When I was growing up, I was always told that if I got a tattoo I would be kicked out of the house. I did not understand why the thought of me having a piece of art on my body upset my parents, more so my father, to the point they would render me homeless. I was never given an exact reason why tattoos upset them so much, only assumptions of what tattoos would do to me. I was told that tattoos made people think bad things of others, they made you look like you did not have respect for yourself, and they were only available in dingy tattoo shops that old overweight creepy guys that sat around smoking and drinking worked at. That scared me not only physically but emotionally. For so long I was scared to even look at someone with tattoos …show more content…
At any time I have the ability to hide all four tattoos without a problem. The first tattoo I got I did hide from my parents for almost a year. When they found out it was a real tattoo I did not get kicked out, however, I was told about how I had disappointed them. Working in a pharmacy I have to look professional and sometimes it is uncomfortable for me. My tattoos are not offensive in nature, yet in the hot summer heat I have to wear long sleeve shirts and sweat. If society was more accepting of my tattoos, I might have the ability to not have to wear long sleeves in the heat. I find some people’s choice of clothing, or lack there of to be tasteless to myself yet I do not tell them they cannot wear those clothes in public. Tattoos have been around for over 5,000 years they are not something new, yet society still treats them like they are. Their new found popularity should be celebrated amongst everyone. You do not have to get a tattoo to be accepting of the fact that others have them. If tattoos were more openly accepted by society, there would be less of a social divide amongst each other. Tattoos are just another medium of art, we are told to embrace art and to evolve as human beings. Part of that process is to accept all forms of art without excluding one, just because you think it might be
Tattoos have been utilized in various ways for thousands of years, ranging from punishment, to status symbols and indications of religious beliefs. They have served as the ultimate illustration of cultural diffusion in America, and despite generally carrying a negative social stigma, perception of tattoos has continued to evolve into a more acceptable practice.
When it comes to being a great artist in the field, you can't say enough about the importance of acquiring the fundamental tattooing techniques.
Tattoos and body modifications have been around for many generations. They first began in 3370 BC and were used by Europeans and Egyptians. Both tattoos and body modifications are defined as a cultural representation of self-expression and sometimes even religion. In the article “Tattoos and Piercing: Issues of Body Modification and the Workplace,” Dr. Elzweig states, “Although tattooing is not a new phenomenon, the number of people who have tattoos has increased significantly and continues to rise. Life magazine estimated in 1936 that only 10% of me American population was tattooed in whole or in part (One out of ten Americans is tattooed, 1936)” (Elweig, Peeples).
Tattoos became socially acceptable in the 1980’s. Before that, tattoos were associated with deviants such as gangs, criminals, and bikers. To be tattooed meant that you were a violent social outcast. Today, getting a tattoo is one of the most socially normal things to do. Tattoos and piercings are everywhere, people of all backgrounds and ages have them. Tattoo artist makes a very good living owning a tattoo and piercing shop. According to Statistic Brain, it is estimated that America has 21,000 tattoo studios with more opening daily, and about 45, million Americans have at least one tattoo. On a similar form a deviant appearance modification, there are those that dedicated their entire life to changing their appearance.
It seems that today people without tattoos are becoming the unique ones. Tattoos now have become part of a mainstream culture that attracts and entices many. Research shows that 45 million Americans have some sort of tattoo, and out of those people 27 percent regret getting it. In my opinion, I think tattoos are important because it allows people to express themselves. It allows people to remember their deceased loved ones. It can give someone confidence or let them feel a bit rebellious. Thousands of year ago people didn’t use tattoos like we do today.
Americans have been continuously encouraged to support and appreciate art. People are taught to appreciate paintings from a young age. They are informed that being unique is all right. Inventiveness and self-expression are continually being supported. Then, why are people so judgmental when they see an individual with tattoos? Numerous individuals decide to cover their bodies with tattoos. In fact, Jon Kelly, states in BBC News Magazine that, “Tattoos are more popular than ever, but workers can be dismissed from or denied jobs for the reason of their body modifications.” Although people have tattoos, it does not mean they have been in a gang or are violent, and it does not infer that they are not as competent or accomplishing as an individual without a tattoo. Tattoos are not character qualities. However, individuals with tattoos may not be considered for specific occupations, just for the reason that they make decisions with their own bodies; and they may be judged.
Tattoos have been used as a form of decoration on the body of the Egyptian mummies. In fact, tattoos were viewed as a “beautifying operation” to the Typee natives and in Wales they were once a royal fad. There have been many eras to see the tattoo as a prestigious decoration. The Japanese also practiced a form of tattooing that covered their warriors in intimidating designs. But after years of beauty and prestige, what changed the views of people? What made tattoos rebellious and unprofessional?
Looking back at how people perceived tattoos then and how many "normal" people have them today shows a lot about how the world has changed, specifically in mainstream society. These days one can thrown a rock and hit a tattoo shop, but why the change of heart? Why are tattoos so popular now? Holly Tuesday, a writer for "Skin & Ink" tattoo magazine and heavily tattooed person said "We all, myself included, like to think that we stand out from the crowd.
