Tattoos in Todays Society

Tattoos In Today’s Society Preparation Outline: Informative Speech on Tattoos in today’s society. Specific Purpose: The purpose of my speech is to inform my college speech class about the stigmas, obsessions, and acceptance of tattoos in today’s society. Thesis: After listening to my speech, each person in my audience should be informed about how tattoos have taken on a different meaning from previous generations and are becoming more accepted in today’s society. Introduction I. People with tattoos come from many different culture backgrounds.

I personally have tattoos and find it to be an art. In addition to having tattoos, I researched this topic extensively by consulting sources such as The Journal of American Culture, StatisticBrain. com, and The Journal of Popular Culture. II. Tattoos are no longer the purview of bikers, punks, and thugs, tattooing is increasingly practiced and appreciated by mainstream, middle class individuals. III. Tattoos are a form of art that allows individuals to express themselves in ways other than using words.

The media has played a big part in why tattoos are more accepted today then 10-15 years ago. Transition: Let’s start with the stigma associated with tattoos. Body I. Even though not nearly as bad as previous generations, having a tattoo does come with stigmas. A. Religious groups, cults, and gangs have tattoos as a symbol of their dedication to one’s specific group or belief. B. It’s believed if you have tattoos you are rebellious and are more likely to experiment with drugs and alcohol at a younger age. C.

Individuals with tattoos are associated with having mental issues and damaged egos, who engage in deviant behavior. Transition: Now that I have told you about the stigmas that go along with having a tattoo, lets discuss the obsessions with tattoos. II. Despite the fact that millions of individuals have tattoos, not all bodies are equal in American culture. There is indeed, a difference between people who have tattoos and the tattooed people. (Bell 55-56) It’s a collection of art on ones body. A. A person’s first tattoo is the start of their collection.

It can be compared to a drug, an instant addition. B. Tattooed people say by getting tattoos it allows them to express themselves though body art. C. Tattoos have meaning, some spiritual, some sentimental and some just express their personality in the form of art. It can be explained as a montage of one’s life. Transition: Now that I’ve told you about stigmas and obsessions associated with tattoos, now lets discuss the acceptance of tattoos in today’s society. III. America has become a tattooed nation. A. 45 million Americans have tattoos. B.

The annual amount of US spending on tattoos is $1. 65 billion a year. C. Everywhere you turn you are hearing or seeing tattoos in television, magazines, movies, actors, models, musicians, and idolized athletes. In conclusion, today we have discussed the stigmas, the obsessions, and the acceptance of tattoos in today’s society. Conclusion Although there are still stigmas associated with tattoos, with the help of media and Hollywood, there are still individuals who find comfort in being able to express themselves through body art. References . Tattoo Statistics.

Pew Research Center, Tattoo Finder, Vanishing Tattoo, 23 Jul 2012. Web. 24 Feb 2013. . John Roberts, Derek. “Secret Ink: Tattoo’s Place In Contemporary American Culture. ” Journal Of American Culture 35. 2 (2012): 153-165. Academic Search Complete. Web. 25 Feb. 2013. Koust, Mary. “An Ironic Fad: The Commodification And Consumption Of Tattoos. ” Journal Of Popular Culture 39. 6 (2006): 1035-1048. Academic Search Complete. Web. 25 Feb. 2013. Bell, Shannon. “Tattooed: A Participant Observer’s Exploration of Meaning. ” Journal of American Culture 22. 2 (1999): 53–58. Print.