Alice Hwang ’22
Nowhere are the changing fortunes of tattoos more apparent than in South Korea. Historically, in Korea, tattoos were considered to be the sole province of gangsters and other social undesirables. As such, tattooing and tattoos were a complete social taboo. However, over the past two decades this trend has changed and tattoos are becoming not only more socially acceptable, but a desirable artform for the younger generation. In fact, tattoo artists from Korea are so well regarded that some Western celebrities, like Brad Pitt, have visited the nation to receive a tattoo.
But it is not just in Korea that tattoos are becoming more prevalent and socially admired.
Pursuing their own ‘persona’, many younger people worldwide are choosing to get tattoos. Far from being reserved for specific subcultures, nowadays even the most supposedly staid professions like policeman and accountants can be spotted sporting even sleeve tattoos.
Some people treat tattoos as a form of therapy for overcoming difficulties, but many more relate their tattoos with concepts and ideas like identity, art and fashion. Thus, getting tattooed can often be viewed as a means of taking ownership of a particular aspect of one’s life. For some, tattoos help them feel special and come with a sense of belonging. Others mention that tattoos are a form of art – like a piece of jewelry, another way to decorate their body.
Many students at Mercersburg Academy also choose to decorate their bodies with tattoos. Chris Watson ’22 has several tattoos that represent memories of his home as well as his identity. Watson says, “Tattoos are a great way to express myself.” His first tattoo was very special to him: “I have always wanted tattoos and my first tattoo was given to me as a birthday gift. It represents my home, family and many things that I believe in.”
Alice Hwang ’22 also sports tattoos. Hwang mentions their ability to represent the things she really cherishes in her life: “I think tattoos are special in a way that they last forever. I like to get tattoos of memories and memories I was gifted from people I love. It also shows uniqueness. Tattoos are a perfect way to express who I am.”
Students are not only ones who find tattoos appealing. Mercersburg alum and current strength coach Sarah Firestone ’13 also has a number of tattoos. Firestone stated, “I have always wanted tattoos because they are filled with meanings that others might not understand. It is hard to explain exactly what my tattoo is but it is a letter F on the superman shield symbol with three flowers that represents my friends. The letter F stands for friendship, family, faith and Firestone, my last name. ”
Far from being reserved for people living on the margins of society, the latest generation of people getting tattoos see them as a powerful tool of self-expression. As people constantly search for new avenues to express themselves, tattoos seem to be a compelling means to attain this goal.