The Art of Tattooing as a Type of Body Modification

Body modification comes in many forms including piercing, tattoos, scarification, and even altering the look of the body with special clothing or procedures. One of the most common forms of body modification is the art of tattooing. Tattoos have become more popular over the last century and are no longer considered only for gangs, bikers, or criminals. With the popularity of tattoos, comes judgment by the public and potential employers. Companies should permit employees to participate in body modification because body modification fosters self-identify and is, in fact, safe if done with the right equipment; by the right studio.

Body modification and tattooing are not new; they date thousands of years back in history. According to a British website, many in Ancient Egypt, tattoos were considered signs of hierarchy and of being fertile. Mummies, dating back 5,300 years, have been found with multiple tattoos. Even in the late 19th century, tattoos were worn as fashion statements of English and European royals, such as Kings, Queens, Dukes, and Prime Ministers. Winston Churchill and King George V. the Duke of Newcastle are among royals to have tattoos. Body modifications had become a representation of power and purpose. Tattoos over the years went from being a sign of being high in the chain of command, to being fashionable, to being worn by thieves and barbarians, and back to being fashion statements. Tattoo parties were popular in England during the Victorian era. Women would gather to socialize, have a cup of tea, and add artwork to their tattoo collection. Tattoos and body modifications have been long seeded in the history of our world.

There are many different reasons why an individual might choose to have body modifications, but often self-identity plays an important role. Most tattoos have significance or meaning to the wearer. Tattoos are a permanent body modification the most individuals put a lot of thought and research into before they pick which image is to be tattooed on their skin. Tattoos can serve as memorials of a loved one who has passed, an ode to son, daughter, or family member, or even tell a story of a hard time in which the individual has been through. They can sometimes reflect an individual’s favorite band, sport, hobby, or character. The famous actor Johnny Depp once said, “My body is my journal and my tattoos are my story.” In the end, no matter the reason for the tattoo one thing is for sure, every tattoo has genuine meaning to the client.

Body modification can, in fact, be done safely when the correct equipment is used. According to an OSHA website, tattoo artists must follow OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and CDC (Centers for Disease Control) standards for their own safety and for the safety of their clients. Artists must use a brand new, one-time use needle for every customer. They are also required to use proper PPE (personal protection equipment) such as gloves, masks, and gowns to protect against cross-contamination of bodily fluids. Tattoo artists must use prepackaged equipment, which can only be used once before being discarded. All paper stencils are to be thrown away after each use. Reusable equipment must be cleaned thoroughly and sanitized in a high-heat sanitizer such as an autoclave. When proper and clean equipment is used, getting a tattoo is generally safe and poses little risk.

Another important component that plays into the safety of body modification is the place chosen to have the modification or tattoo done and whom you choose to apply the tattoo. Environment plays a huge factor in the outcome and success of the tattoo. While the environment in a tattoo studio is typically fun, the most important necessity is the cleanliness. The parlor similarly must meet OSHA standards. A good law-abiding tattoo parlor will maintain the proper sanitation requirements. According to OSHA standards, waiting areas and work areas must be kept separate; the floor must not be carpeted. There must also be adequate lighting and functioning, clean facilities. Artists must each have their own work area and storage containers for materials. Waste must be properly disposed of sanitarily using properly marked hazardous waste bins, including all materials contaminated with blood. In addition, finding a reputable professional tattoo artist is a valuable consideration in safe body modification, especially for tattooing. Any serious potential client should seek out an experienced, skilled, and licensed expert. Clients should ask for a portfolio to view previous works of art the artist has completed. The expert should also have a clean and hygienic appearance. Those who do not should likely be avoided and even eliminated from the list of potential artists to avoid in potential health risks. Any esteemed professional artist will have a clean studio, work area, and be able to flawlessly apply a tattoo with minimal pain. They should also provide aftercare advice and recommendations for the best outcome for the tattoo. Body modifications performed by a professional in a sanitary setting will provide the best and safest results.

There are those who object to body modification. For instance, many employers require body modifications such as tattoos be covered up. This can especially propose a problem to some seeking jobs depending on the location of the tattoo, and the ability to cover it as needed. The judicial system has consistently ruled in the employers’ favor allowing them to enforce such policies and it not be considered discrimination. Many also find body modifications to be unsafe due to possible risks involved in the process. As with any procedure involving needles and blood exposure, there are potential risks involved. Smaller, less serious conditions can include skin rashes and irritations such as psoriasis and eczema. There are many reports of such conditions occurring after the tattoo is healed, even years later. Allergies are another risk to be aware of when considering a tattoo. Some tend to have allergic reactions to the ink or dyes used during the application process and most reported having an allergic reaction to one specific color used in the tattoo. Another possible risk is an infection such as staph infection which can occur during the healing process if the tattoo does not get proper aftercare, prolonging the healing process. Unsanitary equipment can lead to more serious risks of Hepatitis B or C and HIV. Such risks prove the importance of sterile equipment and work areas. Nevertheless, tattoos have grown very popular in society and can be safe if applied correctly.

In conclusion, tattoos are a safe way to express originality, and have been for centuries, even dating back to Ancient Egypt. Tattoos are an expression of how a person feels and often tells stories of a person’s experiences in life. Tattoos have become more popular as time has gone by. I can only speculate that people are becoming more used to and even accepting of the idea of a permanent image on their skin. There is no way to really tell the real reason for the sudden spike in popularity; however, tattoos can be very addictive, especially for adrenaline junkies who are looking for a “high”. Tattoos can be a reminder of trials, triumph, inspiration, motivation, or serve as a memorial of a loved one. Tattoos are also used as a form of permanent makeup or to identify someone as a member of a group. Whatever the reason may be that a person decides to get a tattoo, research still points to the body modification process as a safe way for someone to express themselves if done with the correct equipment, in the correct setting, and by a professionally trained, licensed artist. Moreover, with the growing popularity of tattoos, employers are becoming more open-minded about hiring employees with such body modifications and understanding tattoos are not a direct reflection of their work ethic, but of their creativity and individuality.