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Society and tattoos
Tattoos in modern society
Tattoos in modern society
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The whole process that surrounds the act of acquiring a tattoo has been of great interest in television, documenting the growth of the practice in western culture. Programmes including LA ink, London Ink, my tattoo obsession, tattoo fixers to mention a few, have all contributed to the commercialisation of the practice and bringing it to a wider audience. In the past women tattoo artists were simply a handful of people, now talented tattoo artists such as Kat Von D, who has her own reality show, a tattoo shop and ironically a foundation to cover tattoos. Although there has been an increase in tattooing the demand for removal has also increased (Kirkby et al 2009) and this has led some to believe tattoos are simply a fashion fad and its permanence …show more content…
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) Stigma suggests that there are certain characteristics of individuals that are considered undesirable or deviant (Goffman, 1963) interestingly the word stigma derives the Latin work for prick. For those with visible tattoos this means accepting a voluntary social stigma (Sanders 1988, cited in Munn et al
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
Body modifications, with the focus of tattoos, have existed in our society for centuries and the way in which it is perceived has changed somewhat over the years, yet certain dishonors still remain our modern day. Like most body modifications, tattoos are an often misunderstood form of body modification. Despite the stigmas, tattoos have become a unique object of desire to endless diverse groups of people. But are the popular assumptions of tattoos out of sync with the true meaning behind them? Further explanation and exploration of the history will reveal the social and cultural practices of tattooing and the causal connection between the mind and the tattooed body, in addition to providing answers as to why tattoos stimulate uneasiness and curiosity and create a challenge to discursive practices.
Society’s outlook on “what’s in” changes every day, from what’s hot to what’s not. Fads repeat themselves over time and grow to be something that everyone now loves. Tattoos are the main trending thing of this century. They were once only a symbolism for criminals, sailors, prostitutes, and bikers, but now tattooing is mainstream in today’s times. Tattoos are seen as works of arts and your body is the canvas for aspiring tattoo artist. Nowadays there is such a wide variety of tattoos with different meanings, such as, a hand print of a loved one to someone’s favorite quote or bible verse. Some tattoos don’t always have to have meaning behind it. Anyone can decorate their body simply because they want meaningless, but artsy and funny tattoos. Inking up is becoming a significant part of someone’s life whether there is a meaning behind the tattoo or not, it is a growing thing to do and it doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon.
Kosut, M. (2006). An Ironic Fad: The Commodification And Consumption Of Tattoos. The Journal of Popular Culture, 39(6), 1035-1048. Retrieved November 29, 2013, from http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-5931.2006.00333.x
Many people have been getting tattoos lately. People of all ages have been getting them and from all different backgrounds. On a nice day in just about any public place one can spot a tattoo about every five minutes, from the business man who had a portrait of his daughter put on him to a young girl with a butterfly on her ankle and even people with extensive tattoo coverage. What is even more interesting is the rise in the number of people who are heavily tattooed and that they come from all different backgrounds. Not too long ago tattooing did not experience the popularity in mainstream culture that it does now. The question that must be asked in order to understand this fascination that popular culture has had with tattoos is why people get tattoos.
Since most people do not experience body modifications like piercing with stainless steel, wood, or bone rings in the face, ears, genitals, or other places. They also have not experienced branding or burning or scarification. Since the a majority of people have not experience extreme body modifications, they assume that there is something wrong with those that do take part in these body modifications and usually think the worst of them. Martin found that previous research that showed that several stereotypes about people with tattoos are unsuccessful in school, they come from broken homes, had an unhappy childhood. They also rarely attend church, they make poor decisions in life. They also think that the people that get body modifications while intoxicated and are easy to give in to peer
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).
Body art and clothing choices are big components of fashion. David Kirby, author of "Inked Well" writes about how he once hated tattoos and thought they made people look unsophisticated, if you will. He met with many people who had gotten tattoos in the past and one specific person he met changed his whole reasoning as to why he thought tattoos were unnecessary. Her name was Jodie, and of all the subjects Kirby interviewed, Jodie was the most kind-hearted. Jodie, a recent self-abuser, shared with Kirby why she had spent so many long, tedious hours in the tattoo shop and her response was, "It didn't take me long to realize that getting tattooed was quite comparable to cutting myself; it was a way for me to 'bleed out' the emotional pains which I was unable to deal with otherwise.(Inked Well )" Tattooing caused Jodie to find an alternative way to release her pain. David Kirby was very much so a follower of society and by the end of his endeavor into the effects of tattooing he found he had a newfound respect for the "outsiders." Today more and more people are getting tattoos and in return they are becoming more acceptable; if discrimination towards tattooing can diminish then so can any other discriminatory
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
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.
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.
Some tattoo art is so good that NBA players have had to get expressed written permission from their tattoo artist to allow their art to be presented while playing a basketball game on national television. Presently, more and more tattoo artists are graduating from colleges and universities with fine art degrees. These new tattooist has studied art academically and have a full understanding of the elements of art in the composition of tattoos. They are able to use their understanding of the fine arts to render their work on living canvases.
Art has always been a cherished outlet for mankind, a story is told through various art types and the ideals a person or society might value, take ancient roman sculptures for example. Art is no different on the skin, and what’s even more unique about tattoos are that no two are ever completely alike, they’re unique to each individual. In a world that’s constantly changing, evolving, tattoos provide a sense of identity and permanency. Stated in “Tattoos are a unique form of expression and a significant part of many identities” by Liliana Mota for the Daily Titan, “People get tattoos for many reasons, whether it’s to honor a loved one, express themselves in a different way or represent something meaningful, every tattoo has a reason and a purpose. One such instance is when tattoos are used as a cover-up for bodily imperfections that cause one to feel self-conscious.”
Are tattoos a kiss of death at a workplace? According to Student Research Center, nearly 4 out of every 10 Americans in their 30s have been inked. ''In April 2000 15% of Americans were tattooed (which is roughly around 40 million people) (The National Geographic).'There are different types of tattoos, from color to black and white, even glow in the dark. Number of tattoo paralos in the U.S. is 21,000'' (Tattoo Statistics 1) and more is being added every single day. People spend about $1.6 billion on tattoos once a year. ''In the U.S. more women than men are tattooed, 36% of the ages is between 18-25 and 40% of those ages are 26-40 that have at least one tattoo.''(Random facts 1) People have been getting tattoos for a while now. It has been said that ''tattoos date back as far as the Neolithic era or around the fourth to fifth millennium BC.''(skinsight.com 1) Tattoos should be acceptable at a place of business because people get tattoos for significant purposes, tattoos can tell stories and build confidence, body art is a way for someone to express themselves, make up, and tattoos are reminders of life time experiences.
As early as the nineteenth century women were modifying their bodies with tattoos as a way to seek employment; this employment consisted mainly of circus sideshows or “freak shows.” These women were most often regarded as outcasts and rebels and were frequently scorned and ridiculed. “At that time, positive associations with tattoos were limited to upper class women; these women were recognized as brave and noble as well as beautiful” (Hawkes, Senn, and Thorn 594.) There was a resurgence of tattooing in the 1920s and again in the late 1960s and early 1970s which brought not only an increase in the number of women receiving tattoos but also in the number of female tattoo artists. Unlike their predecessors these women were not tattooing their bodies as means to gain employment but as a form of self-expression and rebellion. Yet they still met with discrimination and negative attitudes when it came to their tattoos.