Psychology and Tattoos
Traditionally, tattoos have had negative connotations with many associating them with the criminal classes and lower echelons of society. Primitive cultures used tattoos to mark undesirable and infertile members of society and convicts. However, just as it is in modern society, tattoos can be found in all classes and levels.
Modern day motives for sporting a tattoo are often based on peer affiliations, personal attachments or passions, or increasingly, just as a fashion statement or as an enhancement to the self-image. Although few generalizations can be made about tattooed individuals.
With increased complexity of design and greater levels of training and expertise among tattoo artists, tattoos have inevitably for some become status symbols. Higher end artists often secure fine arts degrees and can be recognized for their work in other artistic fields. Consequently, sporting a complex tattoo entailing many tens of hours of work from a high end $500/hr artist can be a significant permanent indication of financial status for some.
More so than ever before tattoos have permeated all levels of society. Recent studies indicate that as much as 20% of the north American population have at least one tattoo, with upward of 35% of 20-30 year olds having one or more. Significant figures of the past have sported discreet tattoos including Winston Churchill's mother Lady Randolph Churchill and even some kings of England. However, today, we see high ranking NATO officers openly exhibiting sleeved arms, prominent society figures, even doctors and priests all unassumingly displaying numerous colorful adornments. What greater endorsement and indication can there be that historical prejudice and taboos related to tattoos have been dissolved for good.
However, some modern day negative connotations have evolved to replace historical prejudice with phrases such as "tramp stamp" passing in to common usage to describe lower back tattoos particularly on women.
A tattoo can be indicative of a particular phase in an individual's life. And tattoos acquired in the past form no basis for judgment of an individual's present character.