Breaking Taboo – Tattoo Etiquette For Today’s Society
Tattoos have been around since the dawn of time. They can be dated back as far as the Neolithic times. Many tribes across the globe participated in the art of tattoos. The reasons varied from group to group but most of them were based upon religious beliefs or rites of passage. Then the spread of Christianity caused these forms of body adornment to be seen unfavorably.
They were often considered signs of paganism.The practice was discouraged. Even today tattoos still carry a stigma. Many people often associate these designs with criminal activity and loose morals. These stereotypes are just not true.
Lots of people who have them do not have criminal records and are upstanding members of society. It is true that some gangs do utilize tattoos to signify membership or criminal acts. These include ****** designs such as the infamous tear by the eye depictions. Tears by the eye are said to represent people murdered. Some will say this is a tribute to friends that have been killed, some- on the other hand- say it represents the number of individuals that person has murdered themselves. The reality is that the meaning truly varies from person to person.
If one has a tattoo- especially a highly visible piece- they should expect a certain amount of curiosity about it. Unfortunately prejudice and judgment also come with the territory. However, these options are becoming more culturally accepted and are showing up in mainstream society more and more. Popular television shows and musicians have shown that people with artwork are just people like everyone else. With tattoos emerging in everyday culture certain etiquette should be followed to respect the privacy of others.
Don’t be afraid of people with ink. They are not criminals and will not mug the next person they see on the street. It’s ok to be curious but limit the number of questions asked. Don’t ask them if it’s real, it is. A fake tattoo is unlikely unless they are twelve or it is Halloween. Don’t ask them if it hurt, of course it did. Tattoos are generally mildly painful but it’s not like cutting off a limb. Also refrain from touching without asking first. Unless it is healing it will feel just like normal skin, if it is healing touching it is not a good idea because their tattoo can become infected easily.
Each individual has their own motivations behind getting a tattoo and unless they are willing to divulge information, don’t get too personal. Asking what the meaning of the tattoo can sometimes be too personal of a question- this may be because it represents a passed loved one or a dark time in their life. Also some tattoos don’t have meaning and asking about it can embarrass some. Every now and then a person will take it upon themselves to tell the tattooed individual how they could never do such a thing. Its ok a have an opinion about tattoos but nobody wants a lecture.
People with a lot of ink sometimes get mislabeled as experts. Not everyone with a tattoo, even a few tattoos, knows all there is to know about the art. Don’t assume that that person can give personal advice about tattoos. They may be able to recommend a good artist, but that should be the extent of the questioning. The inked also can be bombarded by others who want to show off their art. Sharing tattoo stories can be interesting but only in the appropriate time and place. A grocery store line is not a good place to begin displaying all body artwork or giving elaborate descriptions. People have things to do and many don’t have time to have an impromptu discussion on tattoo history.
Today’s society is starting to accept tattoos but there is still a long road ahead. Keeping in mind that stereotypes are often just that, think before a judgment is made about an inked person. They are mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers and often live a completely normal life. It’s unfair to assume that because one loves art and self expression that they are criminals and drug addicts. Treat them with the same respect any one should receive and a valuable lesson can be learned.
By: Anne Clarke
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Filed under Arts And Entertainment by on Sep 5th, 2010. 