Son came home with Earrings

[Bawanna]

My son 18 came home Sunday night and came to me while I was checkering some grips. He had to large diamond like earrings, one in each ear. Cubic Zirconia I'm sure but that's besides the point.

I'm torn on weather he looks like Brittany Spears when she shaved her head or Justin Bieber (I had to look him up to find the name).

He asked if I was gonna disown him and I asked if he thought of that before they punched holes in his ear, he said he did.
So I then asked why he did it if he thought that might happen?

I'm trying to figure out where I went wrong. I know he's paid a price for me being wheeled and not able to take him out in the woods and teach him man stuff but earrings.
I expected mom to be behind him to get my reaction but when I looked it was his long time school mate that he don't see too often, long hair, black with a strip of red down the middle, always a weird kid to me, with weird parents too but nice. He said hi, I told him to get the hell out of my man cave. I don't think he'd been there before.

My son wears his hair real short, going to school to be a personal trainer, never wears his hat backwards, I've instilled that during baseball as a coach, I can't stand a backwards hat, he does wear it with the bill pointed towards the moon which is girlyman but at least its on the front. Maybe he turns it around when I'm not around.

All the crap going on right now nationally and I get this.

[knkali]

My son 18 came home Sunday night and came to me while I was checkering some grips. He had to large diamond like earrings, one in each ear. Cubic Zirconia I'm sure but that's besides the point.

I'm torn on weather he looks like Brittany Spears when she shaved her head or Justin Bieber (I had to look him up to find the name).

He asked if I was gonna disown him and I asked if he thought of that before they punched holes in his ear, he said he did.
So I then asked why he did it if he thought that might happen?

I'm trying to figure out where I went wrong. I know he's paid a price for me being wheeled and not able to take him out in the woods and teach him man stuff but earrings.
I expected mom to be behind him to get my reaction but when I looked it was his long time school mate that he don't see too often, long hair, black with a strip of red down the middle, always a weird kid to me, with weird parents too but nice. He said hi, I told him to get the hell out of my man cave. I don't think he'd been there before.

My son wears his hair real short, going to school to be a personal trainer, never wears his hat backwards, I've instilled that during baseball as a coach, I can't stand a backwards hat, he does wear it with the bill pointed towards the moon which is girlyman but at least its on the front. Maybe he turns it around when I'm not around.

All the crap going on right now nationally and I get this.

Wow. I had my ear pierced back when it wasnt too common for men to do so. I thought I was cutting edge, my father did not and my life was in the balance. I saw death looking at me and I had 3 seconds to act so I removed it. I think my life was saved at that moment. Looking back at it, I am glad my father behaved the way he did. It showed he cared-- a lot. I dont think you failed him Bawanna and I dont want you to shoulder that load. I ask that you look at the big picture, is he on drugs? Good grades? respects people? Never been in trouble? If he is a good kid, I wouldnt make too big a fuss. I would rather have a relationship with my son then lose it over a small hole that will heal over at a later date. However, I would keep an eye on the lad esp if he has a F'd up friend. I wouldnt want to see this progress to a bunch of hardware all over his face or a change in attitude. You might want to tell him this too.

[jocko]

new generation CLONEL' The yougth today seems to want to TEST society, about like back in the 60's. Remember the love in's back then.those kids belonged to parents smewhere and how do u think many felt seeing their kids on national TV crawling out of a VW mini van or crawling in a VW mine van with 50 other pot heads.

I think it is in the water they drink today. I see a damn worker in my local Paneara Bread that has one of those earrings in his one ear that has the loop in it and the earlobe just gets bigger and bigger and bigger. I think u could basically play smalltime basketball with tht ear.

I have no answer to you COLONEL.

At least he isn't wearing a RAINBOW in his ear. Be thankful of that..

Course again u people in Washington are very weird. I know why that state is where it is,but I won't talk about it.

My son a mechanical engineer was dating a drop dead georgeous Asian gal,college grad and all that sh!t. A nice girl, but I just did not lke it. He knew it to but I never voiced it, but he could smell it in the air when I was around. I would have if he had married her (which they soon went south with each other to) probably cuddled up to her, but us Italians have weird opinions. We like to have a pure society, that is why we inbreed alot. We like to keep it all in the family. Seems to work real good as my great great great uncle Geno and his 6 boys Mario 1,Mario2, Mario 3,Mario 4 Mario 5 Mario 6.,,, is a spitting image of my 25 year old son,,, Mario:D

Incest is best, that phrase was pinned on us Italians 100 years ago. Just sayin

anutter reason is I don't like pain, which more than likely is a fokking lie to, as I have been married twice:D

[JustinN]

I had my cartilage (top part of my left ear) pierced back before I went to work the PD. It was a no no there, so I took it out and it healed up. After being in the normal world for a while, I decided I wanted it back and went and got it repierced a year or so ago. I never wear my hat backwards, do anything the least bit gangsta, or anything else that would classify me as a punk or a thug, I just like the way it looks. I wore it when I killed my first deer with my bow this year, the deer didn't seem to mind it. The only problem, I ever have with it is Saoirse likes to grab it every once in a while.

That being said, mine is a small silver half loop, easily removed or not seen if you don't pay a lot of attention. I've never liked the shiny big stuff in the lobes, but I also don't tend to judge too harshly for it. I also have several tattoos, but none of them are in a location that would show when dressed halfway decently (slacks and a polo shirt). It's a different culture now a days, tats and piercings are just part of the look. I would still never want a visible tattoo on my hand, neck, etc, it I'm seeing more and more people ringing me up at stores or waiting on me at restaurants with them.

