For my Civic Issue I want to focus my blogs around the issue of discrimination. Before I begin, I want to share with you a quote from Gary Keller: “Life is a question and how we live it is our answer.” Simply put, we have choices that we make, for the life we want to live. Who are we to judge and be discriminatory to others?
Art comes in many forms; through paintings, sculptures, music, pictures, films, and even dance. It is “a diverse range of human activity, and resulting product, that involves creative or imaginative talent expressive of technical proficiency, beauty, emotional power, or conceptual ideas” (Wikipedia).
“The tattooed right hand of a Chiribaya mummy is displayed at El Algarrobal Museum”
Dating back about 2000 BC, tattooing was found on the skin of Egyptian women and mummies. “Tattooing of ancient Egyptian women had a therapeutic role and functioned as a permanent form of amulet during very difficult time[s]..” (Cate Lineberry). In retrospect to tattoos, it was mostly done on women’s bodies as a ‘safeguard’ or a sign of protection, “the older women of a community would create the tattoos for the younger women” (Cate Lineberry).
The use of tattooing was said to originate from the Aztec cultures, Samoan people, and Borneo cultures that utilize tribal tattoos as an ancient tribal art form and as “rites of passage, social status, and family identification” (Jaymz). Each pattern is uniquely designed and situated upon the skin for permanent placement. It shows a sense of belonging, legacy, and was even used for medicinal purposes throughout various cultures. As these tribes migrated from land to land, other cultures picked up on these practices, “just as relationships exist between languages and dialects over vast areas, so there are similarities between tattoo designs found in regions and cultures far removed from each other” (Amy Olson). The artistry of tattoo culture had a significant effect and has traveled from culture to culture.
“The last generation of Tattooed Women; Indigenous Tribes”
The history of tattoos placed specifically upon the body, “..and their cultural significance to people around the world” is rapidly declining and unraveling through history (Cate Lineberry). In modern day society there has been a major shift in the viewpoints of permanent body art. Stigmas are heavily placed upon people that have tattoos, especially on women. “In many tribes, women’s tattoos were symbols of beauty that simultaneously ensured they were of no value to neighboring tribes” (Amy Olson). Now, the modern day perception of tattoos on a person’s body, has various negative connotations associated with them. Ideologies of tattoos rapidly changed from the ancient artwork symbolizing beauty, protection, honor, and identity, to being socially unappealing and undesirable. In more recent times, Tattoos tend to represent irresponsibility and tort. “Pejorative perceptions of tattooed people abound, including having negative personality characteristics, lower levels of inhibition, competence, and sociability, and higher levels of promiscuity” and even associated with criminal behaviors. (Vinita Mehta) The expression of body art is looked at from a viewpoint of disapproval from society. Vinita Mehta, a clinical psychologist and researcher found that, “Studies focusing exclusively on tattooed women have found that they are judged more harshly than their male counterparts. Research reveals that women with this form of body art are perceived as more promiscuous, as being heavy drinkers, less attractive, less caring, less intelligent, and less honest” (Vinita Mehta). These stereotypes and stigmas have encouraged and drastially increased discrimination towards people in the workplace, educational institutions, religious environments and more; Even though, “tattoos are becoming more commonplace in American society” (Vinita Mehta).
Misplaced judgment has been placed on the concepts of tattoos and its true meaning; stereotyping people and the culture behind body art. It is not considered a form of art anymore, but a sign of disrespect to the temple of the body and destruction of the skin. This standpoint seems to be counter intuitive as we advance into these modern times in society, where acceptance of differences are increasing. We need to remember the history behind the ideology of tattoos and let go of the negative judgment placed upon this art form and individualized expression: “..a tattoo is part of one’s identity” (Amy Olson).
I believe that the idea of tattoos are a civic issue involving discrimination because a person should have the opportunity to willfully choose how they want to express themselves through the arts. No one should have to suppress their individuality and creativity due to the stereotypical expectations of others. As a result of society’s influences, tattoos are frowned upon based on what society may deem as socially appropriate because of gender roles and biases on those constructs of art that are acceptable and thoses that are not.
