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=Tattoo=

The origin of tattoo //Soo Shin//

// The world that we live in consists of approximately 195 countries and 6800 languages. Number of languages and number of different cultures are directly related with each other. Variety of language and culture created varieties in physical expression. Some countries use the length of neck, amount of piercing or tattoo as the measurement of beauty. Some countries used tattoos as punishment. This essay will convey the variety of cultures related with tattoo. // // The origin of tattoo is unknown but Greek history mentions the use of tattoo as punishment within the Persians in 512 BC. The Persians used a tattoo as a symbol of war refugees, slaves and criminals. The original definition of this ancient Greek word “stigma” is ‘the markings in the snake’, but it soon came to demote a mark of shame, a meaning that endures. The purpose of these marking was to prevent the escape of slaves and prisoners, and in order to recognize them. The Romans history also states that they did not use tattoos for decoration either. The purpose of tattooing was to identify gladiators, soldiers, prisoners and slaves. Tattoos were also used as punishment and for the humiliation. In 1871, the British people tattooed the soldiers with the letters ‘D’ (Deserter) or ‘B.C’. (Bad Character) to recognize the character and also Saddam Hussein used tattoo as punishment after the first Gulf war. Tattoos emblem and symbol of sailors, soldiers, workers, criminals and. prostitutes until the 19th century // // A quote, “Cry on, cry on, but tell me, if this is so painful, how will you survive your wedding night?” in India, This is the proof of popularity of tattoos in India. Many girls and women suffered from pain in order to look more beautiful. Only a half century ago, almost every girl in India had to withstand the pain of tattoo. The globalization and civilization led to the loss of these cultures in large cities. However, we can still find these traditional cultures regarding tattoos in the busy urban areas in India. Also tattoo culture was strongly linked with caste system; tattoos reflected a position of women in society. // // History of tattoo in China and Japan is relatively short compare to the history in Europe. However, tattoos were used as symbol of bravery among Chinese and Japanese. For example, Japanese Mafia, Yakuza did whole body tattoo to newly joining members. On the other hand, the tattoos were used as symbol of beaut1y in the Middle East countries such as Libyan, Yezidi, Iraqi Marsh-Arab, Shammar Bedouin and Turkoman. They did triangle shaped tattoo on their neck, forehead, and eyebrows in order to look more beautiful. Upper class women In Iran used to have blue star tattoo to express their social status to others. It is interesting that the tattoo was used as punishment in European countries to mark the lower classes whereas it was used as symbol of beauty and bravery. Also currently over eighty million people have tattoos in western countries. Why tattooing is so popular? What are the pros and cons of doing tattoos? // // People can express themselves to others with more visual colors on their body and also satisfy themselves. It is definitely hard to hold the pain for a long period of time but it is satisfying to see the expected outcome. There are one in eighty five people doing a tattoo, this culture cannot be considered as lower society item. Tattoos can be used to hide the wounds and scars of body. Jane thinks the tattoo art as a powerful symbol of triumph and survival when done on or around scars. She suffered from the breast cancer and she had to have mastectomy. After the surgery, she lost her self-esteem and could not continue any relationship with others. However she decided to have a lizard shape tattoo on her scar and she found her confidence again. // // On the other hand, according to the FBI record in Philadelphia, when a person is in a tattoo shop and wants to pay in cash or ask for the privacy, FBI agents can ask for their information from the data like they do it for the criminals. Likewise, tattooing can end up being losing the privacy of their own and can be treated like a criminal. Also there are high chance of infection during the tattooing procedure such as the transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. There are possibility of getting mycobacterial infection that can lead to the formation of tumor. Tattooing can discomfort others around and in extreme case they may feel abhorrence. This is why FBI and police department prefer to hire a person who does not get a tattoo. // // There are many other pros and cons regarding tattoos. However, it is true that there are more disadvantages than advantages and people still feel more uncomfortable towards the tattooing. There are too many restrictions in acquiring job and can be treated like a criminal because you have a tattoo. It is acceptable to express their character with tattoo but the image should not be too aggressive to discomfort others. //



Bechara C, Macheras E, Heym B, Pages A, Auffret N, 2010 June, ‘Mycobacterium abscessus Skin Infection after Tattooing’, Dermatology.

 CDC (2003) 'Male latex condoms and sexually transitted diseases' , Fact sheet for public health personnel.  Davis AR. J Aust 1995, Tattoo parlours and hepatitis C virus infection. Med; 163:556-557.

Jane, Scar tattooing, San Fransico CA

Kuczkowski K.M, February 2006, Tattoos: ancient customs, new concerns, University of California San Diego, Departments of Anesthesiology and Reproductive Medicine.

Kuczkowski KM, 2003, Diagnostic tattoo in a parturient with “ecstasy” use. Anaesthesia;58:1251–2.

Maarten H. van Dinter, 2005, The World of Tattoo An Illustrated Histroy.

