THE PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACTS
OF TATTOOS
A Research Paper Presented to
The Faculty of the English Resource Center
Department
School of Multimedia Arts
Asia Pacific College
Magallanes, Makati
In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Course
ERESWRITE - Research Writing
Jacob Edgard S. Pascual
April 2014
April 2014
Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
A.
Background of the Study
Art comes in many different
forms. One of them is through tattoo which is a form of body art made by
inserting indelible ink into your skin to change the pigment. It leaves a
permanent mark in your body but also in your psych and that will be tackled in
this study.
Reef Karim, a doctor and
professor in California, wrote an article about the psychology of tattoos
entitled, “Tattoo Psychology: Art or Self Destruction? Modern-Day Social Branding.”
In this article she discussed the emotional side of having tattoos.
He says, “Body
art, body bling, self-graffiti, walking billboards, fashionable ink
accessories... Each of these expressions depict the physical nature of the
tattoo. What's often NOT discussed, however, is the emotional side of tattoos.” (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/reef-karim-do/psychology-of-tattoos_b_2017530.html)
People get tattoos for many reasons: for
attention, self-expression, artistic freedom, rebellion, a visual display of a
personal narrative, reminders of spiritual/cultural traditions, sexual
motivation, addiction, identification with a group or even drunken
impulsiveness (which is why many tattoo parlors are open late). Some people
mark themselves for life to remind them of past family members or ancient
sayings or religious scriptures or names of their current family/love interest.
Other people use tattoos to enhance their sexual prowess or feed their exhibitionist
side, and many people use tattoos to visually promote their identity and/or
group affiliation our
current society craves individuality and self expression. And now many people
wear their artistic expression. We are having more trouble communicating with
each other than ever before, as electronic communication will never replace
face-to-face human contact. So, it's not surprising that there's a growing
trend toward communication via body ink. We don't have to talk, we just have to
look. Our bodies have become the refrigerator magnets of quotes, sayings and
reminders. Whether you like it or not, tattoos are growing in popularity. The
long-term fear of being "marked for life" is being tempered by tattoo
removal technology and people getting used to seeing tattoos.
Dan Brooks wrote an article about the suffering generated by
having tattoos called, “The Existential Anguish of the Tattoo.” In this
article, he discussed the long-term consequences of getting inked and how it
has expanded in society.
He says, “Tattoos began as a gesture of rebellion and
became so ubiquitous as to carry no stigma at all. There was a time when a
visible tattoo disqualified you from most jobs, many families and several
religions.” (http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/16/magazine/the-existential-anguish-of-the-tattoo.html?_r=0)
To be tattooed was to
declare that you would no longer rely on strangers’ good will, either because
you were an adventurer — sailor,yakuza, heavy-metal musician — or
because you had such poor judgment that you were likely to alienate people
anyway. Now the tattooed type has expanded to include hairdressers and graphic
designers, accountants and yoga teachers and — perhaps most disturbingly — cool
dads. Their tattoos now read as an indictment of nonconformism rather than an
assertion of it – which is weird, because the tattoos themselves haven’t
changed.
Bernadine Healy wrote an
article explaining the risks in getting a tattoo, both emotionally and
physically, entitled, “The Dangerous Art of the Tattoo.” In this article, she
discussed different health risks and emotional scars that needed to be learned
before getting or removing body art.
She says, “Tattoos are fast becoming a mark of the
21st century, with one quarter or more of those under the age of 30 adorning
their skin with at least one. Whether driven by the urge for personal
expression or just plain youthful impulsiveness, most people get tattooed
without a clue about the health implications of this invasive skin-puncturing
procedure.” (http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/articles/2008/07/25/the-dangerous-art-of-the-tattoo)
Healy suggested that all
tattooing require a signed consent form outlining risks—the most obvious one
being a major case of remorse. Upwards of 50 percent of those who get tattoos
later wish they hadn't. Their regrets become medical when they visit a
dermatologist to have the tattoos removed, which is both painful and expensive. The main reasons behind the change of heart: moving
on from the past, problems wearing clothes, embarrassment, and concerns that
tattoos could adversely affect job or career.
There are several sources
accessible to the public about the technical part of tattooing but only few
information about its dark side such as tattoo addiction, eye tattooing, impact
on job search, tattoo considered as sin and so much more. It is more
interesting to focus on aspects about tattoos that are somehow frowned upon by
parts of mainstream society. Nevertheless, tattoos are mark of freedom and
expression. This research paper is not about convincing on whether to get one
or not, but to contribute a different insight on this form of body art.
