Tattooing
dates back five thousand years ago; tattoos began to grow in demand around the
nineteenth century. In 1936, approximately six percent of the American
population had at least one tattoo. Now, the percentage has increased to
sixteen percent of the population. Tattoos have always fallen under stereotype,
the rocker with the Mohawk who rides a bike, full of tattoos. These days that
has changed, at least every person I encounter has one tattoo. It has become
part of a trend and a fashion statement. Tattoos have spread from the “rockers
and inmates” to sophisticated preps, and little young eighteen year old's who
get a tattoo done on that same eighteenth birthday.
There is now
even stick on tattoos for children who want a “pretend” tattoo. My son being
the number one customer of these “pretend” tattoo makers. Henna tattoos, which
are tattoos drawn on a person that last a few days, have also flourished as a
result of the tattoo industry. Many celebrities also have tattoos- Angelina
Jolie is a top searched celebrity for her tattoos. Other celebrities include
Megan Fox (Transformers) Nicole Ritchie, Alyssa Milano, and rockers from
Metallica. Studies also show that the Democratic Party has a higher percentage
of tattoo rates than the Republican Party - (Duh, tattoos are not apart of
mainstream conservativeness.) Studies also show that tattoos are more common
among the gay, lesbian, and bisexual community rather than the straight community.
– (Once again, not considered conservative)
With all these
facts and statistics, people seem to forget about the true meaning behind a
tattoo- expression. Tattooing is a form of expression, and with everyone so
eager to be understood, the tattoo industry has become what it is today. A
tattoo always reminds a person where they were at a certain point in their
life, whether it be positive or negative. I am definitely no Kat Von D, but I
do have a few tattoos, and those few tattoos will always have much significance
in my life and I always remember when I got it, how I was feeling, why I got
it, etc. Many people tattoo themselves to remember loved ones who have passed,
or a person’s name that they will never forget. Some tattoos are images that
represent a person’s soul or images the individual was drawn too. Either way,
tattoos fall under the category of art. Tattoos should have never been
categorized into stereotypes, or been for a better or worse person. A tattoo is
like an accessory one chooses to wear, however it can’t ever be taken off. A
tattoo helps us understand the person better and shows us a clear reflection of
who we are looking at.