I wouldn't look at it as a failure on your part at all. He got it to express individuality just like everyone else....the good news, he can pull them out at anytime and they're gone. Better than a face tattoo....those last a while.

[Bawanna]

My wife consoles me with the fact that they are easily removed and at most just a small hole. My first thought of course was Clint Eastwood and Heartbreak Ridge and rip them out, that would make a statement.

He gets good grades, goes to school, works as often as his schedule allows, does not share any of the money with me.

All my kids have been drug free and no tats so I'm more fortunate than most.

Well I gotta go change the oil in m VW bus, maybe wax it, the flowers are starting to fade some.

Peace Out.

[knkali]

My wife consoles me with the fact that they are easily removed and at most just a small hole. My first thought of course was Clint Eastwood and Heartbreak Ridge and rip them out, that would make a statement.

He gets good grades, goes to school, works as often as his schedule allows, does not share any of the money with me.

All my kids have been drug free and no tats so I'm more fortunate than most.

Well I gotta go change the oil in m VW bus, maybe wax it, the flowers are starting to fade some.

Peace Out.

Peace out....that is funny coming from you.

[Bawanna]

Peace out....that is funny coming from you.

??? Huh? Hey I'm a peace loving guy, a lover not a fighter......Where's your profiling skills?

[Tinman507]

Count your blessings my friend. No drugs, no trouble, good grades, in school. What the hell. Earrings? minor stuff.
My baby girl came home from college last summer with a diamond stud through her lip. Yeah I was pissed but then I realized, it could have been a lot worse.
I pleaded with her to stop at the lip and to solemnly promise me she will never get any tattoos. She did so and all is well. We're in a different world than when we grew up. Save the battles for the big stuff, and there WILL be big stuff.

[jocko]

where COLONEL, from reading the above posts, u have been certainly given some real guidance. Take two cialis,and if after 4 hours, u can still use it as a fishing pole, then GO FOKKING FISHING...

[JustinN]

The other day I was in the Fly Shop part of Bass Pro, and needed some help with a new rod and real setup. The only guy working that day wasn't the usual normal guy in his 60s with the huge mustache, but a kid, maybe 21 or 22 years old, with plugs in his ears (solid ear rings that go into the lobes, about 4mm). I was thinking oh great, what's this guy gonna know, and then he shocked me with his knowledge on everything, got my leader tied and glued on, etc. Gave me a few tips on places to go right now that are close.

I made a comment to my wife about you really can't tell about some people. To glance at this kid I would have assumed he knew nothing about the outdoors, let alone fly fishing. Then I remembered a good friend in college. Loved the Punk scene, always going to big rock concerts, etc. Definitely a "rock-n-roll dude", but anytime he had free time, he went fly fishing. Is now a college professor, still fly fishes alot, and still goes to punk shows. You just never know.

[JohnR]

My first thought of course was Clint Eastwood and Heartbreak Ridge and rip them out, that would make a statement.
That was on TV last week, and it was my first thought too.

Is he written out of your will yet?

If so, I'll take the guns he was gonna get.

:D

[MW surveyor]

You have to admit, two earrings are better than .......................

pierced eyebrows
pierced tongue
pierced nipples
pierced belly button
pierced (can't say it in this family oriented forum)

[jocko]

U might be right,but trust me send a punk in for an interview looking like that at a big company and it won't fly.How many gals do we seein a Merle Normal fragracne shop with tatsdown her armor ear lobes u could shoot hopes with. I bet not to many.It might getu threw colleges as colleges are HIP to the youth, but the day after graduation, it is a whole new ball game.There are more nice looking well dressed, well mannered college grads out there than the tat/ear lobe guy/gal.. Both could be equally as brite.I would put odds on who goes out the door first ...and who starts work tomorrow.

[Alfonse]

I tell my kids if they get a tatoo, I will remove it with a belt sander. I just want that image in their heads.

[wyntrout]

Ha! Ha! He probably lets his pants slide down to the cusp of his butt when he's out of sight, too.

If you're TOO HARD on him, you'll probably drive him closer to his "weird" friends.

<S I G H> Been there, still there with my son and daughter... daughter with PIERCINGS AND TATTOOS... son with one big ugly tattoo that takes up his whole left forearm: "N 2 Deep"... but looks like "A" "2"? Deep. He wanted to get one saying "Prodigal"... I told him to get that one on his forehead. He'll be 40 in March and my daughter will be 38 next month! She had her tongue pierced and her front lower lip... as well as OTHER places... while she was working as a rehab counselor! She's expecting her first child now... against all odds... and sometime in May I might become a GRANDFATHER!:eek:
My son works for a LARGE multinational company and travels a lot increasing sales and supplying food and chemical companies. Starbucks is one of his clients... the corporate entity. So he has to wear long-sleeved shirts a lot, especially for business and conventions. He has thought of getting that tattoo removed... lasered off, but that could take a while and cost several thousand bucks!

Kids just don't think about stuff like that!

Wynn:)

[jocko]

I tell my kids if they get a tatoo, I will remove it with a belt sander. I just want that image in their heads.

Harley riders prefer BLACK TOP. seems to remove things with ease. Just sayin

[jocko]

quote: She's expecting her first child now... against all odds

wy, its still called today Immaculate conception.. Just sayin

[Scoundrel]

I don't have kids, and never will.

But as I understand it, a really good way to handle the need for the kid to express individuality and rebel and all of that is to give them one thing that they can do whatever the hell they want with, and be fairly strict on other, more important points.

By today's standards, earrings are positively tame, and if your kid is 18 years old, and that's the worst of it, you're doing an awesome job so far.

Want to really screw with his mind? Wait a week, and then compliment him on his really snazzy earrings.