Instead of dealing with the
process and basic knowledge surrounding the world of tattoos, this paper
focuses on its psychological impact on people and its most outrageous aspects.
B. Statement of the Problem
This study aims to answer the question:
1.
What
are the psychological impacts of tattoos on people and its most outrageous
aspects?
C. Significance of the Study
Tattoo Artists. This research paper would be able to help
tattoo artists because it is in line with their specialization. Moreover, the
researcher hopes in giving more emphasis on the mental and emotional impact of
tattoos so that tattoo artists would be more considerate towards people getting
an ink for the first time and those who are getting one for the wrong reasons.
Tattoo Addicts. Knowledge of this study would help tattoo
addicts facilitate understanding their emotions and feelings when getting
inked. It is commonly believed that people having their skin tattooed are
emotionally unstable or going through life-changing events. With this research,
tattoo addicts would be able to make good use of such information to comfort
them and learn more about the psychological impacts behind this form of body
art.
Future Researchers. This study is crucial for future researchers,
including people deciding to get inked for the first time, since there still
seems to be a need for more information about the different impacts that
tattoos, whether it’s emotional or mental. Most sources give out information
about the technical aspect of it but there should be other aspects to be
considered and, utilizing this paper as a source of valuable data, there might
be an improvement in their decision-making process.
D. Scope and Delimitation
This study focuses on
the psychological impacts when getting inked and its most outrageous side. A
tattoo is more than just a body art. It becomes part of who you are as a person
and it influences your way of thinking and behaving as well.
Due to time
constraints, this study will no longer discuss the technical and historical
aspect of tattoos such as history of tattoos, process of getting inked,
chemicals used in the ink, physical side-effects, and scientific explanation of
its permanency. This is also to give emphasis to the effects of tattoos on
people’s emotions and feelings. Moreover, the researcher believes that tattoos
have been trending more and more over the years with some trends that are
beyond extreme like eyeball tattooing. Therefore, this study would be most
relevant to the continuing trend. Aside from the time constraint, the
researcher also considers the lack of resources as one the primary elements of
limitations in this study.
E. Materials and Methods
The researcher employs
a descriptive method since the researcher aims to describe and discuss the
psychological impacts of tattoos on people and its most shocking aspects. The
researcher will also follow a method of finding a connection or link between
tattoos and sentiments provoked by them, and ways they affect the personality
and capabilities of a person.
The sources of data that will be used in the research
are several online sources, studies and articles, so that the information
gathered is broader.
F. Definition of Terms
Addiction. The continued repetition of a behavior despite adverse
consequences.
Adrenaline Rush. An extremely intense feeling caused by
multiple factors such as stress, panic, attack or an unusual act.
Body Art. Art made on, with, or consisting of the human body and
done to make particular statements.
Henna. A non-permanent image on the skin resembling a tattoo
that can be drawn, painted or airbrushed.
Inking. The process of using a liquid known as ink, which
contains natural or man-made pigments.
Permanency. Lasting for an indefinitely long time.
Tattoo Artist. A person who applies permanent decorative
tattoos, often in an established business, and his/her craft learned via an
apprenticeship under a trained and experienced mentor.
Tattoo Ink. It consists of pigments combined with a
carrier used for tattooing and it is available in a range of colors that can b
thinned or mixed together to produce other colors and shades.
Tattoo Removal. The process of removing a tattoo done with
treatments that can possibly remove them fully or partially.
Trend. A measurable change in behavior that develops among a
population of individuals.
Chapter 2
DISCUSSION
What are the psychological impacts
when getting a tattoo and how extreme can they be?
Permanency
of Tattoos
Being inked is maybe one way
to have a permanent peace of art in your body. Some people get inked because
the tattoo that they want has a sentimental value, while others just do it
because they think that it's cool to have a tattoo or they just want some
art on their body. But the real question is: why are tattoos permanent? Also,
what are the risks that you may have by getting one?
Carley Lintz wrote an article
about the permanency of tattoos called, “FYI: What Makes Tattoos Perment?” In
this article, important information about the process of tattooing and the functions
of the indelible ink were discussed and more.
To apply a tattoo they use a
mechanized needle to puncture the skin and inject ink in to the second layer of
the skin also known as the dermis. Having a tattoo means damaging your skin.
