A black-and-white photo of a person mid-air in a Superman-style body suspension pose, supported by multiple hooks in their back and legs, smiling joyfully toward the camera. They are suspended horizontally in a large indoor space with high ceilings and visible rigging. A group of onlookers—some seated, some standing—watch with expressions of admiration, amusement, and support. The atmosphere is lively and communal, capturing a moment of shared experience and transformation.

Where should the line be drawn?

In follow-up to the conversation on in what context (if any) a “Hitler tattoo” is appropriate, Lane Jensen (iam:inksation) asks,

Does a shop have a moral obligation to turn away serial killer portraits the same way they turn away racist tattoos?

Mike Gibson at Dragon FX who did these Richard Ramirez (the Nightstalker) and Albert Fish portrait tattoos says, “no”.

Comments

268 responses to “Where should the line be drawn?”

  1. MeatGrenade Avatar
    MeatGrenade

    The idea that I have for my leg is simple these people no matter how obscene are meant to be rememberd. They represent the worst in all of us. But no matter how much bullshit I spout I just think it’s Cool! I told Mike he could do what he want’s and I’ll give little input. Thanks again Cancer Manson both pieces are scrumptrulescent!

  2. MeatGrenade Avatar
    MeatGrenade

    The idea that I have for my leg is simple these people no matter how obscene are meant to be rememberd. They represent the worst in all of us. But no matter how much bullshit I spout I just think it’s Cool! I told Mike he could do what he want’s and I’ll give little input. Thanks again Cancer Manson both pieces are scrumptrulescent!

  3. MeatGrenade Avatar
    MeatGrenade

    The idea that I have for my leg is simple these people no matter how obscene are meant to be rememberd. They represent the worst in all of us. But no matter how much bullshit I spout I just think it’s Cool! I told Mike he could do what he want’s and I’ll give little input. Thanks again Cancer Manson both pieces are scrumptrulescent!

  4. MeatGrenade Avatar
    MeatGrenade

    The idea that I have for my leg is simple these people no matter how obscene are meant to be rememberd. They represent the worst in all of us. But no matter how much bullshit I spout I just think it’s Cool! I told Mike he could do what he want’s and I’ll give little input. Thanks again Cancer Manson both pieces are scrumptrulescent!

  5. leebee Avatar
    leebee

    who cares about the fact that they were murderers… all im wondering is who the hell would want such an ugly face like Albert Fish put on their body for a lifetime?
    only a mug a mother could love *shudders*

  6. leebee Avatar
    leebee

    who cares about the fact that they were murderers… all im wondering is who the hell would want such an ugly face like Albert Fish put on their body for a lifetime?
    only a mug a mother could love *shudders*

  7. leebee Avatar
    leebee

    who cares about the fact that they were murderers… all im wondering is who the hell would want such an ugly face like Albert Fish put on their body for a lifetime?
    only a mug a mother could love *shudders*

  8. leebee Avatar
    leebee

    who cares about the fact that they were murderers… all im wondering is who the hell would want such an ugly face like Albert Fish put on their body for a lifetime?
    only a mug a mother could love *shudders*

  9. starspring Avatar

    Yep, I think getting them tattooed is fine. people will take offense to things no matter what. On a personal level I would never even consider getting a serial killer tattooed on me for, as one apt posted has already stated, they are generally dog-ugly fuckers. Looking down during sex and seeing albert fish, Mr Moon Maniac himself on my leg would be the equivilent of a few cold showers in my mind, but to each their own.

  10. starspring Avatar

    Yep, I think getting them tattooed is fine. people will take offense to things no matter what. On a personal level I would never even consider getting a serial killer tattooed on me for, as one apt posted has already stated, they are generally dog-ugly fuckers. Looking down during sex and seeing albert fish, Mr Moon Maniac himself on my leg would be the equivilent of a few cold showers in my mind, but to each their own.

  11. starspring Avatar

    Yep, I think getting them tattooed is fine. people will take offense to things no matter what. On a personal level I would never even consider getting a serial killer tattooed on me for, as one apt posted has already stated, they are generally dog-ugly fuckers. Looking down during sex and seeing albert fish, Mr Moon Maniac himself on my leg would be the equivilent of a few cold showers in my mind, but to each their own.

