A tattoo is a way to show the world your uniqueness, courage and difference from others. All tattoo lovers are convinced of this, regardless of gender, age, family or social status.
Tattoos, body jewelry are found in almost every culture: they are used for cosmetic or decorative purposes, and can also serve as a means of identification. “Why did I get a dragon tattoo on my shoulder? Firstly, because it is beautiful… In addition, the tattoo is eye-catching and I think I have become more attractive!” Philip, 48, laughs.
It is believed that tattoos are more often done by teenagers who are generally prone to rebelliousness. Adults, on the other hand, try to weigh everything carefully and do not commit impulsive acts like going to a tattoo parlor. But is this true? Let’s just say no.
- How do you live in your own body?
- Are you ready to change your look?
In our collective unconscious, the opinion is firmly rooted that a tattoo is always a challenge. Not least thanks to the ban on tattooing by the church. By the way, the Bible forbids any decoration of one’s body — piercing, scarring … In addition, tattoos for a long time were a sign of exclusively marginal groups of the population: they were made either by «bad boys» of all kinds, or prisoners («I will not forget my mother»). Few decent citizens wanted to voluntarily send themselves into a group of anti-social elements.
Like unusual jewelry or bright makeup, a tattoo catches the eye, but it is always something more than just a desire to attract attention, to seduce. It is applied once and for all, demonstrating to the world the desire to control not only the appearance of one’s own body, but also the interest of others in it. “I have the word “Calm” written on my ankle. This is the place that may or may not be visible to others, depending on my mood. It turns out that I myself decide who will see my tattoo and who will not!” says 45-year-old Victoria.
- My body, my enemy?
In African or Indian tribes, a tattoo is used as a kind of business card that helps to separate «us» and «them» even at a cursory glance. The wearable pattern is important for the spiritual (tattoo is endowed with protective, mystical properties), and for the earthly: insignia, including within the tribe — warriors, hunters, leader, shaman.
People of Western culture apply a tattoo to emphasize their «I», to stand out from the rest. Today, ethnic drawings and traditional ornaments are used much less, but in general, the popularity of tattoos is increasing. A similar growth was observed in the 80s, when individuality, narcissism, protrusion of the uniqueness of one’s own «I» were also in fashion.
Modern tattoos often speak of feelings, often people choose the names of loved ones or loved ones as a drawing. Many seek to designate their life credo or capture a wise thought close to the heart, using symbolism — “birds” as a reflection of the love of freedom of nature, or “tiger” to demonstrate strength and fearlessness. A tattoo, according to psychologist David Le Breton, is a “bet on oneself”, self-programming of one’s mood and one’s own destiny1. And this matters both in 20 years and in adulthood.
1 Author of the book Signes d’identité, tatouages, piercings et autres marques corporelles, Métaillé, 2002.