Basically, the body responds with white blood cells which attempt to absorb the
foreign particles and dispose of them in the blood stream.
In 2010, tattoos have become
increasingly popular according to Pew Research Report. About 40 percent of
Americans between the age of 18 and 29 have at least one tattoo. Age is
probably one of the problems that you may encounter on having a tattoo because
a tattoo becomes blurred after years on having one, and also fading and
distortion may happen due to changes in body shape. That is one of the reasons
why tattoo shops only accept people above 18 years old of age because that's
basically the age when your body is fully developed.
If you don't like your tattoo
no more whether it's faded or causing a bad case of buyer's regret, the
most effective method is the laser treatment. To remove a tattoo using laser,
the light beam zeroes in on a single color (in most cases black) and breaks up
the pigments particles until they are small enough to be carried away by white
blood cells. Usually this process requires many sessions depending on the size
of the tattoo and the color and also removing a tattoo may cause scarring.
The problem with tattoos is
exactly what makes them so appealing--their permanency.
He says, "If
you have the name of your boyfriend on there and then you marry somebody else,
that's a problem.” (http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2013-06/fyi-what-makes-tattoos-permanent)
So if you want to get a
tattoo, think about if it's going to be worth it and are you still going to like
it even after a couple of years. Also, never ever have a tattoo of your
boyfriend/girlfriend's name, because you never know what is going to happen to
your relationship.
In connection to this topic, the definition of tattoo is marks
produced on skin by the injection of the material by a puncturing. Neil Walker wrote
an article entitled, “How Do Tattoos Last For So Long?” As a dermatologist, he sees
a variety of tattoos, not any of those which have been applied by a so-called
tattoo artist. Occasionally he sees a lot of people with a black kind of
tattoo, where a dye called PPD is used and it can cause nasty skin reactions.
A henna tattoo is not a
tattoo at all, but it's a drying process using the paste to produce a
design in the dead outer layers of the skin. The design fades as the skin
regenerates and that's the reason why tattoos that are applied by puncturing
are permanent. The skin regenerates over a period of six to eight weeks.
Pigments that are applied
under the growing layers are in the dermis or supporting layer of the skin
and are turnover. Pigment granules are recognized by the body as a foreign
material and there are cells which function is to remove such material by
engulfing them and transporting it to the lymph glands. These cells are
unable to engulf pigment granules every certain size and, therefore, the body
seem to surround them at their microscopic level by a thin layer of fibrous or
scar tissue. And they become permanently trapped in the dermis.
The removal process takes
time and can fade over time with different colors fading at different rates depending
on the particle size of the pigment.
Walker
says, "In short tattoos are permanent because pigment particles
are injected under the growing layer of the skin and the body’s mechanisms for
dealing with foreign materials can't remove the particles over a certain size." (http://www.thenakedscientists.com/HTML/questions/qotw/question/2372/)
Tattoos are definitely
something to think about before getting because they are permanent. In other
words, they will not vanish with soap and water. It is probably better to get a
henna first just to see if tattoos look good on you. The best part of it is
that it only lasts for maybe a week and, if you get one from a good henna
artist, it will look like a real tattoo because usually most people that do
henna are also tattoo artist.
Most Outrageous Side of
Tattoos
A.
Tattoo Addiction
People who get their first
tattoos gets teased by their friends saying that they are gonna be
addicted because it's hard to stop with just one. However, addiction is
extremely complicated, and while people may receive tattoos compulsively, it
rarely crosses the line into truly addictive behavior.
Mary McMahon wrote an
article discussing tattoo addiction called, “Can I Really Get Addicted to
Tattoos?” In this article, she tries to define this particular type of
addiction and how it has a deep effect on a person.
Addiction
is hard to define, and the language used to describe addiction has shifted
in response to more information about the way the brain works. As a rule on
addiction, it is something that a person relies on, physically
or psychologically and sometimes both.
When someone becomes
addicted, his or her behavior becomes harmful in pursuit of the experience
or chemical required to satisfy physical or emotional needs.
The process of tattooing is
intense, emotionally and physically. It causes the body to release high levels
of endorphin to deal with the pain. The same endorphins are released during
forceful physical exercise and other periods of physical stress. In fact, many
people feel good when running thanks to the endorphin release.
