Hey all, sorry I haven't been around. Anyways if you'd like to follow my car photography stuff i post it on facebook. become a fan of my page.
Ryan S. Burkett Photography and Design
Also here is a paper i wrote from 12am to 5am lol before my 11 Am class.
RB
Health 220
LC
March 8, 2011
Tattoos: Art or Mutilation
Introduction
Some may say tattoos are considered beautiful works of creative art, while others will contend that it is an act of self mutilation. Tattoos have grown into this day and age as something more mainstream where everyone and anyone could have a tattoo hidden somewhere, before it was seen as related to deviant behavior and those rebelling against society. Some see it as mutilation destroying the "perfect" skin that we were given. It can be seen the same as clothing, accessories, or piercings which fall on both sides of the scale. The underlying issue that is then debated is whether or not tattoos are considered a form of art or simply a mutilation to the human body.
Pro/ For View
Art as defined by dictionary.com is, "the quality, production, expression, or realm, according to aesthetic principles, of what is beautiful, appealing or of more than ordinary significance… [and] skilled workmanship." Tattoos once required a lifetime commitment to having pigments placed within your skin and still should be considered a permanent choice even with the technology for laser tattoo removal constantly getting better. In Getting Inked: Tattoos and College Students there is support for tattoos becoming widely accepted as the "practice remains common among servicemen [such that the Marine Corp changed policies to be more accepting]" (Manuel, 2007) as well as in sports such as the NBA.
Oren Dorell expands on the military and the "warriors" with tattoo selections in Troops get different tattoos leaving war. Tattoos expanded breaking the barriers by being a signifier of a soldiers' name, occupation, or even religion when tattoos are first sought out by soldiers. "Those who return are requesting skulls, patriotic phrases or memorials to fallen comrades," (Dorell, 2007) it is to help express their intense feelings from war or sometimes to bury the emotions felt. According to C.W. Eldridge "'tattooing always flourished at war time… soldiers were superstitious and (they) wanted memorials. When they travel across the world, it's a way of making sure you don't forget'" (Dorell, 2007). Tattoos offer a sense of belonging, a trademark, a simple way of creating a living memorial that can always be carried. In a morbid yet positive way, some use tattoos as identifiers encase someone would be injured in such a manner where they wouldn't be identifiable. This could be comparable to soldiers who tape their blood types onto their boots during war scenes, as referenced in the movie Black Hawk Down. As far as the military and tattoos, it often starts as a blood lust type or a gung ho tattoo with a turn around on the return or after effects of war where memorial tattoos become the trend. It's a type of therapy that many do not understand, but when it is in the case of a healthy emotional outlet many can support it.
Tattoos are more than art; it is healthy emotional expression using the human body as a moving art piece, as a mobile piece of propaganda, or simply something done in the heat of the moment. When tattoos are seen as art and the artists as actual artists, there can be a greater appreciation for the time and effort put into the pieces. Sometimes it is a simple as an icon which symbolizes a part of someone's life or a whole mural piece which can represent a person's interests or something about their character. According to Tattoo Tux in an article by JoAnna Daemmrich, Tattoo Tux Has Devoted His Heart And Body To Art, he is fulfilling peoples' fantasies by tattooing them. In regards to his shop in Brooklyn Park, Baltimore, Maryland
, he states "seventy percent of [my] customers know what kind of designs they want when they walk into [my] shop" (Daemmrich, 1991). He had to go back for his education and to get a degree in the art field so he would be more than just a guy who could put ink into your skin. The value of education is often underrated within any field, whereas having background knowledge allows for greater creativity and understanding in all aspects.
"Some researchers argue that the trend in tattooing and piercing indicates a shift in fashion and a break with body art's exclusive association with lower class people and deviant activies," (Manuel, 2007) with this argument they also conclude that the concept of mutilation is rejected. Trends tend to fall into place and those in a previous generation will find them silly. Take for example twitter, or using cell phones to take pictures. Some may have considered it a fad and that it wouldn't be anything in their interest, yet it grows on them as well as their peers and networks and soon enough it becomes daily habit as something new is developing to become the newest trend. If tattoos are relatable to the fashion industry it is also important to remember origins and meanings of tattoos.
Tattoos were used "to mark out identity and territory," (Baruah, 2011), and described in the Apatanis of Arunachal Pradesh the tattoo process was done by soot mixed with animal fat for color, thorns to open the skin, and infections were allowed to progress for a larger and clearer image. Today's standards emphasize cleanliness and safety using state of the art technology which is constantly improving as well as strict sanitary conditions for legitimate establishments to build a popular consumer base and prevent diseases such as hepatitis. "'Apatani women were often abducted by the [neighboring] Nishi tribesmen for their beauty, so to make [themselves] look unattractive, they tattooed their faces and wore huge circular nose plugs'" (Baruah, 2011). For Michi Laling, a 20 year old attending Delhi University, the tattoo and body piercings are fashion statements while for older generations such as his grandmother it was from an inhumane practice. Tattoos were also a way for marking those who were married and unwed. Specifically referenced in the Singpho tribe found in Assam and Arunachal , unmarried girls were barred from wearing a tattoo while married men tattooed their limbs and women on the legs. Even with these differences for the generation gaps, "the meaning behind the pain-inducing practice hasn't changed much… tattoos [are] a sign of strength, courage, and virility because of the pain associated with it" (Baruah, 2011).
