Essay 2 Outline (Cell Phones)

P1 Intro: Start off with cost of the first cell phone (shocking fact). Explain some background/ history of cell phones and show the progression to phone's today like the Apple iPhone 4.
Thesis: Cell phones have changed over the past 37 years in the areas of usage and popularity, appearance and features, and the cost of cellphones and their services.

P2: I. The usage of cell phones today vs. when they were first invented

• Who uses cell phones now and then
• Common uses for cell phones now and then
• Popularity of cell phones now and then
• Cell phones in other countries now and then

P3: The appearance and features of old cell phones vs new cell phones

• Weight
• Size
• Display screens
• Flip/Slide/one piece phones
• Color
• Features of cell phones now and then
• Battery life now and then

P4: Buying a cell phone/cell phone service now and then

• Popular service providers now and then
• Cost now and then
• How easy they are to obtain now and then

P5: Close by restating the thesis and also explain some studies on cell phones and how they are advancing even more everyday. Possibly something about a future cell phone that is currently being worked on.

Post Office (Essay 2)

When was the first post office built?
1775.
 (USPS)

Who came up with the concept for a post office?
Benjamin Franklin was appointed our first Postmaster General in 1775
 (USPS)

About how many post offices are there in the United States?
There are at least 187,000 post offices.
(Postal History)

What are different ways that mail can be delivered once it is sent to the post office?
By air, boat, train, mail truck, or even electronically.
 (USPS)

How much does it cost to send a package or a letter?
The Postal Service Website has a full chart of all the types of packages and shipping costs.

How much do U.S. Postal Service employees make on average?

(PayScale)

Are there any post offices in Frederick?

Yes!

(Google Locations)

Cassette (Essay 2)

When did cassette tapes first come about?

1962.

(Cassette Tape History)

Who invented the cassette tape?

The Philips Company of the Netherlands invented and released the first compact audio-cassette in 1962. They used high-quality polyester 1/8-inch tape produced by BASF. Recording and playback was at a speed of 1.7/8 inches per second.

The next year in the U.S. sales began of the Norelco Carry-Corder dictation machine that used the new cassette tape. The consumer's demand for blank tape used for personal music-recording was unanticipated by Philips.

(Cassette Tape History)

Are cassettes still available?

In 2007 Best Buy also stopped selling them due to the monumental decrease in sales. CD's have taken over because they are more durable ect.

(Information Week)

When did cassette tapes come obselete and CD's take over?

On 17 August 1982, Royal Philips Electronics manufactured the world’s first compact disc at a Philips factory in Langenhagen, just outside of Hanover, Germany. However, the sales of CDs to the music industry did not begin until 1983. In 1985 Dire Straits was the first band to be released on compact disk to the public.

(Geek Zone)

Do any music stores still sell cassette tapes?

You can order cassettes online but they exist in low numbers.

(Google Sales)

Are cassette tapes worth money because they are considered "old" or "antique" to our generation?

Cassette tapes seem to be worthless. They sell for less than a dollar individually. Blank cassette tapes for example, are sold in packs of 100 for $20.

(Delta Media)

How much did the average cassette tape cost?

Anywhere from around $6-$18

(Yahoo)

When were cassettes still popular?

They were popular through the 60's up until about the early 90's. Mix tapes and cassette tapes in general seem to be the most popular in the 80's.

What mediums are cassette tapes played on?

Boomboxes, Stereos, Car Steros, or Walkmans.

(Word IQ)

What were cassette tapes used for?
To listen, record, and share portable music, in a car, on a walkman, or with a stereo.
(eHow)

Cell Phones (Essay 2)

I've decided to compare cell phones today to cell phones when they were new technology. Through this I hope the reader will achieve an understanding of the progression of cell phones since 1973.

Background
1. When was the first cell phone invented? History on the first cell phone or first types of cell phones.

The Motorola DynaTAC 8000X

1973. The first call was made by Cooper that year. However, the cellphones were not unveiled until 1983 and did not hit the market until 1984. Cooper's goal was to have people be able to carry their phone around wherever they went. The first phone was a Motorola DynaTAC 8000X. It was 9 X 5 X 1.75 inches. It weighed 2.5 pounds. It had no display screen and looked similiar to a cordless phone today but much bigger. You could on talk it for 35 minutes before it needed to be charged for a full ten hours. It had three functions: talk, listen, and dial.

 2. Who invented the first cell phone?
Dr. Martin Cooper invented the first cell phone. He was a general manager at the phone company Motorla.
3. When cell phones were first invented, were there different cell phone providers like Verizon and Sprint like there are today?
Motorla and AT&T were the two big providers.

4. Who was the first cell phone provider?
Motorola. AT&T and Bell Laboratories intially came up with the idea in 1947, but Motorala was successful first.

5. In what country did the first cell phone appear?
The United States.
Cellular

6. What are some of the most advanced cell phones today?
Apple Iphone 4 (AT&T)
HTC Droid Incredible (Verizon Wireless)
HTC Evo 4G (Sprint)
RIM Blackberry Bold 9700 (T-Mobile)
Samsung Epic 4G (Sprint)
 Reviews

Cell Phones When They Were First Invented
1. What did cell phones initially look like?
Cell phones initially looked like a modern day wireless phone but much bigger. They were nicknamed "the brick". [See question number one under background]
Cellular

2. How much did cell phones cost at first?
The first cell phone sold for $3,395.
MSNBC

3. What were the most advanced features one of the first cell phones had?
Talk, Listen, and Dial.
Cellular

4. Why were cell phones used?
The same reason they are used for today, but they had less features. Even though they were so expensive consumers bought them like crazy when they hit the market in 1984.
Cellular

5. How important and common were the first cell phones? (Popularity of cell phones).
Even though they were expensive, cell phones were still popular for people who could affored them.
MSNBC