Someone
is considered addicted to tattoos if he or she becomes physically or
emotionally dependent on the process. Some people may become attached to the
rush of endorphin during the inking process. Also, if someone chooses to get a new one rather than coping
with a situation, or pays for a tattoo before securing the rent, he or she may
be addicted.
She says, "Becoming truly
addicted to tattoos is, in all probability, extremely rare. People with
multiple tattoos can cite a variety of reasons for wanting several pieces of
artwork on their body.” (http://www.wisegeek.org/can-i-really-get-addicted-to-tattoos.htm)
In addition to the topic, tattoos are obviously
painful. Tara Toxicity wrote an article explaining her point of view on why
people get addicted to tattoos entitled, “Addiction to Tattoos and the Pain.”
In this article, she states that to have them means piercing your skin
thousands of times per minute with a needle. When asked 10 people if they found
tattoos hurtful, all of them said yes. When asked again if they would get
another one, 8 answered yes. Meaning, 8 of 10 are willing to go through that
pain over and over again.
There are different reasons why people go back to
tattoo shops and get inked. It could be a cross between adrenaline rush from
getting it done and the beauty of the finished product that is making you want
more. It is also said that the pain experienced during the inking process send
the brain signals of pleasure that makes you want to go back once more.
Most of the times, during the inking process, the pain
increases more and more. There are burning and tickling sensations that some
people like, while others try to endure. After the tattoo is done, you'll be
planning on the next one to get. It's something difficult to explain. Tattoos
just have meanings to people and each one has a long story behind them. If
tattoos weren't so expensive, a lot more people would be addicted to it.
She says, "There is no right or wrong
answer for why tattoos are so addicting. No real scientific proof or meaning.
And they are not addicting for all people, Some regret their tattoos, some
don't want to go through the pain again, and then there are the rest of us, who
cannot wait to go through the pain again." (http://taratoxicity.hubpages.com/hub/AddictionTattoosPain)
Being a tattoo addict is not that big of a deal
compared to other bad addictions. It should be seen as a way of expressing who
you truly are. It is a permanent art in your body that has a story to tell, so
I don't think getting lots of them is bad at all.
B.
Eyeball Tattoo
Tattoo can be done in any part of your body but there
is one place in particular that is becoming a dangerous trend. Eyeball tattoo
has been done by different people across the world, despite the fact that it is
the riskiest place put an ink.
In relation to this topic, Dr. Shalini Mohan wrote an
article entitled, “Corneal Tattooing is Eye Beautification Surgery.” In this
article, she discussed the surgical reasons behind eyeball tattooing.
Corneal tattooing is the practice of tattooing the
cornea of the human eye. There are different reasons why people do this. Some
go under this procedure to improve their cosmetic appearance. However,
improvement of vision could not be achieved through this surgery.
Dr. Shalini Mohan, an expert and doctor from India,
states that there are various causes behind corneal tattooing. It varies from
patient to patient, but most of them receive the treatment to alter the
cosmetic appearance of their eyes due to any disease or accident.
She says, "The
corneal tattooing surgery is only a process of 10 to 15 minutes. The dye which
is use for the tattoo lasts for 3 to 4 years. This varies from patient to
patient.” (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kanpur/Corneal-tattooing-is-eye-beautification-surgery-Docs/articleshow/28968619.cms)
As you can see, most of the people doing it is because
of medical reasons and not just for fun. It's not a 100% sure procedure:
therefore, I feel like there is still a lot of hesitance before going under.
In addition to this topic, Shannon Larat wrote an article called, “The
Eyeball Tattoo FAQ” containing frequently asked questions about this bizarre and
extreme trend.
Eyeball tattooing is the process of permanently
altering the color of the eye. Generally this refers to the injection of ink
under the surface of the white eye, rather than changing the color of the iris,
although this is theoretically possible.
Most people do it for medical reasons like stated
above, but there are others who get it because it makes them happy or feels
right in some way. Some say because they like the way it looks or it suit them
spiritually. There are even people who find it sexually appealing.
She says, "An
experienced practitioner can reduce the chances of these risks but cannot
eliminate them. Anyone considering an eyeball tattoo needs to seriously
consider whether they would be willing to live a life where these risks come to
fruition.” (http://news.bme.com/2012/10/18/the-eyeball-tattoo-faq/)
This trend is definitely one of the most controversial
regarding tattoos, but it is important to remember that people should be able
to do what they want with their bodies. Everyone should be able to decide
what's best for us, even if it is against the opinion of many.
