Tattooing itself has been a common practice amongst people in 'developed' countries for several decades now, the origins of the tattoo being based in tribal practices of the past and as an aesthetic has slowly gained popularity within other cultures. This essay plans to both explore the groups that tattoos can commonly be found in along with the meaning they hold as well as the implication for a prospective tattooee who does not see themselves as, or wish to be seen as, belonging to one of these groups.
At A Glance Author Ryan Downes Contact Ryan [email protected] When N/A Before examining these social groups it would however be useful to explore reasons outside of that groups collective conscious as to why an individual may wish to become tattooed. In the authors case it is largely a personal aesthetic and one would imagine that this would hold true to others to. The decorating of ones body (a highly personal instrument) must to a large degree be an entirely personal choice regardless of the ideologies of any social groups even though certain ideas must stem from them.
This aesthetic is, of course, one formed by a persons opinion of tattoo's however herein there lies a problem that spans both the style of tattoo and the sort of person that wears them. Here we begin to explore what can be seen as the main social rift visibly present within society caused by tattooing. Whilst body art is beginning to see itself absorbed into (others may say accepted by) pop culture, society has an exclusive 'insider' group; something that can be called a 'mainstream'. At the time of writing the mainstream of society seems to frown on tattooing and, in a large majority of cases, personal difference as a whole.
The dislike of difference in a mainstream culture is best explained by the opposing existence of 'alternative' cultures that in turn are opposed to the following of one or more mainstream ethics, ideologies or aesthetics. The latter is commonly shown in the adoption of alternative fashions and therefore what is most important to be looked at here although one must realise that difference in outward appearance can also be a signifier of an inward one. In this case (and in the scenario presented below) style of tattoo is largely dictated by the social 'alternative' that one is a member of
Secondly tattooing is sometimes seen as the premise of peoples seen to be of a lower class; seeing as the 'mainstream' is usually dictated by those of a higher social or economic class the schema lent to tattoos based on this can be a disastrous one. Here however one must pause to explain more thoroughly.
In the body modification culture (itself an 'alternative') tattoos and indeed many forms of body art, or at least the correct sort are seen as artistic. One would argue that within popular culture and the lower classes this is not the case. Here tattooing may be a process undertaken to fit in or to show how 'cool' a person is and certainly this is not an artistic cause.
For many (including myself) it is this artistic nature that draws them to body modification but yet again one comes up against a problem. Whilst one may not feel themselves as belonging to the mainstream (itself as noted being an 'insider' group) one must recognise an underlying hypocrisy of 'alternative' groups; they too have an 'inside' and can therefore be said to be an inclusive 'outsider' group. In other words whilst a social group sets itself up as an 'alternative' it's members still follow a similar set of ideals and ethics. For someone keen not to be labelled part of any of these groups (because they feel themselves individualistic) becoming tattooed in itself becomes an ideological problem; one wishes to get a tattoo yet remain true to themselves and not be seen as stooping to a socially labelled group be it a 'lower' class or a hypocritical 'alternative.
The above situation then forces us to question the meaning of a tattoo on an individual if that tattoo is done for personal aesthetic reasons. Firstly one must ask whether for a tattoo to avoid having negative social implications for a wearer (even if it is hidden) that tattoo must have a meaning of it's own, or whether, if undertaken for purely individual reasons, the very act of becoming tattooed carries an inherent meaning. In the authors opinion the second is true, however one must realise that both 'insider' and 'outsider' groups can then misinterpret these signals thus leading to a rift within the individual; especially when one feels strongly on their individual position (whatever it may be) within society as a whole.
This essay has so far been able only to explore the situations presented and as such no solid conclusion can be reached however in answer to the problem presented within the last paragraph I believe I have a personal solution. I have, designed and ready to go, a custom piece of artwork at my local studio. If, having considered the problems posed in this essay, I plan to go through with it I hope to be able to present a conclusion based upon the experience until then feel free to ponder, think about and discuss the issues presented. I hope in some ways I have broadened your mind.