6.How popular was the first cell phone?
From 1983 to the end of the 1980's cell phones grew in popularity due to the innovations in cellular networks that were able to handle phone calls in either one area or hand them off to other areas. While most cell phones weren't made to be carried in your hand, all phones were made for permanent installation in the car. For a while the term "car phone" was extremely popular. Besides car phones, there were a few models that came in tote bag type configurations that can easily hook up to a car's battery, via the DC outlet to make calls. There were also a few models that came as briefcases, to hold large batteries necssary to make phone calls. Used a lot in media and film culture.
FAQ

7. What kind of people used the first cell phones?
People who had more money, business people, and people who used them as car phones. Even though they were expensive there was still a waiting list to get one.
FAQ

8. Reliability of the service?
The phone could only be used for a maximum of 35 minutes before dying and needing to be charged for 10 hours. It was an option to buy another battery for it but that was very expensive. A desktop charger that charged in less time caused the battery to be very hot.
Cellular

9. Most popular cell phone provider?
Motorola, since they were the first to put it on the market.
Cellular

10. In what part of the world were cell phones most popluar?
The United States where they were first put on the market.
Cellular

Cell Phones Today
1. What do cell phones look like today?
Cell phones are much lighter today; they can fit in your pocket. They are also much smaller than they used to be. They have a display screen and more features. There are flip phones, phones that slide, and phones like the blackberry that are one screen with no flip or slide feature. They come in  a number of different colors.
Verizon Wireless

2. How much does the average cell phone cost?
Cell phones can cost anywhere from around $50 to around $500
Review

3. What kind of features do the most advanced cell phones have?
The Apple iPhone 4 from AT&T is said to be one of the most advanced cell phones on the market. It's features include video calling, Wi-Fi, retina display (high resolution pixels), multitasking (having multiple apps open at once), HD video recording and editing, 5 Mega-Pixel camera with LED flash, folders for apps, iBooks, Game Center, iMovie, Phone, Mail, Safair (web browser), iPod, Photo storage, voice control, messages, Maps + Compass, Smart Keyboard, Searching the web, app store, iTunes store, voice memos, calender, stocks, Nike + iPod workout feature, weather, notes,YouTube, calculator, Parental Controls, Encryption and passwords for security, tethering for extra internet service and pretty much an app for everything.
Apple

4. How important and common are cell phones today? What are they used for?
Communication between families and friends, multitasking, calling home when out more convenient, communication in emergencies ect. More advanced cell phones are used for things like internet and videos.
Articlesbase

5. What generation uses cell phones the most or owns the most cell phones?
Teenagers and College aged students.
Clickz

6. Most popular cell phone provider?
Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Boost Mobile, Cricket, Virgin Mobile, U.S. Cellular, MetroPCS, TracFONE

TopTen and Cellphonebattles

7. In what part of the world were cell phones most popular?
Top 5 = China 547,286,000 (2007), European Union 466,000,000 (2005), India 362,300,000 (2009), United States 255,000,000 (2007), and Russian 170,000,000 (2007).
InfoPlease

8. What are the "basic features" for a cell phone today?
Dial, talk, listen, voicemail, text messaging, camera, video, calender, calculator, and voice and sound record.
Verizon Wireless

Essay 1-Tattoos (Revision)

Kristen Roberts

Professor Kerr

En 101-1H

13 September 2010

Tattoos

A tattoo is a fixed ink image on the skin. Ink is injected with a needle about 1/8 of an inch (approximately 3 millimeters) into the second layer of skin referred to as the dermis (Van Vranken). Tattoos trace back to Ancient Egyptian times (Lineberry). There is evidence that tattoos were used as early as 4000 B.C. (Lineberry). In 1891, the first electric tattooing machine was patented to Samuel O’Reilly; he opened the first United States tattoo parlor in New York City (United States Tattoo History). In 1961, tattoos were illegalized in the State of New York until 1997 (Schepens). A tattoo is used to express oneself, represent one’s culture, or to affiliate one with a certain organization.

There are different ways that people can express themselves through tattooing. Some people who get tattoos use tattooing as a form of art to decorate their bodies (Speckman). It is believed by some that getting a tattoo can amplify one’s attractiveness and reflect one’s personal identity (Speckman). Tattooing the name of a loved one who has passed is another form of self-expression through remembrance (Speckman). Consumers get different symbols to remember a loved one depending on their cause of death. For example, people get suicide prevention symbols or cancer ribbons (using a different color to represent specific cancers) (Tattoo Ideas). A person who overcame a disease or is a cancer survivor can get a tattoo to express their strength and accomplishment (Tattoo Ideas).  Also, names can be inked on one’s skin of boyfriends, girlfriends, or spouses to express one’s love. (Keene). As an expression of friendship, friends can get matching tattoos. (Lehoux). Rock stars can get tattoo designs representing how involved and serious they are about their occupation or their music (Lehoux). Tattoos are a form of body art that can be used to express oneself.

Tattoos can represent cultures in various ways. For example, in Africa, their culture believes that more symbols on one’s body will enhance one’s pureness and beauty and one’s closeness to the Gods. (Walters). African women have several tattoos covering their body and even their face to represent physical and spiritual beauty within their culture. (Walters). Tattoos serve as make-up in Africa for women (Walters). In Morocco, a henna tattoo represents a Moroccan marriage because it is mandatory for a bride to get one before her wedding (Walters).  According to Moroccan culture, the tattoo represents the enhancement of magical powers, beauty, fertility, happiness, and prosperity (Walters). Native Americans have their culture exhibited with tattoos. Native American symbols, zodiac beliefs, and spiritual ways can be shown through tattooing (Walters). For example, in their culture certain zodiac animals represent character traits about someone; so a Native American could get a wolf tattoo to represent loyalty and intelligence (Walters). To represent the United States, a consumer may choose a patriotic tattoo like the American flag or a bald eagle (Walters). Different symbols, animals, or designs can exhibit one’s culture when inked on one’s skin.