C.
Tattoos Can Give Cancer
As much as people like to be tattooed, do they really
know the side effects and diseases that they might encounter? Usually, people
get excited about tattoos and just want to show them off without even bothering
to know the chemicals being used in to them.
In relation to this topic, the Daily Mail Reporter
published an article entitled, “Could Your Tattoo Give You Cancer?” In this
article, scientists revealed that toxins from tattoo ink could be absorbed into
the body and cause cancer. Experts believe that nanoparticles coming from the
ink could enter the blood system, the spleen and the kidneys which can be can
harmful because the body looses the ability to filter impurities. There were
also studies that have found carcinogens in some ink and dyes in the UK and
scientists want more regulation of the dyes used by the industry. In addition
to that, Public Health England says that some inks contain substances such as
cobalt and mercury.
Scientists want to do some regulations
and control checks on tattoo dyes that have already been introduced on the
smoking and sunbathing industries. Desmond Tobin, director of Bradford
University's Centre for Skin Sciences, was shocked to discover there was
no regulation on inks.
The Public Health England
says, "Some inks are sold with little or no accompanying product data,
and their composition may remain uncertain even at the point of use.” (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2428867/Could-tattoo-cancer-Scientists-fear-toxins-ink-enter-blood-accumulate-major-organs.html)
People should be more aware when they get their
tattoos, make sure to ask the tattoo artist the ink that they use and if they
have a license to make sure that they are really a tattoo artist and make sure
to chose a clean tattoo studio, so that you may avoid having disease.
In addition to this topic, last year, Jorgen Serup,
Professor of Dermatology from Copenhagen University, wrote an article entitled “To
Dye For? Jury Still Out on Tattoo Ink Causing Cancer.” In this article, he reported that 13 of 21
tattoo inks commonly used in Europe contained cancer-causing chemicals. Even
tattoo ink manufacturers admit that 5 percent of their products contain these
types of chemicals.
But even if these inks do contain components that can
potentially lead to cancer, we still don't know whether they will actually
cause it to the people exposed to them. Maybe it is only risky to those who
have large doses of ink used on their skin. Perhaps only small doses are
required for it to happen.
Further evidence could easily be collected by observing
if people with tattoos have more cancers than those without. The problem here
is that the process of getting cancer often takes a long time, so there must be
allowed a sufficient time between the tattoo and the recording of cancer.
He says, "Unless the
association between cancer and tattoos is very strong, it may be difficult to
tease out the tattoo as the cause of the cancer.” (http://theconversation.com/to-dye-for-jury-still-out-on-tattoo-ink-causing-cancer-19796)
There are a lot of factors that can cause cancer. It's
not just tattoo. But there should be more strict regulations for inks because,
every year, more and more people are getting them. There should be more
research done about this topic and they should announce it more to the people.
Every action has its own risk. So everyone should ask themselves if they are
willing to take this risk for a piece of art in their bodies.
Psychological Impacts of Tattoos
A.
Effect of Tattoos on Job Search
Having or getting a tattoo
is awesome. More and more people get ink nowadays, but tattoos are still
considered a taboo by the majority. The real questions are about the
consequences that may acquire if you get visible tattoos and how it may affect
you future when you are looking for a job.
Victoria Taylor wrote an
article about the impacts of tattoo in the workplace called, “Will Having A
Tattoo Cost You a Job?” In this article, she included a new research out of the
University of St. Andrews in Scotland suggests that having a tattoo
may reduce your chances of getting a job, but it also depends on the
design of the tattoo and where it is located, and what kind of job you want to
get.
Dr. Andrew Timming
interviewed 15 managers involved in the hiring process at different
organizations, including a bank, hotel, prison, university and bookstore. Most
managers agreed that there are problems attached on having visible tattoos, and
one of the managers says that it makes a person look dirty. But the main and
most important thing is how customers might view employees with visible body
art, because we all judge people by first impressions.
But in some industries
having visible ink works to the applicants advantage. For example, an HR
manager at a prison. Other organizations have said that having a tattoo is fine
as long as it's hidden under clothes, while others said only certain kinds of
tats would negatively affect the applicant.
