Incarcerated Criminals versus Tattoos; a display form of artistic creativity, tattoos have been associated with criminals that have been incarcerated. In today’s society, convicted males and females who display their tattoos are assumed to be “hard core”. Tattoos are a representation of a person character or characteristic. Tattoos are reputations that criminals withhold that marks there place in society and while they are incarcerated. That is the reason, why many criminals have tattoos? But then again, tattoos don’t always represent toughness or hard core. There is a part of society that has a different representation for displaying art/tattoos that does not mean “hard core”. For the non-convicted criminals of society, it means beauty, …show more content…
Well, there are multiple definitions for Vanity, and Honesty. But there is one specific definition that deals directly with this prompt. The definition as followed; Vanity would be the act of doing something for other people, trying to keep the name or the name that others made for them. Which is completely opposite for honesty. Honesty would be the act of doing something for one’s self. In this case it would be considered, someone getting tattoos because they generally appreciate the artistry. For a convicted criminals tattoos have a deeper meaning, it represents their home growing, lifestyle, their name tag into society and the reputation they must withhold in order to be respected in society. I will be using the two definitions above to get my perspective through on the topic of convicted criminals and their …show more content…
Many times throughout his book, he continually talks about how he was lonely in prison. He couldn’t see, talk, or touch his family. So in order for him to not feel so lonely he began to tattoo himself with things that reminded him of his family. Now, it wasn’t any minor tattoos he had both of his arms tattooed, as well as his chest legs and back. He did it to keep his sanity, and remind himself of the people that love him outside of the big concrete “house” he had been in jail the majority of his life. He wasn’t so much trying to live up to the reputation of a criminal. He got tattoos for his own personal sanity. He needed something that he could see every day to remind him of the people he has at home rooting for him. There are many criminals that are just like him. Who express their selves through art work, which too many is considered as tattoos. They see tattoos as their masterpiece, creations, and artwork. For many who might not have a voice to tell their story, their tattoos can tell their story. As well as the ones who need a little encouragement every day. One of my coaches is an example of that. Even though he isn’t a criminal, he has tattoos that help him on his lowest days. He has tattoos across his feet that read “Keep Your Head up”. I’m sure that many convicts might need the same encouragement that my coach needs, as a reminder, never to give up and keep going. This scenario would
The social atmosphere surrounding tattoos has changed drastically since the 1960’s when Collins was tattooing sailors and roughnecks in his backstreet tattoo shop. Tattoos in general have become more socially acceptable with the old saying of “everyone from soccer moms to doctors has tattoos.” While they still have a ways to go before being completely accepted in the public’s eye, I feel privileged to live in a time when becoming a tattoo artist doesn’t automatically make me an outsider.
Organic inks, which are my personal professional preference, are the safest on the market. These types of inks are typically derived from plant matter. Vegan inks are also in the same class as the organic inks as well and are also ranked just as safe as organic inks.Organic inks are also safe to digest. I personally have no plans on digesting tattoo ink, but if I planned on doing so at least I know that it is safe.
An interesting article in Skin Art Magazine by Kyle Burkett proposes another possible cultural root to the American and European stigma associated with tattooing that is today being challenged in a broad way. Burkett states that for centuries there has been a stigma against tattooing, buried deep within the skin of western idealists as well as and in the minds of Jews and Christians alike. He believes the stigma to be rooted in different aspects of ancient Mediterranean culture; more specifically, it finds its origin in ancient Greece and Rome. Some of the first forms of tattooing in these cultures was the branding of slaves. To be tattooed in ancient Greece meant that you were a slave and in Rome a tattooe meant that you were either a slave or a criminal (World Book 51). In light of this, Burkett's theory regarding this characterization of tattooed people as slaves and criminals, (the lowest rung on the societal ladder)prevails, and makes a great deal of sense when considering the historical roots of cultural biases today.
The reasons why people get tattoos are infinite. A 2012 study in BBC magazine states, “Personality differences between tattooed and non-tattooed individuals were ‘generally small’ although those with tattoos tended to be more extroverted and display a greater "need for uniqueness” (Kelly). From trivial things like an infinity sign to a large portrait on an arm, the options are endless to those who want to express themselves freely. Why should the freedom to express one’s self be taken away? The excitement and rush that fills their body when they know they are getting something to represent who they are should not be taken away for the simple fact of not being able to land a job. Many may become discouraged thinking about the future and if or if not a job will hire based ...
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.
It isn 't uncommon to see people walking around with tattoos permanently stained on their body. It is also uncommon to know that they usually have a meaning. From Chinese symbols to images devoted to the flying spaghetti monster, people love to keep these tattoos to remind them of a message or a special someone. According to the World Book Advanced Dictionary, a tattoo is "to mark (the skin) with designs or patterns by pricking a line of holes and putting in colors. ' ' And the meaning of an individual 's tattoo can vary depending on where you are. In this essay, I will discuss contrasting elements in prison and in tribal tattoos. This will be done by doing a cross sectional study of their history, meaning and methods. Are prison and tribal tattoos similar or different?