Tattoos are used to affiliate one with a certain group or organization. One affiliation is religion. Even though religions like Christianity, Judaism, and Buddhism can interpret tattoos as a violation of their religious scriptures, there are still people who affiliate themselves with the religion through tattooing (Religious).  For example, Christians can choose crosses, Judaism followers can get the Star of David, and Buddhists can tattoo an image of Buddha (Religious).  Another type of group that uses tattoos for affiliation is gangs (Gangs). Gang members can get the name of their gang to ward off or scare rival gangs (Gangs). Particular tattoos like a teardrop or spider web represent prison gang members (Gangs). Other common tattoos used to represent gang membership are designs on the hands or face (Gangs). The United States Military is an affiliation that uses tattoos (Russo).  Most often, soldiers get tattoos directly before deployment or after it; one reason they get these tattoos is in honor of their country, job, and service (Russo).  They are proud to have served their country and want to show their affiliation through a tattoo that everyone can see (Russo).  Lastly, tattoos are an affiliation with a certain age group. Baby boomers and generations from more than 50 years ago look at tattoos as something you did without thinking or to rebel (Sealover). However, during the 1980’s tattoos became popular and their popularity continues to increase (Sealover).  This means that if a person has a tattoo they are more likely to belong to the younger generation (Sealover). Tattoos can affiliate one with several different groups.

Tattooing is a form of body art created with a needle and ink to produce a colored or black and white image.  A tattoo can be used to express oneself through remembrance, love, or passion. It can represent one’s culture through their beliefs or customs. Lastly, a tattoo can affiliate one with a certain group.  

Works Cited

"Gangs and Prison Tattoos." Tao of Tattoos - Tattoos Designs. Web. 25 Sept. 2010. <http://www.tao-of-tattoos.com/gangs.html>.

Keene, Cindy Atoji. "Tattoo Artist Celebrates Self-expression - The Boston Globe." Boston.com. Boston Globe, 5 Oct. 2008. Web. 22 Sept. 2010. http://www.boston.com/jobs/news/articles/2008/10/05/tattoo_artist_celebrates_self_expression/.

Lehoux, Annabelle. "Express Yourself Through Tattoos- Beauty Beyond the Pain." Free Content Articles Directory and Search Engine for Your Ezine or Website - Isnare.com. 7 July 2010. Web. 25 Sept. 2010. <http://www.isnare.com/?aid=561038&ca=Culture>.

Lineberry, Cate. "Tattoos | History & Archaeology | Smithsonian Magazine." History, Travel, Arts, Science, People, Places | Smithsonian Magazine. 01 Jan. 2007. Web. 10 Sept. 2010. <http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history-archaeology/tattoo.html>.

"Native American Tattoos | Tattoo Art." Free Tattoo Designs - Star Tattoos, Tribal, Cross, Butterfly, Angel Tattoos | Tattoo Art. Web. 25 Sept. 2010. <http://tattoos-and-art.com/native-american-tattoos/>.

"Religious Tattoos and Symbols of Faith and Spirituality - Tattoo Designs & Symbols." Tattoo Designs & Tattoos Meanings, Celebrity Tattoos, Tattoo Museum, Tattoo Photo Galleries. Web. 25 Sept. 2010. <http://www.vanishingtattoo.com/tattoos_designs_symbols_religious.htm>.

Russo, Karen. "Tattoos in the Military - ABC News." ABCNews.com - Breaking News, Politics, Online News, World News, Feature Stories, Celebrity Interviews and More - ABC News. Web. 26 Sept. 2010. <http://abcnews.go.com/International/Afghanistan/slideshow/photos-tattoos-military-9269824>.

Sealover, Ed. "Generations Clash over Tattoos, Body Piercings in the Workplace - Denver Business Journal." Denver News | Denver Business Journal. 4 Dec. 2009. Web. 26 Sept. 2010. <http://denver.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2009/12/07/story3.html>.

Speckman, Stephen. "Tattoo Seekers Offer Various Motivations to Get Inked | Deseret News (Salt Lake City) Newspaper | Find Articles at BNET." Find Articles at BNET | News Articles, Magazine Back Issues & Reference Articles on All Topics. CBS, 18 Feb. 2006. Web. 22 Sept. 2010. <http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4188/is_20060218/ai_n16150253/>.

"Tattoo Ideas: Breast Cancer Pink Awareness Ribbons." HubPages. Web. 25 Sept. 2010. <http://hubpages.com/hub/Tattoo-Ideas-Breast-Cancer-Pink-Awareness-Ribbons>.

Tenenbaum, David. "Tattoo. Pierce. How Come?" The Why Files | The Science Behind the News. University of Wisconsin, 2004. Web. 22 Sept. 2010. <http://whyfiles.org/206tattoo/3.html>.

"United States Tattoo History - Tattooing In US - American Tattoos - Tattooing In America." Henna Tattoo Designs - Henna Designs - Mehendi Designs - Indian Henna Tattoos Designs. Web. 10 Sept. 2010. <http://tattoos.iloveindia.com/tattoo-history/tattooing-in-us.html>.

Van Vranken, Michele. "Tattoos." KidsHealth - the Web's Most Visited Site about Children's Health. Apr. 2009. Web. 22 Sept. 2010. <http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_body/skin_stuff/safe_tattooing.html#>.

Walters, Edd. "Tattoos in Different Cultures Around the World." Associated Content - Associatedcontent.com. 19 Sept. 2008. Web. 25 Sept. 2010. <http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1020354/tattoos_in_different_cultures_around.html?cat=38>.

