Stereotypes: Tattoos
Tattoo culture & the "punks" who sport 'em...
"Our uniqueness, our individuality, and our life experience molds us into fascinating beings. I hope we can embrace that. I pray we may all challenge ourselves to delve into the deepest resources of our hearts to cultivate an atmosphere of understanding, acceptance, tolerance, and compassion. We are all in this life together."
- Actress, Linda Thompson
- Actress, Linda Thompson
Model Kytan Smith. Photo by Erick L. Grahamwood
Stereotyping...what is it?
A stereotype is a "generalization about all members of a group based on the characteristics of a few" according to author of "Detecting Bull" John H. McManus. (McManus, 219). Stereotypes include, but are not limited to, Asians being good at math, black people loving watermelon, men being sensitively reserved, and thinking that people with tattoos are trashy, punks, criminals, or unfit for the workplace. These are stereotypes. They don't have to be negative or even in your face, sometimes they are misconceptions or common beliefs. Sometimes they are subtle. It's important for us to be sure to not limit individuals to a few characteristics. The media has a responsibility to accurately depict individuals as they are, not how society stereotypes them. If the media reinforces stereotypes, it will continue a negative spiral for future generations learning these thoughts. The more stereotypes they see, the quicker younger generations will grow up with the belief that these stereotypes are true.
For this project we will look at the negative perception of tattoo culture and the people who have them.
For this project we will look at the negative perception of tattoo culture and the people who have them.
Google Search: What are others searching about tattoos?
According to Google, internet users believe that tattoos are stupid, trashy, gross, a sin, bad and lame. For our project, we tend to believe that tattoos are art, a clear outlier to public opinion.
Examples and history of tattoo stereotypes in the media:
There is a rich cultural background that supports the stereotypes associated with tattoos. A common belief that tattoos are on the same level as drugs may stem from the fact that tattoos are actually addicting. This tattoo addiction has been proven to be linked to the endorphins that are released during the tattooing process. This gives the body a natural high and can leave your body wanting more. (Black, 2).
For many, anything addicting is inherantly negative, but just like working out, having sex, or eating your favorite foods, this natural high isn't due to any substance and is completely safe. Another common belief is that tattoos are related to diseases. Tattoos do not increase your risk of skin disease or cancer, even if you have previously had it. Some reasons for this misconception is the practice of using dirty needles in the early 19th century, or makeshift tattoo guns used in prison and across the world in lower income areas. If a tattoo is done in a sanitary environment and heals properly, there are fewer risks in the process. (FDA, 2017). Still, tattoos are seen as unorthodox to most and some people relate having tattoos to being a criminal or lazy. Sixty percent of employers said that they would not hire someone who have visible tattoos, in a study done by the Pew Research Center. (PEW, 2010). The real reason people get tattoos can be for a various of reasons including: to display art, commemorate a loved one or an event in their lives, religion, and/or dedication to significant others. None of these things are inherently bad and the people getting the tattoos are just as diverse as the reasons to get a tattoo. Today, the media still portrays individuals with tattoos in a negative or stereotypical light. Shows such as "Sons of Anarchy" or "Pawn Stars" send out a message that people with tattoos are part of biker gangs or seedy Las Vegas pawn shops. In the media, tattoos often show a life story and identify an individual as "unique." Such is the case with NBC's "Blindspot" where the main character wakes up with no memory of her past, but she is tatted from head to toe. Her tattoos tell the story of her life that she must unravel. On Fox's "Prison Break" the main character's tattoo is actually a detailed plan to break out of the prison. In each of these examples we are introduced to the idea that people with tattoos are "mysterious" or didn't choose the tattoos with their own free will. This is even apparant in kids films such as "Moana" where Maui is shown gaining tattoos based on events in his life. Again, he doesn't choose the tattoos freely and they serve as a reminder of his past. In the media tattoos are often shown as a part of the evil side and people who have tattoos aren't good people. This is evident in characters such as Darth Maul, from Star Wars who was tatted at birth on Dathomir to show his devotion and enslavement to the dark side. It also is apparent in 2016's "Suicide Squad" in which the Joker is reimagined with a plethora of tattoos covering his body to make the villain look more "edgy." Other characters iin this movie such as Harley Quinn and Diablo all have tattoos as well and are part of the bad guys stereotype that the film reinforces. Tattoos are often