Stigma of Tattoos in Modern Times Essay - 1906 Words

Modern Times Stigma: As a tattooed person, I can attest that stigma and prejudice are still alive and well in the new millennium, even in a liberal outpost like Massachusetts. Whether its a stare, look, comment or something more serious, like denial of service or hassling from law enforcement, cultural stigma is still a factor for those seeking tattoos. Much of this is clearly rooted in the history of tattooing in the U.S. (see below) but there are other possible sources for these attitudes as well. An interesting article in Skin Art Magazine by Kyle Burkett proposes another possible cultural root to the American and European stigma associated with tattooing that is today being challenged in a broad way. Burkett states that for†¦show more content†¦It is no coincidence that many of these cultures used tattooing. The Greek and Roman view of their own cultural supremacy only served to reinforce the idea that these tattooed cultures were less significant than their own, and thus their views and practices were much easier to denegrate. These associations were also supported to some degree in religious texts. In Judaism, there is actually a Biblical passage specifically prohibiting marks on the body. Leviticus 19:28 states that: Ye shall not make any cuttings on your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you. In all probibility, this passage does not actually refer to tattoos, but it serves only to strengthen the view that tattoos are sacrilegious among Christians and Jews. The intent behind the passage was probably directed at the Jews neighbors, the Arabs, who routinely made marks on their body to show reverence for their own pagan gods, which was considered idolatry. The Jewish view of tattooing- and the Arab view of tattooing, as culturally significant and positive- show not only conflict in an ancient era, but the roots of what would become a longstanding cultural conflict, and basis for discrimination in future centuries, up to this very day. The Impact of the Modern Tattoo Machine: With the advent of the modern tattoo machine the process of tattooing became faster and simpler,Show MoreRelatedWhat Determines The Perception Of Tattoos?1443 Words   |  6 Pages What determines the perception of tattoos? University of Hawaii at Manoa Cole Dante Introduction College students walk amongst each other every day, eyes wandering and constantly comparing each other. Comparing the physical appearances, attire, and how they carry themselves. A main trend that has become popular over the years are tattoos. 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