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. For a while it was believed that ancient Egyptians started the art of tattooing before Egypt itself was an organized society. “The earliest known examples were for a long time Egyptian and were present on several female mummies dated to c. 2000 B.C” (Lineberry). That changed when Ötzi the Iceman was found in the Italian-Austria border in 1991, and he pushed back the date a thousand years. Researchers still aren’t completely sure where tattooing really originated from. Ötzi the Iceman was a …show more content…
natural preserved mummy found Ötztal Alps. He was discovered by two German tourists who thought him to be a “recently deceased mountaineer” (Ötzi). In total, Ötzi has 61 tattoos that are distributed on his lower spine, right knee, and ankle joints. This suggests that they may have been applied to those particular areas to relieve joint pains. In addition, Ötzi was carbon dated and results showed that he was about 5,200 years old. Lopez 2 Female mummies found in Egypt with tattoos were often thought to be the marks of a prostitute, a dancing girl, were assumed to be women of questionable value, a royal mistress, or to protect them from sexually transmitted diseases.
The Author of the article “Tattoos”, Cate Lineberry, believes that tattoos were actually used as an amulet to protect women during difficult childbirth, and this was because of the tattoo pattern and their placement. In addition, women placed tattoos on their abdomen and on top of thighs and breasts. The tattoos were a net like structure that would expand during pregnancy, on the abdomen area, and serve as a form of protection for the child. The protector of women during childbirth, Bes, was also tattooed on the inside of their thighs, and this would actually signify “safeguarding” the actual birth. This explains why it was most likely a female practice, and it can be dated back to c. 2000
B.C. During the expansion of Egypt, the civilization of Greece and the empire of Rome also began tattooing. Greeks used tattooing as a form of communication with spies, which showed what rank they were. “However, during the classic Greek period, tattooing was only common among slaves” (History of Tattooing). Romans marked their slaves and criminals with tattoos, and it’s a practice that is still being used today. Around 2,000 B.C tattooing spread to Southeast Asia. The Ainu people, from Western Asia, used tattoos as a form of showing their social status and marked females coming of age to announce their place in society, along with married women. It is said that the Ainu people introduced Japan to tattooing as they moved through Japan. Chinese text indicated that Japanese men of all ages decorated their face with tattoos. Japanese prisoners were punished with tattoos when an offence was committed. For example, if they did something bad they would get three slashes that would be the character for “dog”. But in Japan Tattoos weren’t always associated with bad things. When samurais were forced to disband, they picked up the art of tattooing to replace the armor that the new emperor forced them to burn. The practice of tattooing was banned by the government because they viewed it as barbaric, and didn’t find it socially acceptable. This created the subculture of criminals and outcasts. “They could not simply integrate into mainstream society because of their obvious visible tattoos, Lopez 3 forcing many of them into criminal activities which ultimately formed the roots for the modern Japanese mafia, the Yakuza” (History of Tattooing), and from there tattooing acquired poor reputation. The Pope banned tattooing in 787 AD, but it still thrived in Britain until the invasion of the Normans. The Normans detested tattooing, and it disappeared from western culture for a while. Tattooing eventually came back when William Dampher, a sailor, brought back a Polynesian man with him in 1691. People were fascinated by his tattoos and would pay to see him. Captain Cook brought another Polynesian man named Omai that was a sensation in London. Soon, upper-class people were getting tattoos in secret places. What kept people from getting more tattoos was the painstaking process they had to go through. However, after World War II, tattoos were belittled because of the association they had with bikers and delinquents. In addition, there were reports of people getting blood poisoning, hepatitis, and other diseases. Today tattooing is making a great comeback. Tattooing is more popular now than it has ever been in 100 years. Tattooing is important to many people because it allows them to express themselves, and they get to choose what they want on their body. People of all ages search for tattoo artist that are willing to do their all for a happy customer and a great tattoo. Although tattooing isn’t for everybody, it’s good to have an idea of how they work. Tattoo artists today are put under the “fine artist” category.
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.
What is tattooing? Tattooing is a form of art that’s displayed on the human body. In fact, it is the oldest form of art known to man. Tattooing involves permanent, creative words and images. Some modern tattoos are quite simple while other tattooing is very complicated. Many different images can be a tattoo like a simple flower and cartoon characters to more ornate portraits and scenes. A professional tattoo artist is a person that applies tattoos onto individuals. Tattoo artists may also perform other body part modifications such as piercings and brandings.
Every day, tattoos have become apart of almost everyones daily life. Wether it be simply seeing someone with some on the street, to giving hundreds of them a day. While admiring their beauty, however, many people don’t think about the history behind the practice and how they have developed over the centuries. Tattoos have been around for thousands of years. One of the earliest evidence of tattoos being practiced was from the Iceman found with tattoos from the area of the Italian and Austrian border and was carbon dated to be around 5200 years old. Matching it's time, they use long one stakes dipped in soot.
Throughout the world there are hundreds of different cultures, religions, and customs. Each and every culture has a guideline of what is acceptable and what is not. Tattoos are still, to this day, a topic that is both, frowned upon, as well as, admired. There isn't a definite answer as to when, exactly, the first tattoo was created and acknowledged as such, however there are tons of different cultures around the world where tattoos began and were passed on to surrounding cultures. Tattoos can be found on Egyptian mummies, found in their tombs, Japanese and Chinese people, Sailors, and even Otzi, the iceman, dated back over 5,300 years ago.
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).
Starting off as juices and markings, tattoos were nothing more than ways of identification and personalization. Rubbing juices extracted from plants onto your face and arms is the most notable to people. Also using bone needles and pigments to tattoo in a more modern fashion was common. Ancient descendants used what they had and although it wasn’t painless and easy, it worked.
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.
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.
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
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.
Men commonly added something every year to the ornaments of the last, resulting in coverage from head to foot. Women generally stained only the lips, and occasionally small black patches on other parts. The practice differed for women in this age, but tattooing was practiced by both sexes, and its performance marks a critical era in the life of a youthful
Our society judges each other but does not like to be judged. There is a saying never judge a book by it’s cover,however the saying refers not only to books but towards people how are you going to judge someone without knowing them. Tattoos to some people are ugly or not necessary. People who get the tattoos decides on what to do to their body,and know the outcomes on what can happen after getting a tattoo. People need to know what diseases can be caused due to a tattoo.
Tattoos are a way to express your personality. Tattoos can add beauty to a person in many different ways. Many choose to get a tattoo at a younger age usually between 18-29. By this being said, many people do not have their set career in stone. Imagine getting a little tattoo on your wrist or arms, attending school for many years
The use of tattoo has been and is currently being practiced all over the globe. Tattoos have had varying uses and meanings to different people depending on their culture and tradition. For example; tattoos were used by women in Bomeo for purposes of getting a suitor. These women would put marks on their forearms showing the skill they were good at and thus attracting men who would later marry them.