Sources:
“Art.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 2 Feb. 2022, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art.
Fletcher, Joann, and Cate Lineberry. “The Tattooed Right Hand of a Chiribaya Mummy Is Displayed at El Algarrobal Museum, near the Port of Ilo in Southern Peru. The Chiribaya Were Farmers Who Lived from A.D. 900 to 1350. (Joann Fletcher).” Brewminate: We’re Never Far from Where We Were, 4 Aug. 2018, brewminate.com/the-ancient-and-mysterious-history-of-tattoos/.
Jaymz. “Tribal Tattoo Pictures and Meanings.” TatRing, TatRing, 22 Jan. 2008, tatring.com/tattoo-ideas-meanings/Tribal-Tattoo-Design.
Lineberry, Cate. “Tattoos.” Smithsonian.com, Smithsonian Institution, 1 Jan. 2007, www.smithsonianmag.com/history/tattoos-144038580/.
Marafie, Sarah. “The Last Generation of Tattooed Women; Indigenous Tribes.” Boodi, 19AD, boodijewellery.com/tattooed-women/.
Mehta, Vinita. “Are People with Tattoos Stigmatized? | Psychology Today.” Psychology Today, 28 Sept. 2018, www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/head-games/201809/are-people-tattoos-stigmatized.
16 thoughts on “Discrimination by Design”
It was interesting to read this article, and learn how tattoos have a long history as an art form and were used to convey belonging, legacy, and were even used as a safeguard in some places.
I did some research into how tattoos made their way to the United States. The first tattoo shop that I found record of in the US was Martin Hildebrandt’s permanent tattoo shop which began by tattooing sailors in New York City in the 1840s. They found their niche by starting a tradition of tattooing sailors and other military members during the Civil War. Tattoos on the body of a soldier were a way to guarantee that their bodies could be identified if they were to be killed.
On the other side of the pond, King Edward VII got a tattoo before ascending to the throne, and started a tattoo trend among the nobles in England. However because tattoos were not as socially acceptable in England, nobles would often get inked in easily concealable places. Both of these examples of tattoos appear to hold similar values to the Aztec cultures where they represent belonging loyalty, and can be seen as a status symbol.
In the 1900s, Mildred Hull, was a woman who made her living off of burlesque-tattoo performances. Her fans referred to her as The Queen of the Bowery. She taught herself how to tattoo and became the first female owner of a tattoo shop in the United States.
As strange as it may sound, when social security numbers were first introduced, people would have trouble memorizing them, so they would tattoo their numbers on their bodies. This practice was seen by the masses as a functional choice and the masses would openly admit they had tattooed their number.
The “Golden Age” of tattoos happened in the United States during World War II. Getting inked was seen as a masculine trait as even the Marlboro Man, a popular American symbol of masculinity at the time also had a tattoo. However, after the war, in Western cultures, tattoos had taken on more negative connotations. Tattoo parlors would gladly work on sailors and soldiers, but there was definetly some discrimination taking place as many tattoo artists would “refuse to tattoo women unless they were twenty-one, married and accompanied by their spouse, to spare tattoo artists the wrath of a father, boyfriend or unwitting husband.”
In the 1970’s counterculture embraced tattoos, and it was the first time in American history when citizens other than soldiers and sailors were frequently getting tattoos. “The 70’s also marked the first real wave of female tattoo artists entering the industry. With them, they brought influences from fine art and music to create new symbolism and imagery.”
After conducting this research, it has become apparent to me that the social view on tattoos has varied widely over the course of history and depending on the culture. I believe that views on tattoos will likely continue to change in the future.
https://www.pbs.org/skinstories/history/beyond.html#:~:text=In%20the%20United%20States%2C%20technological,sides%20of%20the%20Civil%20War.
https://greyjournal.net/art/the-evolution-of-tattooing-in-america/
I really enjoyed learning about the history of tattoos in other contexts from your comment! I researched the cultural history of facial tattoos and their significance to indigenous tribes and long-standing cultures, and found they had meanings such as strength, power, womanhood, and affiliation. Learning about other communities and their reasons for getting tattoos such as identification, masculinity, and loyalty, was really interesting, as overall there are just so many different meaningful and purposeful reasons people get tattoos.
