I got them as symbols to mark a life transition at a time when everything changed.
Coolness comes and goes but symbolism is always present.
You really hate tattoos don't you?
there are a few i regard as art and thus like them, but most are in a historical or cultural context, i.e. i have no problems with Yakuza having irezumi, or some polynesian guy having his family symbols.
But when i see some wannabe-cool twerk with a yakuza tattoo on the one and a ploynesian tattoo on the other arm and "love" in japanese written on his neck, i want to puke.