Quote:
Originally Posted by BoyAlley
Tattoos have existed in human culture for thousands of years, and have been a way for mankind to create individuality, memorialize important times or people in their lives, express their religious beliefs, associate culturally with others, and provide visual cues reflecting internal personality.
Tattoos are art.
|
You can't compare tatoos people are getting today with the tribal reasons natives got them years ago. I have nothing against tatoos, but I'm pretty sure there are several reasons people get them today and it's certainly not for artistic value, ink shows up way better on canvas than on living skin.
One reason, like all body modification, is that they're not happy with the way they look or their life and they see it as a way of changing themselves. Self destructive people may get them because they like the feeling of pain or knowing that they've changed themselves and there's no turning back. Some in this group are also into cutting, scarring, branding, etc. You can't try to tell me a cattle brand on your back is "art".
The second is a social complex that drives people to do what others in their group do in order to feel accepted. Ie. My buddies are getting tatoos, therefore I should get tatoos so I can feel accepted within said group. I think this is the reason it's becoming a high school fad.
Third, maybe someone close died and it's their way of remembering and not letting go. Or some type of similar big event in their life. Changing their body reflects the change that has occurred.
These are the only reasons I can think of.