On Teenagers and Tattoos - Seeking Permanence and Identity

Regina A. Castro        

Lykourgos Vasileiou                                                                 Word Count:648 words

English 101.7404                                                                                

1/23/17

                                        Seeking Permanence and Identity  

        Andres Martin's essay, "On Teenagers and Tattoos" discusses the cons of tattoos and piercings on teenagers. Psychologists, being the audience for Martin’s article he wants to change their mind on how they view teenagers with tattoos. Martin addresses how tattoos are a form of identity and ownership, as well as a permanent marking upon the body. Psychologists see tattoos as mutilating and destructive acts towards a teenager’s body. Teens are constantly looking for something that will keep them grounded through all their changes throughout their life.The individual is in complete control and it gives teenagers the sense of stability that they long for.

Throughout, Martin discusses the psychological reasons for why teenagers get tattoos and piercings. Martin states” Tattoos and piercing can offer a concrete and readily available solution for many of the identity crises and conflicts normative to adolescent development” (pg.20) Many people who get tattoos do it for a personal reason, so that they can be forever reminded of the reason that they got the tattoo. Teenagers who get tattoos want to deviate from the norm, or conform to the norm of a group or society. The main reason teens get tattoos is to become individuals or to become part of a group. They are permanent and can create an everlasting bond between the art and the individual getting it.

Furthermore, with that permanence come Martin's thoughts on tattoos and piercings being forms of mutilation. Martin says” At a time of normative uncertainties, adolescents may maladaptively and all too readily commit to a tattoo and its indefinite presence” (pg.21) They are usually spurred of the moment with no thought, personalization or meaning put into it. Martin points out that tattoos and piercings should not be viewed as mutilations as they are not directly harming to oneself. The markings are placed upon the individual’s body with full consent and willingness, and are not professionally done without being eighteen or older. Underage tattooing is on a completely different level then professional tattoos. In most cases, professional done pieces take thought and much consideration, because appointments are made with the artist to plan the idea out beforehand.