05-09-2013, 13:57
From http://www.usa-flag-site.org/etiquette.shtml

Federal law stipulates many aspects of flag etiquette. The section of law dealing with American Flag etiquette is generally referred to as the Flag Code. Some general guidelines from the Flag Code answer many of the most common questions:

The flag should be lighted at all times, either by sunlight or by an appropriate light source.
The flag should be flown in fair weather, unless the flag is designed for inclement weather use.
The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal.
The flag should not be used for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top.
The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard.
The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations.
The flag should never have any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind placed on it, or attached to it.
The flag should never be used for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.
The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary.
When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.

Seems like the tattoo might be a grey area, not specifically covered here.
Not sure how official this is ... first link in my search for American flag etiquette

n8tive97
05-09-2013, 13:59
I suppose it all depends where you put it! Tramp stamp.... no go! Shoulders, Bicep or forearm.... good to go....

10mm-man
05-09-2013, 14:01
Sure some Dems have it tattooe'd on their ASS along with wiping with the constitution. So it can't get worse than that, so go for it...

drift_g35
05-09-2013, 14:15
I do want to point out that I am American ha. My buddy said the only way it would be disrespectful is if....a different race had it tattooed on them*

*edited for racial comments.

Ronin13
05-09-2013, 14:22
From http://www.usa-flag-site.org/etiquette.shtml

Federal law stipulates many aspects of flag etiquette. The section of law dealing with American Flag etiquette is generally referred to as the Flag Code. Some general guidelines from the Flag Code answer many of the most common questions:

The flag should be lighted at all times, either by sunlight or by an appropriate light source.
The flag should be flown in fair weather, unless the flag is designed for inclement weather use.
The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal.
The flag should not be used for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top.
The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard.
The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations.
The flag should never have any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind placed on it, or attached to it.
The flag should never be used for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.
The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary.
When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.

Seems like the tattoo might be a grey area, not specifically covered here.
Not sure how official this is ... first link in my search for American flag etiquette
This is more a guideline than a law... I see these violated nearly monthly, if not more frequently.
I have a buddy who has done 4 tours in Afghanistan, 3 tours in Iraq, plus a tour in Bosnia- he has a big old "MADE IN THE USA" with flag Tattoo on his right delt. To be perfectly honest, I think it looks bad ass! So IMHO, go for it!

Great-Kazoo
05-09-2013, 14:55
From http://www.usa-flag-site.org/etiquette.shtml

Federal law stipulates many aspects of flag etiquette. The section of law dealing with American Flag etiquette is generally referred to as the Flag Code. Some general guidelines from the Flag Code answer many of the most common questions:

The flag should be lighted at all times, either by sunlight or by an appropriate light source.
The flag should be flown in fair weather, unless the flag is designed for inclement weather use.
The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal.
The flag should not be used for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top.
The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard.
The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations.
The flag should never have any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind placed on it, or attached to it.
The flag should never be used for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.
The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary.
When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.

Seems like the tattoo might be a grey area, not specifically covered here.
Not sure how official this is ... first link in my search for American flag etiquette


Sounds like an argument against semi-auto's because that wasn't the intent of our forefathers. It's a Tattoo, not something hung on your house or up the flag pole.

Go for it. You're not the first or i doubt the last to have stars n stripes inked on you. One of the nicest flags i ever saw inked was done by Kari Barber Looking at it you could hear the flag snapping in the wind, it was that good.

What style you looking at doing it in? in the wind, furled, painted , or something tearing out of the skin ala, Cherry Creek / Rand Johnson flash?

drift_g35
05-09-2013, 16:05
Sounds like an argument against semi-auto's because that wasn't the intent of our forefathers. It's a Tattoo, not something hung on your house or up the flag pole.

Go for it. You're not the first or i doubt the last to have stars n stripes inked on you. One of the nicest flags i ever saw inked was done by Kari Barber Looking at it you could hear the flag snapping in the wind, it was that good.

What style you looking at doing it in? in the wind, furled, painted , or something tearing out of the skin ala, Cherry Creek / Rand Johnson flash?

Just a simple black and white square flag. Nothing more.

Great-Kazoo
05-09-2013, 16:40
Just a simple black and white square flag. Nothing more.

You mean Black n Gray or a solid Black n White (skin color)

Zundfolge
05-09-2013, 16:46
It depends, are you getting a flag tattooed on you or a picture of a flag.


For example,

Flag (inappropriate)
http://i.ebayimg.com/20/!CBm%28Bz!BGk~$%28KGrHqN,!hkE0fey6Q9+BNIVi0KLbw~~_ 2.JPG

Picture of flag (appropriate)
http://thegatewaypundit.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/us-flag-flying.jpg

TheGrey
05-09-2013, 16:56
No, it is not disrespectful- as long as it is not pictured in a disrespectful manner. Go for it!

