As a wee lad growing up in the 80s, the only people I knew with tattoos were bikers, sailors and excons. Having a tattoo, at that time and in that cultural millieu, was a clear indicator that one didn’t abide by society’s standards.
Then it seemed, some time in the 90s, tattoos became common among those who wanted to seem edgy but really weren’t. Would be mma fighters, the town jizz jar, and so on.
Now tattoos are ubiquitous. Every CPA and church deacon has one. When did this transition happen? Extra points for temporal specificity.
I think that they might be considered passé among the original bikers and edgy hipsters since “normal” people are getting them. The first group, I don’t think so. The second group probably.
I saw a shampoo commercial yesterday and was surprised that the generic pretty-hair actress had one on her wrist. Maybe she *wasn’t *a generic pretty-hair actress, but a celebrity I wouldn’t know because I’m old.
I’ve never liked tattoos. I find them repulsive to even look at, which was fine for ages as they used to be largely hidden underneath clothing. Now they are not only constantly visible, there are people with neck tattoos working at the Post Office. It’s bizarre and, from my personal point of view, disappointing.
I would go more for this. Personally I blame the military; like wearing desert cammo at the mall, the number of people with past service and a tattoo made everyone want to go out and get one.
I got my first before they were commonplace, continued adding to my collection as they became more popular (and pricey) and continue to add to my collection now that they are passe. Others’ opinions never entered into my decision making process.
Which is ironic. According to a marine corp friend of mine the military has pretty strict policies regarding tattoos. Exceptions can be made; but it might not be easy.
