NA NA NA NA, HEY HEY HEY, GOODBYE

I have thoroughly enjoyed my research that I have conducted throughout the semester. I have seen the deep relations that my topic has to my anthropology course. One of the biggest things away I have taken away from my research and from this course, is that we cannot judge something unfamiliar to us. If we choose to judge, we will be ignorant to the beliefs of others. As I have read through my classmates' blogs, I have discovered that there are so many ways of life and choices that people make that on first thought, I would judge, but after thorough explanation, I can understand.

My original hesitations towards tattoos were somewhat immature, and after researching all different aspects of the practice, I have truly come to understand the culture. I still would not want to get a tattoo, but I believe I understand the practice enough not to judge the practice, and to have a well-researched opinion. I believe that this cross-cultural investigation has helped me to understand a cultural practice that I didn't before. A lot of information and consideration has changed my views. I think the most valuable part of my research was learning about the September 11th display of photographs of tattoos on firemen and friends and family of victims on Staten Island. This exhibit was a revolutionary display of tattooing as art and as memories. It showed me that tattooing can, ironically, be a form of healing. People deal with hardship in different ways, and tattooing the name, the picture, or a memory of a deceased loved one is possibly very helpful. Not saying that everyone suffering should be tattooed, but I now understand why one might want to. It is a constant memory, a dedication to someone who was once so close. Through my research, I also learned the history of tattooing, and that it has rituals that have lasted through thousands of years. Tattooing is a cultural practice, and although it might not be something I was originally comfortable with or accepting of, it is now something that I understand.

 

SCARIFICATION

After all my research on tattooing, I have stumbled on scarification, something I have never heard of before. Scarification is the cutting or incision in the skin to create scars in a certain pattern. Different tools are used, but scalpels will usually do the job. Some are also whipped with sharp objects to create the wounds. This is an ancient practice which was "the major approach to decorative and symbolic permanent body modification used by dark-skinned peoples on whom tattooing would be ineffective." (Sanders, 8) This practice was originally used by "African tribal groups, scarification is a decorative form primarily intended to indicate one's position in a social structure." (Sanders, 8) Many different cultures have, and do practice scarification. One example is in Papua New Guinea's Sepik region, where they use scarification as an initiation rite  for young men who have reached the age of manhood. The young men are tested on their strength and self-discipline by being sliced with a pointy piece of bamboo. Their culture believes that humans were created by crocodiles, so the scars that result from the scarification are representative of the crocodile that "swallowed" the initiate. On a side note, I remember talking about rites of passages in one of our lectures. We discussed how most cultures have some sort of ritual which make a young man or woman be accepted as an adult. These ritual range from being bar or bat mitzvahed, being forced to gain weight as in some African cultures, or having a Quincenera party. This discussion helps me understand why such a seemingly strange ritual would be used for an initiation rite of passages. These rites are often deeply rooted in history, and therefore might not make much sense to an outsider. The Sepik region is just one of numerous cultures that ritually practice scarification. Other cultures include Australia's Aboriginal culture and Ethiopia's Karo tribe.

Scarification is practiced everywhere, although it is not nearly as popular as tattooing. One interviewee by National Geographic gave a reason behind the practice: ""Tattooing has become hold hat," Hemingson said, "If you want to be on the cutting edge-and want to set yourself apart- you can do tongue splitting or scarification."" (National Geographic). According to National Geographic, scarification in the U.S. began in San Francisco in the mid-1980s as part of a "new body-modification movement". The article says that "it was originally embraced by gay and lesbian subcultures" in San Francisco. In the 1990s, the same practice was embraced by members of a "neotribal, or "modern primitive"" movement. The group wanted to reenact ancient indigenous body modification rituals, in hopes of getting more in touch with the spiritual aspects of their bodies. 

When I first read about scarification, I assumed it was only an ancient practice. I am amazed that it is practiced all over the world, even today. The idea of physically hurting myself in order to create scars is a little horrifying, but I can keep an open mind and consider the fact that these people use it as a way to connect to their culture and the ancient traditions. It is "normal" for them.

1. Sanders, Clinton, and D Angus Vail.

Customizing the Body: The Art of Culture and of Tattooing.

Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 2008.

