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Peer pressure in youth culture
Peer pressure in youth culture
Key points about tattoos for an informative essay
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Many adults view tattoos as a negative aspect on the skin of an individual. Some may argue that “they are too young” to understand the concept of permanence. Despite the arguments of adults, the idea of obtaining a tattoo seems to attract more and more teenagers. In today’s society it has become common to witness tattoos on the skin of many individuals. At their short age, teenagers, become fascinated by the idea of a tattoo, not only because of the looks, but also because of how it makes them feel. In the article “On Teenagers and Tattoos,” by Andres Martin, an assistant professor of child psychiatry at the Yale Child Study Center in New Haven, Connecticut, attempts to persuade his fellow child psychiatrists to think about tattoos as …show more content…
Tattoos have become a “magnetic appeal” to teenagers, while they also become “battleground with adults” (Martin, 2001, p. 143). In the article “On Teenagers and Tattoos,” by Andres Martin, the author explains that by exploring the “complex psychological underpinnings of youth tattooing,” adults are able to understand teenagers better (Martin, 2001, p. 143). Initially, the author states that tattoos “can offer a concrete and readily available solution for many of the identity crises and conflicts normative to adolescent development” (Martin, 2001, p. 143). Tattoos, according to Martin, provide adolescents with a sense of uniqueness along with a sense of control during a time of change in their lives. Moreover, tattoos are far more than “memorials or recipients for dearly held persons or concepts…” they are the only “ongoing memento of a relationship” (Martin, 2001, 144). These marks strive for incorporation, becoming a permanent mark on an individual’s skin, along with providing evidence that something ever existed. Furthermore, tattoos can “promise permanence and stability” (Martin, 2001, 144). A sense of stability can be derived from tattoos, while the world around keeps changing. Exploring the significance behind the marks on a teenager’s skin, can help resolve differences and gain a sense of understanding of an adolescent’s way of …show more content…
Martin compares tattoos to a “… “Keep Out” sign hanging from a teenager’s door” (Martin, 2001, p. 143). It is evident that the image tattoos initially create, is not positive which may result in adults rejecting the adolescent. This comparison can help the reader, a child psychiatrist, understand how adults view teenagers with tattoos and further develop ways to change this view that can undermine these adolescents. In my opinion, the comparison made Andres Martin is persuasive to a child psychiatrist because it appeals directly to the emotions of the reader. Martin is convincing, in the idea that psychiatrists should “… become sensitized through our patients’ skins to another level of their internal reality” (Martin, 2001, p.
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
Parents need to share some of the blame when it comes to the issue of young adults making damaging personal choices, such as tattoos, piercing, and shocking hair styles that can have a negative impact on their future, and ability to land a job. Parents need to ensure that they are not enabling their children to make wrong personal choices by them giving the example that it is acceptable to look and act a certain way, nor send the wrong message. Parents of young adult’s need exhibit moral behavior, as well exhibit respectable personal choices themselves. In today’s generation, it is understandable that we live in a society where anything goes, nevertheless the parents cannot ignore or condone damaging personal appearance behavior their young adult children choose to
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 has changed in many ways over the years; at one point tattoos were considered unprofessional and disgusting to most people, but today, they are quite common amongst young adults and people who enjoy art. Parents and people of many older generations, sometimes struggle to understand why this new interest in tattoos has been able to consume American culture so quickly. Prior to this boom of interest in tattoos, there were many horror stories that surrounded the subject due to unsanitary tools used and possible diseases a person could catch if a mistake was made. Lois Desocio is one of those adults who has struggled to understand tattoos, especially since her son Alec began to fill his body with them. As Alec’s collection of body art continues
To survive in society, one must fit in. There are many reasons that people always try to be like everyone else. Some are unsure and others are afraid of being different. Many people change themselves just to fit in. Although tattoos used to be a sign of rebellion, they are now common. In Tattoos were once a sign of rebellion – no...
There are many different jobs in this world for young black men my age. They can either choose to be a fireman, a police officer, a writer, or a singer, but that’s not what I want to do. I know of a career that I think that would be great for me to do and that will help me and support me and my dreams. My dreams is to become a tattoo artist because I will gets the chance to meet new people it’s every exciting, and tattoos are fantastic art.
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.
Many people believe that doctors shouldn’t have tattoos and piercings. Many say that it affects their work and it’s unprofessional, that people with tattoos and piercings should only be allowed in certain jobs. Others say that tattoos and piercings are unhealthy to the skin and doctors who have them make a bad statement on themselves, considering that doctors should be healthy. Other people use the argument that children’s doctors that have them make a bad influence on the children showing them that when they grow up, they too should get a tattoo or piercing. Although the opposing side does make some great points, these accusations can be proven wrong.
Wohlrab, S, Stahl, J., & Kappeler, P. M. (2007). Modifying the body: Motivations for getting tattooed and pierced. Body Image, 4, 87–95
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.
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.
Tattoos have become more prevalent in our society over the last few decades. What used to be a social faux pa or a negative brand has come to be a more acceptable life choice in our culture. However, only those who have joined the inked-up club can describe the sensation of modifying one’s body with art. From the pain and tantric feeling from the stinging that is released as a person allows themselves to be marked for the rest of their life, and the hot pierce of the needle that gives a sensation of feeling alive and the desire to do this again. Tattoos have become a major social focus today, so the psychology behind their popularity warrants discussion. Ultimately, people who get tattoos yearn for individual expression through artwork, acceptance or adherence to some rite of passage, and the physical satisfaction that only the experience of tattooing can provide.