Con/ Against View
Tattoos are seen in a harsh light because they are permanently fixated within the human body and removal is often not an option. The definition of mutilation (mutilate) by dictionary.com states that it is "to injure, disfigure, or make imperfect by removing or irreparably damaging parts." For the longest time tattoos have had a bad connotation, specifically those which are recognizable with images such as swastikas representing the time of Nazi Germany or the Aryan Brotherhood and the Klu Klux Klan. Even tattoos that are not a part of that can be seen as negative when they cover large portions of the body portraying an image of a criminal.
In an article found on Lifesitenews.com titled New Study: Heavily Tattooed Students More Prone to Deviant Behavior by Thaddeus M. Baklinski, a study provides support in the thinking that people "who have four or more tattoos, seven or more body piercings, or one 'intimate piercing,' are far more prone to use illegal drugs, be arrested for criminal offenses, cheat on college work, binge drink, and have multiple sex partners." The study included 1753 American college students answering questions involving their history of deviance as well as their level of art acquisition. "The research found that 37% of all respondents to the survey were pierced, 14% were tattooed, and a noticeable few (4%) had seven or more piercings, four or more tattoos, and/or an intimate piercing" (Baklinski, 2010). From the data gathered it is appropriate to deem that those with low levels of body art are reported to have lower levels of deviance sizeable to those without tattoos and/or piercings.
Tattoos were once used as a mark to signify things such as marriage, but with time they changed but the use of it for affiliation has not changed. Gangs use tattoos as a way to identify themselves, it "symbolizes commitment and allegiance to one's gang, and can also identify a particular crime" (Montaldo). Gangs often limit the tattoos to symbolic icons, or to alpha and numeric designations which are used as identifiers. Gangs come in many shapes and forms from Japan's Yakuza, Mexico's MS gangs, to the days of the zoot suit riots. In history, the zoot suits were Mexican men who had come across into California
and dressed in a different manner, "fashionable" which ended up causing problems with the Navy's sailors creating a bloodbath. While tattoos as a trend themselves have been seen as a problem in a different light.
In the Honduras a few men sat in chairs in a makeshift clinic to have their gang tattoos removed. "'Society thinks we are monsters,' Mr. Atunez said. 'The police want us dead. That's why we do this. If we do not take off these tattoos, we will never be able to live in peace'" (Thompson, 2004). These men are getting their tattoos removed even at the price of being scarred so that they can live a clean life. According to this article in the New York Times, there are an estimated 70,000 to 100,000 gangs' members across Mexico and Central America. "Thousands of gang members are fleeing north, moving with and preying on the waves of illegal migrants who travel to the United States" (Thompson, 2004), this has caused the police enforcement a new problem as the gang culture moves with the members. In Guatemala
, it is predicted that gangs will cause 80% of the killings which has increased by 1,000 than two years prior. These gangs started as social clubs or support networks which carry an identifier, tattoos. Tattoos in reference to subculture and fashion show tattoos as speaking out, creating an identity and an independent kind of personality. The focus was to be different for some while for others it is a binding agreement.
Another major concern is the health aspect, increased attainment of hepatitis C. According to ABC News "a systematic review of 124 published studies from 30 countries found that people with tattoos were almost three times as likely to have hepatitis C as those without tattoos" (Smith 2010). An interesting correlation might be found as well that those who are drug users (non-injection) who have tattoos are 5.74 times more likely to have hepatitis than those without tattoos. The predicted amount of Americans with tattoos under 30 is estimated at 36% while in Canada 8% of high school students have a tattoo and 21% are planning on it. The sanitary conditions need to be more rigorous and enforced to help prevent diseases from spreading since tattoos deal exclusively with bodily fluids.
Personal View
My personal experience with tattoos has always been that if it has some sort of significant meaning, then go ahead and have at it. Many will often criticize and say things such as why would you ruin your body like that, or "she had such a perfect nose why would she get it pierced." Tattoos and piercings if done or placed incorrectly can ruin someone's image, but if done tastefully and with serious planning they can be amazing. If you were to ask someone why they have a nose piercing, they could retort with asking why you wear a specific type of clothing. It is done to draw attention, or because it is a sort of statement a person wants to make about themselves.