Victoria
Taylor says, "Tattooed applicants can take comfort in the fact that the
stigma associated with body art appears to be on the wane and that, as a
corollary, there will likely be an increase in the number of potentially
sympathetic tattooed hiring managers.” (http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/tattoos-cost-job-researcher-article-1.1446791)
So if you want a tattoo,
maybe you should get it in a place where it can't be seen. Also, just remember
that it still depends on the job that you are applying for. But at the end of
the day, it's still your personal choice because you are the one that should be
making decisions for yourself.
In addition to this topic,
Erika Icon wrote an article about tattoos and piercings are becoming more
accepted as a form of art and expression entitled, “Tattoos and Piercings in
the Workplace.” In this article, she states that at this point in time, they
have occupied a big part of the cultural landscape in big cities like Los
Angeles. While most of society is becoming more and more liberated and
expressive, and piercings and tattoos are considered part of the mainstream
culture, some employers are still hesitant and having a hard time to accept
people with body art in the workplace.
If a company tells you that
you are prohibited to show off your tattoos or piercings at work, they are not
doing anything illegal. There is no legal system that protects workers who have
body art. The law surrounding discrimination is only in regards to race, color,
religion, age, nationality, origin and gender. There are some exceptions like
if you have body art because your religion requires you to.
Of course there are limits.
Companies cannot fire you just because they discovered you have tattoos or
piercings. On the other hand, they can use it as an excuse not to hire you.
That is another reason why you should just cover around the workplace.
She
says, "Many companies have policies that prohibit tats and piercings
that are generally outlined in their handboook and/or employee manual.” (http://www.workingworld.com/articles/tattoos-and-piercings-in-the-workplace)
It is understandable why
employers still have hesitance in hiring people with tattoos and piercings.
These people are not the most professional looking. Therefore, sometimes hiding
them as much as possible is necessary because, if it affects the job search,
there isn’t really anything that can be done about it since there are no laws
or regulations regarding this issue.
B.
Tattoos
Considered as a Sin
There is an ongoing discussion
between religious people about tattoo being a sin. It’s been discussed by few
but it still has a huge impact on a person.
In relation to this topic,
Mary Fairchild wrote an article entitled, “Tattoos and Christians – Should Christians
Have Tattoos?” In this article, she states that the answer to whether it is a
sin to get a tattoo is both yes and no. This is one of the questions many
Christians struggle with. There is no definite answer if it is immoral or not
because it is a disputable matter. However, Leviticus 19:28 says, "Do not
cut your bodies for the dead, and do not mark your skin with tattoos, I am the
Lord." Clearly, the Bible says no.
However, it is important to
look at the verse in context. This passage in Leviticus is specifically dealing
with the pagan religious rituals of the people living around the Israelites.
God's desire is to set his people apart from other cultures. The main objective
here is to prohibit witchcraft and other unworldly worships.
She
says, "Since tattooing is such a controversial issue today, I
think it's important to examine your heart and your motives before you
make the decision.” (http://christianity.about.com/od/faqhelpdesk/f/tattoochristian.htm)
In addition to this topic, Jay
Haizlip wrote an article called, “Is It A Sin to Get a Tattoo?” In this
article, he states that it really depends on who you ask if getting inked is
against God's command. They mostly refer to Leviticus 19:28 and this verse is
absolutely relevant for us today. Anyone getting a tattoo really needs to ask
themselves, why I am getting this and what is the meaning of this tattoo? Is
the tattoo an expression of sorcery, idolatry or pagan symbolism? If you
believe it is, then don't do it because you'll only have regrets. If you think
that it is not forbidding all expressions of tattoos, then get one. Culturally
speaking, over the last 20 years, tattoos have become more socially acceptable.
A recent study by Pew Research claims roughly 40 percent of Millennials have
tattoos. It's no longer just the outcasts of society; doctors, attorneys,
suburban moms, celebrities, even pastors can be found with tattoos.
He
says, "Ultimately, the decision is between you and God.” (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jay-haizlip/is-it-a-sin-to-get-a-tattoo_b_4263807.html)
There are a lot of opinions
and debates over this, but if you really consider yourself as a true Christian,
then it is advisable not to do it since some may misinterpret it as being
"ungodly". Still, each Christian is free to choose what he or she
should do in this matter. It is important to have respect towards the decision
of every individual.
Chapter 3
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS
AND RECOMMENDATIONS
SUMMARY
This paper attempted to determine
the psychological impacts of tattoos on people and its most extreme side.
The research design used in this
study is the descriptive method wherein data from online studies, sources and
articles were used to answer the research question posed. The research findings
are the following:
1.
