Josh Elsas On Polynesian Tattoos Controversy

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Video by @realbenng

[@Lowtan]

I'm a black man. I have been admiring the art and skill of the tattoos. I've been hung up for a year on getting it because I'm not of the culture. I just set my appointment to get a sleeve today. It will be strictly for the artwork. Truly impressive what they're able to do with a tat gun.

[@mmtgangsta91]

i am a Caribbean American. my mom has a plethora of different cultures that she is mixed with that shes unsure of what they are and no real knowledge of their origin. but besides that we understand our west indies and native American roots. what i plan on doing with this information is telling my families story and heritedge through the Polynesian (preferably Samoan) style. I've heard from numerous sources that its not the ancestors that feel disrespected by non poly's getting the tatau, its mostly the younger middle aged folks getting upset. if anything the older generation encourages it and loves it because its spreading the culture to others. so in my opinion, I'm gonna do whatever tf i want personally, while also respecting and honoring what the tatau's mean to not only the Polynesian people, but also to me

[@chiefrocker19]

Yeah, anyone can get a Polynesian tattoos, but not everyone can get and wear a "SAMOAN TATAU."
A TRADITIONAL SAMOAN TATTOO;
A MALOFIE, PE'A, & MALU
Keep in mind, "SAMOAN TATAU" is not for show, for there is time & place-like customary ceremonies to present & represent one's clan & ancestry, as well as, rank with in the aiga/family...
Now, as Polynesian Tattoos Tribals & Motifs-make sure you do your homework and hopefully, the tattooist can explain the motifs to you, for it is not all triangles, squares, circles, & swirls...
These geometrical shapes and designs have meaning🙏🙏🙏
So, do your homework.
Seek a Samoan or Tongan tattooist.
Although, be prepared when asked about your ink🙏🙏🙏

[@Tolongalofa]

As a Samoan when I see someone with our makings!! I always say hello in our language because i think they are one of us!! But what I find is that none of them can speak it!! And they feel embarrassed about it!! You might of herd “before you get a tatau, tatau your mouth first “ it’s an old saying and it refers to you knowing the language and culture before you get your pe’a !! And it makes sense!! But it to me it is annoying because that’s how we know each others culture and that we are Samoan!!

[@LordGhost.]

My opinion on it is that, if someone genuinely respects and admires the art and knows what they're wearing, I don't think it should matter. I think that sharing the culture and getting it more recognition and spreading it is a good thing, whether you're foreign or not, so i'll never understand the controversy behind it. I'm sure there are more Polynesians out there who who wouldn't really mind compare to the people that do, everyone has mixed opinions, it is what it is, but that doesn't mean it's the end of the world. I believe that there is no better way than to tell/share your own personal story than through your own personal Polynesian/Tribal tattoo, I believe they're one of the best ways to tell/share your personal story through a tattoo.

[@vivhosking]

You don’t get it….nor should speak on it at all

[@tattalkpodcast]

Would you mind sharing your opinion?