2nd Draft-Is Getting a Tattoo Worth the Risks?

Kristen Roberts

Professor Kerr

ENG101H

13 September 2010

Is Getting a Tattoo Worth the Risks?

 Tattoos trace back to ancient Egyptian times. (“Tattoos | History & Archaeology | Smithsonian Magazine”) There is evidence that tattoos were used as early as 4000 B.C.  In 1891 the first electric tattooing machine was patented to Samuel O'Reilly. O’Reilly opened the first tattoo parlor in the United States in New York City. (“United States Tattoo History - Tattooing In US - American Tattoos - Tattooing In America”) However, years later in 1961, tattoos were illegalized in the state of New York. The City Health Department deemed it necessary to illegalize tattoos after they linked tattooing to an outbreak of Hepatitis B in the Big Apple. Tattoo artists worked out of their homes or in the underground society of New York. Several also offered the service in the back or basement of stores. Finally, thirty six years later, in 1997 tattoo artists of New York banded together and took the case of legalizing tattoos to court. They won and held the first New York Tattoo Convention in May of 1997. ("The Tattooing of New York City.") If New York legislation thought it was important enough to declare tattoos illegal for public safety, then why are they legal today? Getting a tattoo has a plethora of negative effects such as endangering one’s physical health, becoming a burden to ones appearance, and incurring additional expenses to remove.

There are serious medical risks involved in tattooing of which many consumers are unaware. Unsanitary tattooing is a breeding ground for blood-borne diseases. Hepatitis B and C, HIV, tetanus, and about any other blood-borne disease can be contracted from an unsterile or reused needle. An unclean work table can also harbor disease. ("TATTOOS Deadly Little Secret") Chronic skin diseases like sarcoid, keloid scarring, allergic dermatitis, photosensitivity reactions, hemorrhaging, psoriasis, and benign or malignant tumors have also been reported. (Deadly Little Secret) A tattooing machine can pierce the skin 3,000 times a minute. Basically, someone receiving a tattoo has 3,000 chances for infection to enter the body every minute they are under the needle. Blood-borne diseases can enter through any of those openings. ("TATTOOS Deadly Little Secret") Unsanitary tattooing parlors are the cause of more Hepatitis B and C infections than sharing drug instruments like syringes. Hepatitis can live in blood outside of the body for upwards 2 months. The threat of hepatitis is very real acknowledging only 0.00004 ml of blood is needed to transfer the virus. ("TATTOOS Deadly Little Secret") Tattoo parlors are supposed to use disposable needles and then discard them after one use. Not disposing of a used tattoo needle carries the same risk as sharing drug needles. Also, improper cleaning of the workshop exposes the next customer to others body fluids. A needle that touches anything else such as the floor or the unclean work table before it touches your skin can also carry infection. Lastly, the tattoo artist should never reuse ink caps. Some tattoo artists may even pour the extra ink back into the bottle to save money. Infected blood with Hepatitis can still live in the ink. There are several medical risks that are associated with tattooing that can spread disease and even cause death. ("Can I Get Infectious Diseases From Tattoo Needles?")

A tattoo is said to be forever; once someone gets a tattoo they may regret it when they are older. More respectable jobs usually require tattoos to be out of sight or covered in some way. If someone has a tattoo on their face or a very visible area it may be difficult for them to get hired for a certain job. ("Before Tattooing - Things to Know Prior Getting A Tattoo Done.") Tattoos can change color, shape, and form as you age.  Mutated tattoos can be removed, but only to a certain extent. Some may scar or leave permanent marks. It all depends on size, colors, location, how old the tattoo is, how it was applied, and the person's natural healing process. An older tattoo or a tattoo that was done by an experienced artist may be easier to remove. ("Discovery Health "How Tattoo Removal Works"")Some people get tattoos in their youth related to gangs or other shameful affiliations. Once they mature some people may not want the tattoo anymore.  It could interfere with a job, family, or could endanger them if they want to escape gang life. Some people, especially those who were in a gang, may not have the money to remove the shameful tattoos. They are stuck with them for the burden for the rest of their life. ("Before Tattooing - Things to Know Prior Getting A Tattoo Done.") Regardless, once something is inked in your skin there is no way to heal it 100%, which can negatively affect job aspirations, future social associations, or physical appearance. ("Discovery Health "How Tattoo Removal Works"")

The risks and complications of tattoo removal are costly and time-consuming. Laser tattoo removal can cost several hundred dollars or even thousands. The cost depends on the size, type, where the tattoo is, and the number of visits required. ("Discovery Health "How Tattoo Removal Works"“)Medical insurance does not usually cover tattoo removal. ("Discovery Health "How Tattoo Removal Works"“)Tattoos are removed by dermatologic surgeons. The methods available are either very costly, painful, or require multiple visits. Older, painful, and less successful methods are dermabrasion, cryosurgery, and excision. Dermabrasion involves sanding the skin where the tattoo is to remove the surface and middle layers. Cryosurgery is when the area is frozen before it is removed. Lastly, excision is where the dermatologic surgeon removes the tattoo with a scalpel. In cases with larger tattoos a skin graft may be necessary if too much skin is removed along with the tattoo. ("Discovery Health "How Tattoo Removal Works"") The most popular and current tattoo removal tactic is laser removal. The risks are much lower and the procedure is bloodless. But it requires several visits to the dermatologic surgeon and is expensive. The laser technique is called Q-switching. There are inconvenient side effects that come from laser removal. One is hyper pigmentation which is discolored skin at the treatment location. Hypo pigmentation happens when skin tone of the removed tattoo does not correspond with the color of rest of the skin. Infection, lack of complete pigment removal, and permanent scarring are some other side effects. ("Discovery Health "How Tattoo Removal Works"") Removing a tattoo requires more time and work than it takes to receive a tattoo and can negatively affect one’s appearance, wallet, and waste one’s time.

