There are a variety of reasons why people get tattoos. For meaning, thrill, dares, artistic taste and for cultural expectations.
Most tattoos people get are because they want them. The body art represents and symbolizes something we have been drawn to and our taste.
There is also a meaning to where we get them on our bodies. Why did we choose to get this tattoo in this spot?
Beauty is subjective, so when it comes to tattoos, people will always have their own opinions and preferences about them, what they like and dislike.
In modern society, it is more common to get a tattoo. For both men and women. In 2023, 42% of women in the country have tattoos versus only 29% for that of men. About 20% of adults in the UK now have at least one tattoo and that proportion is likely to grow.
As soon as I turned 18, I went to get a tattoo. It wasn’t a quick decision. I had been thinking about it for some time and knew what I wanted to symbolize. I had some ideas of my own and asked for other people's judgements on what would look good and where I should get it. The one thing I knew for sure was, it needed to look as feminine as possible, have meaning and be somewhere that it wouldn’t be visible 24/7. I eventually decided to get it on my lower back. However, there was a problem after getting it....
It was bigger than I had expected and as soon as I got it, I felt sad, and I can almost say I regretted it. Everyone I have come across has loved my tattoo for its meaning and where it is placed. They’ve been curious about it. What it stands for, and to some extent, the mystery of why I have chosen to get it placed where it is placed. No one I have met has said they don’t like it. Its meaning and the elegance of its art remains.
But why is there still an inch of regret on me getting the tattoo?
Ultimately, I brought it down to the size and should have thought it through. If I had the chance to decide now, I would go for a micro tattoo.
The reason behind this is because I know I am a feminine type at heart. I love everything classy and elegant. People with different tastes have said things like “I personally wouldn’t get one that big but on you it looks good”, “it has meaning so it's not some random tattoo on your lower back”, “if it had no meaning it would be more like a tramp stamp” “it is a tramp stamp but it has class” “ you will only see it if you are wearing a bikini or a short top.” “If it had been on your arm, it would be a different story.”
What is a ‘Tramp stamp’?
This is the phrase I overthink. A tramp stamp means a tattoo chosen to be on your lower back representing less class, promiscuity and being ‘easy’. In one way I feel just like the basic definition of a tramp stamp. As if I had a label on me saying, “she has less class.” And it is unfortunate that there will be people who will think this way. But, through the years since having my tattoo, I have learnt to accept it and love what it represents and love the fact that it is in that place, and I chose it to be there. It is a part of me. This symbolizes many aspects in life. Accepting the wrongs and the negatives as blessings, instead of living in regret.
by Anna Gonzalez
April 2024
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