Customizing the Body (PDF file) - Print My Tattoo

57 Becoming and Being a Tattooed Person
consequences of the tattoo. Interviewees and questionnaire respondents
rarely expressed any doubts about their decision to acquire
a tattoo. Those that did indicate regret. however, usually
did not focus on the stigmatizing effect of the tattoo. Instead, regretful
tattooees most commonly were dissatisfied with the technical
quality of the tattoo they purchased (see Figure 2).9
CONCLUSION: TATTOOING, STIGMA.
SELF, AND IDENTITY
When potential tattooees begin to think about altering their
bodies in this manner, they devise an understanding of what the
tattoo will signify to themselves and others through contact with
tattooed associates or by attending media presentations of tattooing
and tattooed people (cf. Cohen, 1973; Matza. 1969). In general.
they define that tattoo as a mark of affiliation-demonstrating
connection to significant groups, primary associates. or those
who share specific interests-or as an isolative symbol of unconventionality.
or unique personal decoration. Having come to conceive
of themselves as tattooed. potential recipients locate a tattoo
establishment and acqUire the mark.
When revealed to others. the newly acqUired corporeal embellishment
affects interactions and relationships. Positive responses
from co-interactants tend to reinforce social connections. certify
tattooees' positive evaluations of self and the tattoo acquisition
decision, and increase the likelihood that tattooees will expend
the universe of situations in which they choose to reveal their unconventional
body decorations.
If being tattooed leads to negative social and self-definitional
consequences. regretful tattooees are faced with various alternatives.
When met with disapproVal tattooees may negatively evaluate
the disapproving other and subsequently become mon:
selective in disclosing the fact that they bear a tattoo (see Goffman.
1963a: II). If regretful tattooees focus the responsibility for
the negative consequences of haVing acqUired the tattoo upon
themselves. they can deny responsibility for the decision or take