  12. starspring Avatar

    Yep, I think getting them tattooed is fine. people will take offense to things no matter what. On a personal level I would never even consider getting a serial killer tattooed on me for, as one apt posted has already stated, they are generally dog-ugly fuckers. Looking down during sex and seeing albert fish, Mr Moon Maniac himself on my leg would be the equivilent of a few cold showers in my mind, but to each their own.

  13. CreativeNonFiction Avatar
    CreativeNonFiction

    “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it” – Hall on Voltaire – comes to mind. One may not necessarily agree with what it stands for, but there’s always a certain amount of ambiguity with a stand alone image anyway. Really, how different is it than making a movie or book about killers, and look how well those sell. I have a number of friends who would kill to read more serial killer stories, they just love learning about how and why they did the things they did. It’s not because they believe they were right to do them, or want to themselves. But even if it were who are we to tell them that they can’t persue their quest for knowledge or whatever as long as it’s not hurting someone else. And there is the arguement on that, that by broadcasting those images it is hurting people, but really, can they hurt you any more than another image that isn’t contested could hurt someone else?

    P.S. since I just got my IAM and haven’t found where it explains how to set the name to a link here on ModBlog, how does one?

  14. CreativeNonFiction Avatar
    CreativeNonFiction

    “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it” – Hall on Voltaire – comes to mind. One may not necessarily agree with what it stands for, but there’s always a certain amount of ambiguity with a stand alone image anyway. Really, how different is it than making a movie or book about killers, and look how well those sell. I have a number of friends who would kill to read more serial killer stories, they just love learning about how and why they did the things they did. It’s not because they believe they were right to do them, or want to themselves. But even if it were who are we to tell them that they can’t persue their quest for knowledge or whatever as long as it’s not hurting someone else. And there is the arguement on that, that by broadcasting those images it is hurting people, but really, can they hurt you any more than another image that isn’t contested could hurt someone else?

    P.S. since I just got my IAM and haven’t found where it explains how to set the name to a link here on ModBlog, how does one?

  15. CreativeNonFiction Avatar
    CreativeNonFiction

    “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it” – Hall on Voltaire – comes to mind. One may not necessarily agree with what it stands for, but there’s always a certain amount of ambiguity with a stand alone image anyway. Really, how different is it than making a movie or book about killers, and look how well those sell. I have a number of friends who would kill to read more serial killer stories, they just love learning about how and why they did the things they did. It’s not because they believe they were right to do them, or want to themselves. But even if it were who are we to tell them that they can’t persue their quest for knowledge or whatever as long as it’s not hurting someone else. And there is the arguement on that, that by broadcasting those images it is hurting people, but really, can they hurt you any more than another image that isn’t contested could hurt someone else?

    P.S. since I just got my IAM and haven’t found where it explains how to set the name to a link here on ModBlog, how does one?

  16. CreativeNonFiction Avatar
    CreativeNonFiction

    “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it” – Hall on Voltaire – comes to mind. One may not necessarily agree with what it stands for, but there’s always a certain amount of ambiguity with a stand alone image anyway. Really, how different is it than making a movie or book about killers, and look how well those sell. I have a number of friends who would kill to read more serial killer stories, they just love learning about how and why they did the things they did. It’s not because they believe they were right to do them, or want to themselves. But even if it were who are we to tell them that they can’t persue their quest for knowledge or whatever as long as it’s not hurting someone else. And there is the arguement on that, that by broadcasting those images it is hurting people, but really, can they hurt you any more than another image that isn’t contested could hurt someone else?

    P.S. since I just got my IAM and haven’t found where it explains how to set the name to a link here on ModBlog, how does one?

  17. calk Avatar
    calk

    i just feel sorry for someone he/she wants to get tattooed criminals.
    they cant even imagine what other people think of it.
    i think it doesnt matter what artists do.

  18. calk Avatar
    calk

    i just feel sorry for someone he/she wants to get tattooed criminals.
    they cant even imagine what other people think of it.
    i think it doesnt matter what artists do.

  19. calk Avatar
    calk

    i just feel sorry for someone he/she wants to get tattooed criminals.
    they cant even imagine what other people think of it.
    i think it doesnt matter what artists do.

  20. calk Avatar
    calk

    i just feel sorry for someone he/she wants to get tattooed criminals.
    they cant even imagine what other people think of it.
    i think it doesnt matter what artists do.

  21. RustY Avatar

    In very humble opinion, it is the persons right to tattoo whatever the hell he wants on himself. It is also the tattooists right to accept or decline any request, according to his own beliefs, morals, and likes and dislikes.
    I will defend that persons’ right to do what he pleases with the canvas called his body.
    I will also defend my right to (at least try and) kick the shit out of the him.

