What Role Do Tattoos Play In Society Essay
The Role of Tattoos
Whether it’s been as a mark of slavery, cultural purposes or as a form of art, tattooing has been practiced globally for centuries.
This paper will debate that regardless of the division of views within today’s society regarding the practice of tattooing, it has played a consistent as well as an important role in human culture with regards to identities.
Let’s start by picking your brain for a moment. If I were to ask you what your opinions were towards tattooing, what would your answer be? You may be surprised to know that within our society today, regardless of what your answer was, we could assume that people are divided based on each alternating view of tattoos. Some bring a more stereotypical view in that tattoos may pose a negative factor when trying to land that perfect job. Perhaps that it may symbolize that they are part of a gang, a “biker” if you will, maybe a criminal or part of a lower class in society? (Proehl 2004) Tattooing may also instill fear …show more content…
Imagine a time where a tattoo artists position was considered highly honorable. The idea of a current priest administering a tattoo for religious purposes would no doubt be quite a controversial topic. This was the case however within these societies. Priests were extensively trained with strict practices in order to administer and hold religious rituals. These rituals would be considered celebrations while friends and relatives participated in prayers while six to eight young men were tattooed. Given these ceremonies, it was evident how significant these practices remained within these cultures. (Porcella) These markings were used as a form of visual communication. Some tattoos would indicate an individual’s place in society, while others were indicators or “rites of passage” demonstrating the transition from adolescence to
Whether it’s been as a mark of slavery, cultural purposes or as a form of art, tattooing has been practiced globally for centuries.
This paper will debate that regardless of the division of views within today’s society regarding the practice of tattooing, it has played a consistent as well as an important role in human culture with regards to identities.
Let’s start by picking your brain for a moment. If I were to ask you what your opinions were towards tattooing, what would your answer be? You may be surprised to know that within our society today, regardless of what your answer was, we could assume that people are divided based on each alternating view of tattoos. Some bring a more stereotypical view in that tattoos may pose a negative factor when trying to land that perfect job. Perhaps that it may symbolize that they are part of a gang, a “biker” if you will, maybe a criminal or part of a lower class in society? (Proehl 2004) Tattooing may also instill fear …show more content…
Imagine a time where a tattoo artists position was considered highly honorable. The idea of a current priest administering a tattoo for religious purposes would no doubt be quite a controversial topic. This was the case however within these societies. Priests were extensively trained with strict practices in order to administer and hold religious rituals. These rituals would be considered celebrations while friends and relatives participated in prayers while six to eight young men were tattooed. Given these ceremonies, it was evident how significant these practices remained within these cultures. (Porcella) These markings were used as a form of visual communication. Some tattoos would indicate an individual’s place in society, while others were indicators or “rites of passage” demonstrating the transition from adolescence to