As well as heavy drinkers, sexually promiscuous and less attractive. Also compared to self-ratings, non-modified individual’s rated tattooed participants more negatively on personality (Forbes, 2001; Martin, 1997, Jefferys, 2000, Swami & Furnham, 2007). Undergraduates rated tattoo wearers lower on credibility, competence, character, and sociability (Seiter & Hatch, 2005). Women are likewise rated as more sexually uninhibited and less motivated, honest, religious, intelligent, and possibly less healthy compared to non-tattooed women (Dengelman and Price 2002)
Even though tattoos are becoming part of culture and socially acceptable, the negative and prejudiced attitudes towards those with body art are still present. Not all tattoos are gang related, and one must note that they have historically been a symbol of someone’s culture or religion. Other tattoos may have just a personal meaning to its owner and was not intended to be offensive. People also do not understand that a tattoo may impede them from pursuing a professional career, regardless of their qualifications. Employers realize that the need to recruit workers from different backgrounds are important in such a competitive workforce, so they provide accommodation by having reasonable dress code policies.
Overall, tattoos shouldn’t make someone feel like they are a criminal or any less than what they were the moment before they were tattooed. Tattoos should be seen as art work by artists who put time and beautiful work into their pieces. And nothing less because they truly are a drawn captured for a life time and if the tattoo is chosen out of meaning and love than the tattoos that much better. People will soon come to realize that nobody’s thoughts should matter when it comes to a decision that has to do with their own body. But only with their inner self because the choice is theirs and nobody else’s.
... the people that exhibit illegal tendencies and having tattoos. This study was coupled with the idea that deviant behavior is also linked to emotional distress and getting body modification because of this. “Obtaining body art may be one manner in which individuals attempt to cope with distress or attempt to clarify their sense of self when they have depression” (Owen, et al.). As many of the students in this study affirmed that they got a tattoo when they were feeling a loss of self-identity and that this was a way to become unique. Unfortunately, while getting tattoos is one approach making them different from other, so is deviant behavior.
...patronage to a belief. Through time the tattoo has been plagued with rising fear that those who receive them will automatically become an outcast of the social order. The fear of body art is calming in the general public’s eyes and whether it is a biker or a school teacher with one they are beginning to be looked at as the same. The rising population of those getting tattoos has directly leaded to the rising population of those accepting them. It took a while for cultural opinion of tattoos to swing from taboo to standard practices of people from all races, ethnicities, ages, and genders. Time has granted the sanctioned onslaught of bad looks, and snubbed noses to slowly die down and natural acceptance of body ink to be granted. It is not just the crazy neighbor next door with a tattoo but the respected doctor up the street or your Sunday school teacher at church.
Symbolism and meaning is by far one of the most important aspects of the tattoo industry. “The abstract emotions and human awareness of emotions show what really is going on in ones life (Johnson)”. For that reason tattooing is a form of self-expression, and can stand for literal interpretations. For the most part these interpretations are the conveying of spiritual meaning, or marking milestones such as life or death” (Johnson). For those who think tattooing is just for looks or put a bad judgment on it, should also realize that ones personal interest reflects upon their lives. “Many individuals get their first tattoos during adolescence or young adulthood.”(Bravermark) Due to the mainstream culture, these traditions traditionally associate with stereotypes. Stereotypes defiantly have a huge impact on life. Which leads to the next point? Whether flaunted or hidden, sought as art or brought out on a whim, the tattoo has left a huge impact on generation after generation.
... mind before you start judging them in a job interview, or even in your everyday life. People should take into consideration a persons family background, where they come from what that person has been through, and how important and meaningful that the art on their body is to them. Just like other cultures people do get tattoos because of their religion, families, friends, and significant moments in their lives. We as Americans need to stop being so judgmental and start thinking about the history behind tattoos. Tattoos were once a sign of royalty and only the rich were able to get them. Kings, Queens, lawyers, and doctors were once the only people that were able to get tattoos for a status symbol and we have lost the meaning behind them. Tattoos need to be taken more seriously in everyday life and we should take the time to remember where they originally came from.
Tattoos mean many different things to different people. Many times tattoos have a certain meaning behind them and could take offense to people discriminating his/her tattoo. Someone may have a tattoos because of a religious reason. Certain cultures have tattoos as a sing of heritage. If the world discriminated against tattoos they could potentially be discrimination against one’s culture (John Roberts 155). Besides heritage reasons, people use tattoos as a symbol or courage or to put something behind them that represents something significant (Martí 6). A tattoos could also represent an accomplishment in someone’s life. For example, some people get their wedding dates tattooed on them or their children’s birthdays or even their kid’s names. People get tattoos to symbolize a plethora of events/phases in his/her life. Besides showing culture and symbolism, tattoos can also just be used as a form of self expression; for example, to show that you are bold, or that you are not afraid to show your true colors (Foltz 600). The problem with people showing off their body with tattoos, is that many people do not agree with in. The older generations typically have a hard time dealing with the fact tattoos are used for self expression. This really causes a problem in the generations that are more conserved because they feel as if we can express ourselves in other ways such as through the activates one does and evens through one’s career (Martí 9). Tattoos have many different meanings, so before one judges someone for a tattoo they should ask exactly what the tattoo means or
Nowadays, the popularity of tattoo is growing among all walks of life and getting tattoos has become a trend among college students (Stockard, Appel, &O'Neill, n.d.). In California, there are at least 17 tattoo shops can be seen through a short drive in the city. In the past, someone who has tattoo is treated as tattoo artist but today’s tattooed people are judged that they have a poor relationship with family (Coats, 2014). Tattoo has went from subculture to a pop culture and a report from Pew Research Center shows that 36 percent of Americans aged 18-25, who most are the college students, have at least one tattoo (Thobo-Carlsen, 2014). Undeniably, tattoo is more common among college students but it is not necessarily accepted in this decade (Coats, 2014).