Pros & Cons of Tattoos
It is estimated that 16% of Americans have at least one tattoo. The tattoo has become much more common in recent years, but it is a serious step for a person to consider. It is also vital to have an understanding of what a tattoo is and what the process is in obtaining a tattoo. Does this Spark an idea?
-
Definition
-
A tattoo is defined as "an indelible mark or figure fixed upon the body by insertion of pigment under the skin." This marking under the skin is permanent, so whatever image is embedded into the skin is a final decision.
Brief History
-
The tattoo has a long history in various cultures. The methods of actually tattooing can vary from one culture to another. It is commonly thought that tattoos first appeared in the fourth or fifth millennium B.C. Most of the early tattoos were mostly of lines and dots. Many cultures would tattoo as a right of passage, symbols of spiritual devotion, or even on those enslaved or convicted of crimes. Tattoos throughout different cultures could be found on any part of the body, including the face, neck and hands. Military and cultural tattoos were common, as were those on convicts, but they were rarely found on the average citizen. That has changed in the last 20 years or so in Western cultures.
-
Method
-
Early tattoos, as well as some in secluded cultures today, were very painful, with cuts being rubbed with ashes or the use of sharp objects to cut the skin so dye could be inserted. Today, in Western cultures, the tattooing process is much different. A tattoo machine uses a small group of needles on the end of a bar connected to an electric oscillating unit. The needles are dipped into the pigment, and then the needles rapidly move up and down, inserting the dye into the skin at high speed. Some of the traditional methods of tattooing, which can be found in some secluded cultures, are still practiced; however, these methods are much less sanitary than the modern method. It is common for tattoos to be all black or another single color, or for there to be multiple colors. There are many choices today in terms of colors. For more information on the method of tattooing, please go to http://www.tattoos.pro.
Pros
-
Because tattoos are very important to some cultures, it is definitely positive for individuals to proudly display the markings associated with their culture. Tattooing is a great method of self-expression, and many people will get tattooed to mark important events in their lives. A tattoo is a form of art, with the skin being the canvas. It is great for a person to combine something like a rite of passage with this form of art as a reminder of that time in one's life.
Cons
-
Getting a tattoo is not a decision to make lightly. There are some things to consider before making a final decision. It is a painful process to get a tattoo, although the pain is temporary. It is also important to put some thought into what and where to get tattooed, as a tattoo will become a permanent part of the body. There are some health risks involved, and it is vital to ensure that sterile needles are used and that the shop is clean. It is possible to get hepatitis C or other blood-transmitted diseases from the process of tattooing. On rare occasions, individuals are allergic to the pigment or the gloves worn by the artist. People have developed infections while the tattoo is healing. A tattoo is an open wound. It is also important to realize that tattoos can be addictive. It has been shown that individuals are more likely to get multiple tattoos after receiving one or two tattoos.
-