I most definitely learned some new things while reading your comment! I particularly enjoyed the fact about King Edward VII, I would have never known that a tattoo was started within the nobility of England. Looking back to tattooing history, it’s also fascinating to look at tattooing within the prison system. Contraband tattoo machines can be made with ballpoint pens and lighters, and these tattoos are often a key part of a prisoner’s identity of remembrance of the time they served. It’s incredible that a picture on the skin can hold such significance.
https://www.themarshallproject.org/2019/06/07/the-underground-art-of-prison-tattoos
It is very interesting to notice the evolution of tattoos and how they made their way into America. I looked up the location of this tattoo shop and it is only an hour away from where my family grew up in brooklyn. It is also interesting that the leading occupation in America with the most record tattoos is the Military and the “second highest rate of tattooed employees is agriculture.” It is also very interesting to see stories of the evolution of tattoos stemming from a positive point of view.
Sources:
https://www.stapaw.com/tattoos-in-the-workplace-statistics
Wow, it is crazy to think that people had tatooed their social security numbers to their own person less than a hundred years ago. In a way, we have come much more accepting of the more artistic tattoos, but I would have also assumed that people of the time would have been more secretive and concealing of something so personal. This highlights the unexpecting and sometimes hypocritical parts of society throughout the ages.
This is an incredibly interesting blog, and I love the topic you have chosen for this week. Tattoos have a controversial topic in the workplace and at home. Personally, I know my mom would not be pleased if I came home with a tattoo anywhere on my body. My mom certainly isn’t the only parent who holds that opinion. A national poll conducted by the C.S Mott Children’s Hospital at the University of Michigan asked parents about their attitude towards tattoos (Betuel). Over 1,000 parents were interviewed, and seventy eight percent said they would “absolutely not” let their teen get a tattoo (Betuel). After further questioning, sixty eight percent stated that a fear of future regret would stop them from allowing their child to get “inked” (Betuel). Part of those fifty eight percent also mentioned medical concerns in regard to the tattooing process. After the University of Michigan completed the poll, they sent out guides to parents and children informing them of good questions to ask the tattoo artist, and it discussed possible removal options.
The results of this study show that some parents are more focused on the wellbeing of their child regarding tattoos rather than the negative consequences they might see in the workplace. According to DLA Harper, sixty percent of employers have reported that visible tattoos would have a negative impact on hiring opportunities within their company (Brown). Minority groups are severely affected by these hiring placements as thirty eight percent of Hispanics and 28 percent of African Americans have tattoos, compared to only twenty two percent of Caucasians (Brown). Professor Chris Henle at Colorado State University’s College of Business explained that there are severe hiring and wage biases against almost any type of body piercings and tattoos (Wilkie). Henle stated, “Although tattoos are more mainstream and acceptable today, there are still lingering stereotypes associated with them. For example, tattooed individuals may be assumed to be impulsive, rebellious, untrustworthy and unreliable. In a hiring situation, we often have limited information about job applicants, which may prompt us to rely on these stereotypes,” (Wilkie). These statistics demonstrate how deep discrimination can go based purely on simple lines of black or colored ink. Overall, I’m excited to see more blogs and see what other types of discrimination you’ll discuss!
