Customizing the Body (PDF file) - Print My Tattoo

157 Conclusion
what are the chances that tattooing will be incorporated as an artistic
genre within the institutional context of the conventional
art world? TattOOing is a particularly interesting phenomenon in
this regard because. unlike the process whereby craft activities
(cf. Kealy. 1979; Neapolitan. 1986; Christopherson, 1974) or folk
products (cf. Vlach and Bronner. 1986; Fried and Fried. 1978)
have gained artistic legitimacy. tattooing must first be separated
from its deviant associations before it can hope to be included in
the repertoire of art forms. 5 As is seen in those situations in
which deviant activities and marginal actors have attempted to
gain public recognition and acceptance, the promotional efforts of
organized groups are of key importance.
In general, deviant organizations work to reeducate the public
by recasting the behavior as socially nonthreatening-or even
beneficial-and emphasizing the normative conformity commonly
displayed by most of those who have preViously been stigmatized
and subjected to social reaction (see, Sagarin, 1979; Trice and Roman.
1979). Like groups representing homosexuals. the mentally
disordered. alcoholics, and other disvalued social actors. formal
organizations such as the National Tattoo Association and similar
alliances are actively involved in redefining tattooing. Information
directed at the general public by tattooing organizations and tattooists
who have a vested interest in expanding the artistic reputation
of tattooing emphasizes conventionally accepted values.
Promotional materials refer to tattoo studios and tattoo art. display
exemplary work exhibiting aesthetic content and technical
skill. stress the historical and cultural roots of contemporary tattooing
(especially classical Japanese work). and emphasize the academic
training and conventional artistic experience of key
practitioners (see. for example. Ward. 1986; Tucker, 1976, 1981;
Green. 1982; The New Yorker, February 9, 1987, pp. 29-31). In
addition, tattoo organizations take steps to enforce and promote
public knowledge of normative conformity within the tattoo community.
Practitioners are actively encouraged to "work clean,"
present and maintain a neat and professional work setting. avoid
tattooing minors or those who are intoxicated, decline client requests
for marking public skin or inscribing overtly obscene or
racist images. and to otherwise avoid practices that would perpet-