Thoughts on American Flag tattoo

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?

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.

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

I suppose it all depends where you put it! Tramp stamp.... no go! Shoulders, Bicep or forearm.... good to go....

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...

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.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by pdr240

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

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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!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by pdr240

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

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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?

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Originally Posted by jim

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?

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

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Originally Posted by drift_g35

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

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

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!BG...i0KLbw~~_2.JPG

Picture of flag (appropriate)
http://thegatewaypundit.com/wp-conte...lag-flying.jpg

No, it is not disrespectful- as long as it is not pictured in a disrespectful manner. Go for it!

As long as it's respectful, I see no problem.

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

I'll go with ya. I have mine picked out already. King Freeze is the guy to go to.

Seriously, let me know.

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Originally Posted by Zundfolge

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!BG...i0KLbw~~_2.JPG

Picture of flag (appropriate)
http://thegatewaypundit.com/wp-conte...lag-flying.jpg

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

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Originally Posted by rondog

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.

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Isn't stars facing forward .mil only?

What about the "don't tread on me" flag? No disrespect also I think it look pretty bad ass

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Originally Posted by Dryfli

What about the "don't tread on me" flag? No disrespect also I think it look pretty bad ass

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I like this. [Awesom]

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.

DO IT!!!!
(while it's still legal!!)

Given the current state of affairs in this country, you better have it tattooed upside down. (Distress signal)

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.

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Originally Posted by spleify

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.

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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.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by spleify

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.

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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.

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Originally Posted by drift_g35

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.

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jim

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

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Exactly.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by quondom fremd

Isn't stars facing forward .mil only?

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

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

Active and retired military are not the only Americans.

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.

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Originally Posted by Madeinhb

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.

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

Do a Gadsen.. Problem solved.

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Originally Posted by asmo

Do a Gadsen.. Problem solved.

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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]

Quote:

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Originally Posted by spleify

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]

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

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...ps7ed0abdf.jpg

Proudly made in the USA

Ya, no problem with it here...

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

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.

[Pop] well I am kinda waiting for an answer to this one too.

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.