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>.