Oi! Tattoo.

Recently, i ran into a very close minded individial, and it made me wonder what everybody elses opinion would be on the subject.

Recently, i got an Anti-Heros tattoo with Oi! above it, and a "skinhead" (she is not really a skin, unless you count skinheads as people who just dress the part) said that you shouldn't have an "Oi!" tattoo unless you're a skin. As i told her that is completely untrue, becuase you don't need to be a skin to love Oi! music. I was amused and extremelly annoyed at how ignorant she was being. I got my tattoo because 1) I've loved Anti-Heros for a good while and 2) They are my absolute favorite Oi! band.

Anybody else see how idiotic she is being?

Oi! music is NOT reserved for only skins.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Cybi Ping on February 25, 2011 at 2:43pm

It's your body, your choice. Have whatever you want tattood ! There will always be people who are only happy if everyone is sorted in to lil boxes with a label. Screw them, do what makes you happy :o)

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Permalink Reply by Alexis on February 25, 2011 at 7:24pm

I have lots of different genres of music I like to listen to also. The only thing that I would be hesitant about getting a band tattoo is that their music will change, or they will sing songs about things I don't believe in. But on the other hand, music is still music and even tho it can change, it might be nice to love who they once were. I don't think this is your situation, but thats kinda how I feel. Also in the future I might change as a person and not like *insert genre here* anymore. I still think that tattoos are reminders of a time in a persons life, and can be looked back on as a positive, but I want something special on my body that I am positive I will like when I'm 70 and saggy. xD

I can also see where she is coming from. If some bimbo had an "upda punx" tattooed across her knuckles I think I would confront her, it is insulting when people don't understand what is and is not something they should do. Its reminds of the the ray-hawk epidemic we had, when everyone with a ray-hawk thought that we were best friends or somehow could relate to me, but in truth they had no clue why I styled my hair that way. She might just feel like you are infringing on her territory or trying to insult her. Thats how I felt sorta.

In defense of you, It is your body. If you have that much dedication to them, by all means, go for it. But along with different hair, piercings, tattoos or anything that isn't socially "normal" you will be judged on it. There shouldn't be much of a problem if you have that dedication and passion for your opinion tho. Eventually they "Omg look at her hair, she is a dyke" "Ew those piercings look dirty" and "Why would you want to do that to yourself?" will fade from your peers. There is the occasional passer by with a comment, but half the time I don't even realize they are talking about me. It's easy to ignore the ignorant.

Sorry I wrote a speech, but thats my little 2 cents from an outside party.

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Permalink Reply by Alexis on February 26, 2011 at 1:03am

I understand that Oi! and Punk are cousins, but some people like to be exclusive. Ive meet punks when I was younger that were rude and mean because they didn't think that I was worth talking too even when I would bring valid conversation pieces. I think my point is that a lot of people feel the need to make themselves feel elite in order to feel less like a "poser". Because if everyone else is a poser, then they most certainly are not. xD My example was extreme for the purpose of making my point evident, not really because I expect it to happen some day.

And thats what you should respond if someone gives you shit about it. I don't really care if you have an Oi! tattoo or not. It's not my body. I just don't think that I could really commit myself to very many tattoos that were band related. Not to mention that I don't really want to be totally inked up either.

A lot of styles in music play off each other. Oi and punk are similar and otfen have overlapping fans. Same with ska, psyco, rockabilly, etc.

I really don't have much of a problem walking away from ignorant and stupid people. I really only snap if I'm having a bad day or if it is blatantly ignorant and directed at me in some way that I find unacceptable/insulting. But someone can only insult you with your permission.

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Permalink Reply by Fivel. on June 17, 2011 at 3:29am

I agree. It has turned into a subculture, but I'm pretty sure Oi! was and still is really only just a greeting.

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Permalink Reply by Alexis on March 18, 2011 at 9:56pm

It does say 'oil'...

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Permalink Reply by Alexis on March 21, 2011 at 2:36am

That looks better than before.

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Permalink Reply by ┌x┐ • •┌x┐Pots Pots Pots on March 9, 2011 at 9:30pm

Oi! is a working class street-level subgenre of punk rock that originated in the United Kingdom in the 1970s. It had a goal of uniting punks, skinheads, and other working class youths.