[Bawanna]

Damn I like the belt sander idea a lot! An Justin, I can tell about people. It's a gift but not always. Sometimes it would be best not to know but it frequently saves time.

There are definitely some wack jobs in appearance out there that know stuff and have a lot of common sense. They just dress stupid.

The whole idea of making a statement to society don't fly too good with me.

Maybe I'll offer to replace those earring with hog rings, I think I still got my pliers and a sack of rings. That should be good.

Johnr, I already gave him one of my favorite Para's for high school graduation, I'd be like an indian giver taking it back, but if I replace stuff after the boating accident I'll pencil you into the will.

So far is just written on a matchbook cover so we're not talking no princely some, I am well off in horseheads though if that means anything.

[Bawanna]

I don't have kids, and never will.

But as I understand it, a really good way to handle the need for the kid to express individuality and rebel and all of that is to give them one thing that they can do whatever the hell they want with, and be fairly strict on other, more important points.

By today's standards, earrings are positively tame, and if your kid is 18 years old, and that's the worst of it, you're doing an awesome job so far.

Want to really screw with his mind? Wait a week, and then compliment him on his really snazzy earrings.

Like minds dude. I was gonna see about nipple rings but I'm afraid and have a low pain threshold especially on my nipples and my mouth. Dentist make me tremble.

[RRP]

Have your own ears pierced, Bawanna. Your son won't think wearing earrings is cool, once his old man starts wearing 'em.

[Alfonse]

Harley riders prefer BLACK TOP. seems to remove things with ease. Just sayin

I've left plenty of skin on blacktop and other objects of unintended impact.

[Bawanna]

Boy would I get some looks if I did that! Sure would get people to wondering, that's a for sure thing.

[Alfonse]

Have your own ears pierced, Bawanna. Your son won't think wearing earrings is cool, once his old man starts wearing 'em.

He's got a good point.

[DubDubU]

maybe he just tripped and fell face first into your tackle box.

[JustinN]

Actually, you wouldn't even need to get them pierced. My grandma always wears great big clip on earrings, hers were never pierced. Just get on of those and start wearing it anytime your son is around.

[CJB]

B'man,

I volunteer to put the fear of God into your son like nobody has ever seen in broad daylight.

I'll do this for gas money reimbursement.

When I get done with him, he will respect his ears, as well as the rest of his body, and probably need a shoemaker and a proctologist. I will need new boots, but it will be well worth it for the satisfaction of setting a young male back on the path to man'dom.

Send me your address in a PM, and until I get there, remind him that left is right and right is wrong, and that both means he's a switch hitter.

[Bawanna]

B'man,

I volunteer to put the fear of God into your son like nobody has ever seen in broad daylight.

I'll do this for gas money reimbursement.

When I get done with him, he will respect his ears, as well as the rest of his body, and probably need a shoemaker and a proctologist. I will need new boots, but it will be well worth it for the satisfaction of setting a young male back on the path to man'dom.

Send me your address in a PM, and until I get there, remind him that left is right and right is wrong, and that both means he's a switch hitter.

Oh dude, your killin me. Funny thing, the second night after the transition to cross dressing (earrings) as I entered the house after work, he said you know wearing earrings doesn't mean your gay.
He said if you wear one it's gay. I asked for proof and who wrote the rule book on that. I also told him I knew submariners from WWII who wore one earring and their wives wore the other. Different deal to me, still gay but not to be looked down upon.

I'll have to save up some for gas money but I'll let you know when I got the loot.

[wyntrout]

quote: She's expecting her first child now... against all odds

wy, its still called today Immaculate conception.. Just sayin

Medically... only one scarred "floppy" tube left for that stuff... doctors and we thought probably, if NOT impossible! She still looks like she's about 20 or so!

Wynn:)

[jocko]

did u ask him what if one falls out accidently and u don't know it, THEN WHAT. I think CJB is the way to go. u could be at work and not have any knowledge and when u get home for supper I would bet your son wold even be serving thefood at the table and probalby sayin grace to and WHAT no earrings..

[Popeye]

Bawanna I was a teenager in the early 60's and we rebeled against anything and everything. We grew are hair long wore bell bottom pants listened to that terrible Beatles and Rolling Stones music. It was just our turn to be young, as it was for generations before us. Remember the movie Rebel without a cause. Now it's just his turn to be a little wild and crazy. He sure doesn't sound like the type that would get out of contol. He's just doing his 2013 thing,but it's really not all that different then the things we did back then. We're just looking at it from a differnt side of the fence this time around. ;)

[MikeyKahr]

Must say this has been a hilarious thread to read. Sorry its been at your expense, uncle B.

Oh, and please don't start wearing earrings, please. please! You'll get more of the likes of Junior's friend coming to the man cave. Your trash can does not need more Starbucks cups and holders.

[MW surveyor]

When the youngest daughter decided to get her tongue pierced I went and bought an el cheapo set of magnetic backed cut glass or what ever the heck they were stud earrings.
Put one of them on my tongue and one on my ear. Asked her if she thought that it looked good.
She got the hint and took out her tongue stud!


Sometimes you gotta freak them out!

Further to freaking them out...........
When the two daughters were real young and fighting and asking me to do something to the other...........
I asked them both....."Which one of you should I kill?"

That really made them think about getting along.

[gunmut]

Long ago around 1970 I grew my hair long, I was 14-15 yr old. I had other friends I ran around with doing the same thing. My dad never made an issue of it; not the case with some of my friends dads. things got really ugly with a few and the relationship between them was never good after that.

I asked my dad when I was in my late 20's and over the long hair phase, did it really not bother him; he told me he was so embarrassed at the time but knew it was just a bump in the road and I would be OK. He said he knew I would need him later in life to solve some real issues and he was right.

