This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s summer editorial intern Dylan Fraize. Find him on Instagram at @fraize.jpg. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
Tattooing is a practice that has been dated back to Ancient Egypt. Tattoos have taken on a different meaning amongst the many generations and sub-cultures. People’s views have certainly changed throughout generations, from taboo to a way to celebrate your 18th birthday. Where does that leave us today? Does the tattoo stigma still exist today?
The oldest discovered tattoo appeared on Ötzi otherwise known as the “iceman”. Ötzi was found along the Austrian-Italian border in 1991. Scientist Carbon dated him finding evidence to believe he is 5,200 years old. This means the practice of tattooing has been long-standing. In the iceman’s generation tattooing was used as a way to alleviate pain, so his markings were found on his joints like his ankle.
Ancient Egypt is one of the oldest known societies with multiple cases of tattooed individuals. Although their use of tattooing may be one of the first instances of derogatory symbolism. As historians went through the mummified remains no men had markings although some women did. Historians believe that Egyptians used tattoos to identify promiscuous women.
Tattoos have also been used across cultures as a symbol of good luck. The Roman soldiers, sailors, and early American coal miners all had tattoos to protect them on their dangerous adventures. Usually a symbol of their obligation, for example, sailors would tattoo anchors.
Similar to the use of tattoos in Ancient Egypt, in Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868) criminals were marked with a tattoo. This tattoo was a part of their punishment and identified the person who had committed the crime. This brings another negative connotation towards tattoos.
A more contemporary fear of American people is gang tattoos. Certain symbols that the innocent passer-by wouldn’t recognize as gang-related. This theme of gang tattoos in America came into prevalence in the mid to late 1900’s. Motorcycle gangs and other street gangs had matching tattoos to signify loyalty to their organization above all else.
While tattooing has gone through a fluctuation of meanings, where does it stand today? Does the tattoo stigma still exist?
The Tattoos Of Today
32% of Americans have at least 1 tattoo! The most common demographic to have a tattoo are young adults, people of color, and women. While tattooed people are still the minority this percentage has skyrocketed over time. Tattoos once represented sub-cultures and have now become somewhat mainstream. On top of the 32% with at least one tattoo, think of all the people you know too scared or indecisive to pull the trigger.
So what changed in people’s minds? Why are so many people getting tattoos now, or does the stigma still exist?
In the 90s, celebrities and people of influence alike started to show off their ink. Celebrities were recognizable by their tattoos thus making tattoos a sort of personal style or expression. Being people of influence they inspired followers to break the stigma and use their body as a canvas. This changed the way people viewed tattooing from deviant symbolism to art.
The shift in views happened 30 years ago but change has occurred gradually. This is why the stigma is more about generation rather than societal views. Gen Z is much more likely to have parents or other family members with tattoos than Gen X’er. For this reason, it’s much less of a risk for young people to take like it was in the 90s.
Among all mediums of art tattooing is one of the most difficult. No eraser, no reshaping, no second tries that is why tattooing is in a world of its own. Not only does the artist have to draw something so spectacular that a client wants it on their body permanently, but they also have to execute it on someone’s body. Think of the pressure knowing every line you make is there forever. Adjusting form to the twitching in someone’s body or the deep breath they take as the needle leaves its mark.
As this change occurred also launched tattooing as a legitimate career. World-renowned tattoo artists started to gain notoriety like Ed Hardy. Inspired by Japanese tattoo styles he began his illustrious career with a unique style. Based out of Southern California Ed, began to see traffic from around the world for the honor to have a piece of his work on their body.
Not only did tattoo artists begin to have a legitimate profession the shops were safer. Tattoo shops started being regulated and held to health and safety standards. Artists had to create sterile fields and operate cleanly without contaminating the area being worked on. The perception became more positive because customers knew they’d be safe.
Just as celebrities people used their bodies as a canvas for self-expression. Taking their personal style to the next level with a permanent statement. A collection of personalized art pieces the wearer creates their own gallery. A person’s tattoos become a part of them as they go but they can also be marks of where they’ve been. Commemorative tattoos are another form of that personal narrative. It’s a way to always have a piece of someone or something you may never see again.
Since the legal age to get a tattoo in America is 18 tattoos have become almost like a right of passage. Whether big or small, significant or completely random, people will spend their 18th birthday listening to the buzz of a tattoo machine. Tattooing has become a part of our culture in America. A way to signify adulthood.
Tattoos that once signify crime or deviance have been gentrified. Take for example the American traditional spider web, what once stood for someone who’s done time in prison now just looks like a cool design. People who are getting into tattoos don’t know all the history behind the symbols. This means certain symbols like the spider webs lose meaning overtime.
Clearly, tattooing has had a colored history. How long will it take for persistent stigmas to change? Or is there still even a stigma? If you have a tattoo why did you get it? What do you think— does tattoo stigma still exist? Let us know in the comments below!
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