2008 Woodie Awards
Got ink?
Tattoos on campus and in the real world
Lauren Wilder
Issue date: 10/9/07 Section: Life
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"Over the years it's more and more accepted," said Daron James, a tattoo artist at Little John's Tattoo. Tattoos have evolved from something relatively taboo into a social and cultural phenomenon.
As tattoos become more acceptable, more people may choose to get one, but why else do young people get them? James mentioned the idea that the media plays a part in increased interest in tattoos, adding that the fascination with tattoos goes beyond young adults.
"This guy who is 76 years old watched 'Miami Ink' and wanted a tattoo. He comes in every week to get another Disney character," James said. James, who has 10 years of tattooing experience, also explained how an office woman in her mid-40s came in wanting her cheeks pierced after watching the show "L.A. Ink."
It's not too common to have a tattoo exactly like the person sitting next to you with their individual touch. It's all a matter of convenience and the look a person is going for.
Ashley Jones, a senior, got one of her tattoos with her best friend. "It's a tribal symbol … the last three years we both have been through a lot … to me it means to learn from your past," Jones said.
Jaminque Chestnut, a senior, said she has wanted a tattoo since she was in high school. "I feel strongly that it's not just the tattoo, but that I'm old enough to make my own decisions," Chestnut explained.
For Latoya Pettiford, a senior, her lizard tattoo represents her evolution into womanhood. Lizards constantly shed the bad for the good, according to Pettiford.
"It's all about presentation," said Will Jones, a senior. He thinks some tattoos can be seen as "hood," or denoting a sort of criminal or deviant lifestyle, when they cannot be hidden easily. Jones has two tattoos and said he plans to get more in the future.
Does the open presentation of tattoos mean society has moved past visible tattoos as being unprofessional?
"When an individual is in a professional setting they are a part of a uniform," said Tom Thomas, a senior. Tattoos that can be seen should be chosen with caution depending on the person's profession, according to Thomas. He does not have any tattoos, but said he thinks they are beautiful when they match personalities. Thomas also said he believes that tattoo work is one way to express individuality in a professional setting.
Luke Abel, a junior, said he got his tattoo on a whim, but knew his visible tattoo could affect his future career as a high school teacher. Abel doesn't seem regretful when he describes his tattoo as "an external reflection of internal happenings." He also expressed that if he had trouble getting hired in a primary or secondary school setting, he feels that he could get hired at a college with less criticism.
In the 21st century, more students are choosing to "get ink," and tattoos will likely continue to become more commonplace in and out of work settings. Most people who are still scared of tattoo shops, asserted James, are afraid because of the stereotype of hateful and mean biker people.
"We're all very happy people … the taboo myth breaks as soon as people walk in," he said.
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