related to the supernatural as well, people such as Karnak from ABC's "The Inhumans" to the X-men franchise which introduces a character named Ink whose powers come from his tattoos. In "Harry Potter" the death eaters, who are villains, use their tattoos to summon Voldemort. (Sources: ABC/Disney, 20th Century Fox, NBC Warner Brothers). In cable news, criminals with tattoos are often shown, although these are real criminals, it is typical to see these mugshots with stories of fear rather than with stories about regular people. Recently, memes have circulated on social media by anti-tattooers and people with tattoos using sarcasm to relay a message. These memes include sayings such as "Ink hurts children" or "your tattoos make you a horrible mother." Some of the people who share these memes are laughing at the ridiculousness, but others on social media genuinely agree with the stance. These stereotypes are harmful to individuals with tattoos who are law-abiding citizens, hard-workers, and friendly. |
From top left (clockwise): 1) Divergent 2) Stranger things 3)Moana 4) Blindspot 5) A generic mugshot 6) Xmen Wolverine 7) The Joker in Suicide Squad 8) Popeye 9) Harry Potter 10) The Inhumans 11) Diablo 12) Prison Break 13) Star Wars 14) The Rock 15) Jack Sparrow
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A brief history of tattoos and their impact
The earliest evidence of tattoos on actual bodies dates back to c. 2000 B.C. and were present on several female mummies in Egypt, according to the Smithsonian. However, knew evidence suggests that the Iceman from the Italian-Austrian border may 1,000 years older than that of the Egyptians and is known for his tattoo patterns on his spine, knees, and joints. (Lineberry, 3). The reason for these tattoos are believed to be for therapeutic reaasons.
In the United States, tattoos have been integral to the history of the country. Native American women tattooed themselves to treat pain such as arthritis and toothaches in the 18th century. In the 19th century the first professional tattoo artist, Martin Hildebandt, opened up shop in New York City. Hildebrandt tattooed Civil War soldiers for identification after the first electric rotary tattoo machine was invented in 1891 according to the New-York Historical Society. (Waxman, 4). Tattoos became popular among sailors and in the 19th century they became a fashion statement for royals, comparing a costly piece of body art too a fine dress or jewelry. Even Winston Churchill's mother, had a tattoo on her wrist. (Sebba, 48). When Social Security numbers were introduced many tattooed their number on themselves for memory purposes. In the 20th century, musicians helped to make tattoos more popular and they have continued to grow in popularity and are even more common today. |
Timeline:
Source: Time Magazine.
- 1846- Martin Hildebrandt was the first professional tattoo artist in the United States, established himself in Boston, and tattooed soldiers during the Civil War. Hildebrandt started the profession that became much more popular from then on.
- 1898- Samuel O’Reily and apprentice Charles Wagner tattooed sailors during the Spanish-American War with designs that symbolized their war service. Soon after tattoo shops and tattooing in general became increasingly popular in America.
- 1944- New York fines Charles Wagner for not sterilizing his needles when tattooing. Tattooing becomes a legal and health issue in America.
- 1969- The Tattooing of Minors Act is put in action. The act basically states that a person must be eighteen years of age to get a tattoo unless there is parental consent.
- 1985- Tattoo by Design was the first of many tattoo shops to open in Eugene Oregon.
- 1991- The Q-Switched Neodymium-YAG laser was made known for tattoo removal; this is the most popular and effective form of removal.
- 1997- In May 1997, the city held the first International New York City Tattoo Convention. This was a gathering place for many artists in the business.
- 2007- LA Ink the television show on The Learning Channel premiered and became a hit. The main artist on the show began a cosmetics line, wrote a book that was on New York Time’s Best Sellers List, increased the popularity of her shop, and stirred tattoo competition in the Los Angeles area.
- 2013- Miss Kansas Theresa Vail is the first contestant in the Miss America pageant to publicly show her tattoo.
Source: Time Magazine.
Tattoos in the workplace: A Modern America
There is much controversy about whether visible tattoos in the workplace are appropriate or not. According to a study conducted by Salary.com, 76 percent of those who participated said that tattoos negatively affected someones image. 42 percent believed that tattoos were indeed inappropriate in a work environment. (Gouveia, 2017) However, in a survey produced by theharrispoll.com, found that almost half of those surveyed believed tattoos to be inappropriate in the work place, but still conducted business with them. They also found that 47 percent of millennials reported to having at least one tattoo compared to only 13 percent reported within the baby boomers. (Harris Poll, 2016) Tattoos are becoming more prevalent in todays society, therefore I think its safe to say we are becoming more accepting of them.
