Tattoo popularity

 

Is it merely us, or does it feel as though tattoos are ubiquitous in contemporary society? Whether it is a celebrity showcasing a new delicate design or a friend displaying their recent artistic ink, it appears that everyone is getting tattooed, leading us to ponder when did tattoos gain such popularity? Although we lack a precise date for the inception of tattoos, they have existed for millennia, specifically for at least 5000 years, as the oldest human remains we have discovered bear tattoos. To delve deeper, we consulted Lane, who enlightened us on all there is to understand about this ancient art form.

Originating in the Neolithic era and among indigenous communities, tattooing was initially performed for various purposes, including during spiritual rituals and as rites of passage. Interestingly, explorer Captain James Cook is attributed with coining both the terms "taboo" and "tattoo. " His circumnavigation of the globe brought him to the Tahitian and Polynesian islands, where tattooing was widely practiced. By recording these terms in his journal, he introduced both words to the English lexicon following his voyages in 1769. The term "tattoo," in particular, has since been utilised to describe a permanent mark made by either embedding pigments or creating scars. In contemporary times, however, "scarification" is the term employed for the latter, rather than "tattoo. "

Despite the prevalent narrative, tattoos were not always regarded as so controversial. When contemplating this stigma, it is essential to remember that there exists a lengthy history of 'elites' acquiring tattoos, noting that a tattoo parlour was established as early as the late 1800s on Jermyn Street in London, the epicentre of the high-fashion district, and that both Winston Churchill and his mother were inked (indeed, it is true).

Distinct cultures possess varying dominant perceptions regarding tattooing that shape the way body art is viewed. For instance, during Japan's Edo Period, tattooing was predominantly associated with criminals and prisoners, Lane informs us. "It was deliberately designed to label individuals as outsiders. 

In America, various factors contributed to the negative perception of tattoos. The Nazis' utilisation of tattoos during World War II to "assign numbers to bodies for bureaucratic record-keeping" exacerbated their prejudice against groups such as Jewish individuals. The prevailing influence of the Protestant ethic, with its beliefs concerning "body purity," along with the depiction of tattooed criminals in scientific literature and media, further affected the overall sentiment. The apprehension regarding disease emerged as another significant factor: "In the 1950s, we became increasingly medicalised, leading to several tattoo prohibitions in various states and cities across the United States," states Lane.

Given this rich historical context, it may not be surprising that tattoos have seen a resurgence in popularity once more. In part, this resurgence is attributed to their prominence among public figures such as celebrities, athletes, and individuals within the fashion sector. However, another noteworthy factor to consider is the activism and awareness-raising efforts undertaken by the community of tattoo artists.

Tattoo artists with artistic credentials, such as Cliff Raven and Ed Hardy, played a significant role in transforming the public perception of tattooing during the 1960s and 1970s. In fact, early tattoo conventions aimed to establish a more professional image of the industry. Subsequently, tattoo artists spearheaded the initiative to legalise tattooing in regions where it had been prohibited for decades, advocating for regulations that ponder when ensure the practice's safety once more. "[Tattoo artists were like] we require licenses, we need this to be a safe practice, we need some oversight. They were pivotal in that dialogue as a group of stakeholders, facilitating its re-legalization.

The 1970s was indeed a period when we began to witness celebrities prominently displaying tattoos," Lane states, mentioning notable figures such as Cher, Peter Fonda, and Janis Joplin as some of the earliest to showcase their ink. "In a certain sense, I believe we were observing an increase in visibility or a diversification of bodies; NFL players began acquiring tattoos on their arms, alongside basketball and baseball athletes. As a society, we are seeing an expanding array of individuals with them. "

Planning your next, or perhaps your first tattoo is consistently enjoyable. For some individuals, it is even challenging to browse a tattoo magazine without feeling inspired towards a new design. Given the addictive nature of tattoos, it becomes increasingly crucial to have a strategy after embarking on the tattooing journey. Otherwise, you might conclude with more than you genuinely desire, or designs you may come to regret.

When evaluating tattoo placement, consider its visibility. Some prospective employers enforce policies that disallow employees from possessing visible tattoos (e. g. , hand, face, and neck tattoos).

We now recognise that not all individuals who have tattoos are criminals or individuals with questionable ethics, a stereotype that was regrettably prevalent. Tattoos are increasingly being acknowledged as a legitimate means of self-expression, and design styles have evolved from American traditional tattoos to custom Japanese sleeves, even encompassing full-body works of intricate art that could entice even the most hesitant individuals into considering tattoos.

When thoughtfully contemplated, tattoos can serve as a remarkable medium for self-expression. We inhabit a world where moving from city to city or town to town or state to state reveals a growing uniformity in the types of consumption available. There exists a McDonald's, a Best Buy, a Michael's Arts and Crafts, and so on. Tattooing, however, operates differently; there are no large chains within the tattoo industry, and it grants us the opportunity to cultivate individuality, serving as a means to confront the reality that the locales we visit and from which we consume goods are increasingly becoming homogenous.