GilpinGuy
05-09-2013, 17:02
As long as it's respectful, I see no problem.

I wouldn't have the flag with "Merica...Fuck Yeah!" under it.

spleify
05-09-2013, 17:07
I'll go with ya. I have mine picked out already. King Freeze is the guy to go to.

Seriously, let me know.

spleify
05-09-2013, 17:08
It depends, are you getting a flag tattooed on you or a picture of a flag.


For example,

Flag (inappropriate)
http://i.ebayimg.com/20/!CBm%28Bz!BGk~$%28KGrHqN,!hkE0fey6Q9+BNIVi0KLbw~~_ 2.JPG

Picture of flag (appropriate)
http://thegatewaypundit.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/us-flag-flying.jpg

Please explain why a picture is ok and not just a flag

quondom fremd
05-09-2013, 17:37
Where at? If it's on your right bicep, make sure the star field is facing forward (flag looks backwards) for proper flag display & respect. Otherwise, I'd say go for it. I'm sure you won't be the first.

Isn't stars facing forward .mil only?

Dryfli
05-09-2013, 17:39
What about the "don't tread on me" flag? No disrespect also I think it look pretty bad ass

GilpinGuy
05-09-2013, 17:43
What about the "don't tread on me" flag? No disrespect also I think it look pretty bad ass

I like this. [Awesom]

blacklabel
05-09-2013, 17:52
Crap, I voted the wrong way. I've got mad comprehension skills yo. I say you're good to go as long as it's badass.

Stone83
05-09-2013, 17:54
DO IT!!!!
(while it's still legal!!)

20X11
05-09-2013, 18:12
Given the current state of affairs in this country, you better have it tattooed upside down. (Distress signal)

spleify
05-09-2013, 18:55
I guess I'm a little confused on this whole "disrespectful" thing. What is disrespectful about getting a tattoo showing your pride and love for your country? Someone please shed some light on this for me.

Great-Kazoo
05-09-2013, 19:14
I guess I'm a little confused on this whole "disrespectful" thing. What is disrespectful about getting a tattoo showing your pride and love for your country? Someone please shed some light on this for me.

Cause they either do not care for tattoos. Or do not comprehend there is more than one way to show your patriotism, Besides flying a torn, tattered US flag on your property.

FWIW" That 1/2 ass flag sticker looking thing. If you came to me and said this is exactly what i want, I'd pass you off to one of the apprentices.

drift_g35
05-09-2013, 19:14
I guess I'm a little confused on this whole "disrespectful" thing. What is disrespectful about getting a tattoo showing your pride and love for your country? Someone please shed some light on this for me.

My main concern was disrespect to current and ex military. I dont want to seem like a poser or anything. I dont know its hard to explain.

Great-Kazoo
05-09-2013, 19:42
My main concern was disrespect to current and ex military. I dont want to seem like a poser or anything. I dont know its hard to explain.

POSER.................You're an American are you not? Who cares WHAT ANYONE THINKS. This is for you, on you, forever.

Sparky
05-09-2013, 19:47
POSER.................You're an American are you not? Who cares WHAT ANYONE THINKS. This is for you, on you, forever.

Exactly.

def90
05-09-2013, 20:16
Isn't stars facing forward .mil only?

No.. stars should always be forward. Commercial airliners do it this way as well.

GhostRider
05-09-2013, 20:22
I have one on my shoulder that one of the students drew from my first class I was the instructor for in the Air Force

Irving
05-09-2013, 21:00
Active and retired military are not the only Americans.

Madeinhb
05-09-2013, 21:50
The flag being backwards isn't so much about the stars being forward. It's more that the stars should always be the closet to the heart. Hence why patches, etc are backwards on the right.

Great-Kazoo
05-09-2013, 21:54
The flag being backwards isn't so much about the stars being forward. It's more that the stars should always be the closet to the heart. Hence why patches, etc are backwards on the right.

Stars forward are for, In to Battle / At War. Stars to the rea,r At Peace.

asmo
05-09-2013, 22:26
Do a Gadsen.. Problem solved.

spleify
05-09-2013, 22:43
Do a Gadsen.. Problem solved.

What "problem" I really dont see a problem here.

I am serious when asking why someone would say this is disrespectful? I want a flag tattoo also and I am curious to know what someone who thinks this is a "problem" or "disrespectful" will say when they see it on me and why.

I'm an american and damn proud of it, if I want to show that with a tattoo of a flag where am I going wrong??

Please enlighten me. [Awesom]

Great-Kazoo
05-09-2013, 22:49
What "problem" I really dont see a problem here.

I am serious when asking why someone would say this is disrespectful? I want a flag tattoo also and I am curious to know what someone who thinks this is a "problem" or "disrespectful" will say when they see it on me and why.