The dangers of tattooing are not publicized enough for how serious they are. Death, disease, and skin reactions can result from unsanitary tattooing. Down the road, displeasure, mutation, or social complications stemming from the tattoo can bring about necessity for removal. Removal in itself carries a slew of problems. The negative effects of tattooing can complicate one’s health, detrimentally alter one’s appearance which inhibits one’s social aspirations, and put a strain on one’s time and money.

Works Cited

"Before Tattooing - Things to Know Prior Getting A Tattoo Done." Tattooing Tips, Tattoo Body Art, Design Ideas & Care Information Guide. Web. 10 Sept. 2010. <http://www.tattooingtips.com/before-you-tattoo.html>.

Cosmo, Stan. "Can I Get Infectious Diseases From Tattoo Needles?" Internet FAQ Archives - Online Education - Faqs.org. 29 Jan. 2010. Web. 10 Sept. 2010. <http://www.faqs.org/faqs/bodyart/tattoo-faq/part3/section-1.html>.

"Discovery Health "How Tattoo Removal Works"" Discovery Health "Health Guides" 01 Apr. 2000. Web. 10 Sept. 2010. <http://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/beauty/skin-and-lifestyle/tattoo-removal5.htm#>.

Lineberry, Cate. "Tattoos | History & Archaeology | Smithsonian Magazine." History, Travel, Arts, Science, People, Places | Smithsonian Magazine. 01 Jan. 2007. Web. 10 Sept. 2010. <http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history-archaeology/tattoo.html>.

Schepens, Beth. "The Tattooing of New York City." NYC 24. 04 Apr. 2003. Web. 10 Sept. 2010. <http://www.nyc24.org/2003/issue4/story4/page2.html>.

"United States Tattoo History - Tattooing In US - American Tattoos - Tattooing In America." Henna Tattoo Designs - Henna Designs - Mehendi Designs - Indian Henna Tattoos Designs. Web. 10 Sept. 2010. <http://tattoos.iloveindia.com/tattoo-history/tattooing-in-us.html>.

Watkins, Terry. "TATTOOS Deadly Little Secret." Victory Baptist Church. Dial-The-Truth-Ministries. Web. 14 Sept. 2010. <http://www.psalm118.org/health.html>.

Rough Draft-Risks of Tattooing

Rough Draft: Risks of Tattoos

 Tattoos trace back to ancient Egyptian times. (History and Archaeology-Smithsonian Magazine) There is evidence that tattoos were used as early as 4000 B.C.  In 1891 the first electric tattooing machine was patented to Samuel O'Reilly. The first tattoo parlor in the United States was the one he opened in New York City. Tattoos started to become very popular among men in the service somewhere around the first and Second World War.  Different cultures participate in these acts for religious and cultural beliefs. Regardless for the motivation behind tattoos they are very popular among a variety of countries and cultures. However, getting a tattoo has a plethora of negative effects such as endangering one’s physical health, becoming a burden to ones appearance, and incurring additional expenses to remove.

There are serious medical risks involved in tattooing of which many are unaware. Some serious diseases can stem from unsanitary tattooing. Hepatitis B and C, HIV, tetanus, and about any other blood-borne disease can be contracted from an unsterile needle or tattooing environment. (Deadly Little Secret) Chronic skin diseases like sarcoid, keloid scarring, allergic dermatitis, photosensitivity reactions, hemorrhaging, psoriasis, and benign or malignant tumors have also been reported. (Deadly Little Secret) Tattoos are at such a high risk for infection because a tattooing machine can pierce the skin 3,000 times a minute. This makes a person very susceptible to blood-borne diseases. (Deadly Little Secret) Unsanitary tattooing parlors are the cause of more Hepatitis B and C infections than the sharing of drug instruments. Hepatitis can live in blood outside of the body for upwards 2 months. The threat of hepatitis is very real acknowledging only 0.00004 ml of blood is needed to transfer the virus. (Deadly Little Secret) Tattoo parlors are normally forced to use disposable needles and then discard them after one use. Not disposing of a used tattoo needle is the same as sharing drug needles. Also, improper cleaning of the workshop exposes the next customer to others body fluids. A needle that touches anything else like the floor or the unclean work table before it touches your skin can also carry infection. Lastly, the tattoo artist should never reuse ink caps. (FAQ)

A tattoo is said to be forever; you will have a tattoo for the rest of your life and may regret it when you’re older. More respectable jobs usually require tattoos to be out of sight. If someone has a tattoo on their face or a very visible area it may be much more difficult for them to get hired. (Tattooing Tips) Tattoos can change color, shape, and form as you age.  The tattoo can be removed, but will leave more of a scar or residue than others. It all depends on the size of the tattoo, the colors used, location, how long the person has had the tattoo, how it was applied, and the person's natural healing process. An older tattoo or a tattoo that was done by an experienced artist may be easier to remove. (Discovery Health “How Tattoo Removal Works”) Some people get tattoos in their youth related to gangs or other harmful and unacceptable affiliations. Once they mature they no longer want the tattoo. Some people, especially those who were in a gang and may not have a lot of money, do not have the money to remove the shameful tattoos. (Tattooing Tips) Most tattoos can be removed but only to a certain extent. But, some will leave more of a scar or blemish than others. It all depends on the size of the tattoo, the colors used, location, how long the person has had the tattoo, how it was applied, and the person's natural healing process. Regardless, once something is inked in your skin there is no way to heal it 100%. An older tattoo or a tattoo that was done by a more experienced artist may be easier to remove. (Discovery Health “How Tattoo Removal Works”)

