Early Europeans while plundering throughout the world found many societies that used tatoo's and body adornments. They were quick to lable these people as uncivilized and barbaric. However today, in "modern" America, tatooing is becoming a very popular way of expression. Hence, my question...Why are tatoo's significant in American society today?
2006-07-29 23:53:45 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Anthropology
I think it has come to be more commonplace for several reasons.
1) We are a melting-pot country with many different cultural influences. This has allowed us to infuse other cultural traditions and forms of art into our own society. One of these things is the use of tattoos. Our use of tattoos is not necessarily the same as the original culture, however.
2) As our ability to view other cultures has increased, so has our desire for new and foreign concepts. The use of tattoos and body adornments has come as we have been exposed to them. We, as a free country, have the ability to take things from other cultures and infuse those things into our own in order to express ourselves as individuals.
3) I find it funny how you phrased your question. Early europeans...while plundering..labelled others uncivilized. Think of the way they were meaning the word uncivilized to be used. I don't think they meant barbaric. I don't think the use of tattoos denotes some kind of animal-like existence. Plundering sounds like a pretty uncivilized thing to do. Nomads plundered too. They were "uncivilized". Think about the societies that were not uncivilized, like east Indian cultures. They used different forms of tattoos, including henna. Does that mean they were less civilized than the europeans? I don't think so.
4) In our society today, I think we have come to a point where we have full access to these traditions that started elsewhere, freedom to use them as we choose, and the ability to choose. I think this means quite the opposite of the assumption that we are reverting to an uncivilized state. On the contrary, I think this shows how far we've come. We truly are a country of freedom and diversity, with everyone living together and sharing ideas. Is it a perfect place, no, but we sure look cool!
2006-07-30 18:23:22 · answer #1 · answered by godluvsmommas 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Tattoos spread in America as a trend. Especially over the past decade when you started seeing 18 yr olds getting the same damn tattoos on their bodies as half the population. I gotta admit, tattoos are hot, but some people are getting really stupid shet just to look cool. It's as much a way to self-express as a girls wearing make up is, as getting body piercings is (which was also a massive trend over the past decade and stupid one at that), and wearing certain clothes is, etc. It's just a form of art. But who started it here? I really have no idea...
2006-07-30 08:31:54 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Self expression. The art, selection and placement reflect that person's individual tastes. They can be as simple as a decoration, or a symbol of something meaningful in that person's life. I have five - each meaning something different. And I have found like some other they can be a form of therapy - as the tattoo heals you heal as well.
2006-07-30 17:06:32 · answer #3 · answered by Sage Bluestorm 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's becoming a more accepted way of expressing ourselves as individuals. Some people use it as a means of showing strength and the ability to handle the pain. Others see their bodies as a canvas and becoming walking works of art. Many, especially in our generation, unfortunately do it to seem "cool", with no real meaning behind their artwork.
2006-07-30 00:06:54 · answer #4 · answered by LoVeLy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just a thought to put on the table. In the U.S. there is a phenomenon called "cutting". It is often ( but not always) done by young women who have been abused. One of the explanations is that they cut themselves as an expression of pain they cannot speak. Do you think there might be a correlation? We are a nation in pain, after all.
2006-07-30 06:45:05 · answer #5 · answered by Lakshmi's purse 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe we are turning the pendulum back to uncivilized and barbaric, or maybe we never really were civilized in the first place, or maybe it's because we are beginning to see beauty in this art, or maybe...
Pick one.
2006-07-30 15:06:26 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tattoos can be signified many different ways. Many different cultures can signify them in different ways. People get them for many different reasons.
I have 4 and plan on getting more to signify different impacts my life has brought me. Theres a story to each one and it reminds me each time of the struggle I went through at that time and reminds me that through it all I still remain strong..
2006-07-30 03:49:57 · answer #7 · answered by Jae Z 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a form of body art that is a symbol of what the person likes, wishes, or what is really important to them. I already have one tattoo and plan on another with my child's name and birthdate beside her picture.
2006-07-30 20:33:32 · answer #8 · answered by Mom of One in Wisconsin 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I dont know about u american guys but tattos here in India signify Beauty.
2006-07-30 00:06:01 · answer #9 · answered by akar 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
conversation i got mine when i had anger or trouble seemed to help i guess like theropy .most all of mine have a meaning
but i have found thaT the battleaxe is a good reason
2006-07-29 23:59:35 · answer #10 · answered by ronnie r 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