I'm an american and damn proud of it, if I want to show that with a tattoo of a flag where am I going wrong??

Please enlighten me. [Awesom]

AMEN. I was going to respond. BUT you're more tactful.

USMC88-93
05-09-2013, 22:56
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v651/PhotoTWB/AR-15%20website%20help%20images/flagtattoo_zps7ed0abdf.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/PhotoTWB/media/AR-15%20website%20help%20images/flagtattoo_zps7ed0abdf.jpg.html)

hghclsswhitetrsh
05-09-2013, 23:05
Proudly made in the USA

SA Friday
05-09-2013, 23:12
Ya, no problem with it here...

http://www.ar-15.co/threads/39193-Tattoo

rondog
05-09-2013, 23:28
I don't know, we're not talking about displaying the flag here, we're talking about artwork. So I think a certain amount of artistic license is acceptable, within the limits of respect and good taste. God only knows how many flag-based designs have been done. Hell, look at all the flag-type artwork on cars, trucks and motorcycles over the years, and people don't get all bent about that! A tasteful tattoo is no different, IMO. Worst part is the ink fading over time. That part sucks.

02ducky
05-09-2013, 23:59
[Pop] well I am kinda waiting for an answer to this one too.

Danimal
05-10-2013, 01:37
You know when I was in the military I never got a tattoo that showed my service or pride in America. I have been wanting one for a long time now to finish off the sleeve on my left arm. I am working nights, so maybe I will draw up some stuff and if I make something that I want is there someone on here that would be willing to lay the ink? I will post something here soon so that you would know what you are getting into. Back to the OP, I would say go for it. Just think it out and find something that really talks to you and says what you want it to.

asmo
05-10-2013, 03:38
What "problem" I really dont see a problem here.

I am serious when asking why someone would say this is disrespectful? I want a flag tattoo also and I am curious to know what someone who thinks this is a "problem" or "disrespectful" will say when they see it on me and why.

I'm an american and damn proud of it, if I want to show that with a tattoo of a flag where am I going wrong??

Please enlighten me. [Awesom]

I don't see a problem with it at all. The Op is concerned about it, an American flag, will look to some people - - if that really is a concern, in the OP's mind, then do a Gadsden.

nikolatesla19
05-10-2013, 06:02
Just do it.

spleify
05-10-2013, 06:22
You know when I was in the military I never got a tattoo that showed my service or pride in America. I have been wanting one for a long time now to finish off the sleeve on my left arm. I am working nights, so maybe I will draw up some stuff and if I make something that I want is there someone on here that would be willing to lay the ink? I will post something here soon so that you would know what you are getting into. Back to the OP, I would say go for it. Just think it out and find something that really talks to you and says what you want it to.

KIng Freeze at Pleasure and Pain on Alameda in Denver

robertcolorado2009
05-10-2013, 07:11
Seems to me that during the years since the sixties, when flags were starting tp appear on peoples walls as decoration, during all the Vietnam protests and things, I always read where the star field should always be on the left when dispaying a flag on a wall or hanging on horizontally or vertically.

spongejosh
05-10-2013, 07:35
I don't see any problem with it as long as the tattoo isn't disrespectful like Calvin peeing on it or something.

mtik00
05-10-2013, 07:52
Just remember, when the colors fade on your tat, do the right thing:
When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner. ;)

I agree with most everyone here. It's an artistic representation of the American flag. That's a different ball game.

An alternative approach would be to go with a more abstract representation. Ok, this is a really bad example, but something like the Captain America shield. It's pretty obvious what it would mean. And no... I don't have a Cpt America tat.

Great-Kazoo
05-10-2013, 07:57
Just remember, when the colors fade on your tat, do the right thing: ;)

I agree with most everyone here. It's an artistic representation of the American flag. That's a different ball game.

An alternative approach would be to go with a more abstract representation. Ok, this is a really bad example, but something like the Captain America shield. It's pretty obvious what it would mean. And no... I don't have a Cpt America tat.


Wonder Woman ?

mtik00
05-10-2013, 08:08
Wonder Woman ?
Yup. A tramp stamp. Boys will be boys...

drift_g35
05-10-2013, 08:16
Thanks for the input guys. This isnt my first tattoo and wont be my last.

BlasterBob
05-10-2013, 11:02
Worst part is the ink fading over time. That part sucks.

Fading? I still have one tattoo that I got at Fort Riley, KS (actually Junction City, KS) back in December of 1955 (coming up on 58 years ago) and it really has faded very very little. Maybe better quality ink used back in those days.
The "ink master" was not very worried about spreading germs etc., as they merely used an old wash basin and a huge sponge to do the washing and wiping back them. Sponge usually still had the previous guy's blood on it. Guess I'm lucky to still be here on the planet and never contracted any diseases from that particular procedure.[blaster]

Ronin13
05-10-2013, 11:37
Just remember, when the colors fade on your tat, do the right thing: ;)

Has no one here heard of touchups? I got a tat on my forearm and the guy offered (for free) to touch up a tat I got when I was 18.

