Tattoo is no longer taboo

[Rat-tat-tat]

http://www.abc.net.au/capricornia/st...3.htm?backyard

Once the domain of sailors and bikies, tattoos are now more popular than ever before.

That drove Leeana Kent, a PhD researcher with Central Queensland University, to study why people decide to get tattoos.

But she admits she doesn't have a tattoo herself.

"What intrigued me was, from a psychological point of view, tattooing had always been associated with marginal groups in society.

"Tattooing is now so prevalent that I thought perhaps the old, traditional views were no longer relevant to today's society.

"Now, when people are thinking about getting a tattoo they actually put quite a lot of consideration into the design and where they want it placed on their body, which is in contrast to the traditional view that people who get tattoos do it on an impulse.

The research uncovered many similarities between contemporary tattoo culture and cosmetic surgery.

"Years ago it was more of a statement of social exclusion, whereas that doesn't seem to be the case in today's world.

A lot of the factors that are involved in the decision are similar to those people consider when they're going on a diet, or engaging in cosmetic surgery.

Some people come up with their own design, and some choose what they call 'flash', or the designs that are on the tattoo studio walls.

"Most people think a fair bit about the design they want to have prior to having it done, whether they design it themselves or choose one the tattooist has available."

Leeana's research took her to body piercing parlours and tattoo shows. What sort of reception did the academic encounter?

"When I contacted some of the groups they were extremely receptive and very happy to have someone come in and talk about tattoos, and do research on their particular area of interest.

"At one tattoo show I went to I thought I blended in quite well, until someone made a comment about how I stood out, and she wondered what I was actually doing there!"

There are tatoos and tattoos, of course - an ink job on the forearm or even the face will be a lot more visible than one on the back or shoulder.

"In some research done a few years ago, they described two kinds of people with tattoos: those who have tattoos on parts of their body that can be covered by everyday clothing, and those who have tattoos which are obvious in everyday clothing, and those people tend to have quite a lot of tattoos.

the reason they choose to hide their tattoos is, in part, to avoid the negative stereotyping...

"What this researcher argued was that people who have one or two tattoos that are covered by everyday clothing do it because they want to display their tattoos when they so choose.

"And the reason they choose to hide their tattoos is, in part, to avoid the negative stereotyping that is still associated with tattooing today.

After delving into tattoo culture, has cleanskin Leeana Kent considered taking the plunge herself?

"I've seen some of the most amazing designs, and I've contemplated it on many occasions - but I'm a bit afraid of the pain, I think."