The tattoo woman with Jack, her job and her "gift" were similar to the woman in the 1967 movie THE ILLUSTRATED MAN based on the Ray Bradbury book. The psychic woman tattoed Rod Steiger from head to foot and them people could see his tattoos come alive.

So what are you thinking this means as far as the plot goes? Thats how the Others found Jack or something?

Not sure if I even think it might go further into the plot. Just that the mysterious job of the tattoo girl was reminiscent of the character in the movie. Another literary allusion and movie reference.

Can someone explain the cultural background behind this? Why did she get paid so much money to do it and why was it such a transgression for Jack to get tattoed?

The tattoo woman with Jack, her job and her "gift" were similar to the woman in the 1967 movie THE ILLUSTRATED MAN based on the Ray Bradbury book. The psychic woman tattoed Rod Steiger from head to foot and them people could see his tattoos come alive.

Lost is getting a little too similar to a few too many movies and not similar enough to Lost. :rolleyes:

It's been years since I read Robert Heinlein's "Stranger In a Strange Land", but I seem to remember a tattooed woman in that story, too.
Someone: correct me if I'm wrong, and point out any connection there may be, please.

Read all about Robert Heinlein's Stranger in a Strange Land here... Some interesting correlations methinks, especially the idea of 'going home'. Good ole Wikipedia!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stranger_in_a_strange_land