Tattoos.

What is behind a tattoo? For many there are significant meanings behind the mark, symbol, picture or writing that people choose to have tattooed on their body. For others it is simply the want to have a tattoo and any design that grabs their attention, will be the one for them.

Some people choose to have memorable dates or initials tattooed on their bodies, which may be in memory of a loved one, or anything from a birth date or anniversary. Tattoo's are fast becoming a popular phenomenon with many people wanting to get 'inked' and although they are having a large presence in Western society and deemed socially acceptable, there is still a certain stigma surrounding them in certain social groups.

In certain countries, tattoos can represent gangs that people are a part of and it is also known that prisoners use tattoos to symbolise crimes committed. For example a tear tattoo can be symbolic of murder, with each tear representing the death of a friend. Also prisoners of Nazi concentration camps during World War 2 had numbers tattooed onto them to show they had been 'tagged'.

So why is it then, that the outlook of tattoos can differ in so many cultures? This is possibly due to the exposure of celebrities and other popular figures, who, in many ways, influence the actions and behaviour of so many people today. David Beckham is perhaps one of the world's most famous footballers and influences many young people, be it his football skills, his clothing or even his tattoos. Beckham currently has 12 tattoos ranging from two arm sleeves to an Angel with outstretched wings on his back. It is interesting to consider whether many people look up to Beckham in such a way that they think the more tattoos the better.

However it has to be considered whether the phenomenon can go too far. Currently the legal age to obtain a tattoo in the UK is 18, therefore many would think that this should also be the minimum age that someone should be able to give someone a tattoo. Maybe not.

Three year old Ruby Dickinson from Wales, is preparing to become the world's youngest tattoo artist. Perhaps it would be considered to be a great talent for a three year old, however I personally don't believe that a child should be carrying out this type of work. After all it is a 'job' and the UK law specifically states that the age of legal consent for work is 16.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/2935237/Tot-three-is-a-tattoo-artist.html

There is definitely a fascination surrounding Tattoos. I have two myself and plan to get more. I believe that this topic is another of those that falls into the middle of the scales. It isn't illegal and it isn't harming anyone, therefore it is like marmite; you either love it or hate it.