Tattoo History Essay

Improved Essays
Even though tattoos have a long history in many countries and races of people, they have not always been accepted in America. Most people associated early tattoos with freak shows, sailors, prisoners, biker gangs or outsiders that didn’t care about fitting in with mainstream society. Today, it’s common to see people of all races, gender and ages wearing one or more tattoos. There are many types and each type represents something unique about the individual or why they chose it.
Tattoos are a wearable form of art and expression. They can cost several hundred dollars depending on the size, type or tattoo artist who designs and applies them. In most cases the tattoo is permanent, so a serious buyer puts a lot of thought into the type they
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Cultures such as African, Egyptian, Polynesian Celtic and Incan fall under the Ancient or Tribal style. Japanese and Chinese cultures fall under the Asian style. These types of tattoos were meant to represent a family’s lineage, rank in their culture, such as a leader or priest and even meant to symbolize health and spiritual protection. Today’s ancient, tribal or Asian tattoo wearer purchases these styles for the bold designs and appreciation for the history behind the designs such as family and tradition.
Traditional and Pinup styles are based on the history in western civilization. Traditional tattoos were used to represent accomplishment milestones for a sailor, patriotism to their country or meant to help remember places they had traveled during their service. Younger tattoo buyers today purchase the style to pay respect for a family member who has served in the armed services, which also demonstrates they have strong beliefs in family and tradition.
Pin-up tattoos became popular in World War II for soldiers who were overseas. They admired certain female icons so much that instead of putting their pictures on the walls of their tents, they inked them on their bodies. Today, pin-up tattoos are even popular with women because they represent feminine beauty and sexual

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