The History of Tattoos Today

A brief glance back in time today, reveals the history of tattoos as being a period full of surprises.  Throughout history, tattoos have been viewed as intriguing designs characteristic of criticism.  And while a great number of people have changed with the times, and so to their attitude of tattoos, surprisingly many people today still hold on to history, and past views of tattoos.

A generation or two ago, having tattoos pretty much landed anyone in the company of soldiers, sailors, bikers and carnival workers.  However, this is not the case when it comes to tattoos today.  Tattoo intrigue not only continues to lure new admirers in, tattoo trends seem to surprise many of us too.

Looking at the history of tattoos in the early 1900’s, tattoos were the foundation caricature of carnival freak sideshows, with crowds of people making their way to the circus’s big top to view the unconventionally over the top tattooed.

During the 50’s and 60’s the history of tattoos repeated itself, becoming common among enlisted men serving in the Navy and Marines.  And it seems the tough, rugged, strong willed fighting character of sailors and soldiers led to the criminal appeal of tattoos.

Tattoos became the sign of the times, marking renegade outlaws, bikers, social outcasts, and the mentally criminal. The sub standard and deviant persona of tattoos remained throughout the 60’s leading into the early 1980’s.

Then the wave of the 80s hit, and tattooing started appealing as a cultural, artistic and social form of body art.

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Tattoos Transmit Attitude

Tattoos are either seen as beautiful designs of self-expression or public displays of poor judgment.  Ironically, people without tattoos blatantly confess they just don’t get it, while people with tattoos are up in arms about what there is to get.  Yet there is one thing about tattoos everyone seems to “get” or agree on– tattoos are undeniably brimming with attitude.

To the world, tattoos not only stick out they stand out as statements with obvious meaning.  See, many people view tattoos as a means of communicating an unwillingness to conform, or do they?

If you don’t think tattoos give off attitude, just ask one of the millions of recovering tattoo addicts that have gone through the ordeal of tattoo removal after being an outcast in the professional career arena.

So, if getting a tattoo has no significance or meaning to a person, other than a mere patch of colorfully decorated skin, perhaps the individual should consider reconsidering the decision to get a tattoo.  Or at least, he or she should consider the future and what message or meaning tattoo designs can give off to the world, as some tattoos more than others label the person as one with tattoo attitude.

Having tattoos can bring about attitude in others about the way they view your tattoos.  And this tattoo attitude can feel extremely unfair.  But remember expecting the world to treat you fairly because you are good is like expecting the bull not to charge because you are a vegetarian.

Forgo the attitude of a tattoo fashion fetish, your skin and your future finances will surely thank you.

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Tattoo Difficulties

Social disadvantages of tattoos are a common issue for many people with highly visible tattoos.  Tattoo placement can negatively impact a person’s life if ink location is not careful considered.

Tattoos and Professional Disadvantages

Professional Disadvantages of Tattoos

Although tattoos are more common then ever, they are still viewed as unacceptable in certain aspects of society.  Tattoos on areas of the skin difficult to cover wearing everyday clothing, can result with major disadvantages from having tattoos.

Disadvantages of Tattoos:
· Career Limitations
· Style of Clothing
· Relationship Conflicts
· Decrease in Community Involvement
· Negative Self-Esteem
· Compromise Health

When it comes to getting hired for a job and professionally advancing in many careers, having tattoos is often a disadvantage.   Most professional positions in corporate business, medical, educational, law, and the military, as well as their administrative/support positions discourage hiring individuals with visible tattoos.  And, the few professional careers willing to hire individual with tattoos have dress code policies mandating tattoos remain hidden on the job.

Having to conceal visible tattoos on a daily basis for work and social events is another disadvantage tattoos bring about.  Finding the right clothing to wear to hide tattoos can be a challenge, especially if tattoos are on areas of the skin not typically covered by clothes. 

Tattoos located in commonly exposed areas such as arms, necks, ankles, and wrists often require wearing long sleeves and pants regardless of the temperature or if the style trend for women is sleeveless tops and skirts.  Special occasions and evening attire limitations are a factor when it comes to dressing up and covering tattoo designs.

Personal relationships can be affected by tattoos.  Having a tattoo of a former lovers’ name can negatively impact a current relationship.  People mistakenly confuse the name of your new love with the one on your arm. 

Being a parent with tattoos can create unwanted attention and embarrassment for children being teased by friends and classmates. 

Tattoos can hold people back from making positive changes and pursuing a better lifestyle, such as a former gang member no longer associated with gang or street living, but is not welcome into the community for baring the identifiable gang tattoos.

Tattoo disadvantages negatively impact people’s health.   Physically, tattoos can cause health complications such as allergic reactions, serious infections, and chronic diseases such as hepatitis.

Tattoos can also damage a person’s self-esteem, creating anxiety and depression about being viewed as a stereotype personality they are not.
 
Remember, career goals, interests, and relationships change throughout life.  Choosing to get a tattoo in a place that can easily be covered with clothes does not mean you are selling out, it simple means you are taking advantage of all your future options rather than getting disadvantages tattooed in plan view.

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