I have thanked god many, many times to have an old man as smart as my dad. He has been gone for a lot of years but I still have a good talk with him from time to time.

[Bawanna]

This will not create a wall between us, I'm sure of that. I'll try not to look at him funny although it will be kind of tough, just ain't natural.

My son in law has two also but always has since I've met him and I guess if you look at weird long enough it almost seems normal. Which is exactly why the country is the way it is today I fear.

[GROTMAN]

I don't ever think I can look at this long enough for it to look normal ..
http://acidcow.com/pics/20100129/weirdest_face_piercings_18.jpg

[yqtszhj]

Have your own ears pierced, Bawanna. Your son won't think wearing earrings is cool, once his old man starts wearing 'em.

That's exactly what I was thinking.

Then while you are at it you can wear them to work and when that boss of yours that doesn't like your guns comes around and ask what's going on, tell her since its all about political correctness now you decided to wear earrings and what does she think about that??? Mess with her head a bit.

Actually I think you'll be alright. He will give them up soon enough. The holes will grow back up. My youngest son in the last year since going into the military has got 3 tattoos. One across his chest in Latin that translated says "Honor and Glory be to God" (our historical family motto I didn't even know about), a half sleeve on his left arm of a tiger crawling up his arm (representing courage), and just recently one on his side that says "for those I love, I will sacrifice" . He said he wanted something that meant something ans not something stupid. They all do their thing.

[melissa5]

I just want to grab those chains and give them a really good yank.

[forestranger]

If it helps any, my son got "earbobs" at about that same age. I figured I had failed somehow and would have to support him rest of his life. He'll be 40 next week. No earbobs, has two beautiful little girls and makes at least 4 times my best salary at retirement. Have hope!:angel:

[Bawanna]

I don't ever think I can look at this long enough for it to look normal ..
http://acidcow.com/pics/20100129/weirdest_face_piercings_18.jpg

If any of my kin ever looked like that they would meet post partum abortion immediately and without hesitation. There indeed would be a huge wall.

That should be eliminated. No question about it in my mind.

[Bawanna]

I think I just threw up a little bit in my mouth. That don't even belong in the circus, it ain't entertaining!

[Scoundrel]

It's funny, I try to think that I'm pretty tolerant of the way that people look.
I also like to think that when we make first contact with an alien race, I'll be cool with whatever they look like.

But the other day I was at an event and there was a guy there with no nose. Big gaping hole where the nose should have been. And he looked a bit like Charles Manson. I tried to just ignore him but I started feeling physically ill and wanted to leave.

So much for tolerance.

[RRP]

But the other day I was at an event and there was a guy there with no nose. Big gaping hole where the nose should have been.

That's horrible; poor guy! What keeps the rain out?!! :D

[Tinman507]

how does he sneeze?

[wyntrout]

Check this site out! It's a hoot, especially the two dudes in front of the waterfall!

http://www.damncoolpictures.com/2007/03/extreme-body-piercing.html

Wynn:D

[Scoundrel]

My wife wanted to know the same thing (about the sneezing). I expect he doesn't sneeze at all, or smell, or any of the usual nose-related things we do. But I wasn't about to ask.

[Scoundrel]

Check this site out! It's a hoot, especially the two dudes in front of the waterfall!

http://www.damncoolpictures.com/2007/03/extreme-body-piercing.html

Wynn:D

This looks like a mug shot from a school massacre.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mmBw3uzPnJI/Rgfi01P_amI/AAAAAAAACeY/BaMg2QBM_LU/s400/body_piercing_12.jpg

[RRP]

Oh, he sneezes. He just doesn't have the "shroud" to deflect the projectiles, downward.

[Planedude]

When I was working at the Texas Airplane factory many moons ago, a coworker conned the boss into hiring his son for the summer. He was to do the odd clean up stuff that no mechanic every wants to do. When he showed up I was shocked to find this nice looking kid with all sorts of peircings thru his body. He was too nice looking to be scary at all and after working with him for a while I had to ask, "why all the peircings".
His reply still makes me smile. He looked left, then right and leaned in close like the next thing he would say was very hush-hush. "You know dude, I was at a tatoo place with ALL my freinds and they were ALL getting tats... I got this peircing to fit in that night and the rest of them to really fit in to my possy, but" and he moved real close and made his voice very low " I expect to grow up someday and these holes will heal up easier than my freinds tat-removal work will". Then he snapped back upright stepped left and started sweeping up.
With a grin I told him I held a Defence department security clearance and his secret was safe with me. He was a good kid then and he is a fine young man now. I ran across him and his Dad shopping at JCP for Buster Brown type shoes to go on his two year old...
Don't worry Bawanna, always voice your opinion and stand firm in what you say you'll support. Comming from a good up bringing, even the sillyist "Rebel without a clue" will find their way back to center.
Oh! and you got to do the magnetic earing thing at least once...:rolleyes::eek::D

[RRP]

With a grin I told him I held a Defence department security clearance and his secret was safe with me.

Yeah, sure it is. ;)

[Planedude]

Ummmm, my bad. I've got this bag in my hand, anybody seen that dang cat?



Here kitty kitty...:D

[Scoundrel]

Paranoid cat sleeps with one eye open.

[jeepster09]

Get him a set of these if he wants to be different.....:eek:

[MW surveyor]

Get him a set of these if he wants to be different.....:eek:

Now that's pretty cool. I need to see where you can get those.

[OldLincoln]

I told my son that the only thing tougher than being a teenager is being the parent of one. Like me, you need to focus on those things that are permanent and life changing and piercings ain't one. Education, life skills like the ability to reason and foresee consequences of actions and make sound decisions are what matters.

