Interesting discussion – really. I thank everyone for their responses.

It seems like the deciding factors for some who’ve answered my query are these:

• To get a Polynesian-style tattoo, it is a good idea to be of island descent.
• Polynesian tattoos should have meaning beyond aesthetics for the person with the tattoo.

Honestly, I probably won’t get one for now. I’m of 100% European descent. I’ve never even been to any of the islands in the Pacific. If I lived their or spent time there living with/amongst islanders, if I had significant relationships with the people and had shown their traditions proper respect, I’d have absolutely no qualms about getting this sort of tattoo. Since that’s not in the cards for me – at least not now – I’ll hold off.

I also don’t think it’s bad that their is a spin or interpretation on Polynesian style tattoo – “Neo-Polynesian”. That means it’s not true Polyneisan and therefore doesn’t disrespect that tradition. It’s like how heavy metal is an interpretation of garage rock. (Or something.) They’re not the same, but do have commonalities.

However, as I mentioned before, I try to have as much respect as possible for other cultures. I think there is a fine line between being influenced by another culture and ripping it off wholesale. This became especially evident to me after moving home from living in the Navajo Nation for a few years and seeing dudes around here running around with feathers tattooed on their arms while blowing off Native Americans as shiftless, lazy, welfare robbers. At any rate, I’m going to elect to delay this sort of tattoo for now.

I appreciate the input and hope the discussion continues. The tattoo the user uploaded above is dope, btw.