Why Tattoos?
Tattoos are becoming more and more common. Nearly one in three Americans (29 percent) have a
tattoo. Most of these people have more than one. Tattoos were said to introduced to the West by
Captain Cook when he returned from the South Seas in 1769. Some sailors who were on his ship
were so fascinated by Polynesian women and their tattoos that they got their own. After Cook’s ship
returned to shore, tattoos became an emblem for mariners. Eventually their appeal widened and all
sorts of people began to get them. Today, they have almost become mainstream.
I have always been interested in tattoos but I’ve never understood why. What motivates people to
get something permanent drawn onto their bodies, along with put up with the pain that comes with
it? I’ve also wondered if my reasons for getting tattoos are similar to everyone else. I don’t think
there is one single reason for getting a tattoo, but I do think there are some common themes for why
people get tattoos. Very common themes include personal or meaningful events or people, express
individuality, or because they like the look of a certain tattoo.
This past weekend I got my fifth tattoo. For the past four years I have been getting a tattoo every
September. This past weekend I broke my rule and got another one just a month after my fourth. I
started with getting tattoos that had an important meaning to me. In order for my parents to be okay
with me getting a tattoo, I had to tell my parents why I wanted it and what was the meaning behind it.
It wasn’t until my fourth one that I settled more for looks and less of a meaning. My fifth tattoo that I
got this past weekend was another meaningful tattoo. I’m not sure what my next tattoo but I’m
excited to see how I can express myself through art I choose to have on my body.
I like what you said about there not being any one reason for getting a tattoo. There are people who do it to honor someone or attach meaning to them and also people who do it on a dare or to prank someone. If you have ever heard of the mini series "How Far is Tattoo Far" they have people come on and their friend picks a tattoo, and it can be anything, for them to have put on. You have to be blindfolded through all of it and there is a reveal at the end. Personally, I don't know if I could do that. I have always told myself that if I were to get a tattoo it would be something meaningful that stems from my family. My siblings and I have talked about all going together and getting a number or symbol that represents our family name and the bond we share. I don't know what it could be or if I'll ever get one, but I do agree that this is a form of expression through art.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI have always been interested in why people get tattoos as well! Many of my cousins have meaningful tattoos and enjoy how they look. Personally, I don't think I would get a tattoo but I see it as being a form of art and expression and support others who use it for meaning. I think the full sleeves are less attractive especially in a work place but that is just my opinion. I did not know the information behind tattoos and I found that to be interesting!
Thank you for sharing,
Alyson Hoffman
I think tattoos are so cool. I have gone with multiple friends to get their tattoo, but I still haven't gotten one myself. It doesn't help that I am petrified of needles. I love the look of them and I love when they have special meaning to them. I keep telling myself I should just go get the one I want because I get a henna tattoo of the same thing every time I go to the beach and I love it even more every time. Who knows, maybe I'll be able to talk myself into it and get it before the end of this semester.
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