Tattoos and Teenage Rebellion

1533 Words7 Pages
Running Head: TATTOOS AND TEENAGE REBELLION Tattoos and Teenage Rebellion Tattoos have become a normal part of our society. In the article “On Teenagers and Tattoos,” by Dr.Andres Martin M.D. the issues regarding teenagers and there use of tattooing and body modifications are addressed. With teenagers being so at odds with their own identities they look to tattoos to define their individuality-or lack thereof. They become a staple of permanence in an increasingly transient society. With all the challenges teenagers face in growing up, a tattoo can represent a bond, relationship or even stability in an otherwise unstable situation. A vast majority of American teenage youth are growing up in stressful living situations. Whether it’s a broken home, having different homes on the weekends, for summers, foster placements or teen shares, it’s no wonder our youth is reaching out for anything that resembles consistency or stability. Dr. Martin states “The frequency of self-made tattoos among hospitalized, incarcerated, or gang affiliated youths suggests such motivations: A sense of stability may be particularly dire need under temporary, turbulent, or volatile conditions”. (Martin, 2012, p.322) Gang members often share the same tattoo to resemble family or bonding amongst the gang. A feeling of family can be dire in the search for belonging. States across the country have restricted tattooing to people that are 18 and up or with parent consent for minors. Teenagers seeking tattoos usually are subject to influence or peer pressure. The desire for an adolescent to gain normalcy or control over their otherwise unrecognizable body during puberty and development has increased the use of self-made tattoo machines. Parental authority is being challenged by teenage efforts to find their identities and be labeled as unique next to their peer counter parts.

More about Tattoos and Teenage Rebellion

Open Document