 Matt Rosenberg, ‘The Number of Countries in the world’, The geography(2010)  Nishioka A, Gyorkos W, 2001, Tattoos as Risk Factors for Transfusion-Transmitted Diseases

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;"> Thomas N, Cole A, and Douglas B, Durham 2005, Tattoo: Bodies, Art, & Exchange in the Pacific and the West, Duke University press.

The design, which is on his torso, which depicts Jesus on his way to the cross.[[image:642888846807852707.jpg width="335" height="280"]][[image:642888846807852718.jpg width="383" height="321"]]


References: [] [|http://baike.baidu.com/view/279339.htm?fr=ala0_1_1#3]

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=History of Tattoo=

The progression and history of tattoos dates back through time as it showcased the process of how man seeks to provide meaning and symbolisms using his body. Under this process, the aspect of tattooing occurred and became a response to artistic, religious, and customary practices that depicted different themes. Seeing this, the expansion and development of tattooing became a manifestation of how man evolved in seeking to showcase their individuality (Vanishing Tattoo Crew, 2000Looking at the definition, tattoo can be derived from the Polynesian word ‘ta’ which means striking something and the Tahitian word ‘tatau’ which means to ‘mark something’ (Design Boom, 2000). Seeing this, its history dates back 5000 years ago. However, the main problem in here is that there are no specific records of which place and the exact time due to lack of evidence. Despite this, it can be seen that it remains to be highly practiced and expanded into different cultures through time. Recognizing these elements, the value then of tattooing can be derived from different approaches. They include (1) tribal, (2) religious, and (3) modern. Here, each one has its own distinguishing facets but mostly is motivated by a particular theme. For example, a tribal tattoo seeks to showcase development of religious beliefs (mystic ones) and an illustration of social status. It is through this process that their significance can be seen particularly in the manner it impacts a particular group, culture, and civilization. Assessing the process of tattooing, its development came from the growth of cultures among groups. This then provided the motivation for tattoos to be created as a form of expression of religion, art, mysticism, and social status (The Tattoo Collection, 2009). Such process then provided the boost for the creation of different themes and ultimately the process of developing tattoos among cultures. Such approach then illustrates the value tattoos have in the expansion of cultural facets among different groups.

__Europe__ Greek and Roman Punitive Tattoos

// The Persians introduced the Greeks to an alternative use for tattoos. In 512 BC, King Darius led the Persians into Thrace. Herodotus informs us that the Persians marked their slaves, convicts and prisoners of war by tattooing letters onto their foreheads. They tattooed their slaves’ faces, so making it impossible for a runaway to go unnoticed. In their writings, the Greeks use the word stigma for tattoo. The original definition of this ancient Greek word is ‘the markings in the snake’, but it soon came to demote a mark of shame, a meaning that endures. //

// The Romans did not use tattoos for decoration either. Their purpose was control and they were used to identify gladiators, soldiers, prisoners and slaves. According to Plato, tattoos were also used as punishment. Another reason was humiliation. (page 30, 31 picture!) //

Punitive tattooing in our times

// As with the Byzantines, many cultures tattooed their soldiers, prisoners and war criminals until very recently. Until 1871, British soldiers convicted of desertion or other offences were branded with the letters ‘D’ (Deserter) or ‘B.C’. (Bad Character) Until 1867, these branded soldiers were usually shipped to penal colonies in Australia and elsewhere. Iraq provides a recent example of punitive tattooing. After his defeat in the first Gulf War, Saddam Hussein issued a series of decrees which specified that deserters, conscientious objectors and criminals were to have crossed tattooed on their foreheads. //

Growth of Tattooing among criminals and prostitutes

// -Tattooing in Europe gained popularity early in the nineteenth century, though it was still generally associated with the underbelly of society: sailors, soldiers, workers, criminals and prostitutes. Sailors were the largest tattooed group, whose separate social identity was emphasized by their long absences, and miners sealed their underground fellowship by permanently marking their skin. However, these groups’ low social status meant that tattoos still had a marginal existence until the end of the nineteenth century. Only after this did the elite start showing a short-lived interest in tattooing as a new fashion. //

//** __India__ **//

// ‘Cry on, cry on,’ said the old woman somewhat sarcastically as she used a sharp thorn to pierce the skin on the shrieking girl’s leg. ‘Cry on, but tell me, if this is so painful, how will you survive your wedding night?’ //

// Until only 50 years ago, almost every girl in India had to endure a painful tattooing procedure. Everyone, especially from northeastern India to the Tamils in the south, used tattoos mainly to enhance a girl’s beauty. Tattooing has almost disappeared from the larger cities, but women with boos of designs can still be found at busy urban bazaars, willing to tattoo anyone for a price. Tattoo cultures in India are related to their caste system and reflect a position of women in society. //

//** __China and Japan__ **//

// -There have been a few period in the history of the Far East when tattoos were accepted. // // -Tattooing was mostly associated with the lower classes or the underworld. // // -A tattoo completely covering the body is still the most important sign of membership of the Yakuza, the Japanese equivalent of the mafia. // // -A full body tattoo symbolizes great courage because of the pain endured. //