With my son, it was tough but we scraped by and he came out of the dark side at about 22 and is a terrific church going family man and has 3 kids with one a teen. I remember in one of our many chats that I told him I know I've made mistakes, but I'm trying hard to be a good parent and he needs to hang in there with me. Some day he'll be a parent and I'm sure he will be better at it than me.

[itsthelaw]

B...you are a great man and lead by example.

I have an idea that will be tough to do, but you will never regret. It will also freak the shat out of him. Call him into the man cave, look him in the eye and just say, "I just want you to know that I love you. Now get the **** out of here." You can give him a hug or punch him in the arm too. Let me know how it goes.

I had an earring when I was 18 and did a lot of stuff I would never want my 3 boys doing. My dad died that year before we EVER exchanged those words. We never "had" to say it, but it is the one thing I wish I had from him. I now have a half sleeve tattoo on my left arm in his honor.

[7shot]

I can't stand when they wear baseball caps half ass backwards too, f'rickin dorky looking!

On the bright side at least if he decides he doesn't like it anymore he can just stop wearing them and your good. At least he didn't get a tat.

[MW surveyor]

At least he didn't get a tat.

Yet.

sorry, for some reason, I had to do it. :rolleyes:

[muggsy]

Bawanna, I think that I would let him know that you are disappointed that he didn't ask for your approval before having his ears pierced. Tell him that he risked getting hepatitis, infection and blood poisoning. Let him know that he's still your son even though now he looks more like your daughter. Maybe he'll lose them on his own.

[Bawanna]

Now that's pretty cool. I need to see where you can get those.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/96312728/little-third-ear

Found em!

[TheTman]

LOL, you guys are funny. When I'm around my friends I ride with, over half have ear rings. Most have tats. What's the big deal? I had long hair the last to jobs I worked at, no one gave it a 2nd glance. Now that I have a bald spot on the back of my head, I keep my hair short, since I think those guys that are bald on top with long hair on the sides and always wear a hat to cover their baldness kind of look funny to me. Why can't people accept a person for what he is and not what he looks like. Those circus freak looking dudes do kind of weird me out, but I'd still talk to one. I hang out a lot with musicians and riders, both not known for looking conventional, so I guess I'm used to earrings and tats and stuff. Hell put a black leather riding jacket on a guy and that freaks some people out.

[Booker T]

LoL, well I can understand your concern Bawanna. You're old school and there's nothing wrong with that.

But FWIW, I'm in my mid 40's and off 'n on through my 20's and 30's I had both ears pierced. I liked the way it looked and I was going to wear them regardless of what others thought, knowing darn good and well how some people would and DID take it. I was gonna be my own man and I didn't give a rip what others thought. I was gonna own it. Wanted to see who was gonna judge me by that and who was gonna take the time to get to know the real me. Helps you sort out REAL people that way.

Have been self-employed since my early 20's and always worked longer and harder than anyone I know. Always enjoyed hunting, shooting, fishing and all the "DUDE" stuff.

Instead of asking yourself where you went wrong, you should commend yourself for instilling in your son a strong sense of who he is. Regardless of whether others agree or not. Though it's never an excuse for poor behavior. So be glad for that.

[OldLincoln]

Hell, when I was young if I'd wore an earring they'd held me down and put lipstick and that pink stuff on my cheeks and made me wear high heels. Never was tempted. Everybody trying too hard to look like that rebel guy James Dean with the pack of Lucky's wrapped in the tee shirt sleeve.

[Bobby]

Now way back when I was in the navy. Uh way back. I had a good mate who was samoan. Well we got luck n got leave from the sea dragon SSN 584 and went island hopping. Last stop was Samoa. Now George had tats, he had them for religious reasons. They were on his face, arm and lower leg. He had been brown water navy in early 70's and this was the 1st time home in almost 10 years. Oh I was a po3 he was a CPO (chief petty office for all you 11 bullet catchers). He asked me to hold him while he got some kind of a update to the tats on his leg. Now this was a guy who when his arm was cut to the bone he said rats that's gonna scar up bad. That's all he said n had the corpsman sew him up. He had tears running down his face as that old guy tapped that rake with sea urchin spines (I think?). When we were done some of the old ones said that George had told em of some of my time in the navy. He got evil eye from me. And wanted to honor me with tats on my arm. Now I sat there n said I'm very sorry but my religion forbids me to do that. They were very nice about it n understood my views. Later out bound on a plane George says. Bob you've never said a word about religion. Me, yep n I don't know if that rule is real or not but I'm no where near as tough as you. N me wallin like a baby might mess up their view of me. His jaw hit the ground to say the least n he started laughing. Told me now I know how to protect anyone from that rake! So no tats on me!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[muggsy]

LOL, you guys are funny. When I'm around my friends I ride with, over half have ear rings. Most have tats. What's the big deal? I had long hair the last to jobs I worked at, no one gave it a 2nd glance. Now that I have a bald spot on the back of my head, I keep my hair short, since I think those guys that are bald on top with long hair on the sides and always wear a hat to cover their baldness kind of look funny to me. Why can't people accept a person for what he is and not what he looks like. Those circus freak looking dudes do kind of weird me out, but I'd still talk to one. I hang out a lot with musicians and riders, both not known for looking conventional, so I guess I'm used to earrings and tats and stuff. Hell put a black leather riding jacket on a guy and that freaks some people out.

I don't see a damn thing wrong with tats or piercings, if you're from the wilds of Borneo. Hell, stick a bone in your nose for all I care. Just don't come to me for a job looking like a Zulu. It's an indication of the level of your intelligence. No offense intended. You don't get a second chance at making a first impression.