2. Geynup, Sharon. National Geographic Channel. 2004.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/07/0728_040728_tvtabooscars.html

Accessed 15 April 2009. Electronic Document.

WHAT IS ART?

Everyone defines art differently. There are socially accepted definitions of art, culturally accepted ones, and academically accepted ones.

I have learned that tattooing is a form of art. Upon my initial research, I would have been hesitant to consider this possibility. However, there is a fascinating section in the book Customizing the Body: The Art and Culture of Tattooing by Clinton R. Sanders titled, "Conclusion: Tattooing and the Social Definition of Art". Sanders says, "The differentiation between art and non-art is socially constructed and, therefore, subject to significant change over time." (p. 149) The idea that most things are "socially constructed" is something I have picked up from my anthropology course. Before taking this course, I didn't realize how much of what we surround ourselves with is socially constructed. The ethnography Strange Harvest by Lesley Sharp even taught me that death is socially constructed. I had NO idea that people defined death differently. Prior to my reading the ethnography, I thought death was something extremely finite, and medically defined. I was wrong! After reading the ethnography, our class discussed when one is actually dead. Is it when your brain stops working? When your organs shut down? When you lose consciousness? It depends on your own views. Art is like this too. The definition of art is a personal choice, a social construction.

There is a movement to have tattooing accepted as an art form. Some tattoo artists are resisting this movement, but "an examination of the tattoo world can help to identify those factors that impede the incorporation of a cultural production activity into the accepted repertoire of artistry or, on the other hand, increase the likelihood that the practice and product will be socially sanctioned as "real" art." (page 150) There are several reasons that Sanders gives for the desire for a legitimized art form. First of all, tattooing would gain status, and would consequently gain more business and money. Also importantly, "the pressures exerted by agents of social control are reduced or deflected (DiMaggio, 1987, Wolff, 1983)." This concern is especially prevalent to tattooing because there is an incredible social and cultural stigma against tattooing in the United States. If tattooing were to be sanctioned as an art form, maybe some of this resistance would dissolve.

The book that I am basing this post on was published in 1989. Twenty years has past since then and this movement is definitely making some process, as we realize that the people who perform the tattooing are called "tattoo artists".  Since the book is relatively old, the information is not as relevant. I believe our culture has made enormous strides toward including many craft forms as true works of art. Today, tattooing is accepted as an art form. I am in agreement with this. It is something so carefully and meticulously done, and is displayed on a body forever. Tattoos vary by artist and material, and are significant to each person. My research has really been changing my mind on tattooing, and considering it as an art form is a fascinating way to look at the practice.

A FORM OF BODY MODIFICATION

In one of our lectures in our anthropology class, we discussed body modifications from all over the world. In groups, we brainstormed a list of different modification tactics. I remember my group came up with ones such as eating disorders, tattooing, neck elongating, body piercing, and plastic surgery.  All of these methods of body modification have a meaning and a history. Some are socially accepted in some cultures, and not in others.

I really like what Carol Delaney points out in this passage from her Investigating Cultures book. This is from her passage in her chapter titled "Our Bodies, Our Selves": "Some extreme practices of marking the body could also be interpreted as a means of rebellion; however, according to one advocate, "the most important thing you learn is that you are not your body, you just live in it." (Vale and Juno 1989:29) These "modern primitives" as they are called, are of the opinion that you have rather than you are your body. Overcoming pain and daring to step outside of conventional society is expressed in terms of control in the last place where they feel they can exercise this- the body (not unlike explanations given by anorexics). Some of them also feel that their practices are part of a spiritual processes that puts then in touch with authentic primitives and the types of rituals they have had to endure."

There are millions of reasons why people get tattoos. Some more understandable and respectable than others, but all valid I suppose. I believe that if something is truly meaningful to you and has some significance in your life, and you want it to be tattooed on you, then go for it. I feel that otherwise, you will "outgrow" your tattoo, and not want it to remain on your body. But if you get something as meaningful as the men and women who got tattoos commemorating their loved ones who were lost in the 9/11 tragedy, then that is something that will stay with you forever.