The risks and complications of tattoo removal are costly and time-consuming Laser tattoo removal can cost several hundred dollars or even thousands. The cost depends on the size, type, where the tattoo is, and the number of visits required. (Discovery Health “How Tattoo Removal Works”) Medical insurance does not usually cover tattoo removal. (Discovery Health “How Tattoo Removal Works”) Tattoos are usually removed by dermatologic surgeons. The methods available are either very costly, painful, or require multiple visits. Some older, more painful, less successful methods are dermabrasion, cryosurgery, and excision. Dermabrasion involves sanding the skin where the tattoo is to remove the surface and middle layers. Cryosurgery is when the area is frozen before it is removed. Lastly, excision is where the dermatologic surgeon removes the tattoo with a scalpel. In cases with larger tattoos a skin graft may be necessary if too much skin is removed along with the tattoo. The area is then stitched. (Discovery Health “How Tattoo Removal Works”)  The most popular and current tattoo removal tactic is laser removal. The risks are much lower and the procedure is bloodless. But it requires several visits to the dermatologic surgeon and is expensive. The laser technique is called Q-switching. There are inconvenient side effects that come from laser removal. One is hyper pigmentation which is discolored skin at the treatment location. Hypo pigmentation happens when skin tone of the removed tattoo does not correspond with the rest of the skin. Infection, lack of complete pigment removal, and permanent scarring are some other side effects. (Discovery Health “How Tattoo Removal Works”)

The dangers of tattooing are not publicized enough for how serious they are. Death, disease, and skin reactions can result from unsanitary tattooing. Down the road, displeasure, mutation, or social complications stemming from the tattoo can bring about necessity for removal. Removal in itself carries a slew of problems. The negative effects of tattooing can complicate one’s health, detrimentally alter one’s appearance which inhibits one’s social aspirations, and put a strain on one’s time and money.

Outline Organization: Risks of Tattoos

Outline: Risks of Tattoos


I. Introduction: Tattoos trace back to ancient Egyptian times. (History and Archaeology-Smithsonian Magazine) There is evidence that tattoos were used as early as 4000 B.C. The Japanese also tattooed themselves. In 1891 the first electric tattooing machine was patented to Samuel O'Reilly. The first tattoo parlor in the United States was the one he opened in New York City. Tattoos started to become very popular among men in the service somewhere around the first and Second World War. Different cultures participate in these acts for religious and cultural beliefs. Regardless for the motivation behind tattoos they are very popular among a variety of countries and cultures. (United States Tattoo History)

Thesis: However, getting a tattoo has a plethora of negative effects such as endangering one’s physical health, becoming a burden to ones appearance, and incurring additional expenses to remove.

II. There are serious medical risks involved in tattooing of which many are unaware.

a. Some serious diseases can stem from unsanitary tattooing. Hepatitis B and C, HIV, tetanus, and about any other blood-borne disease can be contracted from an unsterile needle or tattooing environment. (Deadly Little Secret)

b. Chronic skin diseases like sarcoid, keloid scarring, allergic dermatitis, photosensitivity reactions, hemorrhaging, psoriasis, and benign or malignant tumors have also been reported. (Deadly Little Secret)

c. Tattoos are at such a high risk for infection because a tattooing machine can pierce the skin 3,000 times a minute. This makes a person very susceptible to blood-borne diseases. (Deadly Little Secret)

d. Unsanitary tattooing parlors are the cause of more Hepatitis B and C infections than the sharing of drug instruments. Hepatitis can live in blood outside of the body for upwards 2 months. The threat of hepatitis is very real acknowledging only 0.00004 ml of blood is needed to transfer the virus. (Deadly Little Secret)

e. Tattoo parlors are normally forced to use disposable needles and then discard them after one use. Not disposing of a used tattoo needle is the same as sharing drug needles. Also, improper cleaning of the workshop exposes the next customer to others body fluids. A needle that touches anything else like the floor or the unclean work table before it touches your skin can also carry infection. Lastly, the tattoo artist should not reuse ink caps. (FAQ)

III. A tattoo is said to be forever; you will have a tattoo for the rest of your life and may regret it when you’re older.

a. More respectable jobs usually require tattoos to be out of sight. If someone has a tattoo on their face or a very visible area it may be much more difficult for them to get hired. (Tattooing Tips)

b. Tattoos can change color, shape, and form as you age. The tattoo can be removed, but will leave more of a scar or residue than others. It all depends on the size of the tattoo, the colors used, location, how long the person has had the tattoo, how it was applied, and the person's natural healing process. An older tattoo or a tattoo that was done by a more experienced artist may be easier to remove. (Discovery Health “How Tattoo Removal Works”)

c. Some people get tattoos in their youth related to gangs or other harmful and unacceptable affiliations. Once they mature they no longer want the tattoo. Some people, especially those who were in a gang and may not have a lot of money, do not have the money to remove the shameful tattoos. (Tattooing Tips)

d. Most tattoos can be removed but only to a certain extent. But, some will leave more of a scar or blemish than others. It all depends on the size of the tattoo, the colors used, location, how long the person has had the tattoo, how it was applied, and the person's natural healing process. Regardless, once something is inked in your skin there is no way to heal it 100%. An older tattoo or a tattoo that was done by a more experienced artist may be easier to remove. (Discovery Health “How Tattoo Removal Works”)