[JohnR]

I just don't understand why anyone would intentionally want everyone to suspect them of being gay or a gang member. I mean, what's the point?

[Tinman507]

I just don't understand why anyone would intentionally want everyone to suspect them of being gay or a gang member. I mean, what's the point?

or both?
http://mediaanarchist.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/epic-fail-epic-thug-fail-gay-red-bandanas-wtf1.jpg

[MW surveyor]

Tinman just why did you have to post that?

[knkali]

OMG this thread is killing me.

[Armybrat]

Bawanna, take heart and don't give up on him yet.

After summer was over 22 years ago, our middle son came home from working at the Boy Scout Philmont Ranch in New Mexico with a gawdawful dreadlock head of hair...and several ear piercings.

The wife & I just about shat our britches.

We knew he was a good kid and would eventually outgrow that Rasta nonsense - and he did.

Even though he has been a longhaired hippie ever since (no more earrings), he has been a hardworking jack-of-all-trades carpenter/tilesetter/housepainter/house renovator with steady work supporting his nice family.

He likes guns, drives a big Chevy worktruck, loves watching college & pro sports is a great dad, drinks beer, whiskey, & vodka, and rejects illegal substances.

No Prius toy cars for him.

[jocko]

I don't see a damn thing wrong with tats or piercings, if you're from the wilds of Borneo. Hell, stick a bone in your nose for all I care. Just don't come to me for a job looking like a Zulu. It's an indication of the level of your intelligence. No offense intended. You don't get a second chance at making a first impression.

on that. first impression is a lasting impression..:blah: If u wanna look and dresslike a D!ck, that is fine, u won't work for me..:blah:

[jocko]

Now way back when I was in the navy. Uh way back. I had a good mate who was samoan. Well we got luck n got leave from the sea dragon SSN 584 and went island hopping. Last stop was Samoa. Now George had tats, he had them for religious reasons. They were on his face, arm and lower leg. He had been brown water navy in early 70's and this was the 1st time home in almost 10 years. Oh I was a po3 he was a CPO (chief petty office for all you 11 bullet catchers). He asked me to hold him while he got some kind of a update to the tats on his leg. Now this was a guy who when his arm was cut to the bone he said rats that's gonna scar up bad. That's all he said n had the corpsman sew him up. He had tears running down his face as that old guy tapped that rake with sea urchin spines (I think?). When we were done some of the old ones said that George had told em of some of my time in the navy. He got evil eye from me. And wanted to honor me with tats on my arm. Now I sat there n said I'm very sorry but my religion forbids me to do that. They were very nice about it n understood my views. Later out bound on a plane George says. Bob you've never said a word about religion. Me, yep n I don't know if that rule is real or not but I'm no where near as tough as you. N me wallin like a baby might mess up their view of me. His jaw hit the ground to say the least n he started laughing. Told me now I know how to protect anyone from that rake! So no tats on me!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

told todaty that tats are no allowed in the service, if they go below the short sleeve . Not sure how true that is either.

[jocko]

LOL, you guys are funny. When I'm around my friends I ride with, over half have ear rings. Most have tats. What's the big deal? I had long hair the last to jobs I worked at, no one gave it a 2nd glance. Now that I have a bald spot on the back of my head, I keep my hair short, since I think those guys that are bald on top with long hair on the sides and always wear a hat to cover their baldness kind of look funny to me. Why can't people accept a person for what he is and not what he looks like. Those circus freak looking dudes do kind of weird me out, but I'd still talk to one. I hang out a lot with musicians and riders, both not known for looking conventional, so I guess I'm used to earrings and tats and stuff. Hell put a black leather riding jacket on a guy and that freaks some people out.

for most harley riders seems like a "right of passage". Doesn't make it right but again most HD riders are in their mid 40's+, so I am gonna assume they should know better and are probalby established in their job situtation to. I have road since the 60's an no tats or holes in my body. Oh I certainly thought about the TAT thing but when I was living at home with my parents, Iknew that my folks would have been ashamed of me for doing it kand I respected my mom and dad tomuch to have them even think that I was that stupid. No doubt theNA has done alot to promote TATS, never seen so many guys with TATS all over their bodyt as in the NBA, NFL is not better, just more cloths on them to cover all the ****, and no racist intent her but most of the NBA players with TATS are black, course also most of the NBA plaers are black also

Taking a TAT off ur body is not an easy thing and it is expensive and veryseldom does it ever not sow that sumpinw as done in that area.

I hae seen some beautiful TATS though. There are some real INK pro's out there to.

I think when the youth do this stuyff it is more rebellion than anythig else, When older people do it, IMO it is more stuypidity than anything..:blah:

[TheTman]