As we learned in Strange Harvest by Leslie Sharp, everyone defines the body differently. How much our soul connected with our bodies is debatable: is there an obvious connection, or are our bodies separate entities  entirely? Some people feel a deeper connection between body and mind and soul than others. This controversial ethnography discusses the ins and outs and positives and negatives of organ transplants. I had never considered any of these factors. I learned that the intertwinement between ourselves and our bodies is so incredibly intimate. This is something that is weighed heavily during organ transplants as it is often difficult for families and friends to know that their loved one does not look the same as a result of the procedure, and that their organs are living on in someone else.

In one of our labs we discussed how our bodies affect our perception of ourself. My answer was yes, that I thought I would be a slightly different person if I inhibited another body. My confidence and my demeanor might be different. Of course, essentially I would have the same soul and the same values, but some small aspects of myself might be different. I identify with my body significantly. I feel like if I were to put something permanent on my body, it would be representative of myself. BUT, that is not necessarily a bad thing.  Tattooing is a way of representation, and my research has opened my eyes up to that.

1. Delaney, Carol.

Investigating Culture: An Experiential Introduction to Anthropology.

Malden, MA.: Wiley-Blackwell, 2004. (page 244)

2. Sharp, Lesley a. A. Strange Harvest: Organ Transplants, Denatured Bodies, and the Transformed Self.

Berkeley: University  of California Press, 2006.

"INDELIBLE MEMORIES"

While reading Carol Delaney's chapter "Our Bodies, Our Selves" in her book Investigating Cultures, I was inspired by her mentioning of a photography exhibit at the Staten Island historical Society called "Indelible Memories: Sept. 11 Memorial Tattoos Photographed by Vinnie Amesse". I have never heard of this exhibit before, but upon conducting further research, it's fascinating! I think it shows an aspect of tattooing that I had not really considered prior to my research. I know that when you suffer the lost of a loved one, or you experience something traumatic, there is a search for way to heal. Healing is complex and intangible, and everyone handles mourning differently. For some, maybe indelibly imprinting themselves makes them feel more whole. I found a New York Times article from April 4, 2003 by Julie Salamon called "Tragedy Pierces the Heart, Memory the Skin". The article explains the project and the stories of the many affected on Staten Island by the September 11th tragedy. The exhibition displayed over 100 photographs of tattoos on the bodies of firefighters and other Staten Island residents who were affected by the tragedies.

Here are some of the photos that I found on this website: http://www.peprallyusa.com/siny.html

George Donnelly with his new patriotic tattoos, inspired by 9/11.

George Henrique, a man who lost his 29-year-old daughter, Michelle, who was killed in the attacks. His tattoo is a picture of his lost daughter.

Francis Coppola, a firefighter who lost his life partner and nineteen friends on September 11th. His tattoos is dedicated to all those he lost.

Through reading the NYT article and looking at the images and their captions, I feel so strongly that these men and women are heros, many are firefighters and all are survivors. They are survivors of losing loved ones and of witnessing an atrocious act committed against our nation. If getting tattoos is a form of healing for them, then who am I to judge? I think this display of loss is remarkable. Alice Gould, a 63-year-old woman got a tattoo in honor of her nephew, and said that, "People stop and ask me about it and I tell the story so I feel I am keeping his spirit alive." I think this is a very interesting way to see tattoos, as a way to keep someone alive.

The ideas behind this exhibit have really opened my mind to why people would get tattoos. This is something that will always be historically remembered and treasured.

1. Tragedy Pierces the Heart, Memory the Skin.

2003 The New York Times.  Julie Salamon. Electronic Document.

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/04/arts/tragedy-pierces-the-heart-memory-the-skin.html?pagewanted=all. Accessed 10 April 2009.

2. PepRallyUSA.

2002-3 PepRallyUSA.com. Written by Dana Johnston. Photographs by Vinnie Amessee. Electronic Document.

http://www.peprallyusa.com/siny.html. Accessed 28 April 2009.

TATTOOING + RELIGION

Leviticus 19:28, "You shall not make any gashes in your flesh for the dead or tattoo any marks upon you: I am the Lord."

Many religions have strict ideas against tattooing. They believe that tattooing is against their beliefs and the Bible or other ancient scriptures. In this post I will explain the Christian and the Judaic views on tattoos. 

