Kurt Vonnegut’s “Asterisk”
Submitted by S.P. Sullivan:
The tattoo is Kurt Vonnegut's trademark "backdoor."
I got this when I turned eighteen because I wanted to do something stupid and impulsive, but not entirely uncharacteristic of me. My father introduced me to Vonnegut; the first thing he said when he saw it was "you know that's a sphincter, right?"
I've grown tired of explaining it to people, mostly because they usually look at me like I'm insane. So, when asked, I inquire to the inquirer, "Have you read Vonnegut?" If yes, it's relatively easy to explain. If no, I just say it's an asterisk and leave it at that. I'm often asked if it's a botched attempt at the Red Hot Chile Peppers logo. So it goes.
Based on Kurt Vonnegut's infamous asshole doodle, first appearing in Breakfast of Champions
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December 30th, 2008 - 19:58
Oh hey! It's Wal-Mart's new logo.
January 8th, 2009 - 13:10
I recently got a Vonnegut tattoo myself, and your mention of the RHCP logo is the very reason I steered clear of the "asterisk" drawing. But at least it makes sense to everyone who'd actually care about it, right?
January 8th, 2009 - 19:48
Andy, what'd you get?
January 13th, 2009 - 14:59
Why, you shall see. I'm submitting it as we speak.
January 15th, 2009 - 19:10
if it makes you feel any better, i immediately knew what this was. and i have considered getting a similar tattoo.
January 15th, 2009 - 19:53
Haha okay Andy. I've been thinking about getting some form of the asterisk too, that's why I was asking.
February 12th, 2009 - 15:52
Hahahaha brilliant!
I'd love to get a Vonnegut tattoo myself… but I don't have the money. I know what I want, it's just the funds are running a titch low.
July 7th, 2010 - 17:13
this is amazing. breakfast of champions was the first vonnegut i read and he had me at asshole.
September 21st, 2011 - 23:41
I like the literary reference.