  22. RustY Avatar

    In very humble opinion, it is the persons right to tattoo whatever the hell he wants on himself. It is also the tattooists right to accept or decline any request, according to his own beliefs, morals, and likes and dislikes.
    I will defend that persons’ right to do what he pleases with the canvas called his body.
    I will also defend my right to (at least try and) kick the shit out of the him.

  23. RustY Avatar

    In very humble opinion, it is the persons right to tattoo whatever the hell he wants on himself. It is also the tattooists right to accept or decline any request, according to his own beliefs, morals, and likes and dislikes.
    I will defend that persons’ right to do what he pleases with the canvas called his body.
    I will also defend my right to (at least try and) kick the shit out of the him.

  24. RustY Avatar

    In very humble opinion, it is the persons right to tattoo whatever the hell he wants on himself. It is also the tattooists right to accept or decline any request, according to his own beliefs, morals, and likes and dislikes.
    I will defend that persons’ right to do what he pleases with the canvas called his body.
    I will also defend my right to (at least try and) kick the shit out of the him.

  25. Laurie Avatar
    Laurie

    Allahcat: “pants leg” – You win!
    MeatGrenade: “scrumptrulescent” – You win!
    starspring: “…a few cold showers…” – You win!

    Those three comments have made my day so much better. 🙂

  26. Laurie Avatar
    Laurie

    Allahcat: “pants leg” – You win!
    MeatGrenade: “scrumptrulescent” – You win!
    starspring: “…a few cold showers…” – You win!

    Those three comments have made my day so much better. 🙂

  27. Laurie Avatar
    Laurie

    Allahcat: “pants leg” – You win!
    MeatGrenade: “scrumptrulescent” – You win!
    starspring: “…a few cold showers…” – You win!

    Those three comments have made my day so much better. 🙂

  28. Laurie Avatar
    Laurie

    Allahcat: “pants leg” – You win!
    MeatGrenade: “scrumptrulescent” – You win!
    starspring: “…a few cold showers…” – You win!

    Those three comments have made my day so much better. 🙂

  29. obsidian_wings Avatar
    obsidian_wings

    I pretty much agree with RustY. Who am I to say someone shouldn’t get something tattoed on them. I think a tattoo artist should be able to refuse if they want, but based on their opinion, not forced to because the general population doesn’t like it.
    That being said if someone hurt my daughter and someone was memorialising the bastard in a tattoo i’d beat the crap out of them.

  30. obsidian_wings Avatar
    obsidian_wings

    I pretty much agree with RustY. Who am I to say someone shouldn’t get something tattoed on them. I think a tattoo artist should be able to refuse if they want, but based on their opinion, not forced to because the general population doesn’t like it.
    That being said if someone hurt my daughter and someone was memorialising the bastard in a tattoo i’d beat the crap out of them.

  31. obsidian_wings Avatar
    obsidian_wings

    I pretty much agree with RustY. Who am I to say someone shouldn’t get something tattoed on them. I think a tattoo artist should be able to refuse if they want, but based on their opinion, not forced to because the general population doesn’t like it.
    That being said if someone hurt my daughter and someone was memorialising the bastard in a tattoo i’d beat the crap out of them.

  32. obsidian_wings Avatar
    obsidian_wings

    I pretty much agree with RustY. Who am I to say someone shouldn’t get something tattoed on them. I think a tattoo artist should be able to refuse if they want, but based on their opinion, not forced to because the general population doesn’t like it.
    That being said if someone hurt my daughter and someone was memorialising the bastard in a tattoo i’d beat the crap out of them.

  33. mpatshi Avatar

    I have mixed feelings about that question…
    so I’m just gonna say, that no matter who these two are, the tattoos are very very nicely done!

  34. mpatshi Avatar

    I have mixed feelings about that question…
    so I’m just gonna say, that no matter who these two are, the tattoos are very very nicely done!

  35. mpatshi Avatar

    I have mixed feelings about that question…
    so I’m just gonna say, that no matter who these two are, the tattoos are very very nicely done!

  36. mpatshi Avatar

    I have mixed feelings about that question…
    so I’m just gonna say, that no matter who these two are, the tattoos are very very nicely done!

