Introduction
Tattoos have been a part of human life for centuries, defining cultural and class identity; in the modern world, it is a popular means of self-expression. Even though tattoos are a mass phenomenon, many people still stigmatize them. The prejudices come from the fact that tattoos can violate informal norms. As a result of this violation, tattooed people are stigmatized. However, cultural attitudes are changing to a more tolerant attitude towards tattoos.
Tattoos and the Violation or Confirmation of Social Norms
Tattoos can violate both formal and informal norms established in society. Formal norms can consider tattoos to violate employee appearance requirements in some jobs. Informal norms cannot accept tattoos, as many people consider the images on the body to be part of prison symbolism. The consequences of such norm violations result in discrimination against tattooed people, both in the workplace and in the informal environment (Frankel et al. 12). However, the view of this issue is transforming into a more loyal attitude.
Applying Cultural Relativism and Ethnocentrism to Tattoo Styles
Some tattoo styles can be interpreted using the concepts of cultural relativism and ethnocentrism. Proponents of cultural relativism may perceive such styles as tribal or ornamental as a manifestation of cultural affiliation that cannot be understood by a representative of a different culture. Ethnocentrism, on the other hand, considers one’s own culture as a model for judging people of other cultures. Applied to tattoos, ethnocentrism can discriminate against such methods of self-expression.
Tattoos as Subcultural or Countercultural Expressions
Tattoos cannot be considered countercultural, since throughout this art, tattoos were formed not as a protest against social norms, but as a means of expressing identity. Tattoos can be considered subcultural; however, the variability of tattoo styles and their meanings for each person has blurred the boundaries of this cultural group. Over time, the attitude towards tattoos becomes more loyal, as the number of people choosing this type of self-expression increases. Tattoos are no longer a hallmark of a class, culture, or group, but something accessible and acceptable to a person, regardless of their background.
Conclusion
Tattoos can be condemned due to adherence to ethnocentrism, a lack of a broad understanding of another culture. They have become part of a particular subculture, but their boundaries have become so wide that soon, the framework will cease to exist. Society is becoming more tolerant, and tattoos are becoming less stigmatized—social norms change, a normal phenomenon for any cultural manifestation.
Work Cited
Frankel, Sarah, et al. “Tattooed Individuals in a Community: Motivations and Identities.” Deviant Behavior, vol. 1, 2022, pp. 1-16. Web.