Pins and Needles The rise in popularity of tattoos and piercings has spurred a new age of social acceptance which changes the way people express themselves.
attoos and piercings were once seen as inappropriate and a sign of violence. People would have to conceal their tattoos and piercings in the workplace in fear of getting fired or ridiculed. For years, society has shunned individuals with tattoos and unique piercings, leaving a negative connotation surrounding body art. Despite this rocky history, body adornments have recently become more socially acceptable with the uprise of this trend.
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randon Gomes, a tattoo artist at Redwood Tattoo Company in Redwood City, has been tattooing for 13 years. After becoming an assistant at a friend’s tattoo and piercing shop, he was offered a tattoo apprenticeship. His favorite types of tattoos to ink are either black and gray American traditional tattoos, or one involving a multitude of colors. As an artist, he has had to refuse service when a client has asked for a controversial or hate-group-related tattoo. Many people in Gomes’ life have not been supportive of his career choice, and they have attempted to persuade him to pursue a new line of work. “My old man used to get so frustrated with me because I could be doing plumbing, HVAC, etc.,” Gomes said. “Those are all things people need. Nobody needs tattoos.” Gomes, however, has not let people’s opinions persuade him to leave the tattoo business as he thinks there is great value in his job. “Symbols are powerful,” Gomes said. “So putting one on your body lets people know ‘I’ve earned
this. I deserve to wear this.’” In recent years, tattoos have become more socially accepted, resulting in an influx of consumers in the tattoo industry. Now, Gomes has noticed a new level of intrigue from people towards his profession. “When people find out you’re the local tattooer, everyone wants to be your friend,” Gomes said. While the new reputation of this industry is good for business, Gomes believes that the significance behind tattoos is lost. “Tattooing is over-saturated,” Gomes said. “It doesn’t mean anything anymore. There was a romance to being the type of person who would cover themselves in tattoos… It’s lost its mystery and appeal.” Tattooing not only helps individuals express themselves, but it also builds connections between people of diverse backgrounds and cultures. “[A tattoo shop is] the one place a cop, a drug dealer, a Christian and a Muslim can all sit in the same room, get tattooed, share a laugh and some stories in a neutral environment,” Gomes said.
