Tattoos Have Different Meanings Or Significance - 1615 Words

In various societies, tattoos have had different meanings or significance. They have been popular for thousands of years in different cultures, as a common form of body modification. They can be symbolic of one’s self-expression, ‘a mark of individuality’, and body alteration as a compelling symbol. (Tiggemann Golder, 2006; Patterson Schroeder, 2010 as cited in Atik Yildirim, 2014). Tattoos have been around for so many years that its existence is unclear thus its origin remains a debate in today’s society. However, the earliest record was traced back to the East Mediterranean, mainly in places like Egypt, Turkey, Greece, Italy etc. (Atik and Yildirm, 2014). During those times, tattoos were believed to be used to protect the body from†¦show more content†¦These tattoos were found on the bodies of every sailor ensuring that they infiltrated western society with the idea of tattoos. However, the idea was not well received during that period because Westerners associated tattoos with deviant behavior; it was ‘outside’ of their social norms. They linked tattoos with masculine outsider groups, such as prisoners, the military, and motorcycle gangs. Thus, their behaviors demonstrated that they were transgressing the social norm of bare skin by becoming adorned with tattoos and therefore it was considered a deviant behavior (Atkinson, 2003). Tattoos were also associated with behaviors such as drug use, shoplifting and other illegal activities (Tiggemann and Hopkins, 2011). Hence, there was much resistance and stigmatization. Even today, much of these attitudes and behaviors towards tattooed individual still exist. Nevertheless, tattoos underwent a revival and a shift in the 1900s. As a result of tattoos becoming more popular, the previously held concept of the phenomenon has significantly decreased and has become more socially acceptable. The media’s presentation of tattoos, and their inclusion in both the fashion and art industry have had an impact on the symbolism circulating the world of tattoo, and has weakened its negative association to deviance (DeMello, 1995 as cited in Larsen, Patterson Markham, 2014). This mainstreamingShow MoreRelatedComparative analysis Essay1632 Words   |  7 PagesRenegade Image to Thrive In The Mainstream†. Traditionally, tattoos were meant for sailors, soldiers, bikers and gangs. Along with several changes in the industrialized and technological society of the twenty-first century, the standard for getting body modifications have altered as well. Everyday, people are willing to get permanently marked as an individual choice rather than the customarily perception of belonging to a certain group. Tattoo and piercing shops are not seen as â€Å"the backstreet† of theRead MoreJewelry Today and in Ancient Egypt986 Words   |  4 Pagesable to see many different types of jewelry the modern world has to offer, although I concentrated on diamond jewelry and more specifically rings. I will talk first about different ways that ancient Egyptians adorned themselves and then I will move on to the modern era and finally sum it up with the differences and similarities that I see. Even though I started off talking about jewelry there were many ways that Egyptians adorned themselves. Egyptians used jewelry, makeup, and tattoos. We know thisRead MoreTattoos : Culture And Culture1485 Words   |  6 PagesThere are different aspects of every culture and the American culture is no different. One of the aspects of American culture is the tattoo. Tattoos have been around for centuries, they are also part of other cultures and appeal to a broad variety of people. Tattoos became part of American culture through cultural diffusion, which is where one culture shares its culture with another through direct contact. Recently tattoos have re-assimilated into American culture and society by first being associatedRead MoreExpository Essay - Ancient Egyptians1575 Words   |  7 PagesAncient Egyptian Tattoos Brooke Campbell COM/150 June 27, 2010 Bill Wilke Egyptians are highly known for their glorious pyramids, powerful pharaohs, and endless amounts of gold and jewels. When we think of Egyptians we also think of tombs, curses, and cats being a source of protection. However, it is not known to many that they have not only defined the art, but also the meaning behind tattooing. Tattoos are the one thing still captured on the bodies of mummies, in which were discovered fromRead MoreTattoos : Culture And Culture1527 Words   |  7 PagesTattoos in Culture There are different aspects of every culture and the American culture is no different. One of the aspects of American culture is the tattoo. Tattoos have been around for centuries, they are also part of other cultures and appeal to a broad variety of people. Tattoos became part of American culture through cultural diffusion, which is where one culture shares its culture with another through direct contact. Recently tattoos have re-assimilated into American culture and societyRead MoreHow Does Tattooing Affect Society?1123 Words   |  5 PagesHumans have marked their bodies with tattoos for thousands of years. Recordings of the first known tattoo date back to 2000 B.C. on a famous Egyptian mummy known as Otzi, an iceman, who was found near the Italian-Austrian border in 1991 (Lineberry). These permanent designs—sometimes plain, sometimes elaborate, and almost at all times personal—have served a variety of different meanings. It is up to us to determine the reasoning a nd significance behind them. Studies have found that people cannot fullyRead MoreWho Is Dayani Cristal Analysis1451 Words   |  6 PagesSandres-Martinez as its focal point. By using Yohan, a real person with struggles and showing the negative results of the immigration, such as Yohan’s death. Who is Dayani Cristal? humanizes immigrants in a personal and consequential way through the display of different perspectives and cultural factors. Immigrants who cross national borders are criminalized and ignored, which results in them not having a perspective presented for them within the media. Who is Dayani Cristal? helps to create a perspective of migrantsRead MoreCultural Symbolism Of Tattoos1134 Words   |  5 Pagespeople tattoos are being used as a known accessory, the reason on why do people make the decision to get them is hardly if ever even questioned. The pain, the stereotypes, and the misconceptions that are often associated with tattoos would pose the question as to why would you choose to get a tattoo. Tattoos can be personal and good way of expressing yourself. Most people, they are shown as different symbols that each have an equal level of significance. The essential of each tattoo have each foundRead MoreFreedom of Self- Expression: Tattoos and Body Piercings at 16 Should be Permitted1232 Words   |  5 Pageswould agree that children should have permission to get tattoos and body piercings. I believe that teens should have the authority to get them on our own. The current Texas law states that any person under the age of 18 must have parental permission before getting a tattoo or any body piercing. Identification is required to verify the persons age. I feel that by the age of 16, any student should have the authority to express themselves in a way such as tattoos and body piercings. There are variousRead MoreThe Addictive Draw to Tattoos Essay1508 Words   |  7 PagesTattoos 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