Tattoo-ing

The word tattoo comes from the Tahitian word "tatu" which means, "to mark something." Tattoo is a form of art, a permanent marking of ink on a persons skin. It is a way for people to create an image for themselves. It allows person to stand out from the crowd. Can make an impression of a persons morals, style, look, beauty, or experiences. Most times they used to make ourselves more ourselves, more appealing.

A tattoo is a simply way to define yourself. To form our own identity to represent the role we play in society. To associate ourselves with the people we look up too. It can be a common act from anti-conformity. John fanning described himself as a child who was an outcast, someone who didn’t fit the identity that was expected from him. He took action in rebellion to form his own identity associated with the punk rock bands he liked, “able to be apart of another world.”

Throughout history tattooing has been a system of associations, a way for identification. During the holocaust people were branded as a part of their identification system. Everyone linked to a certain number. Which all together build a massive event. Today people continue to brand themselves as a way to link themselves to other things. Megan Rowe the oldest of four was the first to get a tattoo of all of their initials. She chooses to associate herself with all of her sisters.

Not only has tattooing made an impact on people but is also frequently seen used on animals. From Farm animals, animals kept in the zoo, or advertisements, animals have been seen to have brands. Usually branded with serials numbers or marks that symbolize some significance. They are branded with marks used for identification or to association them with owners.

For some reason I have always taken an interest in tattoos. I notice when I see them, and always wondered about them. It is truly what makes a person unique. Tattooing is an art that is represented by everyone differently. People show off who they are and what they have to the rest of the world through the imagery of tattoos. Someday I hope to get a tattoo to mark an important event in my life. One that I am proud of and never want to forget.