Ok, I'll come clean, I have 5 piercings in my ears, one for each child on one ear, and 2 for my parents on the other ear. I'm retired now so don't really care what people think. I never one was to care what people thought of me. I was hired for 90% of the jobs I applied for. With the earrings, without them, with a ponytail, without it, never seeemed to matter much. I think this started with my daughter and I out shopping and she wanted to get her ears pierced, so we did, then she was like dad, you should get one too, so I did. Now my dad kind of freaked, but what do you do when your kid's in hi 30's? He asked me his standard line about guys with earrings, "do you squat to pee now?" and we had a good laugh, and that was the last he ever mentioned it. I think kids do it nowadays because it's almost the norm, and it seems that it's more common that guys have an ear pierced than not. Now I don't wear big guady things, except for one small real diamond, and the others are the birthstones for my girls, and a small hoop at the bottom for my son. I have 2 diamonds for my parents.
It's not what a person looks like on the outside that counts, it's what's in their heart. That big scary looking biker all in black leather pulled up next to you may be your Dr. or your Attorney. I'd get a tat, but never can decide on something that I want to display permantly. I did design my own, and may have a friend do it someday, but haven't got around to it. I'd buy new needles and Ink so I wouldn't catch the Hepatitis or AIDS or anything. It was a Dragon's head inside a triangle inside a circle to represent my two toughtest battles I've went through. Getting sober and having to do chemo. Like the old saying goes, don't judge a book by the cover, I've made some good friends, that would scare many normal people, but they are good people that go out of their way to help others, and do the toy runs and poker runs for the different charities. Then the musicians are a varied lot, some look pretty crazy, but they are just people trying to express some individuality. I haven't met any with the spikes and crap implanted, but if that trips your trigger go for it. Hair style is one thing that changes quite a bit, not that long ago most men had long hair, or wore wigs with long hair. Over the last century the norm became the short cut hair. The 60's started to change that again, and now we have people with all kinds of wild hair. Funny, but the people I've counseled for drug abuse ALL had short hair, so they didn't look like a "druggie". While those of us with nothing to fear wear it however we want. Right now my hair is longish, and it won't get cut until the weather warms up. I say lighten up, it's just how someone wants to look. No need to get all fired up over appearances, it's what's inside that counts. Thank for the many laughs I got reading some of your "boots up their arse" comments.

[Bobby]

Jocko. George had to get a waiver just to join n that was in 1970. He made chief e-7 by 1979!!!! Tats n all.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[QuercusMax]

I am wondering if there has ever been a kid who didn't do something that his parents didn't approve of.

My parents always thought of me as a "good little boy," but I still remember the shock on my mom's face one time she came to visit me when I was living on my own and she found BEER in the fridge (my parents didn't drink). To her great credit, she murmured mild disapproval (presumably so I would know her thoughts) and then never said another word about it - ever. I still think that that was parenting at its best. It's a big mistake for a parent (or spouse) to keep going on and on about something.

Kids are a bit like bullets: You can control them so long as they are in the barrel, but once launched, they set their own trajectory. Thus careful aim is critical to subsequent results.

[jocko]

Jocko. George had to get a waiver just to join n that was in 1970. He made chief e-7 by 1979!!!! Tats n all.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

going back 32 years, I am talking about the present. I have heard things have changed..:blah:

[jocko]

Ok, I'll come clean, I have 5 piercings in my ears, one for each child on one ear, and 2 for my parents on the other ear. I'm retired now so don't really care what people think. I never one was to care what people thought of me. I was hired for 90% of the jobs I applied for. With the earrings, without them, with a ponytail, without it, never seeemed to matter much. I think this started with my daughter and I out shopping and she wanted to get her ears pierced, so we did, then she was like dad, you should get one too, so I did. Now my dad kind of freaked, but what do you do when your kid's in hi 30's? He asked me his standard line about guys with earrings, "do you squat to pee now?" and we had a good laugh, and that was the last he ever mentioned it. I think kids do it nowadays because it's almost the norm, and it seems that it's more common that guys have an ear pierced than not. Now I don't wear big guady things, except for one small real diamond, and the others are the birthstones for my girls, and a small hoop at the bottom for my son. I have 2 diamonds for my parents.
It's not what a person looks like on the outside that counts, it's what's in their heart. That big scary looking biker all in black leather pulled up next to you may be your Dr. or your Attorney. I'd get a tat, but never can decide on something that I want to display permantly. I did design my own, and may have a friend do it someday, but haven't got around to it. I'd buy new needles and Ink so I wouldn't catch the Hepatitis or AIDS or anything. It was a Dragon's head inside a triangle inside a circle to represent my two toughtest battles I've went through. Getting sober and having to do chemo. Like the old saying goes, don't judge a book by the cover, I've made some good friends, that would scare many normal people, but they are good people that go out of their way to help others, and do the toy runs and poker runs for the different charities. Then the musicians are a varied lot, some look pretty crazy, but they are just people trying to express some individuality. I haven't met any with the spikes and crap implanted, but if that trips your trigger go for it. Hair style is one thing that changes quite a bit, not that long ago most men had long hair, or wore wigs with long hair. Over the last century the norm became the short cut hair. The 60's started to change that again, and now we have people with all kinds of wild hair. Funny, but the people I've counseled for drug abuse ALL had short hair, so they didn't look like a "druggie". While those of us with nothing to fear wear it however we want. Right now my hair is longish, and it won't get cut until the weather warms up. I say lighten up, it's just how someone wants to look. No need to get all fired up over appearances, it's what's inside that counts. Thank for the many laughs I got reading some of your "boots up their arse" comments.

point. I also think it is also a parents right to speak up to. I might object if u came up to my tated son k and expressed ur opinion, but I do feel I have that right to express either satisfactor or not satisfaction..

Appearance certaihly does go a long way today in jobs. Ur foolin urself if u think otherwise, but again it is an individuals right to do what he wants and he just has to live with the consequences, if there are any....

Course if dad andmom are sitting across the bable fromu and they have tats all ove rtheir body and earrings etc, It is kinda hard to object. Sometimes u can lead by ur own standard of living with no words even being needed.

usmilitary.about.com/od/army/a/tattoopolicy.htm

[getsome]

Try this Colonel, Heres what you do, next time you and Mrs. Bawanna go to the Walmart get her to pick up one of those gimoungus brassieres like a size 56 DDDD ought to do it and in pink if they got um and then get you some great big ole pink water balloons and stuff um in there and when he comes over to your house with his weird friends you wear that thing on the outside of your shirt like Madonna does and then you flaunt them babies, I mean really work um up good for him and then tell him that he and his friends sure do have a pretty mouth!!!...

