Tattoo, YOU?

OK, guys, I know I'm treading on thin ice here.  But I must ask.  When did tattoos become the new pierced ear?

Don't get me wrong -- I love tattoos.  Some of the time.  They can be stunning to look at, as above.  And they can make a powerful statement, every day and for the rest of your life.

When I was growing up, the only people I ever saw with tattoos were men who'd been in the navy and barbers -- who had probably been in the navy.  Today you can get them at the mall.

How did we get from 1) the statement, I love Patsy Cline...

to  2) the T-shirt...

to 3) the bicep?

Does #3 necessarily love Patsy more than #1?

When did words fail to say it sufficiently or am I missing the point?  Why is it important that we express to strangers things they probably have no interest in knowing about us to begin with?  (BTW, I'm also against college T-shirts when you're no longer in college.)

How about little Shirley?

Or this (May the force be with you)?

Here are just a few of the obstacles I don't seem to be able to overcome with regard to tattoos:

1) They hurt like hell to get (or so I've heard).

2) They are permanent -- if your taste/lifestyle changes, you're outta' luck.

3) They are everywhere, which seems to diminish their cachet (not that cachet is necessarily important to someone getting a tattoo).

4) They turn the color of bathtub mildew with the passing of the years:

I know I'm probably expressing the minority viewpoint among my readers, most of whom are anarchist types who don't wear underwear, but I'm willing to risk being considered stodgy to get some clarity.

Wise readers, what are your thoughts about tattoos? Do you have any?  Do you admire them on others but wouldn't think of getting one yourself?

Are they fashion, art or fetish? 

Stodgy middle-aged man seeks enlightenment!