| Your
views on tattoos |
| Posted: May 9th, 2003 |
| By:
Colin Coates |
 |
Tattoos have made a stunning
comeback in recent times. Gone are the days when tattoos were frowned
upon and the only people they would be seen on were dusty old builders
or highway workers (not that there is anything wrong with builders
or highway workers mind). These days tattoos are more likely to be
seen on the young and trendy. What are your views on tattoos? |
There is no such thing as a new trend, there are just trends. Here today and gone tomorrow only for a slightly modified version to return again another day. Right now tattoos are the things making the big comeback in society.
The new looking tattoos are very much different to their older counterparts. The image of a Union Flag wrapped around a snarling British bulldog or a spider's web covering half a neck are things of the past.
Colour is out and plain black ink is in. Fancy typography and symmetrical shapes or complicated curved patterns have replaced the plain type and daring artistic drawings of old.
It seems the acceptance in society of body painting has a lot to do with the types of tattoos, which are now popular. Are we as a society so visually biased or could it be something else? Is it possible that we have we reached a point where we can safely say to ourselves that we will no longer judge a person just because they have a tattoo printed on their body?
Tattoos are socially acceptable now and the opening of a brand new trendy tattoo shop in the prestigious Selfridges on Oxford Street is proof of that. Shoppers can pop into Selfridges and buy a pair of Nike running shoes, have a bite to eat and finish off the day by getting a Nike swoosh tattooed onto their ankle.
David Beckham breaks the mould
The re-emergence of the tattoo is no mistake either. All trends need a trend-setter, someone who can heighten the profile of a product, thing or behaviour. In the case of the humble tattoo it has one of the world's most photographed and talked about men to thank for the free publicity, the England captain David Beckham.
Tattoo artists all over the country are licking their lips and gearing up to clean up. They probably can't believe their luck. Their art has been thrust into the public eye by one of the most adored men in the country.
David Beckham has made absolutely no effort to hide his tattoos from the prying lenses of the media who hound him 24/7. He has at least 7 tattoos known to us (the general public) and who knows he may even have a few more in places that are only for the eyes of his dearly beloved pop star wife Victoria Beckham.
Beckham's body language says it all
What many of us are saying is if David Beckham can have a tattoo and still be successful and not frowned upon then so can we. Let's face it you would have struggled to find an England player let alone the captain in the 60's with such visible tattoos as Beckham and I doubt it was because tattoos weren't about because they were.
Back then it would have been difficult to find a single player with serious aspirations of playing for England let alone captaining the side with tattoos covering most of his upper body. It just wasn't socially acceptable back then to have tattoos and expect to be a role model or ambassador for England in any circumstance apart from maybe boxing or wrestling.
It shows how far we have come as a society that the England captain and role model to millions of young children all over the world can plaster tattoos all over his body without losing an ounce of support or adulation.
When it comes to tattoos David Beckham has definitely broken the mould. The cliché of the tattooed sailor or criminal is sharply contradicted by David Beckham. The paradox is Beckham, apart from his fiery temper, is a squeaky clean living person who is a devoted and loving family man never mind superstar personality.
Would you get one?
So tattoos are socially acceptable and can sometimes enhance your social status. Does that mean you would be prepared to visit a tattoo shop and choose a piece of artwork to be dyed into your skin?
Having a tattoo done is no picnic and the pain can be toe-curling for some people. You also have to remember that although tattoos have made a fashionable comeback and the styles of tattoos have changed a bit, having one done is still a life long decision and one you might just live to regret.
The British Journal of Dermatology says that up to 75% of people in the UK who have a tattoo live to regret it so if you are thinking of getting one make sure you think it through thoroughly.
Here are a few tips you should try and use if and when you decide to get a tattoo:
Plan your tattoo art carefully, doing lots of research
Consider its placement and how this will fit into your life
Save up and get what you really want
Go to a reputable tattoo artist
Ask to see previous examples of their work
Follow aftercare instructions religiously
Don't go ahead if you are not 100% sure. |
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