Increasing in demand over the past decade, tattoos have emerged from an objectionable past to acceptance by mainstream society, causing the ink art to become part of our popular culture. These permanent ink markings previously looked upon as something done only within the low culture, have been transformed into a high culture activity. (Trebay, 2008). The fascination for this pop culture has put the business of tattooing on the list of growing industries.
Tattoo popularity among celebrities and professional athletes has contributed to the tattoo popularity boom. Cable TV reality shows, such as Miami Ink, have allowed the public to get a glimpse inside the world of tattooing. (Tennent, 2006). Project Runway named a winner in its third season that boasted a neck tattoo of his son’s name, giving the public an opportunity to witness a creative and successful business person, with a neck tattoo. (Trebay, 2008). This popularity and exposure, along with a new focus on certain sterilization and health procedures, have helped diminish the bad-boy image tattoos had in the past, and thrust it into the conventional population of our culture today. (Tennent, 2006).
There are several reasons why someone chooses to get a tattoo. One is for artistic reasons. It is an art form; an artistic expression. It is one’s personal statement about who they are, or where they might be in their life. Tattoos can also offer therapy for some. Those going through low or rough periods of their life have turned to tattooing for a release. The tattoo experience allows one to feel they have control over their body.
I am one that looked down upon tattooing, never truly understanding the draw to disfiguring one’s body. And when my 20 year old daughter came home one night with a small, simple bass clef engraved in her left wrist, I went into a state of shock and disappointment. It took me back for a moment that she would do such a thing. But then after some time of reflection, I realized that this was her individualism. She was expressing something very dear and close to her. She loves playing bass. It is an important part of her life. The tattoo she designed was her way of expressing who she is, showing her creative and artistic side. Knowing who she is and what makes her tick helped me understand why she preferred this form of expressing herself. It has helped me to step back and take a different view of tattooing. This doesn’t mean I think about running out and getting one. It means I am more open-minded and acceptant of a person’s decision to get a tattoo.
Tattoos have been a part of the past for a very long time. They are part of today’s popular culture. And they will continue to be around for a very long time in the future.
REFERENCES
Tattoos and Mainstream Culture. (2000-2010). Retrieved June 29, 1010 from http://www.123HelpMe.com/view.asp?id=14067.
Tennett, A. (2006, May 5). Tattoos Enter Our Popular Culture. Retrieved June 29, 2010, from http://ezinearticles.com/?tattoos-Enter-Our-Popular-Culture&id=191995.
Trebay, G. (2008, September 25). Tattoos Gain Even More Visibility. Retrieved June 29, 2010 from http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/25/fashion/25tattoo.html.
