There has been a lot of controversy over tattoos and on how people should view them, and whether or not they should be seen as art instead of body mutilation. Tattoos have been around for more than 5,000 years. The earliest tattoos were used to show status in society, membership of a certain tribe, and for spiritual and decorative purposes. Even though tattoos are a form of self-mutilation according to some people, tattoos should be seen as art instead, because even though there are some unfortunate health risks, they still are safe and should be seen as a form of art.
Many people point out the health risk when bringing up the topic of tattoos. Some say that tattoos are a form of self-mutilation. Sheila Jefferys, author of “Body Modification Is a Form of Self-Mutilation”, said “Cutting one's own flesh, body piercing, tattooing, and cosmetic surgery are all forms of self-mutilation which should be opposed” (Jeffreys). Granted, some people get a bit out of control with tattoos and body piercings. For some it is a psychological disorder that can be harmful or even life-threatening. However, for most people, that is simply not the case. People have the right to express themselves through body art. Some people are discriminated due to their tattoos and aren’t hired for certain jobs or have to cover their tattoos up.
Contrary to belief, tattoos are actually very safe if you do the right things and take the right steps to getting the tattoo you want. First off, if you know what tattoo you want you just need to find an artist that could work with your idea. You need to make sure they change their needles, that the needles are sterilized and that they come right out of a new bag. The artist should be opening the needles and any other materials right in front of you. Secondly, make sure the shop is clean and neat. Just your view as soon as you walk in the door could show you just how the rest of the shop is. It’s very risky to not look into the shop you’re getting your tattoo at. No matter where you go, though, there are still health risks, but if done correctly, you do not have to worry about your health.
Tattoo artists are increasingly aware of the potential risks associated with getting a tattoo and have established standard precautions to reduce the risks. Tattoo equipment is sterilized, and the artists use sterile gloves and single-use equipment, including ink and lubricant. The tattoo artist should answer any questions posed about procedure.
The last ten years have seen an educational renaissance within the tattoo industry. Artists have become increasingly aware of the potential risks associated with bloodborne pathogens and have taken steps to protect their clients and themselves. With just a little education and some research, you can assure yourself of a safe, professional tattoo. (Alliance of Professional Tattooists.)
Tattoo artists have even started their own union to make sure the safety of their customers are safe in their hands, and hopefully they’ll recommend your shop or get you more customers. There are multiple blood borne diseases you can get from tattoos unfortunately, like HIV and AIDS. But if everything is done the way it should be, you don’t have to worry. Your health is in the hands of your tattoo artist. It is your duty to make sure you’re safe.
Many people don’t see tattoos like they’re really supposed to be seen; as art. The canvas is just your body. It is a way to express yourself, on both ends, for the artist to perform his or her artistic abilities and for you to express yourself through designs and other things that you’d like to put on your body for the rest of your life. Many people get a tattoo to symbolize something or someone good in their life, like getting the foot print of your new born child tattooed on you, or getting a tattoo in memoriam for a lost loved one. Tattoos are a source of happiness to most people that get them. Tattoo artists strive to be the best artists they can be and when their work is shown off on bodies, it’s very humbling for them.
Kristopher Kaiyala said it best: “Body art is no longer reserved for social outcasts such as bikers, criminals, and sailors. Tattoos are becoming increasingly common on Americans of all ages and are considered by many to be "art," not skin graffiti. Perceptions about tattoos are changing, and body art is becoming more acceptable, even by senior citizens” (Kaiyala). This quote demonstrates just how times have changed on how people think about tattoos. The emerging generation are seeing tattoos as a form of art and a way to express who they are. Even though there are always going to be a few people that will be skeptical about tattoos, whether it be a temporary tattoo such as henna, or a permanent one, people will still mock and judge others for expressing themselves through body art. As you can see, many people can honestly say that they view tattoos to be very artistic and very unique.
Unfortunately, there are some people who don’t particularly agree with tattoos being “Body Art”, they’re seen more as “Body Mutilation”. Some people also claim that as they grow older they start to dislike their tattoo or tattoos. Deanna Anderson said “What someone likes or thinks is cool at age 20 will not be the same at age 50. For this reason, tattoos should never be done on a whim or to please someone else. It is permanent and the tattoo wearer has to live with it.” (Anderson). Just because someone is molding their body to what they want it to be doesn’t mean that just anyone can judge a person for expressing themselves. There have been numerous reports of individuals getting turned down for jobs just for the permanent art on their body.
Everyone should have an equal opportunity for everything, no matter what they look like. It’s degrading to some and upsetting to others. Aside from discrimination, the disapproving people of society all agree on tattoos being very unsafe. They say it puts people at risk for disease and infection and that the ink used for tattooing is not safe for the human skin. According to The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, “The inks used in intradermal tattoos, including permanent makeup, to be cosmetics and considers the pigments used in the inks to be color additives requiring premarket approval under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. However, because of other public health priorities and a previous lack of evidence of safety concerns, FDA has not traditionally regulated tattoo inks or the pigments used in them. The actual practice of tattooing is regulated by local jurisdictions.” (U.S. Food & Drug Administration). The inks are approved by certain boards in tattoo artist unions. To sum this up, there are so many judgmental remarks towards people with tattoos and many concerns for the people with tattoos. But it really isn’t something people should be focused on, if you do not have a tattoo you shouldn’t be going around and telling people what they can and can’t do to their own bodies. It’s unjust and very unfair.
In Conclusion, many people try and express themselves with the phenomenon of body art. They like to express themselves as much as they can. Granted, they will always have other individuals to put them down for being themselves but they won’t let that stop them from being who they are. Even though tattoos are seen as harm to your own body in the eyes of some people, to other people it’s an artistic masterpiece filled with wondrous colors and peaceful, yet powerful designs. They’re a lot safer now than they were years ago and they should still be seen as a work of art.
Works Cited:
Alliance of Professional Tattooists. "Tattoos Can Be Done Safely."
Body Piercing and Tattoos. Ed. Sharon Bahadosingh. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2007. At Issue. Rpt. from "Frequently Asked Questions." Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 1 Apr. 2016.
Anderson, Deanna. "Many People Regret Getting a Tattoo."
Body Piercing and Tattoos. Ed. Sharon Bahadosingh. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2007. At Issue. Rpt. from "Tattoo Designs You'll Regret."Happy Living (2005). Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 1 Apr. 2016
Jeffreys, Sheila. "Body Modification Is a Form of Self-Mutilation."
Self-Mutilation. Ed. Mary E. Williams. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2008. Opposing Viewpoints. Rpt. from "Body Modification as Self-Mutilation by Proxy." On Line Opinion. 2006. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 31 Mar. 2016.
Kaiyala, Kristopher. "Most People Love Their Tattoos."
Body Piercing and Tattoos. Ed. Sharon Bahadosingh. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2007. At Issue. Rpt. from "The Skin Game: Once 'Graffitti,' Now Body Art." MSNBC.com. 2007. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 1 Apr. 2016.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration. "Tattooing Has Health Risks."
Body Piercing and Tattoos. Ed. Sharon Bahadosingh. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2007. At Issue. Rpt. from "Tattoos and Permanent Makeup." 2006. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 1 Apr. 2016.
