Tattoos in Society: A Progression of Acceptance

It wasn’t too long ago that tattoos were considered taboo. Only sailors, criminals, and biker gangs got tattoos. Many people thought that getting a tattoo was akin to signing your death warrant. But over the years, society’s perception of tattoos has changed dramatically. Nowadays, tattoos are seen as a form of art, and more and more people are getting them each year. 

In this article, we will explore the progression of the acceptance of tattoos in society and answer some common questions about tattoos. Also, if you are looking for a tattoo master who can make all your dreams come true, check out tattoo artists in San Diego, where you can find the best of the best.

By Olivia Sanders


What is a tattoo?

Tattoos are a form of body art that involves inserting ink into the skin. Tattoos can be done with a variety of different instruments, including needles, razors, and electric machines. 

Tattoos are usually done on the arms, legs, stomachs, backs, and shoulders.

A History of Tattoos in Society, Man on a stool

Tattoos in society

Tattoos in society have come a long way. They used to be seen as taboo, but now they are becoming more and more mainstream. More and more people are getting tattoos, and the stigma against them is slowly disappearing.

Tattoo history

Tattoos have been around for centuries. They were first used in ancient cultures as a way to indicate rank or status. They were also used as a means of identification, and to commemorate important events.

In the modern era, tattoos began to be seen as taboo. This was largely due to their association with gangs and criminals. Tattoos were seen as a way to identify someone as being part of a certain group, and they were often used to communicate criminal messages. 

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, tattoos began to gain popularity among sailors. This was due to their association with the sea. Sailors used them as a way to show off their knowledge of navigation, which made them seem more experienced and knowledgeable.

Tattoos as a symbol of women’s liberation

The acceptance of tattoos has progressed in society as women have taken ownership of their bodies and chosen to adorn them with ink. Historically, women who got tattoos were considered to be rebels or outcasts, but that is no longer the case. In recent years, there has been a shift in societal norms, and tattoos are now seen as a form of self-expression. More and more women are getting tattoos and the designs they choose are becoming increasingly intricate and creative.

There is no one answer to the question of why women get tattoos, but there are a few possible explanations. Some women may view tattoos as a way to express their individuality or femininity, while others may see them as an artistic form of self-expression.

Some women choose to get tattoos because they are tired of being judged by others based on their bodies instead of who they truly are inside. Others have found that getting a tattoo helps them cope with the pain or loss in their life, such as losing someone close to them. And some women simply enjoy the feeling of getting a tattoo and the sense of community that comes with it.

Whatever the reason, tattoos are becoming increasingly popular among women and there is no sign of this trend slowing down. As society continues to accept tattoos as a form of self-expression, more and more women will feel comfortable getting inked and breaking free from societal norms.

If you are looking for a tattoo artist who can create the perfect design for you, here check out tattoo artists in California. There are some truly talented artists out there who can help you create the perfect piece of body art.

woman with tattoos

Tattoos in the workplace

There was a time when tattoos in the workplace were frowned upon. Many employers believed that people with tattoos were unprofessional and could not be taken seriously. However, times have changed and attitudes towards tattoos in the workplace have progressed. Nowadays, more and more employers are accepting tattoos and see them as a sign of creativity and individuality. Some companies even encourage their employees to get tattoos as they believe it can increase employee morale and loyalty.

In a recent survey conducted by CareerBuilder, 36% of employers said that visible tattoos would have no impact on hiring decisions while 32% said that having a tattoo would improve an applicant’s chances of finding employment with them.

So, while tattoos are still not universally accepted in the workplace, they are becoming more and more tolerated. As long as you are aware of your employer’s policies on tattoos and follow them accordingly, you should have no trouble finding a job that is accepting of your body art.

Tattoos and social media

The social media platforms that are available to us today have made a huge impact on the way we interact with each other and view our world. Tattoos have become so much more common place in society since Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter were created. It’s hard to imagine how quickly they’ve spread now, but if you think back to just seven years ago, tattoos were not nearly as popular and accepted as they are now.

