Sociological Views On Tattoos

Body modifications have existed in our society for centuries and the way in which it is perceived has changed somewhat over the years. But certain stigmas still persists to this contemporary day. One such body modification is the act of inking or marking the skin: Tattooing. 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 diverse groups of people. But are the popular perceptions of tattoos out of synch with the true meaning behind them? This essay will explore the social and cultural practices of tattooing and the causal connection between the mind and the tattooed body. It will also explore why tattoos engender

By doing this, however, our generation has stop thinking about the impact their actions will have on their future. B. Thesis Statement: The majority of businesses have not conformed to the accepting of body modifications unlike the rest of society. C. I know from my upbringing that tattoos and piercings affect credibility. However, I realize I did not know

Garrett Kennedy is a representative for the employers and senior executives in all aspects of employment-related litigation; a complaint that helps deal with situations that involves an employee being treated differently at his or her job. In this case, Kennedy is representing the people who are being discriminated at the workplace because of their body modifications. Kennedy acknowledges that, “...studies reflect negative biases against individuals with tattoos which include assumptions that they are less intelligent and attractive, and more rebellious. Not surprisingly, 60% of human resources professionals reported that visible tattoos would have a negative

Tattoos have likely been at the top of the list as the most discussed topic amongst the different social classes. There is a divide between societies understanding of tattoos, those who oppose them identify tattoos as being a form of “taboo” and is associated with a type of body modification that is seen as distasteful in nature. Others believe tattoos are a form of one’s own self-expression. Although tattoos are subjective to each person, we should not completely rule them out altogether because they are perceived and sometimes deemed inappropriate, that is a form of stereotyping.

Leanne Padowski’s expression in position two did not contain as many as statistical facts as the thesis in position one. She indicated reasons why tattoos are often frowned upon. The evidence for Padowski’s thesis was weaker because there was only one study in 2011 by a career builder which shows a lower percentage on why you should not get a tattoo. She articulated on two choices which would make tattooed individuals feel judged or underestimated

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.

“According to a 2010 Pew Research report, about 23% of adults born between 1981 and 1991 have piercings other than their earlobe” (Pfeifer, Web). Also, in 2012, 2 in 10 adults in the United States reported to have at least one tattoo. That number has increased to 3 in 10 adults just last year in 2015 (Shannon-Missal, Web). The prevalence of tattoos and piercings have increased dramatically over the past few decades, especially in teens and young adults known as Generation Y. Although the main reason for getting a tattoo or piercing can vary from person to person, the change in appearance is a way of expressing individuality and to portray your self-image to the public. Some people are hesitant when deciding where to get their tattoo or piercing because of the impact it will have on their appearance and in the workplace. Discrimination against tattoos and piercings in the workplace does exist, especially in white-collar employment, and it can prevent someone from potential employment or even a promotion because tattoos and piercings are considered unprofessional (Foltz, 589). Tattoos and piercings should be acceptable in the workplace because they are a way for people to express themselves and people should not be judged on their appearance, but by the quality of their work.

When you think of social issues there are many that come to mind ,but there is one that though it effects many is overlooked. That issue is the acceptance of tattoos into our main stream culture. Tattoos actually have a very long history in our culture but in the past, was concentrated in small out of the way pockets of society like the military and criminals. This has slowly started to change and tattoos have started to make their way into the commonplace. This transition into an age of acceptance is not only moral move but a logical one, this claim can be justified with the with deep traditional roots and personal experience that tattoos hold for the people that adorn their skin with them.

A recent poll on tattoos in the workplace has reported that “70% of respondents thought that people with tattoos need to be ready to cover them up in the office, 23% thought tattoos should always be covered in the office, and 7% felt that all tattoos should be allowed in the office” (Caraher). The fact that a poll on tattoos in the workplace is even conducted is a good illustration that there are more people with tattoos than ever before in mainstream society. The presence of tattoos in the workplace is becoming the norm. However, there are still many who think they have no place. Seventy percent of people polled thought that it was okay, but they must be covered. While there may still be situations that covering up the tattoos may be the best, such as when having negotiations internationally, most instances intra-office situations should allow people to display tattoos. It won’t harm anyone and may improve relationships between people in the office allowing for improved

An individual’s image is important when meeting somebody for the first time, an employer, family, peers, even strangers that a person might encounter while walking down the street can be judgmental. When are where did the world’s culture change with regards to tattoos? Tattoos were once considered a “rite of passage in some primitive cultures” (Johnson, Ileana, 2015), they were also linked to gang affiliations, military unity, “spirituality, devotion, religion, rewards and awards for bravery, amulets, talismans and security. Tattoos were also used as a symbol of punishments, being outcast, slavery and conviction” (A Brief History of Tattoos and Body Art, 2015). With shows like “LA Ink”, “Bad Ink, and “Miami Ink” body art is no longer looked as an offensive act but being used as a statement of freedom and worn by people of all ages from around the world.

Tattoos have always been a controversial topic since people had the ability to mark their bodies. Some specific research articles shows that tattoos shows are considered a culture within themselves and some show the complete opposite. With the different perspectives about individuals with tattoos, the definition to explain the culture behind tattoos is not definite. By definition, culture is defined as the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively. A crucial question constantly placed in todays society is the whether tattoos can considered a culture. Based upon the influence through society that has been passed down from generation to generation through various different families, the expression and meaning that is behind the reasons for why people get tattoos, as well as festivals and organizational events that occur for people associated with their culture to celebrate tattoos.

Over one fourth of the American population between the ages of 18-29 has a tattoo according to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Tattoos are ubiquitous in modern society as are the plethora of different opinions on them. Although in the past tattoos have been seen as a sign of degeneracy, they are becoming more accepted in society today and seen instead as an art form. Thus, they should be enjoyed rather than covered up. There are many beautiful tattoos that hold sentimental meaning or are representational of a pivotal point in the bearer's life. One example would be a tattoo commemorating a loved one who has passed away or another celebrating the birth of a child. Even though there are

“In some industries, such as software and biotechnology, companies need to attract the most intelligent employees, regardless of what is inked on their skin or dangling from their flesh.” (WONG, 2005) This is a great example because it helps argue my point. A company should be worried about the work that its employee will produce and not worry so much about what is on or in their skin. “The outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas says employers will be forced to become more accepting of body art. "Some employers are already having trouble finding skilled workers -- they are not going to let some body art get in the way of hiring the best-qualified candidate," said John Challenger, chief executive officer of the Chicago-based firm.” (WONG, 2005)

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

However, although tattoos are progressively seen as a prosocial rational method of communicating ones identity to others within their societal group and the wider society (Atkinson, 2003), research (e.g. Mun, Janigo & Johnson, 2012) is consistently highlighting the possibility that obtaining an tattoo can lead to changes in how tattoo wearers view themselves and their behaviour.