eternal expression: tattoos & taboos

Annika Allison

that tattoos were something to be ogled from the start.

Imagine yourself walking into someone’s home to discover they have a large piece of art exhibited proudly on their walls. Do you immediately pester them with questions as to why they have decided to display such a piece on their lovely, clean walls? Do you feel they must indulge you in the meaning of why they decided to hang this specific piece?

Art is something admired. The deeper meaning is meant to be pondered, but its existence is not. However, there are contrasting reactions to tattoos compared to more traditional art pieces. A reaction to viewing a tattoo on someone is often questioning why someone would do such a thing to themselves. Upon deeper thinking, this proves to be

In the 1950s, tattoos began to pop up throughout society. Due to the way that American citizens were shown tattoos, being inked became associated with unruliness and disobedience. With this stigma, people with tattoos were looked down upon by other members of society. This way of thinking has continued in modern society as well, where tattoos are associated with impulsivity, and tattooed individuals are more likely to be seen as unreliable or incompetent.

But what do tattoos really represent? Do these stereotypes hold any truth? To the youth of this generation, tattoos are simply a means of self expression. According to the Pew Research center, a little over one-third of young adults