Dream catcher tattoo considered disrespectful?

Feb 27, 2015

Rissa G.

People have opinions on anything, and some get offended over things, but personally I don't understand why so many things are taken to offense. If you find something beautiful, I believe you have every right to have it on your body or whatever. Dream catchers are a huge symbol in my life and though I have very little native history and but a quarter or Indian in my blood; if I wanted a tattoo of it, I'd get it. Just like I love the meaning behind the Hamsa hand, or lotus, if I want them tatted, I can do as I please it's MY body. It doesn't mean disrespect, in my opinion. This topic is very sensitive and controversial to some, but that's just that, it's a controversial debate like everything else is, it's a thought in the air from each party. Crosses were a HUGE trend and I have never seen anyone bat an eye, but when it comes to something from another religion, people go crazy.

Feb 27, 2015

Rissa G.

I believe they think it is disrespect because they think most use it as a fashion statement (which sometimes happens,make could see the frustration behind that or when it becomes a stupid trend), but some truly appreciate the symbol and valuable meaning behind the things they choose to advertise via body art/clothing/home decor, whatever the case may be. I just think everyone needs to be open and be wary that others are interested and open-minded as well as excepting of things like that. I think they're mad just because sometimes things become a HUGE trend which yes, that is disrespectful because there's little teens thinking they're cool wearing it, but otherwise if you genuinely are interested in something and value it, it shouldn't matter.

Feb 27, 2015

Rissa G.

Accepting*, not excepting. Had to correct myself haha.

Feb 27, 2015

Sabrina K.

Sree what a beautiful picture! Wauw! I haven't heard about this being disrespectful, but some people could take it that way! To me it sounds like you are very respectful to the story behind and I'm sure nobody will think that is disrespectful! Where do you wanna get it?

Feb 27, 2015

Sree K.

Thanks for your opinion Renay:)
I don't want it as a mere fashion statement; I find the story behind it absolutely beautiful. Dream catchers are one of the most fascinating traditions of Native Americans. "The traditionally dream catcher was intended to protect the sleeping individual from negative dreams, while letting positive dreams through. The
positive dreams would slip through the hole in the center of the dream catcher, and glide down the feathers to the sleeping person
below. The negative dreams would get caught up in the web, and expire when the first rays of the sun struck them".

@Sandra: yeah it's so beautiful*.*
@Sabrina: I want to get it done on my shoulder blades. I really want it to be my first tattoo:)

Feb 27, 2015

Rissa G.

I like the middle, if you want to add on, otherwise shoulder blade.

Feb 27, 2015

Kailey L.

I think it would look really pretty in the middle going down your back! And it seems like you're being very respectful of it's history, so I wouldn't worry about what others think.

Feb 27, 2015

Shauna S.

It might be offensive in certain cultures just like many other things we do/say can be interpreted different in different places around the world. With this being said I feel that it is your body and you're free to do with it as you please. If you're worried about getting an offensive tattoo, maybe put it on a spot on your body that can be covered easily.

Feb 27, 2015

Sree K.

I will get it in the middle then:)
Thanks Kailey:)
@Shauna: I will get it in the middle then I can cover it up if I want ( I'm a medical student so there will situations when I will have to hide it lol :D)

Feb 27, 2015

Alma M.

If you really respect the meaning well I personally think it's ok but here's a thought when getting it done also add a secret personal meaning of you in the tattoo not just feathers and beads alone and also design your own web which makes it more personal.My mother use to buy them for us as kids and hung them over our beds. ;)

Feb 27, 2015

Sree K.

@Alma:I was thinking the same. I'm not going to get the exact same tattoo, it's the layout I want (not sure about the butterflies).
I want scattered beads throughout the web which will represent good dreams that have been caught by it. And incorporating gemstone to represent that there's only one creator.

Feb 27, 2015

Sree K.

And with a quote too which can make it more personal:)

Feb 27, 2015

Sree K.

Thanks for the suggestion Alma:) I will work on a personal design:):*

Feb 27, 2015

Alma M.

You're welcome. I'm pretty much opened to things like this but some of my family isn't and also some friends.

Feb 27, 2015

Sree K.

I can understand that. There's a big controversy over Dreamcatcher tattoos online and I saw how most of the natives reacted to it :S.

Feb 27, 2015

Shanae J.

I agree with the ladies above, it's just an opinion, like everything else. I was actually going to get one, I have a few in mind that are native american inspired. I have native american in me, my entire family does, but I don't get mad when I see people who aren't native with a tattoo like that if they know the story behind it and if they respect that enough to put it on their body, then all is good with me.

Feb 27, 2015

Shelley W.

My great-grandmother was Choctaw Indiana and I remember her getting mad at my uncle for putting a scared image on his back and her screaming about defiling his body with something that is not to be shared in that manner. She was blind as well but thru touch she was able to "see" thru her hands what it was. It doesn't bother me one bit but when I see Native American art on a person I'm curious to know if they know the history/meaning behind it. With the elders, old school souls, take offense but the younger generation of many Native American tribes get them done all the time. Its your skin and if it makes you happy then tat away. I think its a lovely choice. :)

Feb 27, 2015

Shelley W.

*Indian (not Indiana...dang spell check)

Feb 27, 2015

Sree K.

Thanks Shanae:)
Are you going to get one tattooed?

Feb 27, 2015

Sree K.

@Shelley: I have read a lot about Dream catchers and the whole story and idea behind it's fascinating but I don't want to hurt religious/cultural sentiments of other ppl by doing so.

Feb 27, 2015

Shanae J.

Not now, but I will soon. I have a whole gallery full of the tattoos I want, of course a few changes are going to be made to them to make them personal, you know?

Feb 27, 2015

Berkeley K.

I don't think dreamcatcher tattoos are disrespectful. I love tattoos (I have 2) and I think tattoos are very personal and they carry a very personal meaning, varying from individual to individual. It's nobody's business to tell you that a tattoo is disrespectful or that you shouldn't get it. Dreamcatcher tattoos are SOOO cute!!