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(Th)Ink Culture (TH)INK CULTURE: MOTIVATION AND MEANING MAKING IN MODERN TATTOOS by MICHAEL ZINN A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Education in conformity with the requirements for the Degree of Master of Education Queen's University Kingston, Ontario, Canada September, 2009 Copyright © Michael Zinn, 2009 ii ABSTRACT Tattoo culture and the community it has created have undergone a renaissance since the 1980s. Persons with tattoos now account for an estimated 34% of the North American population between the ages of 18-30. Despite this relatively recent surge towards acceptance of tattoos in the current social context, much of the academic literature and media portrayals of tattoos characterize social deviancy among tattoo enthusiasts. Tattoo enthusiasts are pushed to the periphery of society and marginalized as bikers, criminals, and people with psychological problems. The purpose of this study is to describe and understand tattoo culture in a way that is accessible to non-members of that culture, particularly teachers and parents. The primary research questions proposed by this study include what motivates people to become tattooed, what motivates members of the tattooed community to stay minimally involved in the culture or to increase their involvement, and how members of the community perceive their tattoos within the current social context. To answer these questions, this study focuses on the lived experiences of six tattoo enthusiasts from one small community. Through the study of these shared experiences, this study questions the nature of tattoos in this small community and whether these acts can be considered deviant or culturally normative. iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS First, I would like to acknowledge the constant dedication and support provided by my supervisor Dr. John Freeman. Before I was even his student, John looked out for me and advised me towards the path to success. Once on that path, he kicked my butt all the way across the finish line. This thesis would not have been completed, or even started, without John’s insight, determination, and (I remembered the comma John!) caring nature. I truly envy future students who will work with him. The supervision provided by John, as well as his friendship, is second to none. Second, I would like to acknowledge the inspiring performance of Dr. Lynda Colgan as my committee member and as my Curriculum Studies professor. She not only illuminated why students learn what they do in schools, but also embedded in me the drive to fight for change where it is needed. I greatly appreciate Lynda’s feedback and support. Third, I would like to acknowledge the participants of this study. Von Scotch, Chris, Brittany, Al, Melanie, John, and Ashley. Through sharing their experiences with me, I know others will gain valuable insight into what is by and large a mystery to the general public. Last, but certainly not least, I would like to acknowledge my support group of friends Tammy Chen, Ted Christou, Bob Darwish, Rob Horgan, Tessa Mueller, and Eric Webb. I would especially like to thank Toni Thornton for convincing me to follow my passion as well as offering a spare bed whenever it was needed. To all my friends and family, thank you from the bottom of my heart. iv DEDICATION I would like to dedicate this thesis to my mother Brenda, and my father Jake, for teaching me to always walk my own path in life with my chin held high. v TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT........................................................................................................................ ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS...............................................................................................iii DEDICATION................................................................................................................... iv TABLE OF CONTENTS.................................................................................................... v PROLOGUE ...................................................................................................................... ix CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION....................................................................................... 1 Purpose............................................................................................................................ 3 Definition of Key Terms................................................................................................. 4 Rationale ......................................................................................................................... 6 Overview of Thesis......................................................................................................... 8 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW............................................................................ 9 Motivations for Tattoos................................................................................................. 10 The Tattoo Experience.................................................................................................. 22 Living with Tattoos....................................................................................................... 25 Tattoo Education........................................................................................................... 28 CHAPTER THREE: METHOD ....................................................................................... 32 Phases of Development................................................................................................. 32 Role of Researcher........................................................................................................ 35 Participant Descriptions................................................................................................ 36 Von Scotch................................................................................................................ 36 Chris.......................................................................................................................... 36 vi Brittany ..................................................................................................................... 37 Al............................................................................................................................... 37 Melanie ..................................................................................................................... 37 John........................................................................................................................... 38 Ashley ....................................................................................................................... 38 Data Collection ............................................................................................................. 38 Data Analysis................................................................................................................ 40 Concerns ....................................................................................................................... 42 CHAPTER 4: CONTEXT OF A TATTOO COMMUNITY ........................................... 44 Tattooist: Von Scotch ................................................................................................... 44 The Life of a Tattooist .............................................................................................. 45 The Beginning of a Tattoo Community.................................................................... 50 The Tattoo Community Today.................................................................................. 53 Tattoo Advice............................................................................................................ 58 The Importance of Tattoo Education ........................................................................ 60 CHAPTER 5: TATTOO ENTHUSIAST PROFILES ...................................................... 62 Tattoo Enthusiast: Chris................................................................................................ 62 The Tattoo Experience.............................................................................................. 63 Living with Tattoos................................................................................................... 64 Tattoo Enthusiast: Brittany ........................................................................................... 66 The Tattoo Experience.............................................................................................. 67 Living with Tattoos................................................................................................... 69 Tattoo Enthusiast: Al .................................................................................................... 71 vii The Tattoo Experience.............................................................................................. 72 Living with Tattoos................................................................................................... 74 Tattoo Enthusiast: Melanie ........................................................................................... 76 The Tattoo Experience.............................................................................................. 78 Living with Tattoos................................................................................................... 79 Tattoo Enthusiast: John................................................................................................. 82 The Tattoo Experience.............................................................................................
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