Tattoos And Identity Essay

It is evident that each of the three groups explored in this article gained some extent of identity and empowerment from tattoos. For some young adults, tattoos offer a vehicle for rebellion of authorities or the daily pressures they are subjected to. By getting a tattoo, they are asserting a sense of control over their own bodies’ and their capability and competence to be autonomous in all aspects of their lives. Rather than fully conform to the conventional and traditional standard appearance expectations, youths assert their budding independence and individuality through diverging from authorities’ expectations. However, for other young adults, tattoos can signify identifying with a group and can act as a physical manifestation of this sense

Tattoos allowed a deviation from these ludicrous expectations as well as provide an opportunity for resistance against the traditional gender norms that expect them to be feminine and not get tattoos that were initially received by men to reinforce their masculinity. The tattooing process has also been a mark of triumph, new beginnings, and healing for those who have recently recovered from an illness or who have been liberated from abuse or other traumatic experiences. They are able to reclaim their bodies from those that harmed them and be who they truly want to be, free of inhibitions and complete. Tattoos also offer women a sense of pride and can help fortify the self-pride many lack due to media, cultural, and societal expectations that make them feel inferior. Other groups like neo-primitives use tattoos as counteracting society and returning to a more primal nature that hinges on spirituality and rituals. This focus on spirituality redirects mainstream culture’s lack thereof as well as the contemporary focus on capitalism rather than