Customizing the Body (PDF file) - Print My Tattoo

60 Becoming and Being a Tattooed Person
membership in subcultures (for example. outlaw motorcyclists.
youth gangs) centered around socially disvalued or law-violating
interests and activities. 10
The stigmatized social definition of tattooing and the negative
response tattooees commonly experience when "normals" are
aware of their stigma may also precipitate identification with a
subculture In which the tattoo Is of primary significance. Within
the Informal "tattoo community" consisting of those tattooees
who positively define their unconventional mark. the tattoo acts
as a source of "mutual openness" (Goffman. 1963b: 131-139).
prOViding opportunities for spontaneous appreciative interaction
with others who are also tattooed (Pfuhl. 1986: 168-188; Goffman.
1963a: 23-25).11
As is commonly the case with subcultural groups bound together
by the problems associated with possession of a physical
stigma. the tattoo world has developed an organized core. Moreor-less
formal groups such as the National Tattoo Association hold
regular meetings and prOVide practioners with technical Information.
legal assistance. access to the latest equipment and supplies.
and other essential occupational resources. Serious tattoo
"enthusiasts" and collectors are also active in this organized
world. Tattoo conventions provide them with an opportunity to
display their work. enlarge their collections. and associate with
other tattooees In situations In which they are normal. Understandably.
a major focus of organizational activity Is the public redefinition
of tattooing as a legitimate form of artistic production.
Contemporary commercial culture prOVides a variety of products
(t-shirts. bumper stickers. buttons. and so forth) by which people
may announce their perspectives. personal Interests. and social
attachments. Clothing. jewelry. hair style. and other aspects of
personal decoration are used to demonstrate aesthetic taste.
These modes of self-symbolization are. however. relatively safe and
transitory expressions. For some. these conventional mechanisms
are inadequate. Typically impelled by personal association with
others who have chosen a more drastic and symbolically powerful
approach. tattooees purchase what is. as yet. a "tarnished" cultural
product (Shover. 1975). In so doing. tattooed people voluntarily
shape their social identities and enhance their definitions of