Sources:
Betuel, E. (2018, July 8). American Parents Don’t Want Their Kids to Get Tattoos for Three Major Reasons. In Inverse. Retrieved February 10, 2022, from https://www.inverse.com/article/48231-parents-teens-talking-about-tattoos
Brown, H. (2018, May 4). Stigma around tattoos in professional world a form of workplace discrimination. In Collegiate Times. Retrieved February 11, 2022, from http://www.collegiatetimes.com/opinion/stigma-around-tattoos-in-professional-world-a-form-of-workplace-discrimination/article_9beb4aac-4f25-11e8-9258-936dc3e3d38b.html
Wilkie, D. (2018, September 18). What Are an Applicant’s Tattoos Telling Potential Employers?. In SHRM. Retrieved February 11, 2022, from https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/employee-relations/pages/tattoos-at-work.aspx
I agree 100% that my parents would not be happy if I came back home with a new tattoo. But, one thing that I really like about this topic is that I always learn something new. It is really interesting to see the ideas of tattoos from a different perspective like our parents. They seem to care about the after effects (like their children regretting it afterward or the artist messing up something that is permanent on the skin) and well-being in generald more than societal ‘norms’. This shows the shift in modern day society’s perception of tattoos. According to statistics, about 42% of working adults in America have a tattoo.
Source:
https://www.stapaw.com/tattoos-in-the-workplace-statistics
In a way, it really does make sense why parents are often so disinclined to support their child in getting a tattoo. I am not shocked by, but alarmed by, the statistic you mentioned that stated that the majority of employers would consider tattoos as a negative factor during employment. Plus, it does make sense that parents would not want their child to regret it. Tattoos are permanent, and to truly be in love with a tattoo for the rest of your life, likely almost 6 decades more, seems unlikely. Parents want the best for their children, and the risks associated with tattoos aren’t minimal. Nevertheless, I am still disappointed by the negative views so many parents have on tattoos. They are forms of art, and if properly considered, can be empowering and expressive and can make a huge positive impact on a person’s life.
My parents would also not be happy if I came home with a tattoo. Like the poll suggests, they probably would not care too much about the tattoo itself, but they would care more about me possibly regretting it later in life. They might also worry about me losing employment opportunities due to the stereotypes that come with tattoos.
I love how you began with a quote, particularly as the one you used was very insightful and introduced your civic issue blog topic well! I also thought the topic you chose for this blog was great; one that hasn’t been acknowledged or discussed very often at least in my experience.
I have also noticed the stigmatization of tattoos; when people get tattoos they always must consider the impacts they may have such as causing judgment, odd looks and questions, and even lack of employment opportunities. Many people have experienced discrimination due to their tattoos, and have lost great life opportunities all because of their individual and artistic expression. This is such a shame, particularly given the cultural root of tattoos.
Facial tattoos especially carry a strong stigma with them, and I believe are the most detrimental to employment opportunities. But many cultures include a tradition of facial tattooing. This includes but is not limited to Inuit tribes, Maori people, Native Americans, and tribes in India (“Tattoo Culture Around The World: How Tattoos Differ Around the Globe”). According to this source, these facial tattoos can be seen by these cultures as anything from a symbol of status, strength and violence, womanhood, honoring their culture, and much more.
However, unfortunately, though facial tattoos were seen as a form of pride to many cultures around the world, not everyone continued to see them in that way. In the north, the cultural significance of tattoos was recognized, but instead of embracing the tradition, it was stifled in order to suppress native tribes (“Tattoo Culture Around The World: How Tattoos Differ Around the Globe”). I’m sure this is a fundamental reason why there is so much stigma around tattoos today.
Facial tattoos spread to be expressions of other ideas, and became an expression of individualization and an act of rebellion against society and its norms for members of punk communities (Green). This source also identifies gangs as another community that engaged with facial tattooing to undeniably show which gang they were a part of. We now also see celebrities and rappers commonly getting face tattoos. These are groups that are more on the “outs” of society and have chosen to get tattoos that have a more negative connotation to the general and more conservative public. I can’t help but think this has also been a contributing factor to the negative views many have on tattoos, and particularly facial tattoos today.
I hope that soon there is less stigmatization surrounding tattoos. They are a form of art like you said, with a deep and enriching cultural history that cannot be cast aside and frowned upon. Honoring tattoos in their many forms is honoring people, cultures, art, communities, and values.
Works Cited:
“Tattoo Culture Around The World: How Tattoos Differ Around the Globe.” MEDermis Laser Clinic, https://medermislaserclinic.com/blog/tattoo-culture-around-the-world/. Accessed 11 February 2022.