//** __Middle East__ **//

// - //Beauty spots and passages from the Koran //: The most important function of women’s tattoos was to enhance beauty. The most conspicuous decorations were on the chin and on the forehead between the eyebrows. The patterns were usually triangular, but were distinctive to each tribe. Libyan, Yezidi, Iraqi Marsh-Arab, Shammar Bedouin and Turkoman women all had symbols of beauty or fertility tattooed on their faces, which bore strong similarities to the Moroccan Berbers’ siyala or foula. In Iran, even upper-class women had patterns of blue stars on their chins. These chin designs were sometimes highly elaborate, resembling a beard more than a tattoo. It is still seen on some older Bedouin women in Jordan and Syria.//

// 1. People who got tattoos treat as a criminal. // <span style="color: black; font-family: 굴림; font-size: 7pt;">1. In Philadelphia, the FBI has instructed tattoo shops to rat out their customers if they demand privacy, insist on paying with cash, engage in “suspicious behavior,” make “anti-US” comments, or request tattoos that are “extremist symbols.” (FBI - Federal Bureau of Investigation) // 2. Can get diseases (side effects) // // Several infectious diseases have been found to be associated with tattooing. There is strong evidence for the transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, and syphilis by tattooing. Tattooing may also transmit the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), although convincing evidence is still lacking. Epidemiologic studies to date have shown a large variation in odds ratio estimates of the association between tattooing and HBV, HCV, and HIV infections. // //<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Georgia','serif'; font-size: 10pt;"> Mycobacterium abscessus is a species of rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM). This species can cause skin and soft tissue infections after trauma or surgical procedures, pulmonary infections and disseminated diseases in immunocompromised patients. ( Dermatology. 2010 Jun 18. [Epub ahead of print] Mycobacterium abscessus Skin Infection after Tattooing, [|Bechara C], [|Macheras E] , [|Heym B] , [|Pages A] , [|Auffret N] . // //  3. Hiring restriction // // According to current FBI special agent, they prefer to hire a person who doesn’t get a tattoo. Even though ironically most FBI agents have tattoo, most of them were prior military. Having pride of prior service in the armed forces would not have any bearing on your eligibility of being hired as a Special Agent. However, gang affiliated tattoos and extreme tattoos would disqualify you. //
 * __Disadvantage that having tattoos 0r side effects__ **

1. Having a tattoo is one of our culture and very common. In the western world alone, 1 out of 85 people decorate their skin with tattoos. Almost 50% of all tattoos are being done on women. 2. A tattoo can cover scars. Tattoo art can be a powerful symbol of triumph and survival when done on or around scars. 3. Show people who they are and it is a unique.
 * __Good side of getting a tattoo__ //**

=**Removing parts of the tattoo**: <span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;">The removal of tattoo is not at all easy and possible to do. Its complete removal but you'll still see some parts of it but they'll remove by the time, however, is difficult because of some factors. The age of tattoo is one of the factors. If a person has acquired the tattoo for almost three to five decades, the tendency to remove the colors or ink of the tattoo becomes a big challenge to remove it. The size of the tattoo and inks types and colors are also few of the factors that make the removal of tattoo a bit hard to get rid of it. A dermatologist can help resolve your worries about your tattoo and how it can be better removed. Your dermatologist can prescribe anesthesia if she or he found out that you need it. In addition, the dermatologist can inform you if all of your tattoos have the possibility to be removed. The process of removing the tattoo does not take an overnight process; rather the whole process reaches for about several months. The removal experience of tattoo is almost likened to getting a new tattoo because of almost similar pains. The removed tattoo become a wound part and must be scrupulously looked after and not be scrubbed or rubbed. Tattoo is supposedly designed for permanence but if you may still have it remove when you decide it only that the whole removal procedure is worse than the first time you had your body tattoo. =

<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> Tattoo removal is a serious process and often tattoo removal takes longer than deciding to get one and which one to get. Before you make that decision, you may wish to learn more about what tattoo removal entails. Educate yourselves now and then make an informed decision.

<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> Tattoos have become a part of our American culture over the past few decades. There is an estimated 10 million Americans that have at least one tattoo, and at least 44,000 tattoo studios in America. Tattoos are a great way to express yourself. Having a tattoo may have seemed like a great idea at the time, but things change. We find new loves, new jobs, and new tastes. So if the remnants of your past choice of tattoo no longer compliment your present, its time to think about tattoo removal.

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Not one great country can be named, from the polar regions in the north to New Zealand in the south, in which the aborigines do not tattoo themselves. This practice was followed by the Jews of old, and by the ancient Britons. In Africa some of the natives tattoo themselves, but it is a much more common practice to raise protuberances by rubbling salt into incisions made in various part of the body; and these are considered by the inhabitants of Kordofan and Darfur to be great personal attractions. In the Arab countries no beauty can be perfect until the cheeks ‘or temples have been gashed.’ -By <span style="font-family: '맑은 고딕','serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Charles Darwin’s The Descent of Man