Tattoos Place In Contemporary American Culture Analysis

628 Words2 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Analytical essay on tattoos

Tattoo’s Place in Contemporary American Culture This article by John Roberts is to help us better understand how and why people have tattoos. Tattoos meaning in the popular culture have changes over the years. People are getting tattoos for different reasons and in different ways. “despite… path-breaking analyses of tattooing as a contextual and negotiated signifier of identity, sociological statements on the cultural use of tattoos in North America ultimately (re) produce a conceptualization of the practice as contra-normative. The symbolic relationship between tattooing and illegal behavior (or otherwise unconventional lifestyles) still dominates in sociological research. Sociologists prefer to study the subversive subcultural uses of tattooing.” (Atkinson 127). This quote exposes the schism that formed around a phenomenon, one view focuses on the deviance and mental disorders, and the other view focuses on positively contributing to fashion and identity formation. …show more content…

The tattooed people get tattoos that show no matter what they believe that is part of themselves and to cover it would be a shame. People that have tattoos get them in places easily covered, so they don’t get judged by anyone who disagrees with them and for professional reasons. John talks about the meaning of a tattoo in the new age, how most do it because of fashion or identity formation. Fashion is all about the media and what is trendy, identity formation refers to as getting a tattoo for a lost loved one or for morals. Placement seems to be what defines us as tattooed people or people with

Show More
Related

  • Body Modifications: Tattoos

    1946 Words  | 4 Pages

    ...siderably. From a mark of criminality to an embraced art form, the body modification has represented various expressions of the bearer’s inner self. However, despite the efforts to normalize tattoos in the society, the social stigma of deviance perceived by the larger society still remains deeply etched in the art. It is apparent that the intended message a bearer wants to communicate through a tattoo may not be perceived correctly by others. These motivations behind tattoos are filtered through cultural and historical lenses that often result in unintended perceptions of tattooed bodies. In addition, the attempts of using tattoos to change social conditions often reinforce the very conditions they seek to counter. Though these stigmas and misinterpretations see no sign of fading, tattooing will remain as a powerful vehicle of self-expression and social commentary.

    Read More

  • Tattoos In American Culture Essay

    1381 Words  | 3 Pages

    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

    Read More

  • Rhetorical Analysis: On Teenagers And Tattoos By Andres Martin

    1346 Words  | 3 Pages

    In the beginning of the article, Martin explains that teenagers usually pursue tattoos from an influence or even in an effort to confirm affiliation or identity (Martin, 1). He then compares the standpoints of the adolescents and parents. Adolescents tend to get tattoos or piercings for the look and feel of it, while parents feel that their child receiving a piercing or tattoo as a threat to their authority. Martin expresses how even the simplicity of piercing or tattooing skin can cause strain and arguments in families (Martin, 2). He then introduces his three main sections: Identity and the Adolescent’s Body, Incorporation and Ownership, and The Quest for Permanence. In his first section, Identity and the Adolescent’s Body, Martin explains some reasons as to why adolescents seek receiving something involving such permanence. He conveys how most teenagers seek piercing and tattooing as a refuge from an identity crisis or conflict, which are normal for youth development (Martin, 3). In Martin’s second section, Incorporation and Ownership, he explains how some adolescents receive tattoos after long thought processes; they embrace fantasy and imagination (Martin, 4). Last but not least, The Quest for Permanence. Martin explains how an anchor tattoo could mean something different for everyone. It is impossible to perceive a tattoo and know

    Read More

  • Tattoos Annotated Bibliography Essay

    1306 Words  | 3 Pages

    In the journal titled “To Ink or Not to Ink: The Meaning of Tattoos Among College Students”, the authors discuss how students in college feel about tattoos. They address how many people do or do not have a tattoo, the meaning behind the tattoos, and why the non-tattooed students have chosen not to get one. The students with tattoos were said to of taken time to decide what their tattoos was going to be of, where they were going to have it done, and the placement of

    Read More

  • Symbolism Of Tattoos In Society

    567 Words  | 2 Pages

    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.

    Read More

  • 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

  • Essay About Tattoos

    546 Words  | 2 Pages

    Once considered taboo, tattoos have shed the social outcast stigma once associated with getting inked. One might even say tattoos have become trendy.

    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 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

  • Summary Of David Brooks Non Conformity Is Skin Deep

    1234 Words  | 3 Pages

    It is true that the young people have more tattoos than the old people. 36% of Americans between ages 18-29 have a tattoo (Brooks). The fact that society is accepting this violation means that there are more people who are yet to confirm, of which they will in the near future. It is also evident that people wear tattoos to show commitment because lovers for instance wear the images or the names of their lovers and others wear the images of their icons to show that they matter to them. This kind of permanence on someone’s body shows commitment and it is admirable to the world.

    Read More

  • Tattoos And Body Modifications

    1405 Words  | 3 Pages

    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).

    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 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

  • The Addictive Draw to Tattoos

    1506 Words  | 4 Pages

    Many of us crave tattoos because we desire to define ourselves as unique individuals. There are different reasons as to why tattoo artwork accomplishes this. For many, low self esteem is the driving emotion that lands a person in the tattoo parlor. Shelley Twyman confirms this idea, stating that “many people feel better about their self image after engaging in a type of alteration of the body.” In actuality, Shelley’s research measured the self esteem of tattooed individuals as on par with those who didn’t have one, after the alteration. Additionally, body art is often used to express the belief or views of the individual. For example, Margo DeMello argues in “Body Art, Deviance, and American College Students”, quoted by Myrna Armstrong et al, that some tattooed individuals see themselves “as if they are some kind of substitute for a personal philosophy” (152). Myrna Ar...

    Read More

More about Tattoos Place In Contemporary American Culture Analysis

Open Document