I remember when I turned 18 I was ready for my first tattoo and I have never regretted that day. My friend and I were looking to both get a tattoo and this would be his third or fourth and my first. It was a bonding experience and it made our friendship even stronger. My second tattoo was a large commitment, often bigger than most people go as they start big and go small or they get one and then they are done. I got my back done with angel wings and this has been my most prominent tattoo. It represents God or some sort of unnatural force protecting me and reminding me that there is good in the world and it's ok to do the right thing. I also have my Aunt Irene's death date in black light ink on my side in one of the feathers that wraps around. This was done to show a commitment to never forget family, the ones who will always love you and be there for you. My arm was the first piece of my body to be given to art, it is my history which is hard for me to hold on to and I'm proud of who I am and where I come from so I bring that aspect with me. This is shown by a black tattoo of the Korean flag which holds four elements as well as a yin yang in the center. I changed the concept by making it into a band rather than just being the flag. It represents heaven and hell, fire and water, and the yin yang represents that there is good with evil. An often unknown fact which I have not included is that the background of white on the flag represents purity. I hid this tattoo from my parents for almost a year wearing long sleeves just to walk across the hall in the morning to shower and even when I went to sleep. I finally had realized if they are mad, so be it. Tattoos are not for everyone, but as I am adopted and I have no medical history, no recollection of my birth parents, no real ties this is what helps me remember who I am. This is not to say though that I'm not shaped by my actual parents, the ones who I am proud to call mom and dad, but this is my history that many do not understand or rather realize. My shoulders were done with a roman numeral eight and an infinity sign. I always chose eight as my lucky number and it was my jersey number in soccer all throughout high school. The eight was chosen as it is connected and never ending, the same as an infinity symbol. It was something I knew I always wanted done, but never truly understood it, so for the time being it is developing its own meaning on top of what I think it stands for; infinite love, chances, dreams, and everything positive. These were not flings though, they were concepts and ideas I had drawn starting my freshman year in high school and I waited as I changed designs and waited to find the right artist.
Tattoos have been portrayed from reality to cartoon, positive to negative, but is this not the same as anything else that can be debated over? People say tattoos are bad and cause many to think it is related to gangs and deviance, but what of cartoons such as Pop-Eye, the sailor? I think many would agree his character was that of a hero and not of a criminal. I think the soldiers who fight for us, the ones who have tattoos are honoring their comrades, their brethren with a permanent fixation upon their skin showing their pride even if it is not deduced as to its meaning. Tattoos are a personal experience and those willing to go through the slight inconvenience to the deep pain of getting a tattoo show a commitment and some sort of unnamable pride for the things that matter most. Health concerns will always be around, but by choosing a clean parlor and a reputable staff there is no real need to worry. Do we worry about the day to day occurrences where we could slip and break out neck? Why should tattoos be singled out as some horrible choice to get a disease? Among the mentioned studies I also find it disturbing that they can say they pinpoint that those with tattoos have higher deviance rates when those who are embarrassed of a small clover, a small horseshoe, or even a mighty mouse tattoo I do not feel are included in the deviant rates and rather would just say they have no ink.
Some will always despise tattoos, piercings, anything that is not their style or the way they think it should be. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and no one should feel forced to think one way or another, or that they can push their views onto others. I think it is of utmost importance to be accepting and wide eyed and eared because if you aren't, you'll hear someone, you'll observe someone, but you'll never truly listen and you will never truly see. I've also been a firm believer in the simple concept of you make your own happiness, but it's also about minimizing the pain we cause others as we travel through life. To be inked or not, it is every individuals' personal choice. I think my understanding has always been so open because I wanted to stay well balanced, I was very into the development of art and how amazing a single stroke, shape, line, or dot can be the finishing touch, this is the same with tattoos and the human body.
Conclusion
Tattoos to some will always be mutilation, but I think that with its integration to mainstream subculture it is being accepted in a better light. Tattoos are not for everyone nor will they ever, it may be a fad, but to others it has a deeper level of significance which should not be robbed from those who dream to have it in their skin. There are bigger issues in the world and when it comes down to it; tattoos are a decision to be made by each individual because their happiness is all that matters.
References
Baklinski, Thaddeus. (2010). New Study: Heavily Tattooed Students More Prone to Deviant Behavior, Retrieved from
www.lifesitenews.com/news/arch… Baruah, Sanghamitra. (2011). The times of india.Tattoos- a tribal heritage, Retrieved from
articles.timesofindia.indiatim…Daemmrich, JoAnna. (1991). Tattoo tux has devoted his heart and body to art. Out Of The Academy, back To The 'Real World', Retrieved from
articles.baltimoresun.com/1991… Manuel, L., & Sheehan, E. P. (2007). GETTING INKED: TATTOOS AND COLLEGE STUDENTS. College Student Journal, 41(4), 1089-1097. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
Montaldo, Charles. (n.d.). Crime/punishment. Gang Tattoos, Gang Art, Gang Symbols and Meanings, Retrieved from
crime.about.com/od/issues/ig/G…Oren, D. (n.d). Troops get different tattoos leaving war. USA Today. Retrieved from EBSCOhost..
Smith, Michael. (2010). Having a tattoo associated with tripled risk of dangerous disease. Got a Tattoo? Get a Hepatitis C Test, Retrieved from
abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness…Thompson, Ginger. (2004). Tattoed warriors. Shuttling Between Nations, Latino Gangs Confound the Law, Retrieved from
www.nytimes.com/2004/09/26/int…