IV. The risks and complications of tattoo removal are costly and time-consuming

a. Laser tattoo removal can cost several hundred dollars or even thousands. The cost depends on the size, type, where the tattoo is, and the number of visits required. (Discovery Health “How Tattoo Removal Works”)

b. Medical insurance does not usually cover tattoo removal. (Discovery Health “How Tattoo Removal Works”)

c. Tattoos are usually removed by dermatologic surgeons. The methods available are either very costly, painful, or require multiple visits. Some older, more painful, less successful methods are dermabrasion, cryosurgery, and excision. Dermabrasion involves sanding the skin where the tattoo is to remove the surface and middle layers. Cryosurgery is when the area is frozen before it is removed. Lastly, excision is where the dermatologic surgeon removes the tattoo with a scalpel. In cases with larger tattoos a skin graft may be necessary if too much skin is removed along with the tattoo. The area is then stitched. (Discovery Health “How Tattoo Removal Works”)

d. The most popular and current tattoo removal tactic is laser removal. The risks are much lower and the procedure is bloodless. But it requires several visits to the dermatologic surgeon and is expensive. The laser technique is called Q-switching. There are inconvenient side effects that come from laser removal. One is hyper pigmentation which is discolored skin at the treatment location. Hypo pigmentation happens when skin tone of the removed tattoo does not correspond with the rest of the skin. Infection, lack of complete pigment removal, and permanent scarring are some other side effects. (Discovery Health “How Tattoo Removal Works”)

V. Conclusion: The dangers of tattooing are not publicized enough for how serious they are. Death, disease, and skin reactions can result from unsanitary tattooing. Down the road, displeasure, mutation, or social complications stemming from the tattoo can bring about necessity for removal. Removal in itself carries a slew of problems. The negative effects of tattooing can complicate one’s health, detrimentally alter one’s appearance which inhibits one’s social aspirations, and put a strain on one’s time and money.

Prewriting-Tattoos

Know?
-Tattoo's can be removed.
-The Jewish religion and some christians look down on tattoos.
-Many people get tattoos for various reasons.
-Tattoos are common in the United States, but tattooing is also a form of body art practiced throughout the world.
-They can be done in any color.
-Some are more expensive than others
-It apparently hurts to get a tattoo.


Need to Know?
1. Can all tattoos be removed?
2. How are tattoos removed?
3. What are the risks that come with getting/removing a tattoo?
4. How much does it cost to get a tattoo removed?
5. The history of tattoos?
6. What are common sicknesses or diseases acquired from getting or removing tattoos?
7. How deep does a tattoo needle pierce the skin?
8. How do people express themselves with tattoos/motivations for getting tattoos?
9. What are the roles of tattoos in some cultures?
10. What organizations, groups, or affiliations prompt people to get tattoos?


Answers-
1. It seems all tattoos can be removed but only to a certain extent. Some will leave more of a scar than others, or can be removed more than others. It all depends on the size of the tattoo, the colors used, location, how long the person has had the tattoo, how it was applied, and the person's natural healing process. Regardless, once something is put on your skin like that, there is no way to heal it 100%. An older tattoo or a tattoo that was done by a more experienced artist may be easier to remove.

2. Tattoos are usually removed by dermatologic surgeons. Some older, more painful, less succesful methods are dermabrasion, cryosurgery, and excision. These were initiated in the late 1980's. Dermabrasion involves sanding the skin where the tattoo is to remove the surface and middle layers. Cryosurgery is when the area is frozen before it is removed. Lastly, excision is where the dermatologic surgeon removes the tattoo with a scalpel. In cases with larger tattoo's a skin graft may be necessary to cover the area. The area is then stictched. The most popular and current tattoo removal tactic is laser removal. The risks are much lower and the procedure is bloodless. It can either be completed in one or several visits to the dermatologic surgeon. The laser technique is called Q-switching.

3. Getting and recieving a tattoo is painful. Side effects of laser procedures are hyperpigmentation which is color in the skin at the treatment site, and hypopigmentation, where the place where the tattoo is removed does not match the color of the other skin. Infection, lack of complete pigment removal and a 5 percent chance of permanent scarring are some other side affects. Also, people sometimes get infections or diseases like HIV/AIDS from unsterile tattoo needles. If the tattoo artist is not careful skin reactions can also occur.  (Discovery Health "How Tattoo Removal Works) Another risk is getting a tattoo you won't be satisfied with later in life. A lot of jobs require you to cover up a tattoo while at work. If you get tattooed somewhere like your face or arms it may be difficult to get a job if you can not conceal the tattoo. Also, later in life you just may not want the tattoo because it was something you rushed into when you were young. Then you have to pay to get it removed, which runs several more risks. (Tattooing Tips)

4. Laser tattoo removal can cost several hundred dollars or even thousands. But the cost depends on the size, type, where the tattoo is, and the number of visits required to remove the tattoo. Medical insurance does not usually cover tattoo removal. (Discovery Health "How Tattoo Removal Works)

5. The farthest evidence of tattoos seem to date back to ancient Egyptian times. (History and Archaeology-Smithsonian Magazine) There is evidence that they used tattoos as early as 4000 B.C. The Japanese also tattooed themselves. The different cultures participated in these acts for religious and cultural beliefs. In 1891 the first electric tattooing machine was patented to Samuel O'Reilly. The first tattoo parlor in the United States was the one he opened in New York City. Tattoos started to become very popular among men in the service somewhere around the first and second World War. (United States Tattoo History) In 1961 tattoos were illegal in the state of New York. It seems ridiculous since that is where the first tattoo parlor was opened. The City Health Department deemed it necessary to illegalize tattoos after they linked tattooing to an outbreak of Hepatitis B in the Big Apple. Tattoo artists worked out of their homes or in the underground society of New York. Several also offered the service in the back or basement of stores. Finally, thirty six years later, in 1997 tatto artists of New York banded together and took the case of legalizing tattoos to court. They won and held the first New York Tattoo Convention in May of 1997. (NYC24: Legalizing Tattoos)

