I think the point (about tattoos indicating at least aspirational membership or affinity with some "shady" group) does stand, but likely not for much longer. Once Barack and Michelle get theirs, the "coolness" will be gone for ~ 47% of the country... ;-)

I remember being surprised when I saw a picture of the huge tattoo on Cher's back years ago. Apparently it was just some body art, but she did have some genuine ones as well.

The tattoo-removal folks are going to do bang-up business when (not if) they go out of style.

Cheers,
Scott.