Tattoos have evolved from their traditional roots as part of a cultural expression and personal symbolism, to recent times where they have become a form of art and self-expression.
Much more socially recognized, although they may still present a percentage of social stigma and discrimination. This may be due to several factors such as professional environments, cultural norms, attitudes in different generations.
As a result, many people with tattoos may still face challenges in certain social circles or workplaces, creating a somewhat difficult dynamic between personal choice and social acceptance.
Although the perception has changed and over time they have become accepted, They are seen as a form of individualistic expression and an act of rebellion.
Origins of tattoos
The word “tattoo” comes from the Tahitian word “tatau,” and has been used to describe the act of marking the skin with ink since the 18th century. Although in some cases tattoos have been associated with rebellion and subculture, its social perception has evolved significantly over the centuries.
Some of the oldest evidence of the practice of tattooing dates back to the Natufian culture, a group of people who lived in what is now northern Egypt 12.000 years ago. Tattoos have been found on ancient Egyptian mummies, and have been mentioned in Greek and Roman texts.
Tattoos through time
Tattoos have been worn for a variety of reasons throughout history, often representing different meanings depending on the culture.
For example, in the Polynesian islands tattoos had great cultural importance, They were used to represent social status, identity and belonging to different groups, Even designs based on spiritual beliefs were made.
In these cultures, tattoos had intricate designs as they were tattooed to commemorate personal achievements or important events in the lives of the inhabitants. They were not just decorative, they had tangible messages for those who knew the symbolism.
Tattoos as symbolism and protection
In other cases, they have been used as a form of punishment or to ward off evil spirits. In the maori cultureFor example, tattoos have been used to recognize an individual's lineage, and are believed to have spiritual power.
Sailors used tattoos hundreds of years agoThey would get tattoos on board ships when they traveled to distant lands. They would tattoo their bodies as a souvenir of those trips or also to strengthen their faith. They would also have a protective amulet to help them get home safely. Soldiers did this to commemorate their achievements or to honor their fallen comrades.
Evolution of the social perception of tattoos
The social perception of tattoos has changed significantly over the past few centuries. In some cultures, tattoos were once associated with social change and rebellion.
In ancient Greece and Rome, for example, Tattooing was used as a form of social punishment, and was often reserved for slaves and criminals. However, in modern times, tattoos are becoming more accepted in many parts of the world.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, circuses exhibited people with tattoos as an attraction. Later, they began to be introduced through art to a wider public. Years later, the countercultural movement of the mid-20th century incorporated tattoos as a form of self-expression and rebellion against social norms.
From then on, they have undergone a significant transformation and went from being symbols of the marginalized to becoming something popular. People from all walks of life choose to wear them on their bodies.
Factors of tattoo diffusion
This happened with the celebrity influence by uploading them to social media and showing them to their fans, the emergence of a large number of professional tattoo artists, these factors have helped to encourage this change.
As a result, tattoos are becoming more widely accepted as a form of personal and artistic expression.
Many companies now have policies that allow employees to show their tattoos in the workplace, and some companies have begun offering health insurance and other benefits to employees with tattoos.
Current social perception
Many cultures have interpreted tattoos as a symbol of identity and empowerment, and as this practice becomes more widely accepted, tattoos are increasingly embraced as an art form.
Equally, Opinions on tattoos vary greatly depending on age, exposure to different social groups and personal concepts. Nowadays they can be symbols of identity, markers of cultural trends, fashion, personal expressions, belonging to groups, etc.
Tattoos today are often a form of self-expression that reflects one's personality traits, appearance, gender and race. Pop culture has played a key role in this. Celebrities and public figures show it off and it influences fans and millennials to show what's in fashion. and which ones are acceptable.
They are also used as symbol of women's liberation. There has been a shift in social norms in recent years as historically women were considered rebellious or marginalized for having tattoos, but today this is not the case.
Many women get tattoos who may see the designs as a way to express their femininity or individuality. They can also be used to cope with grief or loss, or to simply enjoy the feeling of belonging to a group.
There has also been progress in workplaces where they were previously frowned upon, but today they are more accepted by employers, and are often seen as a sign of creativity and individuality.
Social Media
Tattoos have expanded and become more popular in society since they can be shared on the wide availability of social networks that have been created in recent years such as: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Tik Tok. Before, they were not as accepted or popular as they can be today through these networks.
Therefore, Today they are more popular than ever, many people of all ages and social strata wear them, each with their own unique style and look.
Finally, the social perception of tattoos has evolved significantly over the centuries. What once meant social status or punishment is now often perceived as a form of self-expression. Much more widespread and shared by people of all ages, cultures and social strata and it is increasing!