Green, Ty. “The History of Face Tattoos, and their Place in Music Today.” UNDERGROUND UNDERDOGS, 12 December 2018, https://undergroundunderdogs.com/2018/12/12/history-of-face-tattoos-soundcloud-rappers-ms13-mike-tyson-gucci-mane/. Accessed 11 February 2022.
Facial tattoos absolutely carry a stigma with them. As I was doing research about tattooing in the prison system, it mentioned the infamous black teardrop, which represents a murderer. For those who get these tattoos, it is a way to move on with your life after time served, yet still remember your actions.
I love this new approach and perspective on facial tattoos. Each and every comment is different in a unique way, but I am learning so much. I definitely did not know the originals and backgrounds on facial tattoos. The meaning behind a facial tattoo perceives a lot of honor and people do not know a lot of the history that these art choices entails. When I hear about a facial tattoo it is often correlated to criminal behavior or has negative stigmas and connotations behind it. It has transformed into something shameful and rebellious.
Thank you for sharing this.
Jumping off the comment above mine, this post has definitely conflicted my views on tattoos. On one hand, I support the decision of individualistic expression in any way, though I am not sure whether some these stereotypes are justified or unjustified. Obviously, the correlation between intelligence, promiscuity, and tattoos is a bit ridiculous, but I also think people should be wary of what they display to the world. While tattoos are an individual choice, they are still similar to makeup or clothing- something very personal but still something that intentionally portrays something about you. Just as a prosecutor would not wear jeans to a courtroom, people should not expect to get outlandish tattoos in visible areas with complete social impunity.
The topic of tattoos is really interesting for a few reasons. I think firstly because of how seemingly controversial they are despite being a practice that predates our own society. For whatever reason, we as people in a society seem to switch between what is acceptable and what is condemnable in such a short time. Just as certain political practices or beliefs are no longer tolerated in our social and civic discourse, I agree that tattoos are currently representative of certain stereotypes. Admittedly, when I think of a criminal the perfect schema that comes to mind is a bearded middle aged guy with a dragon tattoo on his shoulder, but the real use of tattoos extends far beyond this small, stereotypical group in my mind. In this way, tattoos remind me of the type of women’s clothing that was looked down upon merely half a century ago. Similarly to how tattoos are seen as promiscuous and disorderly by people today, common apparel like short skirts or stockings were seen as utterly abhorrent in the earlier twentieth century. As evidenced in Cole Porter’s title song from “Anything Goes”, “A glimpse of stocking was looked on as something shocking, but now, God knows, anything goes!” This line always stood out as humorous to me because of how ridiculous it was, but I now realize how it relates to society’s willingness and sometimes their reluctance to change.
Additionally, I found it very intriguing that the oldest human fossil ever found in the entirety of Europe had over 60 tattoos across his body (Scallan)! This shocked me in a few ways. I should’ve known after reading your blog, but it is still crazy how advanced these ancient civilizations seem to be regarding both practitioning of arts and the rituals they had in order to practice it. This immense amount of body work is clearly distinct from American society, as the ancient mummy seems to have had these markings given to him by the tribe, whereas the more individualistic American culture sees tattoos not as a gift or status symbol given by the whole but instead as a completely individualistic and personal expression of self-determined values. I wonder whether or not tattoos will ever reclaim their spot as more of a status symbol rather than a personal choice, for it reminds me of some cultures today where tattoos are not as stigmatized as in American culture (such as Samoan culture).
Sources
https://authoritytattoo.com/history-of-tattoos/
It is really interesting how the societal view of tattoos has shifted throughout the course of history. In the United States, during wartimes, soldiers and sailors would get tattoos as a status symbol, and post-war most men who fought came home with some sort of ink on their bodies. I also think that a tattoo like that would be less regrettable in the future since fighting in a war must be such a character altering event.
My daughters both have many tattoos. I used to think I would mind it, but I actually love how beautiful they are and how they are an artful history of their lives.