That should do it but be careful going over any bumps and getting them things to bouncin too much what might cause you to flip off over the front of your chair and mess up your face or something and I wouldn't want that to happen and as a matter of fact I'm pretty sure a size 56 DDDD brassiere comes with several OSHA warning labels about just that sort of accident so take it easy at first...

If that doesn't work just give up and realize it's just a youngun thing but look on the bright side, you got a great new toy to play with if you get bored......:p...Oh yea, pictures please if you don't mind...

[CJB]

Lets not sidestep the issue here. Its not so much the piercing, or tat, but the typically feminine adornment on the male body.

Pirates have an earring, not two, and not frilly gemstones either.

I got an idea.... Just tell not to dress like a girl. There, said n done.

Tats can be ok. Tats are not crossdressing behavior. A skull, HD logo... Kids names.... Something permanently important in your life...military branch....go for it. Kid comes i.
n with a bluebird and daddydill on,his arm...hes in danger of losing some skin from a wirewheel in a deWalt drill.

This is not male behavior, its coerced behavior..... Its cant we all just get along, I'm not hurting you, I have the right to, if it feels ggod do it mrntality that makes every flaming liberal smile and nod in agreement.

Not on my watch in my family...thats all I can say.

[quikduk]

Tinman just why did you have to post that?

Here I am trying to continue through this thread while feeling sorry for Bawanna and I get this image and now I have to clean my keyboard up from the coffee spewing.

My son is pretty squared away and wanting to go into the SD. He asked a long time ago about earings and I offered to either remove them with my pliers or take him to one of his grandfathers who would do it by hand.

That sort-of cured him of the desire.

Now that he is going to college and working for a living, he sees what decent appearing (read N.O.R.M.A.L. by most standards) people are offered re: pay versus those that are not. Very eye opening.

I wouldn't worry about a couple of minor earrings. At least they aren't those giant gauges in the lobes or other piercings or tats. They may be "popular" but I just don't see the point. Most tats are done poorly and the expensive ones are just that.

Oh well. Good luck and I'll be watching this thread...:rolleyes:

[jeepster09]

Here is a time enhanced photo of your son after future mods.....:eek:

[ltxi]

I've been thinking about getting my...ears...pierced. Also a five tear drop tattoo on my right upper arm or shoulder. And a T-Shirt..."This is what 70 looks like. Get over it!" Couple that with my aging good looks, friendly manner, and close to Marine haircut and no one will know what the hell to make of it. Gibbs in drag.

[ptoemmes]

There has to be some relatively well known RKBA types that sport earrings - besides those of you here that have already spoken up? Right? Maybe Jesse Ventura? My now 37 year old son used to sport them - and he's a RKBA type - and could kick my ass then and now. Not sure he could/can out shoot me, but the ear wear never bothered me. How about 9mm/40/45/5.56 rings ;-)

[Bawanna]

But, but, but 27 wrongs don't make a right. Just cause everyone's doing it.

I've put it out of my mind. I try not to focus on them as we set across from one another at the dinner table and try to focus on the fact that we may not be setting across the dinner table from one another for ever.

Still just cause everyone does it don't mean it's right.

[Armybrat]

One of my old girlfriends got a cute little rose tattoo on her boob back in the '60s,

Heard from a mutual acquaintance the other day that it's now a dried out long stem rose.

Just sayin

[TheTman]

Bawanna, I wish you could get over this. Just who decides what is right and what is wrong? I suppose you do, until they are adults, then they have the right to present themselves as they wish. Look at about any sports personality and they will have big diamonds in their ears. Kids will emulate that. Times change, and we resist new things, always wanting the good ole days back. Nothing wrong with that I guess. But I think too much is made of how a person looks, rather than what's in his heart. Getting leathered up to go for a ride, will cause some people to steer away from the scary "biker". When nowadays, it could be your doctor, or lawyer or even your preacher.

[muggsy]

But, but, but 27 wrongs don't make a right. Just cause everyone's doing it.

I've put it out of my mind. I try not to focus on them as we set across from one another at the dinner table and try to focus on the fact that we may not be setting across the dinner table from one another for ever.

Still just cause everyone does it don't mean it's right.

If he's under your roof he'd better be under your control. Tell him not to wear them in your presence. Tell him that if he wants to look like a fool to the rest of the world that he's free to do so.

[ltxi]

Oh good lord, give me and rest of the world a freaking break

[CJB]

If he's under your roof he'd better be under your control. Tell him not to wear them in your presence. Tell him that if he wants to look like a fool to the rest of the world that he's free to do so.

+1
and then some!!

[Bawanna]

For the record I'm at peace with myself and my bejewelled #3 son. I still don't really like it but as mom pointed out, it's easily reversible.

Life is certainly too short to waste any time worrying over cubic zirconia in a mans ear lobes.

[wyntrout]

Hey! That's just something else you can get him for a BD or Xmas present! A tasteful earring made of precious metal would be a nice gift!

<snort>

Wynn:D

[MikeyKahr]

Or whittle him something special from the material leftover from the grips. Might be a whole new market segment for you.

[Tinman507]

http://achicdirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/9mm-Pistol-Bullet-Casing-Shell-Stud-Earrings.jpg

[muggsy]

Now you've got me thinking of getting my ears pierced ears, Tinman. :)

[MW surveyor]

I'd do it too............................................... ...........if I knew I could get some of those in 50 cal:)

[Bawanna]

Me too! If I can get em in 45 and a training bra to go with them.

[Tinman507]

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UNenr-w6JF4/TPV9XnsvHDI/AAAAAAAACBw/CFYkwGhnapc/s1600/training.jpg