Great-Kazoo
05-10-2013, 12:42
Fading? I still have one tattoo that I got at Fort Riley, KS (actually Junction City, KS) back in December of 1955 (coming up on 58 years ago) and it really has faded very very little. Maybe better quality ink used back in those days.
The "ink master" was not very worried about spreading germs etc., as they merely used an old wash basin and a huge sponge to do the washing and wiping back them. Sponge usually still had the previous guy's blood on it. Guess I'm lucky to still be here on the planet and never contracted any diseases from that particular procedure.[blaster]

Sponge & bucket days. Stencils were hand cut [backwards] on acetate then applied with charcoal, after they used a straight razor to shave the area.

Aloha_Shooter
05-10-2013, 16:05
I presume you are opting for cremation when you die so that flag on your skin is disposed of IAW the Flag Code ...

BlasterBob
05-10-2013, 17:40
Sponge & bucket days. Stencils were hand cut [backwards] on acetate then applied with charcoal, after they used a straight razor to shave the area.

Exactly right Jim... I furnished a piece of flexible acetate that I used to make my own tat pattern and after he smeared my arm with vaseline (or something similar) the ink master filled the void on the stencil with a black/gray powder of some kind and slapped it on my arm. Then merely traced the line of the charcoal or whatever the black stuff was. Straight edge was swished around in the water basin and it was ready to go for the next customer.... Ah, those were the days - when we didn't normally have to worry about AIDS and not be quite as concerned about some of the crap that destroyed livers.[blaster]

Great-Kazoo
05-10-2013, 17:51
Exactly right Jim... I furnished a piece of flexible acetate that I used to make my own tat pattern and after he smeared my arm with vaseline (or something similar) the ink master filled the void on the stencil with a black/gray powder of some kind and slapped it on my arm. Then merely traced the line of the charcoal or whatever the black stuff was. Straight edge was swished around in the water basin and it was ready to go for the next customer.... Ah, those were the days - when we didn't normally have to worry about AIDS and not be quite as concerned about some of the crap that destroyed livers.[blaster]

Having been involved with the ink business one way or another, since 74. There's lots o stories i can tell ya. First hand, not some well i heard from X.

BlasterBob
05-10-2013, 18:41
Having been involved with the ink business one way or another, since 74. There's lots o stories i can tell ya. First hand, not some well i heard from X.

Also, back in the mid 50's, getting a tat was damn cheap (inexpensive) but the workmanship back then could certainly NOT compete with today's jobs. In those days, the tat shops near the military bases/forts, had a policy that drunk or not, as long as the customer could manage to get his wallet out and pay for the work, he was good to go. My last and final one was just about one year ago. That's it for this old fart unless I get a "freebie".

Squeeze
05-10-2013, 19:51
Not sure why Danger! hasn't chimed in on this thread yet, as he is a very talented tattoo artist. I will be getting a Molon Labe tattoo from him in the near future. On that note, no, I do not think the American flag tattoo is disrespectful. IMO, you are simply showing American pride and I don't have a problem with that at all.

Great-Kazoo
05-10-2013, 20:37
Does this poll really need to go another 13 days to convince you, one way or the other, How and what you should do to your body? If no one likes what you have tattooed, on you, screw them don't look.

Ropes4u
05-10-2013, 20:39
I have been debating a flag on my back so no heart ache on my end.

argonstrom
05-10-2013, 20:43
If no one likes what you have tattooed on you screw them

This.

If you need to post a poll about it, you should probably rethink it.

Leatherneck Hayes
05-12-2013, 02:31
Getting an American flag is patriotic in my opinion. Most Marines (myself included) have either a patriotic tattoo or Marine tattoo or both!

Great-Kazoo
05-12-2013, 07:17
Getting an American flag is patriotic in my opinion. Most Marines (myself included) have either a patriotic tattoo or Marine tattoo or both!

EGA'S
DEVIL DOGS.

I did a few old school dogs with boxing gloves, hat and shorts, That smoker style. They still call boxing smoker matches, or has that gone PC too?

Leatherneck Hayes
05-12-2013, 12:38
EGA'S
DEVIL DOGS.

I did a few old school dogs with boxing gloves, hat and shorts, That smoker style. They still call boxing smoker matches, or has that gone PC too?

I haven't heard that term but then again we didn't really box. We would always kickbox or do mma fighting. The Corps had changed a lot even since i got out about 5 years ago

drift_g35
05-12-2013, 16:06
This.

If you need to post a poll about it, you should probably rethink it.

I wasnt posting a poll on whether or not I should get one. I could care less about what anyone thinks of my tattoos.