Changing The Perception Of Tattoos

1182 Words3 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Tattoos in society

Why do people perceive tattoos as being dangerous, dirty, and generally belonging to a class of “undesirables?” It could be because people cannot live in a world without narration and stories. Since the dawn of mankind stories have been developed both through natural happenings and casual relations, as well as constructed through characters, themes, language and the meaning of words. The story of tattoos as well as countless others are narratives that have been developed and passed down through the generations without much revision. Walter Fisher once wrote that, “..narratives are fundamental to communication and provide structure for human experience and influence people to share common explanations and understandings.”(pg. 58), which could perfectly explain why tattoos have had a bad rap for centuries. Similarly Kenneth Burke wrote that “..a similarity is taken as evidence of an identity.” when writing about how the world is defined through nothing but a vast array of symbols that people have attributed meaning to. Narratives, themes, characters, and symbols through the years, as they are shared among the public, are the reasons why tattoos are seen as anything but beautiful and non-threatening. Questions that arise as a result of the above mentioned discovery are philosophic ones, because they propose hypothetical changes in the way society acts and lives. Is it possible to change public’s opinion on tattoos? If so, how would one go about that? Would tattoos become more admirable, perhaps even regarded as an art form if they were accepted into public? To answer some of these questions it is necessary to critique the narrative of tattoos. To do that though, some preliminary attributes have to be categorized. To start, ever... ... middle of paper ... ...80 degree turn, and the tattoo story would have a new ending. Everybody dance and sing. General narratives, themes, characters, symbols, and societal views are all still reasons why tattoos are seen as ugly. By altering the way the general public perceives tattoos through the use of positive media and revised storytelling/narrative, tattoos could become more acceptable and even beautiful in today’s society. Works Cited 1. Burke, Kenneth. Attitudes Toward History. Third ed. Berkeley: U of California P, 1984. 2. Fisher, Walter. Human Communication as Narration: Toward a Philosophy of Reason, Value, and Action. Columbia: U of South Carolina P, 1987. 3. Perse, E. M. (2001). Media Effects and Society. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. Retrieved October 26, 2010, from Questia database: http://www.questiaschool.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=106226367

Show More
Related

  • Persuasive Essay On An Individual With Tattoos

    1051 Words  | 3 Pages

    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.

    Read More

  • History and Cultural Diffusion of Tattoos in America

    1065 Words  | 3 Pages

    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.

    Read More

  • Tattoos Should Be Allowed in the Workplace

    1506 Words  | 4 Pages

    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?

    Read More

  • Tattoos and Mainstream Culture

    1275 Words  | 3 Pages

    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.

    Read More

  • The Importance Of Body Modification And Deviance

    1037 Words  | 3 Pages

    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

    Read More

  • The Evolution Of Tattoos

    1920 Words  | 4 Pages

    They’re what you see on your friends, family and people walking on the streets. This growing debate on tattoos brings me to the point of the evolution of tattoos. Tattoos were once believed to be a risky trend and are now becoming more of the norm. As we know it tattoos are not as unusual as they once were. There are many different reasons behind why people get tattoos, for example personal losses, symbolism, or just the concept of it being art. Most believe tattooing is just another medium of art and it should be respected along with the tattoo artist who give them. A lot of people differ in opinion behind what, where, and how people should get their tattoos. A strong topic to think about is what to get as a tattoo in the first place. Then there is the topic of where to get a tattoo so it will not put an individual’s professional image down the drain. Finally, the last important basic topic to think about is how you are going to get a tattoo. There are two reasons to ask this question and one is the sterilization of the needle. The second one is the age limit of the person who is getting the tattoo. If one is too young then it defeats the concept of getting a tattoo in the first place because of the committed decision one has to make before getting a tattoo.

    Read More

  • Persuasive Essay About Tattoos

    2488 Words  | 5 Pages

    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

    Read More

  • Expressing Oneself Through Tattoos

    1091 Words  | 3 Pages

    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.

    Read More

  • Tattoos Should Be Allowed In The Workplace Essay

    1018 Words  | 3 Pages

    Some people get offended by tattoos, some people think they are gruesome, and some think that they are fascinating. There are many things that are not socially acceptable that many employers don’t allow, like sagging of the pants, certain clothing, even facial hair sometimes. In the journal, Attitudes toward and stereotypes of persons with body art: implications for marketing management the authors say studies have shown that “21.6 percent agree tattoos are indicative of a “partying lifestyle.” 57.6 percent agree tattoos have a “bad Image.” And that 85.3 percent agree that the number of tattoos make a difference in how he/she is perceived by

    Read More

  • Tattoos and Criminal Behavior

    1892 Words  | 4 Pages

    The ancient practice of tattooing, once considered a trademark of social outcasts and criminals, has steered back into mainstream culture at an alarming rate (Irwin 2001, Swan 2006). In western society, tattoos are often associated with antisocial behaviour. In 1895, Cesare Lombroso concluded in his study that the art of tattooing is most commonly found on the bodies of criminals (Putnins 2002). The frequency of tattoo’ are predicted to be found at higher rates in criminal subcultures than in the general public. According to the 2003 Harris poll, nearly 40 million Americans’ have at least one tattoo. The practice is becoming more popular with teenagers.

    Read More

  • Essay On Tattoos In Prison

    1009 Words  | 3 Pages

    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?

    Read More

  • Tattoo Persuasive Essay

    231 Words  | 1 Pages

    The second reason is tattoos allows you to separate you from others in this extremely large world.Tattoos sometimes make you stand out from a group of people.some people don't like to stand out,

    Read More

  • Tattoos and Society

    1437 Words  | 3 Pages

    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.

    Read More

  • Tattoos Persuasive Essay

    804 Words  | 2 Pages

    Tattoos have been around for centuries, early civilizations have witnessed numerous forms of bans on tattoos and piercings with an assumption that these works were impure and as a result could without doubt stain sacred places of worship like temples, churches and so on. The prevailing view at the time was that this practice at times disdained the body and rendered it as a means to release inner turmoil and pain.

    Read More

  • Tattoo Discrimination In Our Society

    551 Words  | 2 Pages

    The existence of tattoos has been considered part of the deviation. Tattoos are still part of the action that comes out of the rails of rules and values ​​prevailing in society. In Indonesian society, conformity is still very strong where a person is considered normal and polite if neat, clean of tattoos, not piercing and others. If there is a slight distortion such as a pierced ear or nose, it will cause widespread reproach and discrimination to spread everywhere. Therefore, it is not surprising that such a person's style will be quickly considered a negative thing. In different cultural systems, tattoos have different meanings and functions. In Indonesia itself, there has been a time where tattoos are considered as something bad. People who wear tattoos are thought to be synonymous with criminals, disrespectful and mischievous people. Another assumption is that tattoo users are a group of people who live on the street and are always considered disturbing the community. The community's negative response to tattoos and the prohibition of wearing tattoos or tattoos for religious believers further enhances the image of tattoos as something forbidden, haram, and not allowed. So wearing a tattoo is like rebelling against the existing

    Read More

More about Changing The Perception Of Tattoos

Open Document