The Christian argument against tattooing is that the body belongs to Christ, and tattooing is an attempt to adhere meaning to the body, but God has already given the body meaning. They take the above Leviticus verse literally. They believe that Christians who get tattoos are seeking for a way to identify themselves, and they find it saddening that they cannot find their identification through God. They believe that the Christian faith and God should be our primary identity. 

Jews have been forbidden, for the past three thousand years, against getting tattoos. They are supposedly not able to be buried in a Jewish cemetery, but as the Boston Globe article entitled "Jews With Tattoos" found, many local funeral directors said tattooed Jews would not be turned down. The original taboo against tattooing in the Jewish religion and culture came from the Bible verse in Leviticus stated at the top of this entry. Some scholars believe that the Jews' ideas are because of them wanting to be "a people apart".

Ori Scherr, a young Jew who decided to defy her parents and get a tattoo, believes that "The literature isn't there solely to be taken literally. It's abstract; it needs to be interpreted." She also argues that smoking, anorexia , and body mutilation also defy the Leviticus bible verse.

Another argument in the Jewish faith against tattooing is the fact that Jews who were put in concentration camps during the Holocaust were routinely tattooed with numbers. Some Jews argue that getting a tattoo only honors the survivors. Steven Ross, a tattooed Auschwitz survivor says that "To me it just means we can make our own decisions now. In a few more years, there won't be any more survivors left. Then, the only Jews with tattoos will be the ones who asked  for them." However, there is a much larger group of Jews who take the Old Testament's verse quite literally and who are, to this day, strongly opposed to tattoos. They believe that it is prohibited in their faith and should remain that way.

I think these connections between tattooing and religion are important to consider. As we discussed in class, their are many different religions who all have beliefs that differ. Each person values their religion for a different reason. I, personally, don't have any strong religious beliefs, so the aforementioned beliefs would not prohibit me from getting a tattoo. I think that one's view on tattoos should be personal, and if you are so devout to your religion that it would prohibit you from getting a tattoo, then so be it, but if not, then that is okay too. 

1. Jews With Tattoos

2004 The Boston Globe. Douglas Belkin. Electronic Document.

www.boston.com/news/. Accessed 20 March 2009.

2. Jones, Beth Felker. "Marked for life." The Christian Century 124.10 (May 15, 2007): 19 (2) Academic OneFile. Fale. Wheaton College. 22 Mar. 2009. .

STATISTICS

Through the following statistics, I hope to better understand the socioeconomic diversity of tattoos and how common tattooing is in our country. Here are some statistics I found on www.associatedcontent.com in an article entitled "Tattoo Statistics":

• "Tattooing has become one of America's fastest growing categories of retail business.
• There are about 15,000 tattoo studios in operation and one new tattoo studio opens daily.
• About 15% of Americans have a tattoo.
• 16% of American males have a tattoo and 15% percent of American women have a tattoo.
• Across the United States, the statistics of the amount of Americans with tattoos is consistent, except for the West coast having the highest percentage, with 20% of its residents having a tattoo.
• In the 2003 Harris poll, 83% of the respondents admitted to regretting their tattoo. 16% of these said that it was because of someone's name who was included in their tattoo.
• This same poll found that 16% of people with a tattoo stated that they are white, 14% black, and 18% Hispanic.
• 14% of Republicans said they had at least one tattoo, 18% of Democrats, and 12% of Independents. 
• Interestingly, no cases of HIV transmission through tattoos, according to the Center for Disease Control, since 1985. But, there have been at least seven HIV transmissions through dental work.
• This same study also found that out of the 13,387 annual cases of hepatitis, only twelve of these were from tattoo studios, but 43 were from dental work."

These statistics taught me that tattooing is more widespread amongst socioeconomic boundaries that I previously believed. One cannot generalize the tattooed population, because it is dispersed among most age groups, racial and economic groups, and political groups. However, I find is unbelievable that 83% of the respondents to this survey regret their tattoo. That is disappointing considering the permanency of the decision. Also, these statistics that modern-day tattooing is not as dangerous as it used to be. By getting your tattoo done at a nicer salon, one can easily avoid the dangers of contracting HIV, however you might want to reconsider going to the dentist...

All facts were taken DIRECTLY from:

1. Tattoo Statistics

2006 Associated Content. Electronic Document.

www.associatedcontent.com, Accessed March 24, 2009.