Tattooing is very common these days, especially among the young. I look at some of the motivations behind this trend.
Self sabotage
In some cases, getting a tattoo can be a form of self-sabotage. This might occur in several contexts:
- Impulsive Decisions:
Sometimes, individuals might choose to get a tattoo on a whim, without fully considering the long-term implications. Later, they might regret their choice, especially if the tattoo is visible or in a prominent location, which can affect their professional image or personal relationships. - Negative Messages:
Some people might get tattoos that carry negative connotations or messages, which can be a reflection of their self-image or emotional struggles at the time. These tattoos might later serve as a constant reminder of a negative period in their lives or contribute to a current downward spiral. - Social and Professional Impact:
In certain professions or cultures, tattoos are still frowned upon. If an individual gets a tattoo in defiance of these norms, it could negatively impact their career opportunities or social interactions, which might not have been fully anticipated. - Addictive Behaviours:
For some, the process of getting tattoos can become compulsive. What starts as a form of expression can turn into an addictive behaviour that serves to mask deeper emotional or psychological issues. - Physical Risks:
There are also physical risks involved with getting tattoos, such as infections, allergic reactions, or poor quality of work, especially if not done under proper hygienic conditions. This can lead to health complications and regret.
In these ways, tattoos can sometimes act as a form of self-sabotage, particularly when they are the result of impulsive decisions, reflect negative self-images, or lead to unwanted social and professional consequences. It’s important for individuals to consider their motivations and the potential long-term impacts before getting a tattoo.
Peer group pressure
Tattooing among young people can often be influenced by peer group pressure, where the desire to fit in or be accepted plays a significant role. In youth culture, where identity is still in flux and the opinion of peers holds significant sway, tattoos can become a symbol of belonging or a rite of passage within certain social circles. This can lead to individuals getting tattoos not necessarily out of personal desire, but because it is a norm or expectation within their group. The decision to get a tattoo under these circumstances may not always be fully considered, with the long-term implications of such a permanent mark not thoroughly evaluated. As a result, what starts as an act of conformity can sometimes lead to regret, especially if the tattoo no longer represents the individual’s true self or if they drift apart from the group that once influenced their decision.
Blanket tattooing
Blanket tattooing, where large areas of the body are covered with tattoos, can sometimes serve as a physical manifestation of a desire to conceal deeper emotional or psychological scars. For some individuals, the layers of ink can act as a shield, masking past or even present traumas, insecurities, or painful memories. This form of tattooing may also serve as a barrier, creating a distinct separation between the person and the outside world. In this way, the tattoos act not just as body art, but as a form of self-protection or a method of coping with internal conflict. The visual impact of blanket tattooing can also command attention and divert focus from personal vulnerabilities, allowing the individual to gain some sort of control over the narrative about their body and their story.
The deltoid muscle
The right deltoid muscle has become a popular canvas for tattoos, reflecting not only an aesthetic choice but also a symbolic emphasis on strength and vitality. As a prominent feature of the upper body, the deltoid is often associated with power and movement, making it an ideal spot for displaying meaningful artwork. By choosing to tattoo this muscle, individuals often seek to highlight the inherent energy and capability it represents. The visual enhancement of the deltoid through intricate tattoos can serve as a personal declaration of one’s physical and inner strength. This practice taps into the cultural association of shoulders with carrying burdens and overcoming challenges, thereby transforming the muscle into a visible representation of resilience and a powerhouse of energy. This tattoo placement not only accentuates the natural contours and strength of the shoulder but also aligns with a person’s identity and personal narrative of endurance and power.
Reclaiming power
In an era where individual autonomy often feels compromised by external pressures, from pervasive surveillance and social norms to economic constraints, tattooing emerges as a powerful form of self-assertion and reclaiming of personal space. By choosing to mark one’s body with tattoos, individuals enact a visible claim over their own physicality, a declaration of self-ownership that can be both empowering and defiant. Each tattoo serves as a personal statement, a chosen emblem or narrative permanently inscribed onto the skin, reflecting personal values, experiences, or identities that resist being overwritten by societal expectations. This act of body modification can be particularly poignant for those who feel marginalised or voiceless, offering a form of expression that is entirely self-defined. Tattooing, in this context, becomes not just an art form but a profound exercise in autonomy, allowing individuals to manifest their inner selves outwardly and maintain a sense of control in an increasingly conformist world.
Gang submission
In some South American gangs, facial tattoos serve as both a rite of passage and a stark symbol of loyalty and submission to the gang’s authority. These tattoos, often bold and conspicuous, are not merely decorative; they are imbued with deep significance, marking the individual’s total commitment to the gang. This practice effectively isolates members from mainstream society, as the visible tattoos can hinder opportunities for employment outside of the gang and lead to social ostracisation. Such tattoos are a permanent badge that identifies a member to both allies and rivals, enhancing solidarity within the group while also serving as a potent tool for intimidation. The act of tattooing the face is a powerful demonstration of allegiance to the gang, signifying that the individual’s identity is now indelibly linked with the collective identity of the group. This irreversible step is a declaration of one’s life being firmly entrenched in the gang culture, often with no possibility of turning back.
