Tattoo Culture

In the article Secret Ink the author talks about the people who have tattoos got them for self expression, while keeping the existence of the tattoos a secret from the general public. This is the mixed message that tattoos give, and we know that it is true because many people have them but hie them for reasons that could potentially hurt their job, or social life. My best friend has four tattoos that can all be covered up, she wanted it that way because she is going to be a nurse and needs them covered. The author visits a tattoo parlor and he noticed that a lot of people have to use impression management to explain why they have the tattoos that they do, and give a story behind getting each one. Another reason for this mixed message is that people are afraid of the tattoo culture they have general discomfort because tattoos can often be seen as offensive to people, or have something to do with their socioeconomic status as well.