6. Some diseases that can stem from unsanitary tattoo creation and removal are Hepatitis B and C, HIV, tetanus and about any other blood-borne diseases. Some other chronic skin diseases that have been reported are sarcoid, keloid scarring, allergic dermatitis, photosensitivity reactions, hemorrhaging, psoriasis, and benign or malignant tumors. When someone gets a tattoo they are at such a high risk for infection because a tattooing machine can pierce the skin 3,000 times a minute which makes a person very susceptible to blood-borne diseases. (Deadly Little Secret)
From a study of tattoos........"Dr. Haley concludes, "We found that commercially acquired tattoos accounted for more than twice as many hepatitis C infections as injection-drug use."When you consider hepatitis B can be transmitted with as little as 0.00004 ml of blood, and can live on blood contaminated surfaces, such as needles, tattoo machines, tables, etc. for over two months, the risk of hepatitis is very real indeed." (Deadly Little Secret) Tattoo artists are required to use disposable needles that are discarded after EVERY use. However, some do not follow these rules and disease is spread. Not disposing of a used tattoo needle is the same as sharing drug needles with strangers. Their blood and body fluid are being transferred into your body. Also, improper cleaning of the workspace or tattoo parlor exposes the next customer to body fluids and blood of the person before them. A needle that touches anything else like the floor or the unclean work table before it touches your skin can also carry infection. Lastly, the tattoo artist should not reuse ink caps. They should be thrown out and a new set should be used for each customer. (FAQ)

7. The ink is injected into the dermis which is the second layer of skin. A foot switch is used to turn on the machine, which moves the needle in and out while driving the ink about 1/8 inch (about 3 millimeters) into your skin. (Kid's Health).

8.  Some people who get tattoos use tattooing as a form of art to decorate their bodies (Speckman). It is believed by some that getting a tattoo can amplify one’s attractiveness and reflect one’s personal identity (Speckman). Tattooing the name of a loved one who has passed is another form of self-expression through remembrance. (Speckman).Lovers permanently imprint each other’s names on their own bodies to prove their love, friends choose identical designs as symbols of their friendship, and rock stars get tattoos to show how hard core they can be.
Breast cancer tattoos invariably have a deep meaning to their wearers; they have either survived the disease themselves, have a loved one who has suffered with it, or want to make a bold statement in support of cancer research. Whatever the reason, the symbols and designs used for breast cancer tattoos show onlookers the strength and courage of the person who displays them (Lehoux).
One of the most common symbols you will see with breast cancer tattoos is the pink ribbon. There are other symbols like the suicide prevention symbol and other cancer ribbons. Survivors sometimes get tattoos to represent their accomplishment and courage (Tattoo Ideas).

9. Born under the sign of the gods
Ethiopia
If African people use cicatrization as an indicator of their social status, women apply this technique as a beauty make-up. This is because, in the African culture, the more symbols you have "sculpted" in your skin, the more you are considered to be purer, closer to the gods and vicariously, more beautiful, spiritual and physically.

The Moroccan weddingMorocco/Mali

A young Moroccan woman tattooed her hands with henna. The symbols represent eternal happiness, prosperity and fertility. The girl will be married very soon, and for her people, the henna taboos which are only made in the holy month of the Ramadan, are absolutely mandatory (they say that, beyond their diverse magical powers, they enhance the bride's beauty).(Walters).

Many Americans get Bald Eagles or the American flag to represent national pride. Other countries get their flags as well as a sign of nationalism.

In many Native American cultures there is a belief that everything in the universe has meaning and humans were meant to pay attention and to respect nature. Native American tattoos are a way of having a particular spirit with people at all times, especially in uncertain times when help is needed. Native American tattoos that depict animals for example may be reminiscent of astrology in that they can represent they type of person you are, based on an animal’s character.  Native American tattoos representing the animals of the zodiac is said to have that animal spirit with the person throughout their lives. Other Native American tattoos can depict nature, such as the wind. Many Native Americans believed the wind was a living entity in and of itself. The power of symbolism is great indeed and is a way to get to know ourselves and the world we live in. Native American tattoos are a great way to show individuality and to honor and respect those who fought to live in harmony with nature (Native).

10. Amulets, status symbols, declaration of love, signs of religious beliefs, adornments, and forms of punishment. Religious tattoos can be a symbol of faith and spirituality even thought a verse in the bible says tattoos are a sin. The Jewish and Islamic religion also looks down upon tattoos. Regardless, this can be a spiritual representation of one's culture. Christianity: Crosses, angels, doves, praying hands, Bible versus'. Islamic: Koran, crescent with a star, angels. Buddhist: Bodhi Tree, Buddha image, Lotus. Hindu: Lines and circles (no special prohibition against tattooing). Jewish: Star of David, Hebrew writing (Religious).

Tattoos have always been used as a means to identify members with particular gangs. Members use tattoos for several reasons. Some members will have numerous tattoos, particularly if they have spent time in prison. These tattoos may include one or more symbols that has been adopted as something unique to identify it’s members.
Tattoos such as a tear drop under an eye or a spider web represent prison time. Many members will have their name tattooed in large bold letters so that rival members will be intimidated.

It is clear that tattoos have been adopted by mainstream society even though not too many middle-class wannabes are willing to get facial tattoos, or tattoos on their hands - practices common amongst members.

Mark Sands, 39, is an Army veteran and tattoo artist at Performance Tattoo in Fayetteville, N.C. Sands said soldiers usually receive tattoos immediately before and immediately after their deployments. "They get more memorial stuff on the way back," he said. Sands will never forget the soldier who wanted a memorial tattoo on his back to include the names of 18 friends who died during deployment. The soldier was still wearing his in-patient bracelet from a mental health care facility. "It seems like he needed to get it done," Sands said, explaining that sometimes tattoos help soldiers heal (Russo).

Fifty years ago, tattoos were viewed as rebellious signatures, or as something done on an inebriated whim, Radojevich-Kelley said. Such markings started to become more mainstream due to the tattooed punk movement of the 1980s, and younger generations — even those going through business school and looking to be corporate leaders one day — have ramped it up, she said (Sealover).