Tattooing/Piercing are age old practices. Why are they being called a "trend"?

Question

The art of tattooing and the practice of body piercing have been around for centuries. Why now are they being called a trend?

In more recent years they have become more popular than ever but that doesn't change the fact that tattooing and body piercing have been a part of history for many cultures for many many years.

I do not believe these are mere trends destined to die out but the bringing back of ancient customs. As more people have these modifications done I can only hope the practices themselves will become more widely accepted and even considered "normal."

http://www.powerverbs.com/tattooyou/history.htm
http://www.powerpassion.nl/tattoo-and-body-piercing/pierceinfo.html
http://ezinearticles.com/?The-History-of-Body-Piercings---Ancient-and-Fascinating-Around-the-World&id=2948

Goose Kid, my mom has a couple of tattoos and body piercings of her own, honey so it's ain't 'cause of her.

Answer 1

I thoroughly agree with you I have two tatts and am getting one more, I assume I am old enough to be your mom. Tattoos have been around for ages as for me I was raised catholic and got tire of people saying I was defaming God's temple....I am not defaming God's temple,,,,I am adding stained glassed windows to the soul. Some, if not most believe that these are extensions of ourselves. Trend my fanny....BUT, I do always suggest give a tattoo long and serious thought make sure it is something you want to see the REST of your life. As for me I waited for a long time making sure it was just what I wanted...as for a trend...I have a parrot on my shoulder for Jimmy Buffett...had it awhile and still love it....

Answer 2

In the spirit of "trendy" (translated: "superficial") the context is that it's gained more mainstream popularity. Look at water. It's been around a lot longer than we have, yet now it's trendy...if you don't believe me, look at how many brands of it you see on shelves these days. It's always been there...longer than tattoos or people to tattoo upon...but in this context, it's still a "trend."

Then again, the English language has never been stuck on such things as context for very long, so what a word means today may be completely unrelated to what it means next week.

Answer 3

The only reason why it can be called a trend is because so many young people nowadays are getting them in mass. In my hometown, Hartford, CT., everyone got tattoos either this year or last year. Even I got one. The fact is, just like my hometown, it is happening everywhere and that's the only reason why its called a trend.

Answer 4

I'm from New Orleans and we always say we're going to get a coke, no matter what flavor drink you get. Weird, huh? Either that or we just say a cold drink. We never say pop or soda here. Don't know why.

Answer 5

its being called a trend cause magazines are calling it that. whatever the latest slogan is or "hip" thing is even if its old or been around forever, they call it a trend or style of today...It just what people want you to think.

Answer 6

so in other word you don't really have a question only a statment. cool i agree with you. but who care people will get tattoed or they won't lord knows i'd be happier if i did'nt do so many "tribal" tattoos. that are nothing more then black work designs and really tribal.

Answer 7

because of your mom. THANKS A LOT.