You have just been brainwashed into the "tattoo = trashy" steretype... no written in stone method for getting one.
A form of self expression possibly? Just as wearing a tie and a suit, having a certain hairstyle, driving a particular car. You would most likely criticize a stock broker for having a pierced nose and mohawk, disregarding his performance capabilities (personal as well as academic/career), and isolating your decision based on his tattoo.
if the guy has a nazi symbol on his forehead, look - probably a bad guy. But, this is also a different generation of youth.. more 18-30 year olds get them than 40-60 year olds. Trends, but i have a pretty open mind