When an individual demonstrates characteristics that, by going against the norms of a society, cause other people who are a part of that society to react unfavorably, that individual is considered to have engaged in deviant conduct. Today, deviant behavior is becoming more and more common due to the erosion of moral and cultural norms that globalization and technological improvements have brought. This essay seeks to analyze how tattoos are viewed as deviance in societies.
In recent years, an increasing number of young people have become interested in the art of tattooing their bodies, even though doing so violates society’s norms of social control. I believe that the tattoos on my body represent rebellion in the eyes of those who are more powerful than I am. People with tattoos are universally regarded to emanate a sense of vigor and aggression, making tattoos comparable to criminal acts such as terrorism.
While some of these tattoos have no meaning, others have connotations linked with sinister meanings. Society used to believe that women who sported tattoos were acting defiantly, and as a result, some individuals would refuse to associate with such people. An examination of their lives reveals that terrorists and criminals have been on the wrong path from a young age. Women who tattoo their bodies, especially the thighs and private parts, are considered to be having intentions to please men sexually. When I visited a friend who lived in Africa, I was surprised to learn that her family had sanctioned her. They believed she was an Illuminati member because she had an owl tattoo. The miscommunication played a role in the stigmatization, which in turn had a detrimental effect on her mental and emotional health.
When we are young, we first acquire lessons regarding the distinction between good and bad attributes. As we age, we become increasingly aware of the significance of avoiding activities that may elicit social criticism (Clinard & Meier, 2015). People with tattoos who are seeking employment are subject to several regulations. Many employers are reluctant to hire individuals with tattoos, particularly for sales representative positions (Tews & Stafford, 2020). As a woman with tattoos, I can tell from personal experience that I am aware of how others may interact with me due to my body modifications.
Religious leaders may benefit from seeing tattoos as deviant because they hold strong beliefs in God that are against body tattoos. Our grandparents and parents may view tattoos on women as a sign of deviance because they are perceived to be similar to men (Pirrone et al., 2020). According to the culture in which I was born and raised, the ideal version of me would be a woman who adheres to and respects the standards of behavior and conventions prevalent in society. The person who would adore and serve God while avoiding markings on their body, including tattoos.
I had to hide them from my family members, who would not condole with my actions, which made me feel low at times since I could not fully express myself confidently in their presence. Despite my efforts to conceal my tattoos, my younger brother accidentally saw them and disclosed to my parents. I explained the meaning of the tattoos to them and to my astonishment, they were thrilled and were not judgmental as I had anticipated. I could not come to terms with my secretiveness over the years and all the efforts and frustrations I had gone through trying to conceal them. At this point, I appreciated my decision to engrave the tattoos and to make them known to anyone willing to understand the tattoos’ significant attachment. I decided to start being myself in public and ignore other people’s opinions, consciously prioritizing my contentment and taking pride in my tattoos.
In summary, societies need to embrace change and not always associate tattoos with deviant behavior. Most people get tattoos for beautification, entertainment, or emotional attachments. Therefore, those seeing tattoos as deviance need to be educated on the meanings. Instilling diverse situations to children at young age will help them end stigmatization when they grow up and appreciate all people regardless of the beliefs they hold.
References
Clinard, M. B., & Meier, R. F. (2015). Sociology of Deviant Behavior (15th Edition). Cengage Learning US. Web.
Pirrone, C., Castellano, S., Platania, G. A., Ruggieri, S., & Caponnetto, P. (2020). Comparing the emerging psychological meaning of tattoos in drug-addicted and not drug-addicted adults: A look inside health risks.Health Psychology Research, 8(2). Web.
Tews, M. J., & Stafford, K. (2020). Tattoos and unfavorable treatment among employees in the hospitality industry.International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 32(5), 1925–1940. Web.