Back in 2010, Kim Kardashian got a small tattoo on the inside of her arm that said “Sanity.” The backlash she received was insane. People were calling her all sorts of names and saying that she had ruined her body forever. Nowadays, it’s rare to find someone who doesn’t have at least one tattoo.

In 2011, Justin Bieber got his first tattoo on his wrist that said “Son of God.” It was mocked by many people and the media had a field day making fun of it. Today he has over 30 tattoos all over his body, including some pretty big ones like an image of Jesus on his calf.

And in 2012, Miley Cyrus got a tattoo of an “equals” sign on her ring finger to show her support for same-sex marriage. This was one of the first tattoos that weren’t considered shocking or frowned upon by society. It was seen as a positive message and many people praised her for it.

Nowadays, tattoos are everywhere. There’s no escaping them and they will continue to grow in popularity as more people get them and share photos of their new ink on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

gloved hands tattooing an arm

Tattoo styles 

Tattooing has been around for centuries, with various cultures practicing the art form. Today, tattoos are more popular than ever, with people of all ages and walks of life sporting them. There are many different types of tattoos, each with its unique style and look.

  • Tribal tattoos

Tribal tattoos are one of the oldest and most popular types of tattoos in existence. They originate from ancient cultures all over the world, including Native Americans, Polynesians, and Egyptians.

  • Celtic tattoos 

Celtic Tattoos were originally designed as a way to identify members of tribes or groups within society. These days they have become an art form in their own right, with many styles and variations available.

  • Japanese tattoos 

Japanese tattoos are also known as Irezumi or Tebori. They have been popular for thousands of years and are still considered an art form today. These types of tattooing techniques involve hand poking the skin with needles to create designs, rather than using machines as modern tattoo artists do.

  • Traditional tattoos

Traditional tattoos are the most common type of tattoo and usually involve simple designs and symbols. They often incorporate elements from a person’s culture or religion, making them uniquely personal.

  • New school tattoos 

New school tattoos are a recent phenomenon, which started in the 1980s and gained popularity during the 1990s. These types of designs feature bold outlines filled with vibrant colors, often featuring cartoon characters or other pop culture references. They tend to be larger than other styles of tattoos.

woman with round tattoo on back

Tattoo meanings

Tattoo meanings have evolved over time, and tattoos are now more popular than ever. Though once seen as a sign of rebellion or deviance, tattoos are now widely accepted as a form of personal expression.

Though the meaning of any particular tattoo may be unique to the individual, there are some general trends in tattoo meanings that can be observed. 

  • Heart tattoos

Heart tattoos often represent love, passion, and emotion. They can also symbolize strength, courage, and resilience.

  • Dragon tattoos

Dragon tattoos are often seen as symbols of power and strength. They can also represent wisdom, nobility, and freedom.

  • Star tattoos

A star tattoo often symbolizes hope, guidance, or inspiration. Stars are also seen as a sign of truth and enlightenment. 

  • Butterfly tattoos

A butterfly tattoo often represents rebirth or transformation. Butterflies are also seen as symbols of freedom, beauty, and grace.

  • Rose tattoos

A rose tattoo often represents love and passion. They can also symbolize strength or new beginnings. Roses are a popular choice for feminine tattoos because they are seen as symbols of beauty and femininity in many cultures around the world. 

  • Moon tattoos

The moon is a common tattoo design because it can represent many different things. It can symbolize love, beauty, femininity, or a new beginning. The sun is another popular choice for feminine tattoos because they are seen as symbols of power and strength in many cultures around the world

  • Flower tattoos

A flower tattoo often represents love, passion, and new beginnings. Flowers are also seen as symbols of beauty and femininity.

  • Animal tattoos

Animal tattoos can represent many different things, depending on the type of animal involved. They can symbolize strength, power, agility, grace, or wisdom. 

Conclusion

Tattooing has been around for centuries, with various meanings and purposes ascribed to them at different times. Today, tattoos are generally seen as a form of personal expression, and their popularity is on the rise. While there are still some who view tattoos with suspicion or disdain, they are becoming more and more mainstream, and their acceptance is growing.