Tattoos have been around for quite some time now, and they have always been a symbol of belonging, cultural expression or for religion. These days, individuals choose to tattoo themselves because it is part of their lifestyle or personal image. While continuing to grow in popularity and becoming a lifestyle, people are facing issues with having visible tattoos in the workforce. Although it is a form of free expression, employers have a right to enforce certain rules about tattoos in their company because they have a public image to uphold. How you present yourself to the public is solely important, which is why tattoos should not be allowed to be seen in the workplace, since it may appear offensive or unconservative.
Support system and assurance from family, friends, or peers are very important in a process of an individual to start a new life – who is involved in gangs and crimes because it gives them confidence, trust, and the feeling of someone is giving them an importance to having a second chance and turn their lives around. A quote from the book Tattoos on the Heart, by Reverend Gregory Boyle, an author, priest, and founder of the Homeboys Industries explains a scene where Father Greg was emotional when he overheard Gato (one of the homies at Homeboys Industries) talk shit about what happened to Flaco (one of the homies at Homeboys) last night. “I’m glad that shit happened to Flaco last night. […] I get into Gato’s face and give him a banner headline. …I love you and am down for you, and I love Flaco and am down for him.” (132). Father Greg confronted Gato right away about talking shit about what happened to Flaco last night. He was eventually hurt and deeply emotional of what have Gato commented on Flaco’s situation. Father Greg was furious at the moment; he then told Gato that his feeling for both of them is mutual. At the end of the day, Father Greg loves them both. He was just expressing his feelings and his role between them two. He wants them to know that he 'll be always there for them no
A controversial topic today is whether or not body piercings and tattoos should be accepted by professionals working in health care. Currently, tattoos and piercings are allowed in health care as long as they are not visible. According to one of the studies, “Body piercing is defined as a piercing of the body anywhere other than the earlobes” (Westerfield). Therefore, the only visible piercings allowed are small studs in the lobes of the ears for females. The reason body piercings and tattoos are not suggested in health care is that they keep someone from looking professional as well as making them look intimidating. Not everyone sees them that way. The opposing side is that they do not affect
A persons’ image is vital when meeting someone for the first time. Our peers, employers, family, superiors, even strangers that you walk past can automatically judge someone, and imagine how they present themselves to the world. Tattoos have been predominantly linked with a rebellious attitude and pictured on out of control stereotypes such as rock starts, bikers, sailors, and disobedient teenagers who want nothing more than to hack off their parents. With a new coming of age generation and a step into a more lenient and liberal society these types of patrons still participate in body art but so do doctors, lawyers, or just the run of the mill house mom. Tattoos signify religious beliefs, cultural influence, or each individual’s sole style. Body art is no longer socially offensive, employers are more apt to hiring tatted hopeful applicants, parents are warming up to the idea of their children inking their body and no longer a stranger on the street with a tattoo is necessarily prejudged as a criminal or safety hazard. Tattoos have become more evolved over the years because they have become more of a socially accepted element of the general public.
Tattoos are a controversial subject in the world we live in. The kind of people that get tattoos is now varied to almost all humans regardless of race, religion, or age. What many people fail to understand or realize is how much of an effect a tattoo can have on the rest of your life. The original tattoo stereotypes have faded from what they were many years ago and yet tattoos still have a reputation as for what kind of people get tattoos. There are many reasons as to why people would get a tattoo but there are many reason why you should think before you ink. Our society and the social media today has a huge impact on the tattoo industry. Movie stars and pop singers with many tattoos are posing as role models for our generation and
..., total approval of women with tattoos is still a long way off. The tattoo industry is still male dominated, even with 50% of clients being made up of females. Even though groups exist that attempt to empower tattooed women, such as The Gypsy Queens, those women who choose to alter their bodies with ink continue to face social discrimination. Thompson made an excellent point by saying that a “critical step that can be taken is for employment discrimination against tattooed people to end” and that “people should only be fired on the basis of their work performance, not their appearance.” Being a heavily tattooed woman I agree wholeheartedly. As a society we need to promote acceptance and understanding. Each person should be judged solely on their merits and capability; whether or not I choose to tattoo my body should not be a determining factor in any facet of life.
... no sense for a job to tell people what they can do with their body lets alone if it is not innapropiete why not? If theres no violence why not let whom ever wants tattoos to go ahead and get it with out telling them they cant be hired or they will be fired. I hope that in a couple of years from now more jobs will see eye to eye with me that having tattoos doesnt make u a bad person it makes you different it shows can tell so much about a person and there are so many rich people that do have tattoos. Some people dont get tattoos because of their parents but whatever there reason i stand by each and every person that deiceds to put body art on themselves. some people dont see tattoos as art but yet if it wasnt then why do tattoo ARTIST charge from 100+ at a professional shop. One day i beileve people will no longer think that theres has to be restrictions to tattoos.