Analysis Of Nonconformity Is Skin Deep

In the article, "On Teenagers and Tattoos," Andres Martin tells a story on the rising trend of tattoos among teenagers and explains the different reasonings behind teenagers tattooing themselves. The main reasons Martin states for this existence is teens want to indicate as individuals. What I agree with Martin is the relationship between tattoos and teens are quite prevalent today, and tattoos are more for personal display rather than tattoo itself. Martin starts off by bringing up his idea on the relationship between tattoos and identity. He introduces his thought that tattoo is helping young people to reveal and show their allegiance to a social class. He thinks people should be able to express themselves to any extreme and through any kind

Day then draws a sharp criticism on the increasingly “commodified” nature of tattoos, as she derides them as a mere “fashion statement”. The words “fashion statement” insinuates that such tattoos are materialistic and transparent in meaning, upholding the notion that modern tattoos carry no purpose in today’s society, other than to impress others. The reader, as a result, may be invoked to feel annoyance and frustration at the ignorance of the general public, who are implied to be unaware of the previous meaning of tattoos. Moreover, Day compounds upon this pre-established notion of commodity by stating it is “fashion’s proprietary mark”. The word “proprietary” may position the reader to criticise the fashion industry, as it is suggested that the fashion industry has defiled body art out of economical greed. Day finds this “profoundly annoying”; the conviction in her statement, achieved through the use of brevity, may invite the reader to share similar sentiments,

Tatoos are extremely controversial. Some people love them and some hate them. The two articles discuss both sides. "Tattos: The Ultimate in Expression" is best supported because it gives several examples from real world experience.

The word “tattoo” is actually the combination of words from two different cultures. The Polynesian word to strike something, “ta”, and the Tahitian word meaning to mark something, “tatau” (Designboom, 2010). The form of body art known as tattooing has developed artistically, improved technically, and changed stylistically throughout the past two centuries. Not only has the public perception changed over the years, but the methods and machinery used to create these wonderful pieces of art has also changed drastically. Once viewed as only acceptable for sailors, criminals, and circus performers; tattoos, have taken a giant leap from their humble roots. However, they couldn’t have become as popular as they have without the inspirational

On the most basic level, tattoos acted as a badge of social and cultural differentiation that separated the tattooed from the non-tattooed. On a deeper level, however, social and cultural homogeneity did not unite the tattooed, for the subject matter and aesthetic style of the tattoos created a fault-line that divided the classes. (Caplan, 2000, 148)

One in every five Americans have a tattoo. It is no longer surprising to see people with markings on their bodies. Many believed it is a form of self-expression. Even though some cultures or religions view tattoos as a negative thing, that does not stop people from getting them. To have a better understanding about tattoos we must go back and trace how it all began. From the tools, they used to the ink, it is incredible how tattooing has evolved over the years.

There are many reasons for individuals to acquire body modifications. One possible reason for body modifications is to gain attention through displays of extravagance such as those that are found in people with histrionic disorder (Durand & Barlow, 2000). A study by Burger & Finkel (2002) investigated reasons why people adorn their bodies with tattoos and body piercing. They also researched unmodified participants’ perceptions of body art. When the researchers polled participant group as to their perceptions of body modifications, they found that many people associate tattoos and body piercing with risky behaviors and view them as symbols of drug abuse and violence (Burger & Finkel, 2002). They found that a main motivation for people to modify their bodies is to increase self-esteem. The people polled found body art as beautiful and felt more beautiful when they acquired it. A study conducted at Denison University by Lyons and Snyder (1996) described the reasons why college men and women had tattoos and body piercing. The main reason cited by the men with body modifications for getting tattooed or pierced was to identify themselves with a certain group. Women, however, rated their tattoos and piercing to make themselves more individualized or sexually appealing. Other popular reasons for displaying body modifications are to carry on cultural traditions and to increase

“Of course, everyone knows the saying "judging a book by its cover" is a reality so there will always be someone who disapproves. The one thing I try to do is be upfront about who I am, which includes my tattoo”. Even though not all tattoos have to have some deep meaning to them, people just want them so they can be different. Even though it’s a paradox since some people get them just to be like someone else, who is well respected in society.

The tattoo is a very old form of body modification, but in spite of that there is still a certain rejection towards those who carry them in a visible area of the body, for some it disfigures what has been created in the image and likeness of God while for others associates this with convicts or gang members mainly because they were one of the first groups to use tattoos to differentiate themselves from the rest of society. But also it is true that there is a very limited understanding about this corporal modification that could be one of the reasons why it can not be appreciated as for how it should be. However, modern society reflects the current popularity of tattooing because it has acquired an entirely artistic meaning to a social expression and a way of identity.

Before one can truly understand the stance of an argument, you have to understand the topic. After carefully reviewing reliable resource it was discovered that the art of tattooing can easily be dated back to the 4th millennium BC (Before the Common Era) mummified bodies discovered in ancient Egypt. Archeologists found themselves identifying tribes as well as historical information the marking and body tattooing. It became clear and concise that ancient rulers would brand their bodies to inform others of their rank and accomplishments, whereas other royal family alleged that tattoos meant magical talents. On the other hand, tattoos replicate a standout amongst the most trustworthy known categories of communication.

Tattoos have been around throughout our history, from Egyptian times to the present day. Many people may say they know the history of tattoos, and where they originate from, but do they really? Does one know that there were reasons that some people had tattoos? There may be people who know the actual history of tattoos and body art and why one would decide to get one; however there are people who do not. To be able to understand the idea of tattoos, one should educate themselves to the history of tattoos. Although tattoos have been considered taboo and a stereotype, history reveals that this particular form of body art has been used for self expression, status and

Only 32% of students surveyed in Arkansas, California, and Ohio believe that having visible tattoos would hinder a person’s chance of getting a job. (Bevill, Bracy, Dale, Glasgow, & Roach, 2009) It is just what they believe, not what is true.

Over the years body art has evolved and become much more acceptable. In the mid 1900’s, piercing and tattoos were most commonly found among sailors, bikers and young rebellious adults. They are, in some instances, still used to identify people, such as gang members. But over the years all this has changed. Society itself has become more open to self expression. It would not be unlikely to find a tattoo or piercing on an “upscale” person now, like a doctor or lawyer. Another reason for this rise in number of people with body art could be due to the technology our world now has to offer. It is no longer such a worry about contracting Hepatitis from getting tattoos or piercings, due to medical technology and education on health and safety issues.

Tattoos today are recognized as totally different than what they were pictured as in the past. “Tattooing is recognized by government agencies as both an art form and a profession and tattoo-related art work is the subject of museum, gallery and educational institution art shows across the United States.” [ (Levins,

Daniel Evers has worked in numerous cities and states over his career. I asked how educated his general clientele is, he responded without hesitation. “Over my career, I have noticed a dramatic increase in the number of lawyers, nurses, pharmacists, and high ranking military getting tattooed. The common thought when I began my career as an artist was that only drug users or gang members were tattooed. Now it is common for business owners and veterinarians to have tattoos from head to toe.” (Evers, 2016)