The purpose of this paper is to study the effects of tattoos have on society today. I will present views from both the tattooed, liberal, and the un-tattooed, common, person. I will research these effects by using library resources, the internet, and interviews.
Nowadays, it seems you cannot go to the grocery store without being confronted by a person who has been tattooed. Tattoos have started to become more of the "norm" in society. It is becoming more and more common amongst teens and adults alike to "go under the needle." It is an art form, an expression, a passion and a way of life for most; but this isn't normal expression to most people today. This expression of feeling and of art is shown on skin using needles and ink instead of a canvas, brush and paint. .
How do people make up their minds to get a tattoo? And why do most of these people devote their lives to hour upon hours of pain? Tattoos and tattooing are still regarded by most as "taboo" or a regretful passing phase of life. Why subject themselves to a life of constant staring and finger pointing?.
Apparently these things do not matter. Many people who are heavily tattooed revere it as a way of life. Some have even opened shops to let others express themselves through ink. It is a way to symbolize people, places, and things they hold close to them. Yet, many people are quick to jump under the needle at the spur of the moment and tattoo something on their skin, permanently, which holds no value to them whatsoever. Why? .
Perhaps it is because they want desperately to fit in with the tattooed society. It is a growing one, and one that younger people associate with being cool and being tough, even though the older generation deems it ugly, trashy, and associates it with gangs and bikers, degenerates of society.
Generally, I think that most people like standing out, and like angering the "common" person. Maybe even though bad, it is the only attention they have truly received in life.