Today’s subject is a lighthearted one, driven by many conversations in my office over the years. Specifically, as increasingly more people decide to get tattooed, many non-tattooed onlookers are confused about “tattoo etiquette,” and what is appropriate when looking at someone’s tattoos?
There has been in explosion in tattooing in recent years, with increasingly more people getting inked up — and in places on their bodies very different from generations of the past. Yesterday’s bicep barbed wire tattoo is a thing of the past, replaced today by much bolder tattoos inked in previously “taboo” places, including below the elbow, hands, fingers, neck, and for some people even their face. While tattoos are more widespread today, the etiquette observers should follow when looking at someone’s tattoos isn’t all that clear. Is it appropriate to look? To stare? To inquire more about the tattoo and ask why the person chose that specific design? Are you supposed to always say you like someone’s tattoo when asked, even if you don’t?
One person’s view
I recently had a conversation about tattoos with a psychology professor I have known for many years, and while he had no problem with tattoos or people who choose to get them, he did offer an interesting perspective. Specifically, he said that people who get tattoos are looking for attention that they feel they are not currently receiving, further noting that you do not get a tattoo for people to not look. Delving deeper, he rhetorically asked if a person feels they are not being recognized in the world around them, is a tattoo the best way to get people to stop and look? Or are there better ways to reach the same attention-seeking goal? He had a another take that I found equally interesting — that people tattoo themselves with imagery of things that portray images they want the world to associate with them — intimidating animals and messages, artistic pictures, social causes, and even silly things designed exclusively to puzzle onlookers why somebody would ever get such a tattoo? None of these choices, he noted, are designed for observers to look away and ignore the tattooed person, but to instead draw people in and pay greater attention. Do you agree with his observations?
At the end of our chat about tattoos my friend made an ironic, tongue-in-cheek comment about the state of tattoos today and how they relate to attracting attention — specifically, he said that with so many people today getting tattooed, you might actually receive more attention for being in the (seemingly) smaller group of people today without a tattoo.
Tattoos today
People will often talk about how human beings have been getting tattoos dating back to the beginning of time, and that very well may be true. In modern-times, however, tattoos have definitely changed in a number of very observable ways. First, more women today are getting tattoos, a big change from the old days where tattoos were predominately a male thing. Second, people are getting tattoos on their bodies that can not be easily covered, unlike before where thought was given to how one might hide their tattoo at work or other formal occasions. And finally, the volume of tattoos one gets these days has increased, as it is quite common to see people with multiple tattoos and entire “sleeves.” Yes, the days of your dad’s navy anchor on his bicep have been replaced by newer, bigger, brighter tattoos placed anywhere on the body and worn by both men and women alike.
Final thoughts
People who get tattoos do so for their own reasons, but how those around the tattooed person properly look and react remains a mystery to many. Are you supposed to look? Stare? Ask questions? Or just peer over by using peripheral vision, never allowing the tattooed person to know you are looking? Stares that might be welcomed by one tattooed person could be perceived as threatening and disrespectful by another, leaving a lot of unanswered questions when it comes to tattoos and how observers should act.
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FAQs
It's may be for attention, self-expression, independence, rebellion, a personal narrative, reminders of traditions, sexual motivation, addiction, identification or even drunken impulsiveness. It isn't far from one's knowledge that tattooing was once considered taboo and art that may lead you to prison.
What does psychology say about people with tattoos? ›
The relationship between the body and tattoos opens up a very important analysis for psychology. Experiences and emotions pass through the body. They are part of our life. Tattoos also speak of who we are, they express what we like, what defines us, what crosses us and are part of our personality.
Do intelligent people get tattoos? ›
Results: There were no significant group differences regarding crystallized intelligence; moreover there was no correlation between having tattoos and creativity. Conclusion: Tattooed students seem to be neither less intelligent nor more creative than other students.
Do people with tattoos want attention? ›
Specifically, he said that people who get tattoos are looking for attention that they feel they are not currently receiving, further noting that you do not get a tattoo for people to not look.
Is it a sin to get a tattoo? ›
It depends on who you ask. There are some Christians who believe it is a sin. The verse in the Bible that most Christians make reference to is Leviticus 19:28, which says,"You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the Lord." So, why is this verse in the Bible?
Are too many tattoos unhealthy? ›
The inks used in tattoos contain pigments that are often derived from heavy metals. There is concern that these toxins could raise the risk of cancer, DNA damage, inflammation, oxidative stress, and weakening immune function. Tattoos remain popular, but they are not without consequential health risks.
What do therapists say about tattoos? ›
Social psychologist Viren Swami explains that these days, tattoo-related stereotypes are no longer so relevant. His research found that differences in personality traits are negligible between individuals with tattoos and those without.
What do a lot of tattoos say about a person? ›
For better or for worse, tattooed people are typically associated with: being extrovert, have a rich social life, or the necessity to feel unique and stand out from the of the people. In fact, not so long ago, tattooed people used to be regarded as more rebel or even more conflictive.
Why do people overdo tattoos? ›
In some extreme cases, people might have a lot of tattoos or feel the urge to keep getting more, but this is not because of the ink itself. Instead, it could be due to several other factors, like a desire for self-expression or a compulsive pattern of behavior.
Who should not get a tattoo? ›
If you have a medical problem such as heart disease, allergies, diabetes, skin problems like eczema or psoriasis, a weak immune system, or a bleeding problem, talk to your doctor before getting a tattoo. Also, if you get keloids (an overgrowth of scar tissue) you probably should not get a tattoo.
So what are the worst places to get a tattoo on the body? Areas like the feet, hands, stomach, chest, elbow, lips, and inner ear are not good tattoo locations. It's essential to consider a few things when choosing a proper placement, such as pain intensity, practicality, and visibility.
Do most people regret tattoos? ›
We found that 63 percent of people with a tattoo smaller than the palm of their hand regret it. However, only 2 percent of people with full-sleeves or longer, regret their tattoo.
What type of people get tattoos? ›
Which Americans are most likely to have a tattoo?
- Gender: 38% of women have at least one tattoo, compared with 27% of men. ...
- Race and ethnicity: 39% of Black Americans have a tattoo, compared with 35% of Hispanic, 32% of White and 14% of Asian Americans.
- Age: Adults under 50 are especially likely to have a tattoo.
Tattoos can symbolize a person's cultural or spiritual identity, and can be used to express their connection to a particular tradition or belief system. Tattoos can also be used as a form of rebellion or non-conformity, challenging societal norms and expectations.
Why are people attracted to people with tattoos? ›
Over thousands of years of tattooing and sexual mating, humans may have evolved to prefer mates with tattoos due to the fact that body modification signals biological quality.
What does it mean when someone has a lot of tattoos? ›
One of the most common psychological explanations for tattoos is that they are a form of risk-taking behavior. This theory suggests that people who get tattoos are more likely to be impulsive and thrill-seeking. They may also be more likely to take other risks, such as engaging in risky sexual behaviors or using drugs.
Why do people get extreme tattoos? ›
People Have Different Ways To Show Their Self-expression
Tattoos often serve as a means of self-expression, providing a tangible way to externalize your internal feelings or beliefs. They can be particularly appealing to those who crave a physical manifestation of their identity.
What type of personality gets tattoos? ›
10 Personality Traits About People with Tattoos
- They enjoy painful experiences. ...
- Individuality matters to them. ...
- They are associated with strength. ...
- Tattoos carry a message. ...
- They have long-term commitment. ...
- They are risk-taking. ...
- They show confidence. ...
- They seek a non-conforming lifestyle.
