Tattoos have been around since antiquity. Be it your grandfather, grandmother, or the upcoming generation, everyone knows of tattoos. The earliest known tattoos date back 5,300 years ago, while the oldest tattoos were discovered on two mummies from Egypt dated between 2251 and 3017 BCE.
Although tattoos have existed for quite a long time, we still ask the same questions. Why do people get them? What are people’s opinions, and how do they actually view others getting a tattoo? I find it fascinating yet painful. I would love to see them, but the idea of getting one is horrible. The needle piercing your skin, the ink, the pain- all unbearable for me. However, not everyone perceives tattoos as painful but rather that they relate to them on different levels of beliefs and liking. For instance, a person would get a tattoo just because he thinks it is fun or pretty, while others would get it as a memory of something or someone.
Some get tattoos to preserve the presence of their loved ones forever, and they are mostly planned tattoos. Others get tattoos in the spur of the moment and later regret it. People should be considerate before getting a tattoo because they are permanently pressed on your skin and would not go completely.
Tattoos have become increasingly popular in recent times. About 20% of adults in the UK have at least one tattoo. In the US, an estimated 21-29% of Americans have at least one tattoo, with roughly 15-20% having two or more tattoos.
However, people with tattoos are still subject to negative perceptions and stigma that come with the idea of tattoos. For instance, there are several common misconceptions about tattoos. Some people believe tattoos are unsafe and can lead to cancer, but no evidence supports this claim. Tattoos are generally considered safe when proper health and safety standards are met. Another misconception is that tattoos are completely permanent and cannot be removed. While tattoos are designed to be long-lasting, they can be removed using laser tattoo removal techniques. Some people also believe that you must be 18 years old to get a tattoo. While this is true in many places, the legal age for getting a tattoo varies depending on the location and local laws. Another incorrect stereotype is that tattoos were only popular among sailors, bikers, criminals, and degenerates until recently. However, tattoos have been popular among a wide range of people throughout history, including royals, lawyers, bankers, and doctors.
Although people’s attitudes towards tattoos have been changing recently, some psychologists suggest that tattoos can be a powerful tool for individuals to reclaim their bodies and process grief or trauma. Women have embraced the idea, showing how the perception of tattoos being bad has been changing. Tattoos are no longer seen as just a fashion statement or a fleeting trend. Many people invest a lot of time and thought into getting a tattoo, viewing it as an expression of their identity and personal growth. Tattoos also commemorate important events or milestones in one's life. In addition to their personal significance, tattoos can also be a form of artistic expression. Tattoo artists employ various styles and techniques to craft unique designs that showcase the wearer's individuality. They can customize their tattoos with many colors, plain black or red ink. Tattoo artists have been gaining all the respect and popularity they deserve as an artist.
While in the earlier days, tattoos at the workplace were considered taboo or prohibited, tattoos are now increasingly accepted in the workplace. While some conservative corporate attitudes towards tattoos persist, many companies have adopted a more relaxed stance towards body art, especially in creative industries where self-expression is highly valued. The history of tattoos is rich and diverse. Throughout history, tattoos have served many purposes, including as symbols of status or rank, talismans or amulets for protection or good luck, marks of punishment or shame, and expressions of love or devotion.
In conclusion, although tattoos are still subject to some stigma and negative perceptions, attitudes toward them are evolving. Tattoos are increasingly being recognized as a form of self-expression and personal growth. As society progresses and becomes more accepting of individuality and diversity, tattoos will likely continue to gain acceptance.
Source: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/tattoos-144038580/
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