Cultural reassurance
In the Maori culture of New Zealand, traditional facial tattoos, known as “moko,” are experiencing a resurgence as an expression of cultural identity and heritage. Historically, moko served as a social language, the intricate designs, often on the chin, conveyed information about an individual’s lineage, status, and achievements. Although the Maori population today has no full blooded individuals, the practice of moko has grown in significance among a small percentage, especially among those seeking to connect with and revitalise their cultural roots. This revival is particularly poignant given the historical impacts of European colonisation.
The resurgence of Maori facial tattoos, while a powerful trend of separate cultural identity, can also be divisive, emphasising differences that set the Maori community apart from the broader national identity of New Zealand.
Similarly Celtic designs are nowadays common among those wishing to emphasise their Celtic roots.
Graffiti connection
The rise of tattooing in popular culture has paralleled the graffiti movement, and this synchronicity is far from coincidental. Both forms of expression emerged from the margins of society, where they began as underground, often rebellious acts of self-expression. As graffiti transformed urban landscapes, turning blank walls into canvases that voiced social and political messages, tattoos began to serve a similar purpose on the personal canvas of the body. Each practice reflects a desire to claim space, whether on a city wall or across skin, and to make a permanent mark that declares individuality and presence. Over time, as societal attitudes have shifted, both graffiti and tattoos have been elevated from their origins in subculture to recognised forms of artistic expression, appreciated for their aesthetic value and depth of meaning. This progression reflects broader changes in how we understand art, identity and the changing forms of personal and public storytelling.
Hidden tattoos
Hidden tattoos, often strategically placed at the base of the back, under the arm or in other areas usually covered by clothing, hold a unique allure as they are revealed only in private or intimate settings. These tattoos often carry deeply personal meanings, serving as secret emblems of one’s inner life, cherished memories, or personal milestones. The choice of such discreet locations for tattoos allows individuals to maintain a professional or public facade while preserving a part of their identity that is intimately theirs, shared selectively with close friends or romantic partners. This practice of concealing tattoos under everyday attire adds an element of surprise and personal revelation, transforming the body into a private gallery of personal expression. The hidden nature of these tattoos can enhance the personal significance of the artwork, making them a powerful statement of self that remains shielded from the broader world, yet profoundly meaningful to the wearer.
Tattoo removal
Tattoo removal can be a challenging and often lengthy process, fraught with physical discomfort and significant financial cost. The most common method, laser tattoo removal, involves using high-intensity light beams to break down the ink particles embedded in the skin. However, this method is not a quick fix, it typically requires multiple sessions over months or even years, depending on the size, location, colour, and age of the tattoo. Darker inks and older tattoos often require more sessions to fade significantly. The process can be painful, often described as more uncomfortable than getting the tattoo itself, with sensations akin to having hot grease splatter on the skin. Post-treatment, the skin can experience redness, blistering, and swelling, necessitating careful aftercare to prevent infection and minimise scarring. Moreover, complete removal without any trace is sometimes unachievable, and the end result can still show faint remnants of the original tattoo or leave behind some form of skin discoloration or textural change. These factors make tattoo removal a serious consideration before committing to a permanent ink design.
Changing beliefs
Tattoos can serve as enduring symbols of past beliefs, capturing a moment in time when an individual’s worldview may have been quite different. As personal ideologies evolve or shift, whether due to life experiences, growth in knowledge, or changes in social and cultural perspectives, tattoos that once held significant meaning can become relics of former selves. This can lead to a complex emotional landscape where tattoos are both a physical manifestation of one’s history and a reminder of beliefs no longer held. For some, these marks are cherished keepsakes that document the journey of changing perspectives and personal development. For others, they might represent a conflict between past and present identities, prompting feelings of dissonance or a desire to alter or remove the tattoo. Thus, tattoos can act as both historical records and personal narratives, highlighting the dynamic nature of belief systems and the indelible impact they have on our identities.
The tattoo-free
People without tattoos often view the practice with a sense of perplexity or even disapproval, stemming from a fundamental difference in how they perceive life and the sanctity of the human body. For many in this group, the body is seen as something to be preserved in its natural state, and tattooing is viewed as a form of unnecessary alteration or disrespect to one’s physical form. This perspective can be influenced by cultural, religious, or personal beliefs that emphasise purity, tradition, or aesthetics. To those who hold these views, the act of permanently marking the skin with ink can seem irreverent, as it contrasts sharply with their understanding of preserving bodily integrity. Consequently, this difference in values can lead to separations, judgements or misunderstandings between those who choose to get tattoos and those who prefer to remain ink-free, each group often struggling to fully grasp the other’s rationale behind their choice regarding the phenomenon.