Tattoos have been apart of our history for centuries, dating as far back as Neolithic times. In some cultures and tribes tattoos are an important part of their identity and traditions, but tattoos began to be associated with negativity in regards to criminals and sailors as time progressed and societies evolved. When average families started to settle down in the suburbs and the generation of baby boomers arrived, it would have been rare to meet an average citizen with a tattoo and it would have been viewed as extremely distasteful. Fast forward almost 70 years and today it’s rare to meet someone without a tattoo. Overall things have changed dramatically since the 50’s in every way, and especially socially; people of color had little to no …show more content…
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.” Even though tattoos are mainly a form of art and self expression for one’s individuality, it’s important not to disregard the concept that sometimes people simply want to cover something like a scar, birthmark or other physical imperfection in place with something beautiful. Speaking from experience the tattoos that I have were placed solely to cover up scars that I was indescribably insecure about for years, and since getting them I’ve gained so …show more content…
It’s just common sense there’s no direct correlation with any of those job required qualities to someone having a tattoo. Why turn down someone with potential and the ability to actually make a change, someone with the knowledge and capability to get something done simply based on their looks, more specifically for having visible tattoos. Stated in “Millennials are the smartest, richest generation — but they have it worse than their parents” by Melia Robinson for Business Insider, “Millennials are the smartest, richest, and potentially longest living generation of all time. Young people score higher on intelligence tests, which the report attributes to better nutrition and mass education. They go on to make more money than their elders, too.” While there may not be much evidence behind that statement, Progress over the last few decades can back that up. More importance is placed on education than ever before, the curriculum being taught today wasn’t the same or as easy as what our parents were taught. Today, young adults and teenagers have access to everything all at the tip of their fingers from their smartphones. The amount of people who go to college now has noticeably risen and the standardized testing has only gotten harder. Teenagers as young as 13 are educating themselves on heavy topics
In the twenty-first century, where people want to express themselves and their art, getting a tattoo isn’t all about representing gangs or committing crimes anymore. Times have changed and what people might consider normal nowadays wouldn’t be considered normal in the past. In the article, Secret Ink: Tattoo’s Place in Contemporary American Culture, states that, “The expanding popularity of tattoos seems to be based on the fact that these can serve various purposes for different individuals. Some use them as a fashion tool whereas others use them as a method of identity formation, such as commemorating a lost loved one or representing one’s neighborhood.” (Roberts 163). This challenges my assumptions because it argues that not all individuals that own tattoos don’t always get them for the intention of being perceived as criminals but rather for something that is very personal to them. My assumptions are influenced on what tattoos used to mean from the past more than what they mean in this era. For example, not all people who have tattoos are affiliated with gangs. “Perhaps some of these historically negative connotations have permitted the subconscious thoughts of society and perceptions o f modem day tattoo.” (Foltz 593). This quote challenges and proves that people still hold these perceptions towards those individuals that have tattoos because they still think of them on how they were
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.
The perception of tattoos and those wearing them has varied in societies since tattoos first started being used. Some of the reasons people had/have tattoos include: therapy, protection, homage, memory, religion, or a dumb mistake. In historic cases, tattoos were used as a way to communicate with others, and were a common occurrence in most societies throughout history. Schildkrout states “There is no culture in which people do not, or did not paint, pierce, tattoo, reshape, or simply adorn their bodies (Schildkrout).”Since modern technology has made tattoos relatively affordable, faster and slightly less painful to receive, tattooing has shifted from select groups to “everyone else”. There are no specific groups for tattoos anymore, they are seen everywhere on all types of people and are less discriminated agains...
How do you choose to describe yourself? Actions? Words? Or a little to a large image that permanently printed on your skin, does that say much about you? It could be. For someone whose secretive or gone through many rough present and past can be an “escape” Other than drugs, body modifications can be their way of speaking out and reaching for help from others. And last, but not least, what makes us different from other living things out there? A form of art or other modifications such as piercing, hair coloring, clothing, etc. Tattoo is a representation of a freedom of expression in which is a basic human rights according to Thomas Jefferson and those are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of happiness.
Individuals that have tattoos in the workplace should be judged based on their work ethic, not body art. Conduct should count more than appearance. The image brings emotion to the reader, for example; on both sides the individual has a serious face, making the viewer feel sympathy with that certain individual. Overall, we see the same person on both sides with the same problem of discrimination for individuals that have body art. Having a tattoo is not a crime is a way to
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.
In today’s world there are several occupations one may choose from once receiving an education. Whether a person wants to be a doctor, a teacher, or a business person, one should be able to use their education to gain access to that job. Getting a job is no easy task, for there are many people who are also searching for that same job. Employers will interview many people just to find the right one and often times will have many stand-out applications to evaluate. When it comes down to making a decision, something as simple as having a tattoo could ruin every hope one has of getting the job. One may ask, “why does having a tattoo ruin ones chance of getting a job?” A tattoo would ruin one’s chances at getting a job simply because it is wrongly viewed as 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.
It is assumed that almost every American has a tattoo, regardless of their profession. This social trend has been accepted and embraced by many people in society to an extent that anyone who makes an offensive comment about tattoos can cause an offense.
Seeing how not accepting tattoos and piercings in the workplace can cause greater problems, employers need to start accommodating for individuals of all different backgrounds. Businesses need to start focusing on the important matters such as, education, work ethic, attitude, and the willingness to do their job successfully. Anything else is just an
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.