I think in many cases tattoos are a sign that the guy has an inferiority complex about his masculinity, so he needs to 'toughen' himself up.
Don't try to assume things you know nothing about.
I have a lot of tattoos. I didn't get any of these to toughen up myself. When I'm out in public, I tend to hide my tattoos. Not because I'm ashamed of them. I just don't want people to ask me questions what the tattoos are and why I got them
I got my tattoos for myself. not for an image or a validation
PS: Women get tattoos too.