Above: Photos courtesy of The Guardian. Their photo project introduced individuals with full body tattoos fully clothed and unclothed.
Below: Tables courtesy of TheHarrisPoll.com
Below: Tables courtesy of TheHarrisPoll.com
Past Presidents with Tattoos:
About us:
Erick L. Grahamwood
For this bio, I'm going to speak about my tattoos. People often have preconceived notions based on my appearance. They think that I'm a rebellious youth, that I'm mean, uneducated, irresponsible, or that I won't be able to get a job. I have 14 tattoos and I don't believe any of these things pertain to me. I'm not a rebellious kid. I'm an adult in college, with a job, married, making my own way in life and potentially looking to adopt a child in the future. If I'm not able to get a job, it lands on the hands of those who believe tattoos will affect my ability to work. They don't. Tattoos are art and they reflect on my experiences in life. I might even have them removed from my body and framed for my loved ones after I die.
Kaitlin Manning
Hey! I'm a junior at Utah State University. I have a three year old little boy named Dax and a dog named Finnie. I grew up in Logan Utah and spend most of my time chasing them around. We enjoy the outdoors and watching football. I'm also a tatted mom, which comes with it's own batch of stereotypes. I have two tattoos, both of which are representative of my son. I have been stereotyped as an irresponsible parent due only to the fact that I have tattoos. I believe that society is becoming more accepting of tattoos as a form of art, and hope that somewhere in the near future you aren't discriminated against for expressing this art form.
Jenny Wilson
Hi! I'm a senior at Utah State University. I am in the American Studies program with an emphasis in Journalism and Political Science. I am also pursuing a minor in history. I grew up in Denver, Colorado, where my family currently is. I love Denver very much and plan on moving back home after I graduate. I love the outdoors and music. Spending time with family and friends is very important to me. One day I hope to be a print journalist for a major newspaper. My tattoos don't affect my schoolwork or my life. They were a choice. I have two tattoos that both have a personal and important meaning to me and my life. I do not believe tattoos should affect someone's employability or life in a negative way if they are not distracting or offensive.They are a form of expression that is personal to each person who has one.
Bingham Bouwhuis
I am a Sophomore and currently studying with the Computer Science Department. I love to be outdoors and participate in most sports. Especially those that involve boards. i.e. surfing, snowboarding, skate boarding, long boarding. I'm married to my best friend and we will be starting our own little family in April. I don't have any tattoos, but I still believe that everyone should have the opportunity to express themselves how they will and should not be judged by their expressions.
Tattoo Trivia:
1) Angelina Jolie, Joseph Stalin, Thomas Edison, and two out of every five Americans ages 26-40 have tattoos.
2) Tattoo originates from the Tahitian word “tatau” which means mark
3) They were brought to the New World by James Cook and his voyage to the Polynesian Islands
4) By 19th century almost 90% of the US Navy was tattooed
5) In the 70’s and 80’s, 1 in every 100 people had tattoos; today it is 1 in 10 people
6) Tattoo reasons differ in different countries in the past
8) New sterilization techniques and equipment have eliminated many health risks of tattoos
9) Bible verse Leviticus 19:18: “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves.”
Causes problems in the Christian community about tattoos
10) Stereotypes are different depending on gender
2) Tattoo originates from the Tahitian word “tatau” which means mark
3) They were brought to the New World by James Cook and his voyage to the Polynesian Islands
4) By 19th century almost 90% of the US Navy was tattooed
5) In the 70’s and 80’s, 1 in every 100 people had tattoos; today it is 1 in 10 people
6) Tattoo reasons differ in different countries in the past
- Western culture: identity
- Egypt: found on women; for social status or punishment
- Japan: punishment for men; common among Japanese mafia
- Other cultures: religion, survival of war, and social status (like slavery)
8) New sterilization techniques and equipment have eliminated many health risks of tattoos
9) Bible verse Leviticus 19:18: “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves.”
Causes problems in the Christian community about tattoos
10) Stereotypes are different depending on gender
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"My body is my journal and my tattoos are my story." - Actor Johnny Depp
Model Kytan Smith. Photo by Erick L. Grahamwood.