Not all people are
inclined or satisfied by getting a tattoo mainly due to its permanency. Tattoo
removal is much more painful and expensive. Therefore, it is important to truly
be sure about the decision.
2.
In the recent
years, there is a trend in eyeball tattooing and tattoo addiction which are
part of the extreme side of tattooing. Also, cancer caused by getting inked is
increasing but these outrageous aspects of tattoos are seldom discussed and
focused on, even though it should definitely get more attention.
3.
Tattooing has
psychological impacts in terms of the job search and even religion. They are
part of the several things that should be put into consideration when getting
inked since it can affect the overall being of a person.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on the findings of this study, the following
conclusions are drawn:
1.
Getting inked
doesn’t only mean having a permanent physical mark but it also affects other
areas of your being such as mental and emotional states.
2.
When deciding on
getting a tattoo, a person must not only think of its pros because there is a
whole dark side to it that needs to be known. He/she should focus also on what
are its consequences internally and externally because it has a huge impact on
his/her personality and future.
RECOMMENDATIONS
After drawing the conclusion of the study, the
researcher hereby make the following suggestions/recommendations:
1.
In deciding whether
or not get a tattoo, it is better that one has insights into the advantages and
disadvantages, not only physically, but also in terms of their mental and
emotional state of being, so that the person would have a proper frame of mind
in making the final call.
2.
People should do
more research on the unknown aspects of tattoos such as the growing trends of
eyeball tattooing and tattoo addiction since there only few sources discussing them.
Also, there needs to be more plausible sources for people to base upon and it
can be achieved through personal posting by those who went to some of the
aspects mentioned in the study like cancer caused by tattoos or discrimination
in the workplace so that everyone is aware and knowledgeable.
References:
Electronic Media
Lintz, Carley (2013). “FYI: What Makes
Tattoos Permanent?” Retrieved February 17, 2014 from http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2013-06/fyi-what-makes-tattoos-permanent
Walker, Neil (2009). “How Do Tattoos Last For
So Long?” Retrieved February 17, 2014 from http://www.thenakedscientists.com/HTML/questions/qotw/question/2372/
McMahon, Mary (2014). “Can I Really Get
Addicted to Tattoos?” Retrieved February 17, 2014 from http://www.wisegeek.org/can-i-really-get-addicted-to-tattoos.htm#didyouknowout
Toxocity, Tara (2009). “Addiction to Tattoos
and the Pain.” Retrieved February 17, 2014 from http://taratoxicity.hubpages.com/hub/AddictionTattoosPain
Taylor, Victoria (2013). “Will Having a
Tattoo Cost You a Job? Maybe, Researcher Says.” Retrieved from February 18,
2014 from http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/tattoos-cost-job-researcher-article-1.1446791
Icon, Erika. “Tattoos and Piercings in the
Workplace.” Retrieved from February 18, 2014 from http://www.workingworld.com/articles/tattoos-and-piercings-in-the-workplace
Haizlip, Jay (2013). “Is It a Sin to Get a
Tattoo?” Retrieved from February 18, 2014 from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jay-haizlip/is-it-a-sin-to-get-a-tattoo_b_4263807.html
Fairchild, Mary. “Tattoos and Christians –
Should Christians Have Tattoos?” Retrieved from February 18, 2014 from http://christianity.about.com/od/faqhelpdesk/f/tattoochristian.htm
Oliver, Ian (2013). “To Dye For? Jury still
out on tattoo ink causing cancer.” Retrieved from February 18, 2014 from http://theconversation.com/to-dye-for-jury-still-out-on-tattoo-ink-causing-cancer-19796
Daily Mail Reporter (2013). “Could your
tattoo give you cancer? Scientists fear toxins from ink could enter blood and
accumulate in your major organs.” Retrieved from February 18, 2014 from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2428867/Could-tattoo-cancer-Scientists-fear-toxins-ink-enter-blood-accumulate-major-organs.html
Larratt, Shannon (2012). “The Eyeball Tattoo
FAQ.” Retrieved from February 25, 2014 from http://news.bme.com/2012/10/18/the-eyeball-tattoo-faq/
Mohan, Shalini, M.D. (2014). “Corneal
Tattooing is Eye Beautification Surgery.” Retrieved from February 25, 2014 from
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kanpur/Corneal-tattooing-is-eye-beautification-surgery-Docs/articleshow/28968619.cms
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