  37. mpatshi Avatar

    I wouldn’t do any racist tattoos…I wouldn’t…neither would I do names of boy and girlfriends…

  38. mpatshi Avatar

    I wouldn’t do any racist tattoos…I wouldn’t…neither would I do names of boy and girlfriends…

  39. mpatshi Avatar

    I wouldn’t do any racist tattoos…I wouldn’t…neither would I do names of boy and girlfriends…

  40. mpatshi Avatar

    I wouldn’t do any racist tattoos…I wouldn’t…neither would I do names of boy and girlfriends…

  41. Butt-Rash Avatar
    Butt-Rash

    why would you use violence against someone for having a tattoo? that seems very shallow. you don’t like serial killers because they hurt people, so i guess that makes it ok for you to hurt people who like serial killers? so i guess we all better make sure our tattoos get the approval of every jerk on the planet who beats people up whenever they are offended by something. we have the right to free speech and we can get whatever we want tattooed. you do not have the right to use violence on others because you don’t like their views (unless you are the president, apparently). you also do not have the right to go through life without being offended. freedom of speech means people will sometimes be offended, including you. the world isn’t a Disney movie! and just to be clear, i’m talking about RustY and obsidian_wings, and anybody else who would ‘beat up’ someone over a tattoo. that mentality is far more dangerous than any serial killer tattoo.

  42. Butt-Rash Avatar
    Butt-Rash

    why would you use violence against someone for having a tattoo? that seems very shallow. you don’t like serial killers because they hurt people, so i guess that makes it ok for you to hurt people who like serial killers? so i guess we all better make sure our tattoos get the approval of every jerk on the planet who beats people up whenever they are offended by something. we have the right to free speech and we can get whatever we want tattooed. you do not have the right to use violence on others because you don’t like their views (unless you are the president, apparently). you also do not have the right to go through life without being offended. freedom of speech means people will sometimes be offended, including you. the world isn’t a Disney movie! and just to be clear, i’m talking about RustY and obsidian_wings, and anybody else who would ‘beat up’ someone over a tattoo. that mentality is far more dangerous than any serial killer tattoo.

  43. Butt-Rash Avatar
    Butt-Rash

    why would you use violence against someone for having a tattoo? that seems very shallow. you don’t like serial killers because they hurt people, so i guess that makes it ok for you to hurt people who like serial killers? so i guess we all better make sure our tattoos get the approval of every jerk on the planet who beats people up whenever they are offended by something. we have the right to free speech and we can get whatever we want tattooed. you do not have the right to use violence on others because you don’t like their views (unless you are the president, apparently). you also do not have the right to go through life without being offended. freedom of speech means people will sometimes be offended, including you. the world isn’t a Disney movie! and just to be clear, i’m talking about RustY and obsidian_wings, and anybody else who would ‘beat up’ someone over a tattoo. that mentality is far more dangerous than any serial killer tattoo.

  44. Butt-Rash Avatar
    Butt-Rash

    why would you use violence against someone for having a tattoo? that seems very shallow. you don’t like serial killers because they hurt people, so i guess that makes it ok for you to hurt people who like serial killers? so i guess we all better make sure our tattoos get the approval of every jerk on the planet who beats people up whenever they are offended by something. we have the right to free speech and we can get whatever we want tattooed. you do not have the right to use violence on others because you don’t like their views (unless you are the president, apparently). you also do not have the right to go through life without being offended. freedom of speech means people will sometimes be offended, including you. the world isn’t a Disney movie! and just to be clear, i’m talking about RustY and obsidian_wings, and anybody else who would ‘beat up’ someone over a tattoo. that mentality is far more dangerous than any serial killer tattoo.

  45. dani Avatar
    dani

    the swastika was a peace symbol, but the nazis flipped it. backwards, it still stands for peace but not many people can notice the difference.

  46. dani Avatar
    dani

    the swastika was a peace symbol, but the nazis flipped it. backwards, it still stands for peace but not many people can notice the difference.

  47. dani Avatar
    dani

    the swastika was a peace symbol, but the nazis flipped it. backwards, it still stands for peace but not many people can notice the difference.

  48. dani Avatar
    dani

    the swastika was a peace symbol, but the nazis flipped it. backwards, it still stands for peace but not many people can notice the difference.

  49. Addy E. Avatar

    I know a girl with an Ed Gein tattoo, and really, it just makes her look stupid to me.

  50. Addy E. Avatar

    I know a girl with an Ed Gein tattoo, and really, it just makes her look stupid to me.

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